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Download on Google Play- Deal 7 columns of 5 overlapping face-up cards (35 cards total).
- Remaining 17 cards form the stock.
- Draw the first stock card to start the waste pile.
- Play any exposed tableau card that is one rank higher or lower than the waste pile top.
- Chain multiple ascending/descending plays in sequence.
- Draw the next stock card when no plays are available.
- In strict Golf, Kings are dead ends and do not wrap to Aces.
- Each remaining tableau card counts as one stroke.
- Par is typically 4 remaining cards; clearing all is 4 under par.
Rules
Golf Solitaire is a quick patience game where you clear a tableau of 35 cards by playing them to a waste pile one rank higher or lower. The 'golf' theme comes from trying to finish 'under par' — with as few uncleared cards as possible.
Objective
Clear as many cards as possible from the 7-column tableau by playing them to the waste pile in ascending or descending rank.
Setup
- Players: 1 player.
- Deck: Standard 52-card deck.
- Tableau: 7 columns of 5 overlapping face-up cards (35 cards total).
- Stock: Remaining 17 cards face-down.
- Waste: Draw the first stock card to start the waste pile.
Gameplay
- Playing: Move any exposed tableau card (bottom of column) to the waste pile if it is exactly one rank higher or lower than the current top card.
- Wrapping: Kings and Aces may or may not wrap (rule varies by version). In strict Golf, Kings are dead ends.
- Chains: Build chains of ascending/descending plays for efficient clearing.
- Drawing Stock: When stuck, draw the next stock card to the waste. This becomes the new base for matches.
Tips and Strategies
- Look for long chains before drawing from the stock.
- Expose cards in multiple columns rather than focusing on clearing one column.
- In versions without wrapping, avoid getting stuck on Kings.
Tips & Strategy
Plan chains before committing. A 5 can go to 4 or 6, and choosing the right direction can extend your chain significantly.
When multiple cards are playable, choose the one that exposes the most useful cards in the tableau for future plays.
Trivia & Fun Facts
In Golf Solitaire scoring, each remaining tableau card is one 'stroke.' A round is 'par' at 4 remaining cards, so clearing all is like scoring 4 under par.
In strict Golf Solitaire, which rank can be a dead end because it does not wrap?
History & Culture
Golf Solitaire became widely popular through digital versions on computers and phones, where the par-scoring system adds replay value.
Golf Solitaire is one of the most popular quick-play solitaire games on mobile devices, perfect for short breaks.
Variations & House Rules
Some versions allow King-Ace wrapping. Others deal face-down cards for hidden information. TriPeaks is a popular cousin.
Allow King-Ace wrapping for an easier, more fluid game. Track scores across 9 or 18 'holes' for a full golf-themed experience.
