How to Play TriPeaks Solitaire

Your First Game of TriPeaks

TriPeaks Solitaire is one of the easiest solitaire games to pick up. The core rule is simple: play cards that are one rank higher or lower. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to start playing.

Play TriPeaks Solitaire online for free.

Step 1: Understand the Layout

When the game starts, you'll see:

• Three overlapping pyramids made of 28 cards
• The bottom row of 10 cards is face-up
• The upper rows (18 cards) are face-down
• Below the peaks: a waste pile (1 face-up card) and a stock pile (23 face-down cards)

Step 2: Learn the Rule

An exposed face-up card can be played onto the waste pile if it is exactly one rank higher or lower than the waste top. Suit doesn't matter.

Wrapping is allowed: Kings can be played on Aces, and Aces on Kings.

| Waste Top | You Can Play | |---|---| | 7 | 6 or 8 | | Queen | Jack or King | | King | Queen or Ace | | Ace | 2 or King |

Step 3: Identify Exposed Cards

A card is exposed when it has no cards covering it from below. The bottom row is always exposed.

Upper cards become exposed when both cards below them are removed. When a face-down card becomes exposed, it flips face-up automatically.

Step 4: Make Your First Moves

1. Look at the waste pile card
2. Check the bottom row for a card that is ±1 rank
3. Click that card — it moves to the waste pile
4. Now check again: can you play another card on the new waste top?
5. Keep going until no more plays are available

Step 5: Build Chains

Chains are the heart of TriPeaks. A chain is a sequence of plays where each card enables the next.

Example: Waste shows 5 → play 6 → play 7 → play 8 → play 7 (from a different spot) → play 6. Six cards cleared in one chain!

Because wrapping is allowed, chains can loop through Kings and Aces: ...Q → K → A → 2 → 3...

Step 6: Uncover the Peaks

As you remove bottom-row cards, upper cards flip face-up. Clearing through the rows exposes the three peak cards at the top.

When a peak card is finally exposed and played, it opens up a large section of the board. Aim to work toward the peaks.

Step 7: Draw from Stock

When no exposed card can be played:

1. Click the stock pile
2. A new card flips onto the waste pile
3. Check all exposed cards again

You have 23 stock cards, giving you plenty of chances.

Step 8: Win or Lose

• Win: All 28 board cards are removed
• Lose: No plays available and stock is empty

TriPeaks has a high win rate compared to other solitaire games. With practice, you can win more than half your games.

Tips for Beginners

1. Always scan all exposed cards before drawing from stock
2. Look for chains — don't play the first card you see
3. Work on all three peaks — don't ignore one side
4. Remember wrapping — K→A and A→K keep chains alive
5. Use undo to explore different play orders

Common Mistakes

• Forgetting to wrap: Kings and Aces aren't dead ends in TriPeaks!
• Drawing too quickly: Check every exposed card first
• Focusing on one peak: Try to uncover all three evenly
• Not using undo: Experimenting with move order is how you improve

Keyboard Shortcuts

• N — New game
• U — Undo
• H — Hint
• D — Daily challenge

Ready to Play?

Play TriPeaks Solitaire right now, free in your browser. Once you've got the basics down, check out our TriPeaks Strategy guide for advanced techniques.

Further Reading

• TriPeaks Rules — complete rules reference
• TriPeaks Strategy — advanced tips
• Golf Solitaire Rules — the flat-column variant
• Which Solitaire Game Should You Play? — compare all variants