Game Rules
PyramidPairs that add up to 13

A solitaire game where pairs of cards totaling 13 are combined, and the card pyramid is gradually dismantled.

Players1
Duration5 – 10 Min
Deck52 Cards · 1 Deck
LevelEasy
I · Game Idea

Always aiming
for a sum of 13

I

Pyramid Solitaire builds 28 cards into a pyramid – only the bottom row is freely accessible. Cards are removed if their sum with another free card equals exactly 13.

A King alone counts as 13 and can be removed directly. Jack=11, Queen=12 pair with other values accordingly.

II · Preparation

Before the
game begins

II
1
Build the Pyramid
Build 28 cards in 7 rows – each card partially covered by the one above it.
2
Remaining Stack
Remaining 24 cards face down as a draw pile.
3
Remember Card Values
Ace=1 to Queen=12, King=13 – important for sum calculation.
Before You Start

Begin with the fully exposed cards at the bottom of the pyramid – they open the way to those above.

III · Card Values
How pairs
sum to 13
III
K
King
Alone = 13
A King counts as 13 alone and can be removed directly without a partner.
6+7
Example Pair
= 13
Two free cards whose sum is 13 are removed together.
F
Free
Accessible
Only cards with no overlying, unremoved card are playable.
D
Draw
From the Pile
If no more pairs are possible: reveal the next card from the draw pile.
IV · Gameplay

Turn by
Turn

IV
1
Identify Free Cards
Which pyramid cards are currently no longer covered?
2
Form Pairs of 13
Combine two free cards whose values add up to 13.
3
Remove King
Directly remove a free King, without needing a partner.
4
Draw Cards
No more pairs possible: draw a card from the pile and combine it with pyramid cards.
5
Won
The entire pyramid is dismantled when all 28 cards have been successfully removed in pairs or as Kings.
V · Variants
Variants
V

Pyramid Solitaire is played at several difficulty levels.

1D
One Pass
Strictest variant: Draw pile can only be gone through once.
3D
Three Passes
Medium difficulty with three allowed passes through the pile.
∅
Unlimited
Relaxed variant: Go through the draw pile as many times as desired.
R
Relaxed
Even partially covered cards can be combined.
VI · Tips & Tricks

What really
matters

VI
Strategy Tips
+

Prioritize cards in the bottom pyramid row – removing them automatically reveals more cards in the row above.

+

Keep the draw pile in mind – with limited passes, it's worth combining cards strategically rather than randomly.

+

Actively look for Kings in the pyramid – they can be removed without a partner and are the easiest releases.

+

When there are several possible pairs, plan which one will reveal the most new cards first.

Common Mistakes
–

Randomly forming any available pair instead of considering which combination most effectively opens the pyramid.

–

Wasting the limited draw pile too early without first exhausting all current pyramid possibilities.

–

Overlooking a visible King that could have been removed immediately without a partner.

–

Not considering the structure of the pyramid – some cards block more subsequent spaces than others.

Berlin Hold'em · Matching Decks
Get the matching deck

Pyramid Solitaire is fast and relaxing – easy to keep track of with a clear deck.

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20s Playing Cards – Double Pack For larger rounds and long game nights. To Product Viking Playing Cards – Double Pack Two decks, suitable for 5+ players. To Product
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