Know the rank values
An ace is one, numbered cards keep their printed values, a jack is eleven, a queen twelve, and a king thirteen. The ordinary pairs are ace–queen, two–jack, three–ten, four–nine, five–eight, and six–seven. A king can be removed without a partner.
Check both lower corners
A pyramid card is exposed only when neither of the two cards covering its lower corners remains. The bottom row begins exposed. Clearing just one covering card does not yet free the card above. Watch how each pair changes the available cards in the next row.
Use the stock controls
If no exposed pair works, use the game’s stock or waste controls to bring another card into play. Stock passes, redeals, and undo options depend on the version. Read the embedded game’s help panel for its exact stock rules rather than assuming a different solitaire version’s rules apply.
Choose what to uncover
If two available pairs both make thirteen, compare the cards their removal would uncover. Freeing a useful queen can be more helpful than clearing another pair that leaves the next row blocked. You may need a particular rank later in the deal.
Start another deal when needed
Random card layouts are not always solvable. When no available pair or stock action remains, use the game’s New game control to begin another board. The publisher’s table supplies the full card layout and its own progress and restart behavior.
Written for the original free games on this site. Rules can differ in other versions.