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 so you can play Golf Solitaire online for free on your laptop, phone, tablet, or desktop computer — 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.
How Do You Play Golf Solitaire?
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.
New to Golf or looking to improve? Read the complete Golf Solitaire Guide →
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.
How Is Golf Solitaire Scored?
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).
What Strategy Works Best for Golf Solitaire?
- 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?
Try a Visual Challenge
Switching between game types keeps your mind sharp. Try our free jigsaw puzzles for a visual challenge — the nature collection is particularly satisfying after a round of Golf Solitaire.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you play Golf Solitaire?
To play Golf Solitaire, you remove cards from the bottom of the tableau columns by playing them on the waste pile. You can only play cards that are one higher or lower in rank than the top waste card, regardless of suit. For example, if the waste shows a 7, you can play either a 6 or an 8. Aces are flexible and can be played on either a King or a 2.
What makes Golf Solitaire different from other solitaire games?
Golf Solitaire is faster-paced than most solitaire variants, with games typically lasting just a few minutes. It features a unique setup with seven columns of five face-up cards and simpler movement rules where cards can be played one higher or lower regardless of suit. Unlike many solitaire games, there are no redeals in Golf Solitaire—once you've gone through the stock pile, that's it.
How do you win Golf Solitaire?
To win Golf Solitaire, you need to clear all 35 cards from the tableau by playing them on the waste pile. If you can't make any more valid moves and cards remain in the tableau, the game is over. A perfect game will clear all tableau cards before running out of stock cards.
What strategy works best for Golf Solitaire?
Effective strategies include: playing cards that open up more options in other columns, being mindful of cards that might block your progress, maintaining flexibility by considering both higher and lower card options, focusing on clearing entire columns when possible, and thinking several moves ahead to avoid getting stuck.
How is Golf Solitaire scored?
Golf Solitaire scoring includes 5 points for each card moved from the tableau to the waste pile (maximum 175 points) plus a time bonus. The time bonus can be up to 325 points for games completed in under 30 seconds, with diminishing returns for slower completion times. No time bonus is awarded for games taking longer than 5 minutes or for games you don't win. The maximum possible score is 500 points.
Can I play Golf Solitaire on mobile devices?
Yes, Golf Solitaire on CardAndPuzzle.com is fully optimized for all devices. You can enjoy the same quick, engaging gameplay on your phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer with no downloads or registration required.
