What Is TriPeaks Solitaire?
TriPeaks (also written Tri Peaks or Three Peaks) is a solitaire card game that combines the sequential-play mechanic of Golf solitaire with a distinctive three-pyramid layout. Invented by Robert Hogue in 1989, TriPeaks is known for its fast pace, satisfying chain combos, and a remarkably high win rate of roughly 90% when played with sound strategy.
The game uses a single 52-card deck and is classified as a removal-type solitaire — your goal is to clear all cards from the tableau rather than build foundation piles.
How to Set Up TriPeaks
The layout consists of three overlapping peaks made from 28 tableau cards and a 24-card stock with a single waste pile:
- Build three peaks. Each peak is a small pyramid: 1 card on top, 2 cards in the second row, and 3 cards in the third row, with each row slightly overlapping the one above. The three peaks share a base row of 10 face-up cards. In total there are 4 rows: the bottom row of 10 cards is face-up, and the 18 cards above them start face-down and are flipped face-up once both cards covering them are removed.
- Place the stock. The remaining 24 cards form a face-down stock pile. Turn the top card of the stock face-up onto the waste pile to begin play.
When set up correctly you’ll see three mountain-like structures rising from a shared base, which gives the game its name.
Rules of TriPeaks
Objective
Remove all 28 tableau cards by playing them onto the waste pile.
How to Play
- Look at the top card of the waste pile. You may remove any uncovered tableau card that is exactly one rank higher or one rank lower than the waste card, regardless of suit.
- The removed card becomes the new top of the waste pile, and play continues from it.
- King-Ace wrapping: In most versions of TriPeaks, Kings and Aces wrap around. That means you can play a King on an Ace and an Ace on a King, forming a continuous loop: … Q → K → A → 2 … This wrapping rule is a key differentiator from standard Golf solitaire.
- When no tableau card can be played, turn the next card from the stock onto the waste pile and continue.
- A face-down tableau card is turned face-up automatically once both cards that overlap it have been removed.
Winning and Losing
You win by clearing all 28 tableau cards. You lose if the stock runs out and no more plays are available with cards still remaining in the tableau.
Scoring System and Chain Bonuses
TriPeaks scoring rewards long unbroken chains of plays — sequences where you keep removing tableau cards without flipping a stock card.
| Action | Points |
|---|---|
| First card in a chain | 1 |
| Second consecutive card | 2 |
| Third consecutive card | 3 |
| n-th consecutive card | n |
| Clearing a peak (removing its apex card) | 15 bonus |
| Clearing all three peaks | 15 bonus on top of the third peak bonus |
| Drawing from stock | Resets chain to 0 |
The chain bonus structure means that a single long run of removals is worth far more than several short bursts. For example, clearing 10 cards in a row earns 1+2+3+4+5+6+7+8+9+10 = 55 points, while clearing them in two chains of 5 earns only 30 points.
Strategy Tips
1. Prioritise Cards That Uncover Face-Down Cards
Always prefer removing a card that will flip a hidden card face-up. More visible information means more possible moves. Avoid taking a card from the base row if an alternative move would uncover a face-down card higher in the peaks.
2. Extend Chains as Long as Possible
Because the scoring system (and your win probability) favour long chains, look for paths that let you bounce between ranks for as many moves as possible before you’re forced to draw.
3. Clear the Peaks Evenly
Resist the temptation to focus on one peak at a time. Clearing peaks evenly keeps more of the tableau accessible and prevents you from getting stuck with an isolated, hard-to-reach peak.
4. Use Wrapping to Your Advantage
The King-Ace wrap opens up move options that beginners sometimes overlook. When you’re at a King, scan for any exposed Aces, and vice versa.
5. Remember What’s in the Stock
Since you see cards as they come off the stock, keeping a rough mental note of which ranks have already appeared helps you anticipate whether a particular card is still available.
6. Delay Removing Peak Apex Cards
The apex (top) card of each peak is the hardest to reach, so it often gets removed last naturally. However, if you have the choice, keep an apex card in play a bit longer if removing it doesn’t uncover more cards — its removal earns a 15-point bonus that caps a chain nicely.
7. Save Easy Plays for When You Need Them
If you see an obvious match that won’t expire (nothing is covering it and it won’t be blocked), consider saving it for a moment when your chain would otherwise break.
Win Rate
TriPeaks has one of the highest win rates among popular solitaire games. With thoughtful play and the King-Ace wrapping rule enabled, skilled players report winning around 90% of games. Even casual players can expect to win well over half their games, making TriPeaks an excellent choice when you want a satisfying, low-frustration solitaire experience.
TriPeaks vs. Golf Solitaire
TriPeaks evolved from Golf solitaire, and the two share a core mechanic — playing cards one rank higher or lower — but meaningful differences exist:
| Feature | TriPeaks | Golf Solitaire |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | 3 overlapping peaks (28 cards) | 7 columns of 5 (35 cards) |
| Face-down cards | Yes (18 hidden) | No (all face-up) |
| King-Ace wrapping | Usually yes | Usually no |
| Chain scoring | Yes | Typically no |
| Win rate | ~90% | ~30–40% |
| Difficulty | Easier | Harder |
TriPeaks is generally considered the more forgiving and more rewarding of the two, largely due to wrapping and the smaller tableau.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play a card that is partially covered?
No. A tableau card must be fully uncovered — both cards that overlap it must be removed — before it can be played.
Does suit matter in TriPeaks?
No, suit is irrelevant. Only rank matters when deciding which cards can be played on the waste pile.
What happens when the stock runs out?
If the stock is empty and no tableau card matches the waste pile, the game is over. There is no re-deal in standard TriPeaks.
Is TriPeaks pure luck?
Not at all. While the shuffle determines the deal, the order in which you remove cards and when you choose to draw involves genuine strategic decision-making. The high win rate reflects the degree of player control.
How long does a game of TriPeaks take?
Most games finish in 2 to 5 minutes, making TriPeaks one of the fastest solitaire variants. It’s perfect for quick breaks or short play sessions.
TriPeaks is an ideal solitaire game for players who enjoy quick rounds, satisfying combos, and a high chance of winning. Focus on uncovering hidden cards, extending your chains, and clearing the peaks evenly, and you’ll find yourself topping the scoreboard regularly.