Pyramid Solitaire
Pyramid Solitaire, a popular card game, is believed to have its roots in the late 18th century, emerging as part of the wider "Patience" family of solitaire games. While its precise origin is somewhat murky, it's often thought that the game originated in Europe and gradually gained popularity across the continent before spreading to America in the 19th century.
The game's name, "Pyramid," is derived from the pyramid-shaped tableau of cards that players must dismantle. This unique layout is not just visually striking but also central to the game's strategic depth. The layout initially starts with a single card at the top, followed by overlapping rows beneath, forming the pyramid shape.
Gameplay and Rules
The objective of Pyramid Solitaire is to remove all the cards from the pyramid by making pairs that add up to 13. Kings are valued at 13 and are removed on their own, Queens at 12, Jacks at 11, and so forth, with Aces valued at 1. The game is played using a standard 52-card deck, and the remaining cards form a draw pile that can be used to help dismantle the pyramid.
The game is won when all the cards from the pyramid are successfully paired and removed. However, this is not always possible. If no moves are left and the draw pile is exhausted, the game is lost. This element of luck makes Pyramid Solitaire both challenging and addictive, as not every game is winnable.
Variations
Over the years, Pyramid Solitaire has evolved to include numerous variations, each adding its own twist to the classic gameplay. Some popular variants include:
- Relaxed Pyramid: In this variant, the entire draw pile is laid out at once, allowing the player to play any card from the draw pile, which can make the game easier.
- Pyramid Golf: Here, the draw and discard piles are used in a similar manner to the game of Golf Solitaire, where cards can be played from the pyramid if they are one higher or one lower than the top card of the discard pile.
- Pyramid by Threes: Instead of drawing one card at a time from the stockpile, players draw three, adding a layer of complexity and strategy to the game.
- Giza or Tut's Tomb: This variant involves a different layout where two pyramids are formed, facing away from each other, creating a more complex and challenging scenario.
My version
Pyramid is simple solitaire game, and it was one of the many card games I played as a kid. Rules were slightly different, but as noted above, there are many variations of this game. My online version of Pyramid is basic. Very very basic. Only addition is undo function, and even that is limited to one level between stockpile and wastepile. But the basic version is fun to play, and I belive odds for successful solve is 1/50. And even with the limited undo function, odds should increase slightly.
Conclusion
Pyramid Solitaire, with its simple mechanics, has stood the test of time, enchanting players for centuries. Whether played with physical cards or through digital means, it continues to be a beloved pastime for solitaire enthusiasts. The game's various adaptations demonstrate its flexible nature, offering endless entertainment for both novice and experienced players. As a testament to its enduring appeal, Pyramid Solitaire remains a staple in the world of card games, a classic that continues to delight and challenge players around the globe.