Play Cheops Solitaire Online for Free
Play unlimited games of Cheops Solitaire online for free. No download or registration required – play directly in full screen mode on desktop, tablet, or mobile. Dismantle the pyramid in this unique variant by matching cards of same or consecutive ranks!
What is Cheops Solitaire?
Named after the Great Pyramid of Giza (built for Pharaoh Cheops), Cheops Solitaire is an exciting variation of Pyramid Solitaire. It shares the same core layout as the classic game, but uses completely different pairing rules. Instead of finding pairs that add up to 13, your goal is to dismantle the pyramid by finding pairs of cards that are of the same rank or consecutive ranks.
Pro Tip: Keyboard Shortcuts
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How to Play Cheops Solitaire
The Setup
The game uses a standard 52-card deck:
- The Pyramid: 28 cards are dealt face-up in a pyramid shape. The top row has 1 card, expanding down to a bottom row of 7 cards. A card is considered “uncovered” and playable if no other cards are overlapping its bottom corners.
- The Stock: The remaining 24 cards are placed in a stock pile. You can draw from this pile to help find matches when you are stuck.
At the start of the deal, 28 cards are laid out face-up in a 7-row triangular shape, identical to classic Pyramid. The rest of the cards form the stock pile. You must match completely uncovered cards at the bottom of the pyramid to gradually release the cards above them.
Card Values and Pairing
To make pairs, you need to understand the ranking of the cards from lowest to highest:
- Aces (Lowest): Pair with other Aces or 2s.
- Numbers 2-10: Pair with cards of the same number, or one number higher/lower.
- Jacks: Pair with 10s, other Jacks, or Queens.
- Queens: Pair with Jacks, other Queens, or Kings.
- Kings (Highest): Pair with Queens or other Kings. (Note: Aces and Kings do NOT wrap around to pair with each other).
The Rules
- Making Matches: Click any two completely uncovered cards that are the same rank or consecutive ranks to remove them. You can match two cards within the pyramid, or match one card from the pyramid with the top card of the waste pile.
In Cheops Solitaire, you pair cards based on rank proximity. As shown in the screenshot, you can match a Jack with a Jack (same rank), or a 10 with a 9 or Jack (consecutive ranks). This pairing mechanism provides a much higher number of potential combinations, making the layout much more fluid to disassemble.
- Using the Stock: Click the stock to reveal cards. If you cannot make a match, keep drawing.
- Winning: You win the game when all 28 cards forming the original pyramid have been completely removed.
Cheops Solitaire vs. Classic Pyramid Solitaire
To understand the key structural and rule differences, check this comparison table:
| Feature / Rule | Cheops Solitaire | Classic Pyramid Solitaire |
|---|---|---|
| Matching / Pairing Rule | Same rank OR consecutive ranks (e.g. 5-5, 5-6) | Sum equals 13 (e.g. 7-6, 8-5) |
| King Rule | Paired with Kings or Queens | Discarded individually (worth 13) |
| Layout Shape | 28-card overlapping triangular pyramid | 28-card overlapping triangular pyramid |
| Stock Pile | 24 cards, drawn to waste | 24 cards, drawn to waste |
| Estimated Solvability | High (~30% - 40% of deals) | Very Low (~1% - 2%) |
| Primary Strategy | Consecutive sequence mapping | Sum-to-13 addition |
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Learn Winning StrategiesTips for Winning
Because cards block each other, Cheops requires careful planning:
- Manage Your Kings: Unlike standard Pyramid where Kings are removed instantly, in Cheops they must be paired with Queens or other Kings. Keep an eye on where these high cards are buried.
As shown in the gameplay image, a King cannot be discarded alone; it must be paired with a Queen or another King. Because Kings are the highest cards, they can block columns easily if you do not plan ahead to keep matching Queens or Kings available.
- Prioritise the Pyramid: If you can make a match using two cards within the pyramid, ALWAYS do that instead of using the stock pile. Your main objective is to dismantle the pyramid, not empty the deck.
- Calculate Ahead: Before removing a pair, look at the cards that will be uncovered. Will those newly uncovered cards pair with each other? Always try to set up chain reactions.