Golf Solitaire

Quick Rounds of Fun

This is another one of the games I've played back on my old desktop computer in the early 90s. It was one of those games that was just easy to understand but I felt you had to have a little luck on your side to win. This was one of those "just one more" games for me - the quick rounds and simple rules made it perfect for sneaking in a game whenever I had a few minutes. Now I've created a version that brings that same addictive experience to wherever you want to play - your laptop, phone, tablet, or desktop computer. It's completely free at CardAndPuzzle.com, with no downloads or signups needed. Whether you're looking for a quick game during your coffee break or settling in for a longer session, Golf Solitaire offers that perfect blend of skill and chance that keeps you coming back for another round.

The Setup

Golf Solitaire uses a standard 52-card deck without Jokers. Here's how the game is set up:

The Tableau: Seven columns of five face-up cards each, arranged in rows.
The Stock: The remaining cards are placed face-down to form the stock pile.
The Waste: A single face-up card from the stock starts your waste pile.

New to Golf or looking to improve? Read the complete Golf Solitaire Guide →

How to Play

Golf Solitaire is all about making the right moves at the right time. Here's how it works:

Basic Moves: You can play any bottom card that's one higher or lower than the top waste card, regardless of suit.
Ace Rule: Aces are flexible - they can be played on either a King or a 2!
No Redeals: Once you've gone through the stock pile, that's it - making your initial moves count is crucial.
Winning: Clear all cards from the tableau to win. If you can't make any more moves and cards remain, the game is over.

Scoring System

Golf Solitaire rewards both card play and quick completion:

Basic Points

Each card moved from tableau to waste: +5 points
Maximum possible card points: 175 points (35 cards × 5 points)

Time Bonus

No bonus is awarded if you fail to clear all tableau cards.
Full 325 point bonus is awarded for games completed in under 30 seconds or less.
For completion times between 30 seconds and 5 minutes, the bonus decreases linearly (from 325 points to 0).
No time bonus is awarded for games taking longer than 5 minutes.

Note: The maximum possible score is 500 points (175 from cards + 225 time bonus).

Strategy Guide

When you have a choice, play the card that opens up more options in other columns.
Keep an eye on cards that might block your progress - sometimes waiting to play a card is better.
Remember you can play one higher or lower - plan your moves to keep this flexibility.
Look for opportunities to clear entire columns - this can help avoid getting stuck later.

Why Choose Golf Solitaire?

Quick Games: Perfect for short breaks - most games take just a few minutes.
Simple Rules: Easy to learn but still offers strategic choices.
Engaging Challenge: Each game is a fresh puzzle with just enough luck to keep it interesting.

Ready to Tee Off?

Whether you have five minutes or fifty, Golf Solitaire offers the perfect mix of quick decisions and strategic thinking. Start playing now and see if you can clear all the cards! Can you beat your best score?