This article contains everything you need to know about Arkadium’s Pyramid Solitaire Game.
Use the list below to navigate specific topics about Pyramid Solitaire.
How to play
Goal. The goal is to form pairs that add up to 13.
General rules. Click both cards in a pair to remove them. You can only play cards that aren't blocked by other cards. 9s pair with 4s, 3s with 10s, etc.
Clear all the cards from the pyramid to win.
Face cards. Aces are worth 1. Jacks are worth 11 (pair with 2s). Queens are 12 (pair with aces). Kings are 13 and can be removed by themselves.
Stock and waste. Tap the cycle button to move cards from stock to waste. You can cycle through the stock only three times, so play wisely.
Pairs. Any uncovered card can be part of a pair. You can match the stock with waste cards. The game ends when the pyramid is cleared, but before then, match cards are in stock and waste for extra points. Just don't use cards you'll need to clear the pyramid.
Here are is the game's structure
The elements are:
- Score. You can see your score here.
- Undo. Click here to undo your last play.
- Next Play. Click here for a tip on what pair to play next.
- Help. Click here to take a look at a small guide.
- Quit. Click here to quit the game early.
- Timer. This will start when you do your first play. You have ten minutes on the match.
- Deals. This is the deal counter, it tells you how many deals you have left.
Tips
Pyramid Solitaire is a popular and engaging solitaire card game that requires strategic thinking and planning. Playing the game online allows you to practice and improve your skills at your own pace. The following tips will help you enhance your Pyramid Solitaire game and increase your chances of winning.
1. Analyze the pyramid before making a move:
Before making any moves, take the time to study the pyramid and identify potential card combinations that add up to 13. Look for cards that can be removed quickly, as well as those that are blocking multiple cards in the pyramid.
2. Focus on removing pyramid cards:
Prioritize removing cards from the pyramid rather than the stockpile. This will help you uncover more cards, create more card combinations, and increase your chances of winning the game.
3. Clear cards from the bottom rows first:
Aim to clear cards from the bottom rows of the pyramid first. Doing so will expose more cards and create more options for card combinations.
4. Plan your moves carefully:
As you play Pyramid Solitaire, think about the possible consequences of each move and how it will impact the overall game. Try to foresee the cards that may become available after making a move and plan accordingly.
5. Use the stockpile and waste pile strategically:
When drawing cards from the stockpile, consider how each card can be used in the pyramid. Try to save cards in the waste pile that can create multiple combinations or uncover multiple cards when played. Be mindful of the fact that the stockpile can be cycled through a limited number of times in most Pyramid Solitaire games.
6. Remove Kings as soon as possible:
Since Kings have a value of 13, they can be removed from the pyramid without needing a card match. Prioritize removing Kings as soon as they become available to create more space and options for card combinations.
7. Be cautious with card pairs:
When removing a pair of cards that add up to 13, make sure that doing so won't block other important moves or card combinations. Sometimes, it's better to wait for a different card to become available to make a more advantageous move.
8. Use the "undo" feature when needed:
Our Pyramid Solitaire offers an "undo" feature that allows you to take back previous moves. Use this feature when you realize you've made a mistake or want to explore different strategies.
9. Don't hesitate to restart a game:
If you find yourself in a situation where you can't make any more moves or you believe you've made too many mistakes, don't hesitate to restart the game. Learning from your mistakes and trying again will help you improve your skills and develop better strategies.
10. Practice, practice, practice:
The more you play Pyramid Solitaire, the better you'll become at recognizing patterns, planning moves, and devising winning strategies. Regular practice will help you develop a deeper understanding of the game and improve your overall performance.
By following these tips and consistently practicing your Pyramid Solitaire skills, you'll be well on your way to mastering this engaging and challenging solitaire card game. Happy playing!
Scoring
General scoring:
Final Score = 5 * Number of matches made + Row Bonus + Time Bonus
Each match = 5 points.
Row Bonus. Bonus awarded for each row cleared:
Row number | Bonus |
1 | 25 |
2 | 50 |
3 | 75 |
4 | 100 |
5 | 150 |
6 | 250 |
7 | 500 |
Time Bonus = 600 (10 min) minus the time spent.
EXAMPLE: for 8:28 remaining - 508 points are awarded
NOTE: milliseconds are also counted, and rounded up. So a time of 8:28.014 would be 508.014 seconds, and would award 509 points
The maximum score = 1890 points.