How to play Golf
A practical guide to the objective, legal flow, and decisions that matter in this playable version.
Objective
Golf Solitaire is won by clearing the tableau columns. You may remove an exposed card when its rank is exactly one higher or one lower than the current waste card, regardless of suit. When no move remains, turn the next stock card.
How a turn works
Select an uncovered tableau card adjacent in rank to the waste. Continue the chain as long as a legal exposed card exists. Aces connect to Twos, and the table indicates the supported King/Ace wrap rule for this version. Draw from the stock only after checking every exposed card.
Strategy that changes the outcome
The best chain is not always the longest immediate chain. Prefer a route that uncovers new cards in several columns, and compare both directions before choosing. Preserve a rank that can bridge two groups later, and delay the stock when a shorter tableau route creates more future options.
First decision: Remove cards in long one-rank chains and preserve a playable stock card when several tableau choices are available.
A common mistake to avoid
Players often draw too quickly after seeing no obvious move. Recheck both one-rank directions and newly exposed column cards before spending a finite stock card.
Three useful table habits
- Trace a possible chain mentally before playing its first card.
- Favour moves that expose the deepest covered column.
- Treat each stock turn as a limited reset, not a routine action.
A question players ask
Do suits matter in Golf Solitaire?
No. Legal moves are based on rank, not suit. What matters is whether an exposed tableau card is one step above or below the waste card and whether the selected sequence opens useful cards.
About this guide
We compare the rules shown in the game with the implemented legal moves, complete representative deals, and review desktop and mobile presentation. If a house rule changes play, the in-game How to play panel takes precedence. Read How games are researched and tested.