Pyramid vs Tri-Peaks
Pyramid and TriPeaks are both quick solitaires where you clear cards from a layout using a stock and waste pile, and both ignore suits entirely. They differ in how a card leaves the table.
In Pyramid you remove pairs of uncovered cards whose values add up to 13, and Kings go on their own. In TriPeaks you play an uncovered card that is exactly one rank higher or lower than the top of the waste, building long chains across three peaks.
Side by side
| Pyramid | Tri-Peaks | |
|---|---|---|
| In one line | Clear the pyramid by removing pairs of cards that add up to 13. | Clear three peaks by playing cards one rank above or below the waste card. |
| Players | 1 | 1 |
| Family | Solitaire | Solitaire |
| Type | Solitaire | Solitaire |
| Options | Stock passes: 1 pass or 3 passes | Wrap-around: Off or On (K-A) |
| Online turn timer | — | — |
The differences that matter
- Clearing cards: Pyramid pairs cards summing to 13; TriPeaks plays cards one rank above or below the waste card.
- Layout: Pyramid is a single 28-card triangle; TriPeaks has three overlapping peaks.
- Arithmetic: Pyramid makes you add (Ace 1, Jack 11, Queen 12, King 13); TriPeaks only asks whether two ranks are neighbours.
- Options: Pyramid lets you turn the stock over once or up to three times; TriPeaks can let Kings and Aces connect.
- Scoring rhythm: TriPeaks rewards long chains without drawing; Pyramid rewards planning which pairs to break up.
Which should you play?
Choose Pyramid if you like a little mental arithmetic and deciding which pair to take first.
Choose Tri-Peaks if you enjoy fast, flowing play and the satisfaction of a long chain.
How to play Pyramid
Remove pairs of uncovered cards whose values add up to 13 (Ace 1, Jack 11, Queen 12).
Kings count 13 and are removed on their own.
A card is uncovered when no card overlaps it from below in the pyramid.
Click the stock to turn a card onto the waste; the top waste card can be paired with a pyramid card.
Clear all 28 pyramid cards to win. The stock may be turned over again up to the number of passes allowed.
How to play Tri-Peaks
Play an uncovered peak card that is exactly one rank higher or lower than the top card of the waste.
Suits do not matter. Aces are low and Kings are high; with the wrap option Kings and Aces also connect.
Click the stock to turn a new card onto the waste when you are stuck.
Covered cards are turned up as soon as nothing overlaps them.
Clear all three peaks to win. Long chains of plays without drawing score more points.