Last Updated on June 25, 2026 by The Official Game Rules Team

Pyramid Solitaire (also called Solitaire 13) is a quick, single-player card game where you try to clear a pyramid of cards by matching pairs that add up to 13.

It’s one of the easiest Solitaire variations to learn, but it still has a nice layer of strategy because every decision affects what stays available later in the game. Since each round only takes a few minutes, it’s perfect for a quick break or casual play session.

The goal is simple: remove all the cards from the pyramid.

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How to Pyramid Solitaire

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What You Need

• A standard 52-card deck
• 1 player

That’s it, no extra tools or setup required beyond the cards.

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How to Set Up the Game

Setting up Pyramid Solitaire is what makes it stand out from other Solitaire versions.

Build the Pyramid

• Shuffle the deck
• Deal cards face up in a pyramid shape:
  • Row 1: 1 card
  • Row 2: 2 cards
  • Row 3: 3 cards
  • …
  • Row 7: 7 cards

Each row overlaps the row below it.

When finished:

• You’ll have 28 cards in the pyramid

Create the Draw Pile

• Place the remaining cards face down
• This becomes your draw pile

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Card Values

To play properly, you need to know the point values:

• Ace = 1
• Number cards = face value
• Jack = 11
• Queen = 12
• King = 13

Important rule:

• A King can be removed on its own (since it already equals 13)

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Basic Rules

The gameplay is all about finding pairs that add up to 13.

Exposed Cards

A card is “exposed” if:

• Nothing is covering it in the pyramid

Only exposed cards can be used.

From the draw pile:

• Only one card at a time is exposed

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Gameplay Flow

Each turn, you:

1. Reveal a Card from the Draw Pile

• Flip one card at a time
• If you don’t use it immediately, it stays on top of the pile
• Only the most recent draw pile card is active

2. Match Cards That Add to 13

You can remove cards when:

• Two exposed cards equal 13
  OR
• A King is exposed (removed alone)

Common combinations:

• Queen (12) + Ace (1)
• Jack (11) + 2
• 10 + 3
• 9 + 4
• 8 + 5
• 7 + 6

3. Remove the Cards

• Matched cards are discarded
• Removing cards may uncover new playable cards in the pyramid

That’s where strategy comes in—clearing one card might unlock several more.

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Important Rules

• Only exposed pyramid cards can be used
• Only the top draw pile card is active
• Discarding is optional (sometimes waiting is smarter)
• You can skip matches if it helps future moves

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Draw Pile Variation (Harder Mode)

Instead of flipping one card at a time:

• Deal 3 cards at once
• Place them into 3 separate piles
• Keep drawing in sets of 3
• Maintain the same order throughout

This version adds more planning and reduces flexibility.

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How to Win

You win if:

• You remove all 28 pyramid cards, or
• You run out of usable moves but have cleared everything possible

Since not every game is solvable, success depends on both luck and smart decisions.

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Tips to Win

• Always prioritize clearing pyramid cards over draw pile matches
• Try to free buried cards early in the game
• Don’t rush matches from the draw pile
• Look ahead before removing key cards
• Focus on unlocking lower rows of the pyramid first

A good Pyramid Solitaire game is about timing—not just matching.

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Conclusion

Pyramid Solitaire is a fast, relaxing card game that mixes simple math with light strategy. It’s easy to learn in minutes but still offers enough decision-making to keep it interesting each time you play.

If you enjoy this style of solo card game, you might also like Klondike, which offers a more traditional stacking and tableau-building experience with deeper long-term strategy.

Either way, Pyramid Solitaire proves that even a simple 52-card deck can create a surprisingly thoughtful puzzle.