How to Play Golf Solitaire – Rules & Strategy
Learn Golf Solitaire rules, scoring, and smart tactics to clear the board fast.
Table of Contents
What Is Golf Solitaire?
Golf Solitaire (sometimes called One‑Up‑One‑Down) is a speed‑oriented single‑deck solitaire. Instead of building foundations, you “chip away” at a tableau of 35 face‑up cards by playing cards one rank above or below the waste pile. Aces are wild connectors—they sit snugly between Kings and Twos. Clear the tableau, beat the clock, and post a perfect 500‑point round.
Why “Golf”? Early versions counted remaining cards as strokes—the lower the better—mirroring golf’s scoring. Today’s point‑based systems flip the script: you rack up points for every card cleared and for speedy finishes.
Objective of Golf Solitaire
Remove all 35 cards from the tableau before the stock is exhausted.
Each card moved earns points; beating the clock adds a hefty time bonus. A flawless clear in under 30 seconds nets the maximum 500 pts—a true hole‑in‑one.
Complete Rules for Golf Solitaire
Setup
- Deal seven columns of five face‑up cards each (total 35).
- Place the remaining 17 cards face‑down as the stock.
- Flip the top stock card face‑up next to it; this starts the waste pile.
- Only the bottom card of each column is playable at any time.
Making Moves
- You may move any exposed tableau card exactly one rank higher or lower than the waste’s top card.
- Suit is irrelevant.
- Aces wrap: they play on Kings or Twos, and vice‑versa.
- Moved cards become the new waste top, possibly chaining several plays in a row.
Using the Stock
- When no tableaux moves exist (or when you choose), tap the stock to flip a new waste card.
- No redeals. Once the 17 stock cards are gone, you survive only on tableau moves.
Winning, Losing, and Scoring
- Win by clearing every tableau card.
- Lose when you exhaust stock and have no legal moves.
- Score = Card Points + Time Bonus (details below).
Scoring System
1. Card Points
- Every card moved from tableau to waste: +5 pts
- Maximum: 175 pts (35 cards × 5).
2. Time Bonus
- Finish in ≤ 30 s: +325 pts
- 30 s – 5 min: Bonus decreases linearly from 325 → 0.
Example: 2 min 30 s (150 s) earns roughly 162 pts. - > 5 min or incomplete board: 0 pts.
3. Perfect Score
- 500 pts = 175 card + 325 time (sub‑30‑second clear).
Tip: Don’t rush blindly—500 pts is rare, but disciplined chains plus a 2‑minute finish still break 300 pts.
Strategy Guide
1. Target Flexible Runs Early
Long sequences (e.g., …8‑9‑10‑J…) create chain potential. Play the hinge rank (9 or 10) that frees both higher and lower follow‑ups.
2. Weigh “Up” vs. “Down”
Because suits don’t matter, always glance two moves ahead:
- Playing down (from 9→8) might open 7 but trap the 10 above.
- Playing up (9→10) can unlock J‑Q‑K if they sit exposed elsewhere.
3. Collapse Columns
Clearing an entire column shortens scan time and exposes deeper rows. Prioritise columns with low blockers (2s–5s) or high ones (10‑K) that gate many mid‑value cards.
4. Respect the Ace
Holding an Ace until late lets you pivot between low and high chains. Burning it too early can strand Kings or Twos behind isolated cards.
5. Deck Memory
Keep mental tabs on missing ranks. If all fours are visible in dead columns, you know any 3→4 or 5→4 transition is impossible—plan alternate routes.
6. Controlled Stock Flips
Flipping the stock resets your pivot card. Delay if the tableau contains promising chains; otherwise flip quickly to keep momentum.
7. Pace for the Bonus
- Sub‑1 min clears: forge long chains, even risky ones.
- 2‑3 min clears: balance chain risk with column management.
- > 3 min: focus on survival—points come from finishing more than speed.
8. End‑Game “Tuck” Moves
When only a handful of cards remain, sometimes play away from the obvious path to set up a wraparound: K→A→2 or 3→2→A→K.
Common Mistakes (and Fixes)
| Mistake | Quick Fix |
|---|---|
| Burning Aces prematurely | Save at least one Ace until the tableau thins. |
| Flipping stock too soon | Scan twice; chains often hide in plain sight. |
| Ignoring column blockers | If a bottom card’s rank appears nowhere else, clear it ASAP. |
| Tunnel vision on a single chain | Pause after every three moves—re‑evaluate options. |
Advanced Insights
Probability Snapshot
| Aspect | Approx. Figure |
|---|---|
| Average clear rate (casual) | 20–25 % |
| Clear rate with sound strategy | 45–55 % |
| Chance of a 500‑pt round | < 2 % |
“Meta” Chain Planning
Experienced players visualise net elevation: alternating upward and downward plays to keep the board flexible. Example ladder from 7:
- 7→8→9→8→7→6→5…
The rise‑fall pattern unblocks both sides of the spectrum, preserving outs.
Scoring Math – Linear Bonus Formula
If t = completion time (seconds) and 30 ≤ t ≤ 300:
Bonus = 325 × (300 – t) ÷ 270
(270 s = 4 min 30 s span between 30 s and 5 min).
History and Trivia
- First printed rule set appeared in 1917 card‑game compilations.
- The wraparound Ace evolved in 1970s computer versions to prevent stalemates.
- Golf Solitaire inspired mobile hits like Fairway Solitaire, adding hazards and power‑ups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called “Golf”?
Early scoring counted each leftover card as a stroke; lowest score won—mirroring golf.
Can Kings play on Aces?
No, but Aces play on Kings and Kings play on Queens or Aces via wrap.
How do I beat a “dead” deal?
Sometimes you can’t—Golf has an inherent luck element. Focus on maximising chains and revisit the same seed later to test new ideas.
What’s a respectable score?
- 250‑300 pts = solid chain play (≈ 2‑3 min finish).
- 400 pts+ means sub‑90 s clear with minimal stock flips.
Ready to tee off?
▶ Play Golf Solitaire now and chase that perfect 500‑point round!