What Pyramid Solitaire Is and How to Win

Pyramid Solitaire is a card game you play against the computer on the AARP website. The goal is to remove all the cards from the pyramid-shaped layout by pairing cards that add up to 13. It is slower and more thoughtful than fast-action games, which makes it popular with people who want to think through each move.

The game starts with 28 cards arranged in a pyramid — seven cards on the bottom row, six on the next row up, and so on until a single card sits at the top. Below the pyramid sits a deck of remaining cards. You win when you clear the entire pyramid.

Unlike some solitaire games where luck matters most, Pyramid Solitaire rewards planning. You can see all the cards in the pyramid at once, so you can decide which pairs to match and in what order. This makes it a good game if you like puzzles more than pure chance.

Key Takeaways

  • Pyramid Solitaire pairs cards that add up to 13 — for example, a 6 and a 7, or a King and any card (since Kings are worth 13).
  • You can only remove cards from the pyramid if both cards are fully visible and not covered by other cards.
  • The game is free to play on the AARP website and requires no read or sign-up.
  • Each game takes about 10 to 20 minutes, making it suitable for a short break or longer play session.
  • You can play as many times as you want — there is no limit to how many rounds you can start.

The Card Values and Pairing Rules

Every card has a number value. Number cards (2 through 10) are worth their face value. Jacks are worth 11, Queens are worth 12, and Kings are worth 13. Aces are worth 1.

To remove a pair, the two cards must add up to exactly 13. A 6 and a 7 add to 13, so they can be removed together. A 5 and an 8 also add to 13. A King stands alone because it is already worth 13 — you can remove a King by itself without pairing it with another card.

You can only remove cards that are fully visible. A card is blocked if another card is sitting on top of it or partially covering it. As you remove cards from the pyramid, cards underneath become visible and available to match.

How to Find and Play the Game on AARP

Pyramid Solitaire is part of the AARP Games section on the AARP website. Go to aarp.org and look for the Games link, usually in the main navigation menu or under the Entertainment section. Click on it to see the list of available games.

Search for "Pyramid Solitaire" or scroll through the card games category until you find it. Click the game title to open it. The game loads in your web browser — you do not need to read anything or create an account to start playing.

Once the game opens, you will see the pyramid layout and a "New Game" or "Start" button. Click it to begin. The rules are usually displayed on the screen or in a help menu within the game.

Strategy Tips for Better Scores

Look at the pyramid before you make your first move. Identify which cards are blocking others and which pairs you can make right away. Removing a blocking card early can open up better moves later.

Prioritize removing cards that are covering other cards in the pyramid. If a 5 is sitting on top of a 9 and a 7, removing the 5 (by pairing it with an 8) uncovers both cards below and gives you more options.

Use the deck of remaining cards wisely. When you flip cards from the deck, you can match them with cards in the pyramid. If you get stuck, flipping through the deck gives you new pairing chances, but the deck is finite — once you run through it, you cannot flip it again in most versions.

Kings are valuable because they remove themselves. Do not waste a King early in the game if you can remove it later when you are stuck. Save it as a last resort when other moves are blocked.

What to Do If You Get Stuck

If no cards in the pyramid can be paired with each other or with the top card of the deck, you can usually flip the next card from the deck. Keep flipping until you find a card that matches something in the pyramid.

If you run out of cards in the deck and still have cards left in the pyramid, the game ends. You do not win, but you can start a new game when ready. There is no penalty for losing — you can play as many rounds as you want.

Some versions of Pyramid Solitaire let you undo moves. Look for an "Undo" button on the screen. If your version has it, you can take back a move and try a different strategy without restarting the whole game.

Differences Between Pyramid Solitaire and Other AARP Card Games

AARP offers many card games beyond Pyramid Solitaire, each with different rules and pacing. Klondike Solitaire, for example, focuses on building sequences in suit rather than pairing cards that add to 13. Mahjong uses tiles instead of cards and requires matching identical symbols.

Pyramid Solitaire is often considered easier to learn than some other games because the pairing rule is straightforward and consistent. It also tends to be slower, which some players prefer if they want time to think between moves.

If you enjoy Pyramid Solitaire, you might also like Tri-Peaks, another AARP card game that involves removing cards from a pyramid-like layout. Trying different games helps you find which style suits your preferences.

Technical Requirements and Troubleshooting

Pyramid Solitaire runs in any modern web browser on a computer, tablet, or smartphone. You need an internet connection to play, but the game does not require a fast connection — it works on standard broadband or even slower speeds.

If the game does not load, try refreshing your browser page. Clear your browser cache if you continue to have trouble. If you are using an older browser, updating to the latest version may help.

The game saves your score automatically, so you can close it and come back later. Your high scores and game history are usually stored if you have an AARP account, though you do not need an account to play.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an AARP membership to play Pyramid Solitaire?

No. The game is free and open to anyone on the AARP website, regardless of membership status. You do not need to pay or sign up for anything to start playing.

Can I play Pyramid Solitaire on my phone or tablet?

Yes. The game works on smartphones and tablets as long as you have a web browser and internet connection. The layout adjusts to fit smaller screens, though a larger screen may be easier to read.

Is there a time limit for each game?

No. You can take as long as you want to make each move. There is no clock or countdown — the game waits for you to decide which cards to pair.

What happens if I close the game in the middle of playing?

Most versions save your score when you finish a game, but not during play. If you close the browser mid-game, that game is usually lost. You can start a new game whenever you return.

Can I play against other people or just against the computer?

Pyramid Solitaire on AARP is a single-player game against the computer. You compete against yourself to improve your score, not against other players in real time.