Clear three peaks of cards by playing any card one higher or lower than the card on the waste. Chain them into long runs.
Want to win more often? Read the TriPeaks strategy guide →
How to play TriPeaks
The goal is to clear all 28 cards from the three peaks. Suits and colours don't matter, only ranks.
The layout
- 28 cards are dealt in three peaks. Only the bottom row of ten starts face up.
- The other cards make the stock. One card starts on the waste next to it.
Rules
- Play a face-up card onto the waste if it is one rank higher or lower than the waste card. On a 7 you can play a 6 or an 8.
- A face-down card turns over once both cards resting on it are gone.
- When you're stuck, tap the stock to turn a new card onto the waste. The stock goes round once.
- By default King and Ace touch, so a King can go on an Ace and an Ace on a King. Switch “King to Ace” off for a harder game.
- Tap a card to play it, or drag it onto the waste.
Tips
- Before you play, look for the longest run you can make. Up and down can mix: 7, 8, 7, 6 is fine.
- When you have a choice, play the card that turns over a face-down card.
- Don't rush to the stock. Every stock card you use is one fewer to save you later.
A little history
Unlike most solitaire games, TriPeaks has a known inventor. Robert Hogue designed it in 1989, building on older “one higher or lower” games such as Golf. His twist was to hide most of the cards in three overlapping peaks, so each run turns over new cards and you never quite know what comes next.
It spread through Microsoft's Entertainment Pack collections for Windows in the early 1990s, and later became a favourite on phones, where its quick runs suit a few spare minutes.
TriPeaks FAQ
Do suits matter in TriPeaks?
No. Only ranks count. A 7 goes on any 6 or 8, whatever the suit or colour.
Can a King go on an Ace?
By default, yes: King and Ace count as one apart, so runs can go Q, K, A, 2. Switch “King to Ace” off for a stricter game where they don't connect.
How many times can I go through the stock?
Once. The stock doesn't turn over again, so save it for when the table has no move.
When do face-down cards turn over?
A face-down card turns over as soon as both cards resting on it are gone.
What's the difference between TriPeaks and Golf?
Both play cards one higher or lower onto the waste. In TriPeaks most cards start face down in three peaks. In Golf all 35 table cards start face up in seven columns, so you can plan more.
Are my stats saved?
Yes, on this device, separately with and without King to Ace wrapping. There's no account, so they stay in this browser.
Ready for more? The TriPeaks strategy guide → covers what to do in every phase of a game.