GOLF SOLITAIRE

OBJECTIVE OF GOLF SOLITAIRE: To remove as many cards as possible, to have as low a score as possible

NUMBER OF PLAYERS: 1 player

NUMBER OF CARDS: Standard 52 card deck

TYPE OF GAME: Solitaire

AUDIENCE: Kids to Adults

INTRODUCTION OF GOLF SOLITAIRE

On this page, we will explain the rules for Golf solitaire. If you want to learn the Golf card game rules make sure to visit this page instead. In Golf solitaire players are trying to remove as many cards as possible from the tableau. A tableau is the arrangement of cards out on the table or playing space. Much like the real golf, this game can be played over multiple holes (rounds) with the player trying to score as few points as possible.

Although this is a solitaire game, multiple players can compete against one another. In this case, each player requires their own deck.

THE CARDS & THE DEAL

To begin the game, shuffle the cards and deal out a tableau of seven columns. Each column should have five cards. All of the cards are dealt face up and overlap in such a way that each card’s rank and suit can be seen. The remaining cards become the draw pile.

In this game, players are trying to remove as many cards as possible from the tableau by adding them to the discard pile.

THE PLAY

Play begins by flipping the top card of the draw pile over to form the discard pile. Players then begin removing cards from the tableau in ascending or descending order. Players may build the discard pile in either direction at any time. Suit does not matter.

For example, if the discard pile shows a 5, players may place a 4 or a 6 on top of it. If they played a 4, they could add a 3 or another 5. Play like this continues until no more cards are able to be added to the discard pile.

In this game, the ace is both high and low meaning players can go around the corner. When an ace is on the discard pile, players may add either a king or a two.

Once a player is no longer able to remove cards from the tableau, they may flip the next card from the draw pile over and place it on top of the discard pile. They may begin adding to that pile from the tableau. When the discard pile has been depleted, the round is over.

Study the cards carefully and try to form chains of sequences that allow for multiple cards to be easily played. Being able to plan ahead is key to removing the most amount of cards possible.

SCORING

Once the discard pile has been depleted, and no more cards can be removed from the tableau, it is time to tally up the score for that round.

A player earns one point for each card remaining on the tableau. If playing a complete game, continue playing for nine rounds. If playing with multiple people, the player with the lowest score at the end of the game wins.

Looking for other games to play alone? Check out our list of the best solo card games.