Golf Solitaire

Golf Solitaire lays out 35 cards in seven columns of five, with a stock pile of 17 remaining cards. Play cards from the tableau onto a waste pile by matching one rank higher or lower, regardless of suit. When no tableau card matches, draw from the stock. The goal is to clear the entire tableau — each remaining card is a "stroke" over par, just like real golf.

How to Play Golf Solitaire

Layout

35 cards are dealt face-up into 7 columns of 5 cards each (the tableau). The remaining 17 cards form the stock pile. One card is dealt face-up to start the waste/foundation pile.

Objective

Clear all cards from the tableau by playing them onto the waste pile.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Look at the top card of the waste pile. You can play any tableau card that is exactly one rank higher or lower, regardless of suit.
For example, if the waste pile shows a 7, you can play a 6 or an 8 from the tableau.
Only the bottom (uncovered) card in each tableau column is playable.
Build chains when possible — playing 5-6-7-8 in sequence clears more cards than picking off singles.
If no tableau card can be played, click the stock pile to draw a new card to the waste pile.
In most variants, sequences wrap: you can play an Ace on a 2 or a King on a Queen.
Win when all tableau cards are cleared. Each remaining card counts as a stroke — lower is better, like real golf.

Guides & Strategy

Read our in-depth guides to master the rules and improve your win rate.

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Golf Variations

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Why Play Golf Solitaire Online?

Golf Solitaire is a fast-paced game where rounds take just 2-3 minutes. It's perfect for quick mental breaks. The simple "one higher or lower" rule makes it easy to learn, but achieving a low score requires careful card counting and strategic thinking.

Game Features

Simple One-Up-One-Down — Easy to learn, addictive to master
Combo Chains — Build long sequences for higher scores
Unlimited Undo — Perfect for optimizing your card sequence strategy
Smart Hints — Find the best next card to extend your chain
Statistics Tracking — Beat your best score and track improvement
Mobile Optimized — Quick games perfect for short breaks on any device

Golf Tips and Strategies

Scan all seven columns before playing — the longest available chain maximizes your clearance. Wrapping (King to Ace and back) extends chains significantly. Don't draw from the stock if any tableau card can be played. Work on columns with the most accessible cards first to create the longest possible runs.

Golf Solitaire Rules

Golf Solitaire Rules: Seven columns of five cards each are dealt face-up as the tableau (35 cards total). The remaining 17 cards form the stockpile. One card is dealt face-up to start the waste pile. Gameplay: Remove cards from the tableau by placing them on the waste pile if they are one rank higher or lower than the current waste pile card. Suits do not matter - any suit can play on any suit. For example, a 7 can be played on a 6 or an 8. Aces can be played on 2s or Kings, and Kings can be played on Queens or Aces. If no tableau card can be played, draw the next card from the stockpile. The goal is to clear all tableau cards. Scoring: Each card remaining in the tableau counts as one point. Lower scores are better. Try to clear the entire tableau to score zero points and win. Strategy: Look ahead several moves to avoid blocking yourself. Save Kings and Aces for when you really need them since they can change direction.

Scoring System

Golf Solitaire is scored like real golf — fewer cards remaining is better. Each card moved to the foundation earns 10 points. Clear all tableau cards and the stock to achieve a perfect score.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

In Golf, players often play the obvious card without checking the sequence potential. Always look for long runs — playing 5-6-7-8 is far more valuable than picking off single cards. Save your stock pile draws for when no tableau moves exist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about Golf Solitaire.

How do you score in Golf Solitaire?

In Golf Solitaire, each card remaining in the tableau at the end counts as one point. Lower scores are better - zero points means you cleared all cards and won perfectly. Some variations award bonus points for clearing the tableau or keeping stockpile cards unplayed.

Can Kings and Aces connect in Golf?

Yes, in standard Golf Solitaire, Kings and Aces connect (wraparound is allowed). You can play an Ace on a King or a King on an Ace. However, in the "Dead Kings" variation, Kings are dead ends and nothing can be played on them.

What is a good Golf Solitaire score?

Clearing the entire tableau (scoring 0) is the best result but occurs in roughly 20-30% of deals. Scores under 5 are excellent, 5-10 are good, and anything under 15 is respectable. Your goal should be to consistently clear most cards and occasionally achieve perfect clears.

History of Golf Solitaire

Golf Solitaire gets its name from the scoring system — like in golf, lower is better. The game has been played since the early 20th century and gained digital popularity in the 2000s. Its simplicity and speed made it one of the first solitaire variants adapted for mobile phones. The game's quick pace and "one more round" appeal make it one of the most addictive solitaire variants.

Cognitive Benefits of Golf

Golf Solitaire sharpens quick decision-making and pattern recognition. Evaluating which columns offer the longest sequence chains exercises rapid cost-benefit analysis — a skill that transfers to everyday decision-making.

Play Golf Solitaire Free Online