Pyramid Solitaire Rules: How to Play with Real Cards
Nov 11, 2026 · The Editors
Pyramid solitaire rules: dealing the 28-card pyramid, removing pairs that add to 13, kings, the stock and waste, how many passes, and tips to win more often.
In pyramid solitaire you clear a pyramid of 28 cards by removing pairs that add up to 13. Kings count 13 and are removed on their own. You win if you clear the whole pyramid. It needs one standard 52-card deck and a little table space, and the rules take a minute to learn.
Card values
| Card | Value |
|---|---|
| King | 13 (removed alone) |
| Queen | 12 |
| Jack | 11 |
| 2–10 | Face value |
| Ace | 1 |
So the pairs are: Q + A, J + 2, 10 + 3, 9 + 4, 8 + 5, 7 + 6.
How to set up pyramid solitaire
Deal 28 cards face up in a pyramid of seven rows: one card in the top row, two in the next, and so on down to seven in the bottom row. Each card overlaps the two cards beneath it, so only the bottom row is fully uncovered at the start.
The other 24 cards form the stock, face down.
How to play
- A card is available when no card overlaps it. At the start, that is the seven cards of the bottom row.
- Remove any two available cards that add up to 13. Remove any available king on its own.
- Turn cards from the stock one at a time onto a face-up waste pile. The top card of the waste is also available, so it can pair with a card in the pyramid or with the next card from the stock.
- Removing cards uncovers the cards above them, which then become available.
You win when the whole pyramid is cleared. (Some players count only the pyramid; others insist the stock and waste are cleared too.)
How many times can you go through the deck?
The traditional rule is one pass through the stock. Many players allow three passes — turn the waste over and go again — which makes the game much easier. Pick one and stick to it, so your wins mean something.
Pyramid solitaire tips
- Clear rows evenly. Work on both sides of the pyramid rather than digging down one side, so more cards become available.
- Think before pairing. If two cards could each pair with a waiting card, pair the one that uncovers more of the pyramid.
- Watch for blocked pairs. A 6 sitting directly on top of the only remaining 7 you need can make the game impossible. Spotting that early saves a long, hopeless deal.
- Kings are free. Remove them as soon as they are available.
Even with good play, many deals cannot be won on a single pass, so a win feels earned.
Other solitaire games
If you enjoy pyramid, try classic solitaire with real cards, or a two-player race like speed. A deck of mini playing cards lays out a full pyramid on a tray table or a small café table.
Frequently asked questions
What adds up to 13 in pyramid solitaire?
Queen and ace, jack and two, ten and three, nine and four, eight and five, and seven and six. Kings count 13 on their own.
How many cards are in a pyramid solitaire layout?
Twenty-eight cards in seven rows, with the other 24 cards forming the stock.
How many times can you go through the deck in pyramid solitaire?
The traditional rule is one pass, but many players allow three.
Is every game of pyramid solitaire winnable?
No. Many deals cannot be won, especially with one pass through the stock.
