TriPeaks Solitaire: How to Plan Longer Streaks

TriPeaks is a fast and cheerful solitaire game. You clear three overlapping peaks of cards by playing cards that are one rank higher or lower than the card on the waste pile. Rounds take only a few minutes, and the key to winning more often is planning longer streaks.

The setup

• 28 cards are arranged in three overlapping peaks. The bottom row of 10 cards is face up; the cards above are usually face down until they are uncovered.
• The remaining 24 cards form the stock. One card is turned over to start the waste pile (sometimes called the foundation).

The rules

• You can move any uncovered face-up card from the peaks onto the waste pile if it is one rank higher or one rank lower than the top waste card. Suit does not matter.
• Example: on a 7, you can play a 6 or an 8.
• In most versions, ranks wrap around: you can play a King on an Ace and an Ace on a King. Some versions do not allow this, so check the rules of yours.
• When a card is uncovered, it flips face up.
• When you have no playable card, turn over the next stock card onto the waste pile. That becomes the new card to play on.
• You win by clearing all three peaks.

Why streaks matter

A streak is a run of consecutive cards played from the peaks without drawing from the stock. Many versions give bonus points for long streaks. More importantly, a long streak clears a lot of the layout using only one stock card. Since the stock is limited, using fewer stock cards means more chances later.

Choosing between two playable cards

Often you will have more than one playable card. For example, the waste shows a 7, and you can play either a 6 or an 8 from the peaks. The best choice is usually the one that leads to the longest chain.

Before playing, follow each option a few steps:

• If you play the 8, can you then play a 9 or a 7? And after that?
• If you play the 6, can you then play a 5 or a 7?

Pick the path that uses more cards. Sometimes going down (7, 6, 5, 4) is clearly longer than going up.

Prefer cards that uncover face-down cards

If two options lead to similar streaks, choose the card that uncovers a face-down card. A new face-up card is new information and a new possible continuation of your streak.

Clear the peaks evenly

The three peak tops are the hardest cards to reach, because each is covered by several cards. Try not to clear one peak completely while ignoring the others. Working across all three keeps more cards available at the bottom of the layout.

Use the stock wisely

• Draw only when no peak card can be played.
• Some versions let you see the next stock card or use a "wild" card or undo. If yours does, save these for moments when they extend a long streak.

Is every game winnable?

No. TriPeaks involves a good amount of luck, because face-down cards are hidden and the stock order is random. Good planning raises your win rate and your scores, but some deals simply do not work out.

Quick routine

1. Look at every playable card before moving.
2. Follow each option several steps ahead and pick the longest chain.
3. Prefer cards that uncover hidden cards.
4. Work across all three peaks.
5. Draw from the stock only when stuck.

TriPeaks is perfect for a short break. With a moment of planning before each streak, you will start clearing all three peaks more often.