PYRAMID STRATEGY
Pyramid Solitaire strategy
The strongest pair is not always the first pair totalling 13. Prefer moves that uncover useful cards without consuming the only partner another card can reach.
Pairs that total 13
| Card | Pairs with |
|---|---|
| Ace (1) | Queen (12) |
| 2 | Jack (11) |
| 3 | 10 |
| 4 | 9 |
| 5 | 8 |
| 6 | 7 |
| King (13) | Removed alone when exposed |
Remove exposed Kings
A King needs no partner, so removing one usually gains access without spending another card.
Attack blockers
Prefer a pair that uncovers two cards, particularly central cards covering multiple lower positions.
Look under both cards
Before pairing, check what each removal exposes. Two newly playable cards are better than two still-blocked cards.
Protect rare partners
If one 6 can use two different 7s, save the 7 that is another card's only available partner.
Use waste deliberately
Do not pair the waste with the first legal pyramid card automatically. Compare which opening each option creates.
Plan the next pass
Track upcoming stock cards and partners still buried in the pyramid.
When two pairs are available
- Choose the pair that uncovers two cards instead of one.
- Prefer a central blocker covering more of the pyramid.
- Preserve another exposed card's only partner.
- Remove an exposed King before spending a stock card.
- If outcomes look equal, keep the more flexible stock card.
Common mistakes
Removing a legal pair without checking what lies beneath is the biggest one. Other errors include forgetting that Kings leave alone and wasting the only available partner for a blocked card.
Can every deal be won?
No. Buried pairs and stock order can make a deal impossible under a particular ruleset. Strategy improves decisions but cannot guarantee a solution.
For the seven-column game, read Klondike strategy. Beginners can start with the visual Solitaire setup guide.