How to play Tri Peaks Solitaire
1 deck. Average. No redeal.
Tri Peaks Solitaire
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Set up
Tri Peaks solitaire uses one deck (52 cards). Four rows of cards are laid out to form three overlapping peaks. One card is dealt face-up from the stock to the waste.
The object of the game
To build all cards on the waste pile up or down regardless of suit, wrapping from King to Ace and from Ace to King as necessary. Another goal is to get a high positive score.
The rules
Only uncovered cards in the tri peaks are available for play on the waste pile. You may build the waste pile up or down regardless of suit.
When you have made all the moves initially available, click the stock pile to begin turning over cards. Deal a card from the stock pile onto the waste pile and begin moving cards from the tri peaks again.
There is no redeal.
Scoring
Your earning depends on the number of subsequent moves from the tri peaks area to the waste. You get $1 for the first card you play, the second subsequent play gives you $2, the third subsequent play gives you $3, and so on.
You are penalized on $5 for each card you deal from the stock. It also breaks the sequence, so you get only $1 for the next card you play from the tri peaks to the waste.
You get a bonus of $15 for each of the first two cleared peaks. You get $30 when you discard the last card from the top of the third peak.
If you decide to exit or restart game before the stock pile is exhausted, you get $5 subtracted from you score for each card left in the tri peaks.
Strategy Tips
- Plan Your Moves Ahead. Before making a move, scan the tableau to identify potential sequences. Anticipate how removing a particular card will affect subsequent moves. This foresight can prevent premature use of the stockpile and keep your options open.
- Aim for Long Sequences. Building extended sequences—playing cards in consecutive order without drawing from the stockpile—not only clears more cards but also boosts your score. Each additional card in a sequence increases your points, making this a vital strategy for high scores.
- Balance Peak Removal. Avoid focusing solely on one peak. Clearing cards evenly across all three peaks maintains multiple options and prevents dead-ends. This balanced approach ensures a smoother path to victory.
- Use the Stockpile Wisely. Don't rush to draw a card from the stockpile. Only do so when there are no more moves available on the tableau. The stockpile is limited, and once it's empty, the game ends. So, try to make the most of the cards already visible on the tableau before relying on the stockpile.
- Strategic Card Removal. When multiple cards of the same rank are available, consider which one to remove based on the cards it will uncover. Sometimes, it's better to leave a card that’s blocking fewer other cards.
- Use the Undo Feature Wisely. Use undo to take back your last moves. This is helpful if you make a mistake or want to try a different approach. However, be careful not to overuse it, as relying on the undo feature too much can prevent you from learning from your mistakes and improving your strategy.
TriPeaks Solitaire is a game where each round can be different. The more you play, the better you'll get at spotting good moves and planning ahead. Try to stay flexible and adjust your strategy as needed. With practice, you'll find it easier to clear the peaks and score higher.
History
This game was invented by Robert Hogue.