Frequently asked questions about Pyramide
Is every Pyramide deal winnable?
No. Deal PY1-N-AAAAAAJ cannot be won: even with the best possible play, 14 cards remain in the pyramid, as proved by a program that tries every sequence of moves. The app does not tell you this during play: it has neither hints nor a solver.
Which cards form a pair?
Two cards whose values add up to 13: Ace and Queen, 2 and Jack, 3 and 10, 4 and 9, 5 and 8, 6 and 7. The Ace is worth 1, the Jack 11, and the Queen 12. The King is worth 13 on its own and is removed without a partner.
When can a pyramid card be played?
When both cards covering it in the row below have been removed. At the start, only the 7 bottom cards are free. In the app, a card can never be paired with a card that still covers it.
Can you go through the stock again?
Yes, in the app, without limit. When the stock is empty, tapping it returns the entire waste to the stock in the same order. The cards therefore reappear on each pass.
When is the game lost?
The app only declares a dead end when the stock and waste are empty and no pair or King can still be played. As long as there is a card left to draw or recycle, the game continues, even if nothing else can be removed. In that case, you have to start a new game.
How is the score calculated?
Each card removed from the pyramid earns 10 points; a card taken from the waste earns nothing. Drawing and recycling cost nothing. A winning game therefore always scores 280 points; time and move count are compared separately.
What is the game code for?
Each deal has a code, such as PY1-N-AAAAAAS, displayed during play. Pasting it into the New Game window deals exactly the same cards again: you can replay a deal or share it with someone.
Can you undo a move?
Yes, the app keeps the last 100 actions: pairs, Kings, draws, and recycling. Undo returns the cards to their places and deducts the points earned by the move. The move counter, however, does not go down.