How to play TriPeaks: building long chains

TriPeaks is fast, but a moment’s thought before each play turns short runs into long chains and cleared peaks.

The rules

28 cards form three peaks; the bottom row is face up. Move a face-up card to the waste pile if it’s one rank higher or lower than the top waste card. Kings and Aces connect. Cards turn face up when nothing covers them. Draw from the deck when stuck. Clear all three peaks to win.

Plan the whole chain

Before playing, trace the longest sequence you can make from the face-up cards: 5, 6, 7, 6, 5. A longer chain clears more cards per draw.

Choose the card that uncovers others

When two cards both fit, play the one that turns over a new card. More face-up cards means more choices next time.

Keep options for the next draw

If you can end a chain on a card that leaves many matches showing, the next card from the deck is more likely to continue it.

Don’t neglect a peak

The top of each peak is the last card to free. Work on all three, so you’re not left with one tall peak and an empty deck.