🃏 Play Klondike Solitaire
How to Play Golf Solitaire
Golf Solitaire is a patience game played with a single deck of 52 cards. The game begins with 35 cards dealt face-down into 7 columns of 5 cards each, forming the tableau. One card is placed face-up in the discard pile to start the stock. The remaining 24 cards form the stock pile.
The goal is to remove all cards from the tableau columns to the discard pile. On each turn, players may take the top card from the stock pile and place it either on the discard pile (if it's one rank higher or lower than the current discard) or discard it directly. You can also move a face-up card from a tableau column directly to the discard pile if it matches the discard's rank or is adjacent.
Only face-up cards in the tableau are available for play. When a card is removed from a tableau column, the next card in that column is turned face-up automatically. Cards can be played to the discard pile if they are exactly one rank higher or lower than the current discard card, wrapping around (Ace can play on 2 or King).
The round ends when no more moves are possible. Count the number of cards remaining in the tableau columns—these are your penalty points. Lower scores are better. You can play multiple rounds and track cumulative scores.
Pro Tips
- Plan ahead: Try to clear tableau columns from left to right or right to left systematically, as this maximizes your options as cards become available.
- Watch the stock: Keep track of which cards remain in the stock pile to know what might become available and avoid getting stuck.
- Don't rush the face-down cards: Sometimes it's better to play stock cards to the discard rather than rush to flip face-down cards, as the exposed cards may become dead ends.
- Leave flexibility: Try to avoid leaving only one card to flip in a column, as this limits your options if you can't immediately play it.
Variations
Tvania Golf
In this variation, only tableau cards one rank above or below the discard can be moved—you cannot place stock cards directly on the discard pile. This creates a different strategic dynamic requiring more planning.
Oklahoma Golf
Oklahoma Golf uses a scoring variant where only cards of the same suit as the starting discard score. This adds a suit-tracking element to the classic game, making it more challenging for experienced players.
Relaxed Golf
Some players allow cards to be moved between tableau columns if they form a sequence, adding more flexibility and increasing the likelihood of clearing the tableau.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move any card from the tableau to the discard?
Yes, any face-up tableau card that is one rank higher or lower than the current discard card (wrapping between Ace and King) can be moved directly to the discard pile.
What happens if the stock pile runs out?
When the stock is exhausted, you continue playing by moving tableau cards to the discard if possible. If no moves remain, the round ends and you count remaining tableau cards as penalty points.
Is Golf Solitaire a game of skill or luck?
Golf Solitaire combines both elements. While the initial deal is random, strategic decisions about which cards to play and in what order significantly impact your final score.