Golf solitaire rules are straightforward: clear cards from the layout by moving them onto a waste pile, one rank higher or lower. The goal is to remove as many cards as possible, leaving the fewest behind. This guide covers the rules, scoring, and simple planning tactics for golf solitaire, also known as golf card game solitaire. Whether you are new to the game or want to improve your golf solitaire strategy, the information below will help you understand how to play golf solitaire and keep your scores low.

Setup and Layout

Golf uses one 52-card deck. To set up the game, deal 35 cards face up in 7 columns of 5 cards each. This arrangement is called the tableau. The remaining 17 cards form the stock. Turn the first stock card face up to start the waste pile. The waste pile sits next to the tableau, and you will move cards onto it during play.

How to Play

On your turn, move the top card of any column onto the waste pile if it is one rank higher or one rank lower than the card showing on the waste pile. Suit does not matter. For example, if the waste pile shows a 7, play a 6 or an 8 from the top of any column. After you move a card, the card underneath it in that column becomes the new top card and is available for play.

If you cannot make a play from the tableau, draw a card from the stock and place it on top of the waste pile. This card becomes the new target rank. Then try to play from the tableau again. Continue drawing from the stock until you either make a play or run out of stock cards. Once the stock is empty and you cannot move any tableau card, the deal ends.

Key Rules to Remember

  • Move only the top card of a column. You cannot take a card from the middle of a column.
  • In the classic rules there is no wrapping between King and Ace. An Ace is not one rank higher than a King, and a King is not one rank lower than an Ace.
  • Nothing can be played on a King. If the waste pile shows a King, no tableau card can be moved onto it. Draw from the stock to continue.
  • Play any number of cards in one turn, as long as each move follows the one rank higher or lower rule.

Golf Solitaire Scoring

The score for a deal is the number of cards left in the tableau when the deal ends. Lower scores are better, just like in the sport of golf. Clear all 35 tableau cards and you score zero for that deal, a perfect round.

Play 9 or 18 deals as 'holes' and add the scores together. For example, playing 9 deals gives a total score that you compare against par. There is no standard par, but aim for a total score under a few dozen over 9 deals, or under a few dozen over 18 deals.

Simple Planning Tactics

Think Ahead About Sequences

Because you can move any top card that is one rank higher or lower, look for chains of plays. If you have a 5, 6, and 7 showing on different columns, clear all three in a row. Plan the order so you do not block a needed card. If you need to move a 9 onto an 8, make sure the 9 is not covered by a card you want to keep.

Manage the Waste Pile

The waste pile can help or hurt you. If you draw a card that is far from the ranks you have available, you may get stuck. Draw early when you have many options, rather than waiting until you are forced to. This gives you more control over which rank becomes the target.

Prioritize Exposing New Cards

When you have a choice between two plays, consider which one will expose a card that gives you more options. Exposing a card that is mid rank, like 5 through 9, helps because it can connect to more cards. Exposing a King is rarely helpful because nothing can be played on a King.

Keep Track of Face Down Cards

Each column starts with 5 cards. As you remove top cards, the card underneath becomes available. If you have a column with only one card left, removing that card clears the column entirely and gives you access to the cards in other columns. Clearing a column can open up the tableau and make it easier to find plays.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

  • Playing too fast. Scan all columns before moving a card. A better play may be waiting.
  • Ignoring the waste pile rank. If the waste pile shows a low rank, like 2 or 3, you may have trouble moving many cards. Draw from the stock early to change the target rank.
  • Forgetting that Kings block play. If a King ends up on the waste pile, you cannot play any tableau card until you draw again. Avoid moving a King onto the waste pile if you can help it.

Variations and Final Tips

Some players modify the rules to allow wrapping between King and Ace, meaning an Ace can be played on a King and vice versa. This changes the strategy because Kings become playable. The classic rules described here do not allow wrapping. Stick with the classic rules until you are comfortable, then experiment if you like.

Golf solitaire strategy improves with practice. The more you play, the better you will recognize sequences and plan moves. To play online, free-solitaire.co offers a version you can try without any download or signup.