Golf Solitaire Rules
Golf Solitaire deals seven columns of five cards face up and a stock. Turn one card over to start a waste pile, then move the bottom card of any column onto it if it is one rank higher or lower. Nothing wraps and nothing goes on a King. Fewest cards left wins.
Setting up
Shuffle a full deck. Deal 35 cards face up in seven columns of five, overlapping so that you can read every card. Turn one more card face up beside them: this is the waste pile. The 16 left over form the stock.
The one rule that matters
Look at the bottom card in each column — the one that is not overlapped. If one of them is exactly one rank above or one rank below the card on top of the waste, you may move it there. That new card becomes the target. Suits and colors are ignored.
| Rule | This game |
|---|---|
| Ace and King connect | No — Ace links to 2 only |
| Cards played on a King | None; the King stops play |
| Playable cards | Bottom card of a column only |
| Redeals | None |
When nothing fits
Turn the next stock card face up onto the waste pile. It may open a whole new set of options, or it may be a King that blocks everything. There are only sixteen draws available and each one costs you the chance to use it later.
Counting your result
The round ends when you have cleared the columns, or when the stock is empty and no bottom card can be played. Count the cards left in the columns. Lower is better.
| Cards left, 0 stock left | Score equals cards left |
|---|---|
| Columns cleared, stock cards remain | Score is minus the stock count |
| Counted as a win | Columns completely cleared |
One column, played through
This sample shows only the bottom card of four columns, since those are the only ones you can play.
Step 1 of 7
Start
The waste is a 6. The bottoms are 5, 9, 7 and Jack. Two of them, the 5 and the 7, are within one step.
Common slips
- Trying to play a card from higher up a column.
- Expecting a King to link with an Ace.
- Using a draw while a column still holds a free play.
- Starting the longest run last instead of first.
If you enjoy this rhythm, TriPeaks adds a wrap and a score for streaks.
Golf Solitaire rules FAQ
Can I play a Queen on a King?
Not in this version. We use the strict rule that a King on the waste pile stops play, so you must draw. If you have played other versions where a Queen can follow a King, expect a few more dead ends here.
Does an Ace connect to a 2 only?
Yes. Ace is low, so it links to a 2 and nothing else. It does not link to a King.
Can I take a card from the middle of a column?
No. Only the bottom card of each column, the one with nothing below it, can be played.
Why is my score negative?
That is the best result. When you remove every card from the columns, each card left in the stock counts as one point below zero.
Is it okay to stop with cards remaining?
Yes. The round ends when the stock is empty and nothing fits. Your score is simply the count left, and you can try for a lower one next time.