Of all the card games in the world, there can be none that comes close to the popularity of solitaire. Computer users have played it for decades and its popularity remains enormous. However, Pyramid Solitaire is one of the more challenging versions of the game.
The goal of all versions of solitaire has one goal in common: to remove everything from the table. How this is accomplished differs from variety to variety. However, most are based on matching pairs of cards or putting together a number sequence of cards. Things get a lot more interesting with the pyramid solitaire, as math is also included in the equation.
Although the concept of the game is quite easy to understand, you can easily corner it and your progress can be stalled. Before we move on to the tips, let’s quickly take a look at how the game is played.
As mentioned above, the objective of the pyramid solitaire is the same as any type of solitaire in the sense that you should try to remove all the cards. In a game of pyramid solitaire, the cards are stacked in a pyramid formation. Depending on the variety of the game you are playing, the pyramid can be larger or smaller. When playing online (which is the easiest way to enjoy the game), the rest of the cards are stacked face down. A single card is placed face up next to it.
To remove cards you need to make combinations of 13. This has to happen by gathering cards that add up to 13. The only exception is the King, which is already worth 13. The rest of the cards have the following values:
– Queen = 12
– Jack = 11
– As = 1
– The rest of the cards are equal to the number shown on them.
As you make matches of 13, the cards will be removed. However, if you cannot remove the cards directly from the pyramid, you can do so by taking cards from the pile at the bottom and trying to combine them with the cards in the pyramid.
Reading that, you probably would have thought it sounds easy enough. It’s honestly quite easy, but only up to a point. Improving your scores and also improving your chances of winning depends on these two simple tips:
1. Always play at speed: the game runs on time bonuses. The faster you remove the cards, the greater the time bonus. However, if you run out of options, you will be given time towards the end to stop the game. Then, you will earn the points up to that stage, as well as the time bonus.
2. Think of a few steps forward: the idea here is to give yourself more options. When faced with two cards of the same rank that you can remove, you should try to avoid removing a card that only covers a single card. If you prefer to remove a card that covers two cards, both cards will be turned face up, giving you more options.
By doing something based solely on these two simple tips, you will be a professional pyramid solitaire in no time.