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Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Pyramid Solitaire, from pairing rules and pyramid layout to stock pile mechanics and scoring systems.
How is the pyramid layout arranged?
The pyramid consists of 28 cards dealt face-up in 7 rows. The top row has 1 card, the second row has 2, and each successive row adds one more card, down to 7 cards in the bottom row. Each card partially overlaps two cards in the row below it, creating a triangular shape. The remaining 24 cards from the 52-card deck form the stock pile.
Which cards can be removed from the pyramid?
Only fully exposed cards can be removed. A card is considered exposed when neither of the two cards overlapping it from the row below are still present. At the start, only the 7 cards in the bottom row are exposed. As you remove cards from lower rows, cards in upper rows become accessible. You cannot remove a card that is still partially covered by another card.
What pairs of cards sum to 13 in Pyramid Solitaire?
There are six valid two-card combinations:
- Queen (12) + Ace (1) = 13
- Jack (11) + 2 = 13
- 10 + 3 = 13
- 9 + 4 = 13
- 8 + 5 = 13
- 7 + 6 = 13
Kings have a value of 13 and are removed by themselves without needing a partner. Suit does not matter — any two cards of the correct ranks can be paired regardless of whether they are Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs, or Spades.
Why are Kings removed alone?
Kings have a rank value of 13, which is the target sum by itself. Since a King already equals 13 without needing a second card, it is simply removed on its own whenever it becomes exposed. This makes Kings particularly valuable — each King you remove opens up the pyramid without requiring you to find a matching partner.
What should I do when no more pairs are available in the pyramid?
When no exposed pyramid cards can be paired with each other, draw cards from the stock pile. Each drawn card goes to the waste pile, and the top waste card can be paired with any exposed pyramid card that brings the total to 13. You can also pair the top waste card with the next card drawn from stock if they sum to 13. If you exhaust the stock pile, most rule sets allow you to flip the waste pile over once to form a new stock. If no moves remain after that, the game is lost.
How do the stock and waste piles work?
The stock pile contains the 24 cards not dealt into the pyramid. You draw one card at a time from the stock, placing it face-up on the waste pile. Only the top card of the waste pile is available for play. It can pair with an exposed pyramid card or with the next stock draw. When the stock runs out, you may turn the waste pile over to recycle it into a new stock. Standard rules allow one recycle; some variants allow unlimited recycling or none at all.
How often can you win Pyramid Solitaire?
Pyramid Solitaire has one of the lowest win rates among popular solitaire games. With standard rules (one stock recycle), computer analysis estimates that only about 1 in 50 random deals are winnable — roughly 2–3%. Relaxed variants that allow unlimited stock recycling or the ability to pair partially covered cards raise the win rate significantly. The low baseline win rate is intentional; it makes each cleared pyramid feel like a genuine accomplishment.
Are there different scoring methods for Pyramid Solitaire?
Yes, several scoring systems exist. Common approaches include:
- Points equal to the rank of each card removed (Ace = 1, King = 13)
- Penalty subtraction for cards remaining in the pyramid at game end
- Bonus awarded for fully clearing the pyramid
- Timed scoring where faster completion earns more points
- Cumulative scoring across multiple rounds in tournament play
Does suit matter when pairing cards?
No. Suit is completely irrelevant in Pyramid Solitaire. The only thing that matters is whether two cards' rank values add up to 13. A 9 of Hearts pairs with a 4 of Clubs just as validly as a 9 of Spades with a 4 of Spades. This is a key difference from most other solitaire games, where suit determines which cards can be stacked together.
Can I pair the waste pile card with another waste pile card?
In standard Pyramid Solitaire, only the top card of the waste pile is accessible, and it can pair with an exposed pyramid card or with the next card drawn from the stock. You cannot dig into the waste pile to access buried cards. However, some digital versions and relaxed variants allow pairing the top two waste cards if they sum to 13, which increases the number of available moves and the overall win rate.