Frequently asked questions about TriPeaks
Is every TriPeaks deal winnable?
No. Deal TP1-C-AAAAAAD cannot be won: even with the best play, 10 cards remain in the peaks, as proved by a program that tries every sequence of moves. The app does not tell you this during the game: it has neither hints nor a solver.
What is the difference between Easy and Classic?
In Easy, the app's default rules, king and ace are adjacent ranks: an ace can be placed on a king, and a king on an ace. In Classic, they are separate. The same deal can be winnable in Easy but not in Classic: AAAAAAD is one such deal.
When does a face-down card turn over?
At the start, only the 10 bottom cards are face up. A face-down card turns over as soon as both cards covering it have been removed, and it becomes playable. You cannot play a card that is still face down.
When should you draw?
The app lets you draw at any time, but each of the 23 cards can be used only once, and the stock cannot be reset. Each draw also costs 1 point. Before drawing, check whether any playable card is still one rank above or below the waste card.
How is the score calculated?
The score starts at 500 points. Each move, whether a removal or a draw, deducts 1, and a removal that clears a peak adds 100. A game won without drawing is therefore worth 772 points, the maximum.
What is the game code for?
Each deal has a code, such as TP1-E-AAAAAAB, displayed during the game. Pasting it into the New Game window deals exactly the same cards under the same rules: you can replay a deal or give it to someone else to try. The middle letter indicates the rules: E for Easy, C for Classic.
Can you undo a move?
Yes, the app keeps the last 100 actions, including removals and draws. Undo returns the card to its place and restores the points deducted for the move. The move counter, however, does not go down.
Does suit matter?
No, only rank matters: a 7 of hearts can be removed onto a 6 or a 8 of any suit. Only the card's position in the peaks determines whether it is playable.