How to Play TriPeaks
TriPeaks is a calm, quick patience game you can learn fast. If you like solitaire puzzles, this guide will get you playing in minutes — and you can find more casual card guides at Playmore.
| Quick facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Game name | TriPeaks |
| Family | American patience (solitaire) |
| Players | 1 (single player) |
| Deck | One normal 52-card deck |
| Focus | Three peak-shaped tableau and clearing cards by adjacent rank |
What you are trying to do
Your goal is to clear the three peak-shaped piles (the tableau) by moving exposed cards to a waste pile. You can move only cards that are free and that follow the adjacent-rank rule. The aim is to reveal and remove every card in the peaks before the stock runs out or you have no legal moves left.
What you need and how to set up
All you need is one normal 52-card deck. The exact layout for the three peaks can vary by version, so follow these basic steps as a safe starter:
- Deal a series of overlapping cards that form three small pyramid or peak shapes. Some cards are face-up and some may be face-down depending on your version.
- Place one card face-up beside the tableau to start the waste pile.
- Keep the remaining cards face-down as the stock (draw pile).
- Make sure you can see which tableau cards are exposed (not covered by others) — only those can be moved.
Because TriPeaks has several house and digital variants, check the authoritative or regional rules your group prefers for the exact card counts and which cards are face-down in the peaks.
How to play
- Look for any exposed tableau card that is one rank higher or one rank lower than the top card on the waste pile. Suits usually don’t matter.
- Move that exposed card onto the waste pile. That uncovers any card it was hiding, which may then become playable.
- You can continue moving exposed cards in a chain as long as each new card is adjacent in rank to the current top waste card.
- When no tableau card can be played onto the waste, draw the next card from the stock and place it on the waste to start new chains.
- Repeat moves and draws until you either clear the peaks or you have no moves and the stock is exhausted.
Note: Some versions let Ace be high, low, or both (wrapping between King and Ace). That detail changes play, so confirm which rule your group uses.
How a round or game ends
You win the round if you clear all cards from the three peaks. You typically lose a round if you cannot make any move and there are no cards left to draw. Scoring systems and extra bonuses vary by version. Check the official or regional rules you follow for exact scoring, draw limits, and any special penalties.
Beginner tips
- Always expose new cards when possible. Freeing hidden cards creates options.
- Look ahead before breaking a long run. Keeping the longest chain may clear more cards overall.
- If Ace rules vary, decide with your group before play; it can change which runs are possible.
- Use the waste draw only when you’re sure no tableau move helps. In some versions limited draws matter.
- Practice a few deals to learn how the peaks tend to play out. The game gets faster with pattern recognition.
FAQ
Is TriPeaks only for one player?
Yes. TriPeaks is a single-player patience (solitaire) game. Players can compare scores or time trials, but each deal is played alone.
Do I need a special deck?
No. Use one normal 52-card deck. No special cards are required. Variants may add jokers or multiple decks, but the basic game uses one standard deck.
Can I play King after Ace or Ace after King?
That depends on the version. Some rules let Ace be high or low, others allow wrapping between King and Ace. Decide which rule you use before starting or check the official/regional rules for your exact version.