The classic math-based solitaire. Pair uncovered cards that add to 13 and clear all 28 cards from the pyramid.
Moves: 0 · Redeals left: 2
Stock (0)
Waste
Tap two uncovered cards that add to 13 to remove them. Kings (13) remove on their own.
The Math: Pairing to 13
Every card in a 52-card deck has exactly one matching partner rank that sums to 13. Memorize the six pairs and you'll spot plays instantly:
A + Q = 13
2 + J = 13
3 + 10 = 13
4 + 9 = 13
5 + 8 = 13
6 + 7 = 13
Kings already equal 13 on their own, so they're removed solo — never used in a pair.
Pyramid Solitaire Strategy Guide
Plan before you pair. A removed card is gone — scan the pyramid for which pair will unlock the deepest blockers, not just the easiest match.
Prefer pyramid-pyramid pairs. Removing two pyramid cards at once unlocks twice the structure. Pairing a pyramid card with a waste card only frees one slot.
Watch your partners. There are only four of each rank. If you've already burned three 8s, that last 8 is critical to clear the remaining 5s. Don't strand it on a covered row.
Save Kings for log-jams. Kings can be removed any time. Use them to unblock the pyramid when you've run out of pairings, not as a reflex.
Spend redeals wisely. You get two stock redeals. Trigger them when the pyramid still has many exposed cards — a redeal on a half-buried pyramid usually wastes the cycle.
Pyramid Solitaire — Frequently Asked Questions
How do you play Pyramid Solitaire?
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Cards are dealt into a 7-row pyramid of 28 cards. Remove pairs of uncovered cards whose ranks add up to 13. Aces count as 1, Jacks 11, Queens 12, and Kings 13 — Kings are removed alone. Use the stock and waste pile to find more pairs. Clear the entire pyramid to win.
Why do cards have to add to 13?
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Pyramid is a math-based solitaire. Thirteen is the count of ranks in a suit, so every card has exactly one matching partner rank: A+Q, 2+J, 3+10, 4+9, 5+8, 6+7. Kings stand alone because they already equal 13.
What is the win rate for Pyramid Solitaire?
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Random Pyramid deals are notoriously hard — solvable rates are estimated at roughly 0.5% to 5% depending on redeal rules. Most online versions (including this one) give two redeals of the stock to make the game more winnable.
What is the best Pyramid Solitaire strategy?
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Always plan two or three moves ahead before removing a pair. Prioritize pairs that unlock buried cards in the pyramid over pairs that only consume stock cards. Hold back duplicate ranks when possible so you don't strand a partner.