Last Updated on March 5, 2025 by The Official Game Rules Team

Tri Peaks (or TriPeaks Solitaire) is a popular single-player card game that combines strategy and luck. Players work to clear three pyramid-shaped peaks by selecting cards in ascending or descending order from the draw pile. With its simple mechanics yet engaging gameplay, Tri Peaks is an exciting twist on traditional solitaire, offering a relaxing yet challenging experience for casual and competitive players alike. Whether you’re playing for fun or aiming for high scores, mastering Tri Peaks requires careful planning and a bit of luck!

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How to Play Tri Peaks Solitaire

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Objective

The goal of Tri Peaks Solitaire is to clear all the cards from the three pyramidal peaks by selecting cards in ascending or descending order, based on the card in the tableau and the card in the draw pile.

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Setup

1. Deck: Use a standard 52-card deck (no jokers).
2. Tableau Layout:
   • Deal 3 rows of cards to form the pyramid:
     • The top row has 1 card.
     • The second row has 2 cards.
     • The third row has 3 cards, and so on, until there are 7 cards in the bottom row.
   • All cards are dealt face-up, except the cards that are in the center of the pyramid, which are covered by the card above them.
3. Draw Pile: Place the remaining cards face-down to form the draw pile.
4. Foundation Pile: The space where you’ll place cards from the pyramid and draw pile.

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Gameplay

1. Play Cards from the Tableau:
   • You can move a card from the pyramid to the foundation if the card is uncovered and is one rank higher or one rank lower than the card in the foundation pile (e.g., a 7 can be played on a 6 or 8).
   • Cards in the tableau must be adjacent to an open space to be selected. If a card is covered by others, it can’t be played until the card above it is moved.
2. Using the Draw Pile:
   • You can draw a card from the deck and place it in the foundation pile.
   • The card from the draw pile can also be used if it’s one rank higher or lower than the card in the foundation pile.
3. Clearing the Pyramid:
   • Your goal is to remove all the cards from the pyramid by selecting those that can be played on the foundation pile.
   • As you continue playing, new cards from the pyramid will be revealed, making it easier to move additional cards.

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Winning the Game

You win when all the cards in the pyramid are moved to the foundation pile.

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Scoring (Optional)

In some versions of the game, the player’s score is based on how quickly they clear the pyramid. The fewer moves you make, the higher your score.

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Tips and Strategy

1. Look for Opportunities to Reveal Cards:
   Always aim to play cards that will reveal more of the tableau. This will give you more options to move cards.
2. Use the Draw Pile Wisely:
   The draw pile is limited, so use it strategically. Don’t rush to use it until necessary, as it can be your lifeline when you’re stuck.
3. Plan Ahead:
   Sometimes it’s better to hold off on playing a card that may block other potential moves. Consider your options before moving any card.
4. Play One Rank at a Time:
   Try to alternate between high and low cards in the foundation pile, maintaining a good range of available cards for each move.

Tri Peaks Solitaire is a fun and engaging game that provides a satisfying challenge for solitaire enthusiasts. It’s a great way to test your strategic thinking and enjoy a relaxing game of cards.