How to play Pyramid: pairs that make 13

Pyramid is a game of simple maths and careful choices. Knowing which pairs to take, and when, decides most games.

The rules

28 cards form a pyramid of seven rows; the other 24 make the deck. Remove pairs of uncovered cards that add up to 13. Aces are 1, Jacks 11, Queens 12, and Kings (13) are removed alone. The top card of the waste pile can be used too. You can go through the deck three times. Clear the pyramid to win.

The pairs

• Ace + Queen
• 2 + Jack
• 3 + 10
• 4 + 9
• 5 + 8
• 6 + 7
• King alone

Free the cards that block the most

Cards in the bottom rows hold up everything above them. Prefer pairs that open new cards higher up the pyramid.

Pair pyramid cards with deck cards

Pairing two pyramid cards clears two at once, which is great, but if a card could also be paired with a deck card later, think about which choice leaves more options.

Count what’s gone

There are four of each rank. If three 6s are gone, the last 7 only has one possible partner left. Keep that in mind before using a card.