TriPeaks Solitaire Variations

Classic TriPeaks follows the standard rules: 28 cards in three overlapping peaks, 23 stock cards, and one foundation card. You remove exposed peak cards by playing those that are one rank higher or lower than the foundation top. Most classic TriPeaks versions allow King-Ace wrapping, meaning sequences can loop continuously: ...K, A, 2... or ...2, A, K... This wrapping rule keeps the game flowing and reduces dead-end situations. The standard version includes streak-based scoring, where consecutive plays earn increasing points. Drawing from the stock resets the streak. Classic TriPeaks has a win rate of approximately 20-30% with competent play, making it one of the more achievable solitaire variants. Its quick pace and satisfying chain plays make it endlessly replayable.

Single Peak simplifies TriPeaks by reducing the layout to just one peak instead of three. The peak typically uses 15 cards arranged in 5 rows, with the remaining 37 cards in the stock. The gameplay is identical to TriPeaks — play cards that are +1 or -1 from the foundation. However, with fewer peak cards and a much larger stock, the game is significantly easier. Win rates often exceed 70%. Single Peak is an excellent introduction to the TriPeaks family. New players can learn the +/-1 mechanic, practice reading the overlapping card structure, and build confidence before tackling the full three-peak challenge. The smaller layout also makes Single Peak ideal for mobile devices with limited screen space. A game takes only 1-2 minutes, making it perfect for quick breaks. Despite its simplicity, Single Peak still rewards strategic thinking — choosing the right sequence path and managing the stock efficiently can make the difference between winning and losing.

Four Peaks extends the TriPeaks concept by adding a fourth peak, creating a wider and more challenging layout. The typical Four Peaks layout uses 36-40 cards in the peaks, with fewer stock cards available. The increased number of peak cards makes Four Peaks significantly harder than the standard version. You have more cards to clear but fewer stock cards to help you when stuck. The win rate drops to approximately 10-15%. With four peaks, the overlapping structure becomes more complex. Cards may be shared between three different peaks, creating intricate dependencies. Clearing one peak often affects the others in unexpected ways. Four Peaks rewards advanced look-ahead skills. With so many exposed cards available at any time, there are more potential sequences to evaluate. Players who can quickly scan all four peaks and find the longest possible streak have a significant advantage. This variant is recommended for experienced TriPeaks players who find the standard three-peak version too easy. The additional peak adds enough complexity to feel like a genuinely new challenge rather than just "more of the same."

The wrapping rule — whether Kings can connect to Aces and vice versa — is the most significant rule variation in TriPeaks and deserves detailed discussion. With wrapping enabled: Kings and Aces are no longer dead ends. A sequence can flow ...Q, K, A, 2, 3... seamlessly. This makes every rank equally useful and eliminates the frustration of hitting a King or Ace with no way to continue. Without wrapping: Kings connect only to Queens, and Aces connect only to 2s. Kings and Aces become the most dangerous cards in the game because they limit your sequence options. Getting stuck on a King with no Queen available (or vice versa) is a common way to lose. The impact on strategy is substantial: With wrapping, you can plan longer sequences that loop through the full rank range. The game becomes more fluid and streaks last longer on average. Without wrapping, you must plan around Kings and Aces as obstacles. Smart players will try to place Kings or Aces at the end of sequences rather than the beginning, since they have fewer continuation options. Win rates differ significantly: wrapping games have approximately 25-30% win rate, while non-wrapping games drop to 15-20%. Most casual TriPeaks implementations enable wrapping because it creates a more enjoyable experience. Competitive or challenge-mode versions may disable wrapping for added difficulty.

While classic TriPeaks can be played simply for win/loss, scored TriPeaks adds a point-based system that transforms the game from a puzzle into a competitive challenge. The standard scoring system awards increasing points for consecutive plays (streaks). The first card in a streak scores 1 point, the second scores 2 points, the third scores 3 points, and so on. Some variants add additional scoring elements: Peak-clearing bonus: Earn extra points (e.g., 15 points) for removing the top card of each peak. Perfect game bonus: Earn a large bonus (e.g., 30 points) for clearing all peak cards. Stock penalty: Lose points for each unused stock card remaining at the end of the game. Time bonus: Earn extra points for finishing quickly. Scored TriPeaks changes the optimal strategy. In a pure win/loss game, you want to clear peaks as efficiently as possible. In a scored game, you want to maximize streak length, even if it means taking a less direct path to clearing the peaks. Some online leaderboards track cumulative scores across many games, rewarding consistent performance rather than single-game luck. This format emphasizes average play quality and is the most competitive way to play TriPeaks.

TriPeaks and Golf Solitaire share the same core mechanic — playing cards that are one rank higher or lower than the foundation — but differ in layout and strategy. Layout: TriPeaks uses 28 cards in three overlapping peaks with face-down cards. Golf uses 35 cards in 7 open columns with all cards face-up. Card Visibility: In TriPeaks, 18 of 28 peak cards start face-down and must be uncovered. In Golf, all 35 tableau cards are visible from the start. Card Access: In TriPeaks, cards must be uncovered by removing the cards that overlap them. In Golf, only the top card of each column is playable, but you can always see what is coming next. Stock Size: TriPeaks has 23 stock cards. Golf has only 16 stock cards, making stock management more critical. Complexity: TriPeaks is more complex due to the overlapping card structure and hidden cards. Golf is simpler and more transparent. Game Length: TriPeaks games typically take 3-5 minutes. Golf games are faster at 2-3 minutes. Win Rate: Both games have similar win rates (20-30%), though the exact rate depends on whether wrapping is allowed. Choose TriPeaks if you enjoy the excitement of uncovering hidden cards and the strategic depth of overlapping peaks. Choose Golf if you prefer a faster, more transparent game where all information is visible from the start.