TriPeaks solitaire rules are straightforward: clear three overlapping peaks of cards by moving cards to a waste pile, one rank higher or lower than the top card. The game uses a single 52 card deck and was invented by Robert Hogue in 1989. The core setup and a streak strategy help you build longer sequences. Whether you call it tri peaks solitaire or three peaks solitaire, the objective is the same: remove all cards from the board.

The Setup and Tableau

TriPeaks uses one 52 card deck. To set up the game, 28 cards are dealt into three overlapping peaks. The peaks are arranged so that 18 cards are placed face down, and 10 cards are placed face up along the bottom row of the board. The remaining 24 cards form the stock and the waste pile. One card starts the waste pile, and the other 23 cards form the stock. The waste pile is where you play your moves.

How to Play TriPeaks

Your goal is to remove all cards from the three peaks. You can move any uncovered board card to the waste pile if it is one rank higher or one rank lower than the top card of the waste pile. Suit does not matter. Most versions of the game let the sequence wrap between King and Ace, meaning you can place an Ace on a King or a King on an Ace.

A card is considered uncovered when no other card sits on top of it. A face down card turns over once both cards covering it are removed. When you cannot make a move, you turn the next stock card onto the waste pile. You repeat this until you either clear the board or exhaust the stock with no moves left.

The Core Chain Building Strategy

Building long chains is the key to winning at tripeaks strategy. A chain is a sequence of cards you move from the board to the waste pile in a single turn. The longer the chain, the more board cards you remove without needing to draw from the stock.

Plan Your First Move

Before you move any card, scan the bottom row of face up cards. Look for cards that are one rank higher or lower than the waste pile card. If you have multiple options, choose the move that opens up a face down card. Opening a face down card gives you access to more cards and extends your chain.

Prioritize Uncovering Cards

Your main goal is to expose as many face down cards as possible. When you have a choice between two valid moves, pick the one that removes a card covering a face down card. This increases the number of playable cards on the board and keeps your chain going.

Managing the Stock

The stock is your safety net. You should only draw from the stock when you have no legal move on the board. Drawing too early can break a good chain and waste cards. Check every uncovered card on the board for a possible move before you draw. If you must draw, look at the new waste card and see if it connects with any board card. Sometimes drawing once can restart a long chain.

Advanced Streak Tactics

Once you are comfortable with the basic chain building, use these advanced tactics to improve your streaks.

Count the Ranks

Keep a mental note of how many cards of each rank are left on the board. If you know that most of the Kings are gone, you can plan your chain to end on a Queen or an Ace, knowing the wrap around is still available. This helps you avoid dead ends.

Use the Wrap Around

The wrap between King and Ace is a powerful tool. If you are stuck with a King on the waste pile and no Queen or Ace on the board, you cannot move. But if you have an Ace, you can place it on the King. This can extend a chain by several moves. Always check for the wrap option when you think you have no moves.

Leave Easy Moves for Later

Sometimes you will have a card that connects to multiple other cards. Do not play it immediately. Leave it as a bridge to restart a chain later. For example, if you have a 7 on the waste pile and you see a 6 and an 8 on the board, play the 6 first if it opens a face down card. Save the 8 for a later turn when you might need it.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced players make mistakes that end their streaks. Here are the most common ones to watch for.

  • Playing the only connector too early. If a card is the only link between two parts of the board, do not play it until you have cleared one side.
  • Ignoring the waste pile rank. Always check the waste pile rank before you draw from the stock. A quick scan can save you from a bad draw.
  • Forgetting the wrap. Many players forget that King and Ace connect. This can cost you several moves in a chain.
  • Drawing too often. The fewer times you draw, the more cards you remove from the board. Aim to clear at least half the board before you draw your first stock card.

Playing at Free Solitaire

Play TriPeaks solitaire online at free solitaire.co. No download or signup is required. The game follows the standard TriPeaks rules and includes the wrap around feature. Practice the streak strategy here to improve your win rate.