Take the pyramid apart, pair by pair
Twenty-eight cards stacked into a pyramid; you remove them in pairs that add up to 13. Kings fly out alone, Aces count one, and only uncovered cards play. Quick rounds, real decisions. Free, instant, unlimited — no registration required.
What is Pyramid Solitaire?
Pyramid is one of the great classic solitaires — sometimes called Solitaire 13 or Tut's Tomb. The tableau is a 7-row pyramid of 28 cards; the rest of the deck waits in the stock. You remove cards in pairs that sum to 13: Ace counts 1, Jack 11, Queen 12 — and a King is 13 by itself, so it clears with a single tap. A pyramid card is only playable while nothing overlaps it, which is where the planning comes in: dig toward the pairs you need before the stock runs dry.
Deal unlimited games or play the shared Daily Challenge with streaks. Undo generously — it's a thinking game, not a punishment.
The rules
- Tap two open cards whose values add to 13 to remove them (A=1, J=11, Q=12).
- Kings clear alone — one tap.
- A pyramid card is open when no card overlaps it; the top of the waste pile is always open.
- Tap the deck to draw a card; the deck can be recycled twice.
- Remove all 28 pyramid cards to win — leftovers in the stock don't matter.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Pyramid Solitaire free?
- Yes — completely free, supported by ads. No download, no login.
- Is every deal winnable?
- No — like most solitaires, some deals can't be cleared even with perfect play. That's part of the game; undo and the two redeals give you plenty of room to try.
- What happens to cards left in the stock?
- Nothing — you win the moment the pyramid itself is empty.
- Is there a daily deal?
- Yes — everyone gets the same daily deal, and clearing it builds your streak.
Quick strategy tips
- Count to 13 from the top down. Before pairing, check which buried cards you'll need later — don't spend a 6 the pyramid's 7 depends on.
- Kings are free tempo. Clear them the moment they open; they never help anyone else.
- Dig evenly. A lopsided pyramid locks its own middle; keep both flanks moving.
- Watch the four-of-a-kind budget. Each rank has exactly four cards — if two 8s are gone and both 5s are buried under each other, that pairing lane is dead.
More in the Pyramid strategy guide.
More card games
If you enjoy Pyramid, try our other solitaires: Klondike, FreeCell, Spider — or the pairing cousin TriPeaks.