Golf Solitaire - Card Game Rules & Strategy

If you enjoy classic solitaire and are looking for a similar game, the Golf Solitaire card game will not disappoint. Also known as golf patience, this popular card game challenges your strategy and speed. The goal is simple: clear all the cards from the tableau by playing cards one higher or lower than the current card. Although it may seem simple, understanding golf solitaire rules and gameplay is crucial.

How to Play Golf Solitaire Card Game

Objective

The objective of the Golf Solitaire card game is to clear all the cards from the tableau by moving them to the waste pile or the foundation pile with pair cards. You can remove cards that are either one rank higher or lower than the current card shown. Here, you don't need to follow suit or color. The game ends when no more valid moves are available or when the tableau is cleared.

Available Moves and Play Area

• You can move cards that are one rank higher or lower than the top card on the foundation pile or the waste pile.
• In golf solitaire, you can play cards of any suit or color.
• If you have no available moves, draw a new card from the stockpile in the golf solitaire card game.
• Only the topmost visible cards in the tableau are playable at any time during the golf solitaire game.
• In some versions of the golf solitaire game online, you might get options like an undo button or reshuffles.
• Once the stockpile is empty and no moves are left, the golf patience card game ends.

Golf Solitaire Set Up

Setting up the Golf Solitaire card game is quick and easy. First, shuffle a standard 52-card deck. Deal seven columns with 5 cards each, placing them face-up. This is called the tableau. Next, arrange the cards so that only the topmost card of each column is fully visible and playable.

Place the remaining cards in a stack below the tableau, called the stockpile. Then, you must leave space next to the stockpile for the waste pile where you will move cards during the game. You can now start playing.

Rules of Golf Solitaire card game

Here are the main golf solitaire rules you must know about.

• You can only move cards that are one rank higher or lower than the top card on the waste pile.
• Suit and color do not matter in golf solitaire.
• Only the topmost face-up cards in each column are playable.
• If no moves are available, you must draw a card from the stockpile.
• You cannot move cards between columns in the tableau.
• The game ends when you either clear all the cards or run out of possible moves.
• Aces are both high and low, and they can connect with 2 or a King.
• In Golf Patience, no redeals are allowed once the stockpile is empty.
• If you clear the tableau, you will receive negative points for any card left in the stockpile. You score one point for each card remaining. For example, five cards remaining mean five negative points.
• The player with the lowest score wins, so clearing more cards and leaving fewer behind is the key to victory. So, high scores mean you lose.
• Even if one card is left, you lose the game.
• If two players compete, the one with the fewest moves will have the best result.
• Some traditional Golf Solitaire card games consist of nine rounds.
• In some golf solitaire games online or special versions, wild cards are included.

Strategy to win the Golf Solitaire card game

These top strategies will help you get the lowest scores and win the game.

Always plan ahead

Before making any move in the Golf Solitaire card game, carefully scan the tableau. Look for moves that will open up more cards, not just the immediate next step. It's always best to think two or three moves ahead, as it helps you avoid getting stuck and increases your chances of clearing the tableau.

Prioritize uncovering cards

Focus on moves that reveal hidden cards first. In golf solitaire, the more exposed cards mean more options you will have later. Don’t just remove easy cards; instead, always check if a move will unlock another card. Uncovering cards is the key to keeping your game flowing smoothly.

Choose wisely between options

When you have two or more moves available, don't pick the new top card randomly. In the golf solitaire game, choose the move that will create more future moves. Sometimes it’s better to play a slightly harder card if it means opening up a longer sequence afterward. Strategy beats speed every time.

Save wild cards and stockpile draws

Wild cards and stockpile draws are your backup tools. In online golf solitaire, it’s tempting to use them quickly, but patience pays off. Use them only when you have no other options left. Saving them for tough spots can make the difference between winning and losing.