Golf Solitaire is a free card game where you clear seven columns by playing cards that are one rank higher or lower than the card on the waste pile. Play nine holes and try to finish each one with as few cards left as you can. It runs in your browser with no download or sign up, works on phones and computers, and keeps working offline once loaded.
Inspired by: Golf, the classic single deck solitaire card game.
How to play Golf Solitaire
- Seven columns each hold five face up cards. Only the bottom card of each column can be played.
- The waste pile shows one card. Tap a column's bottom card if it is one rank higher or lower. Suits do not matter.
- There is no wrapping around. A king cannot be played on an ace, and an ace cannot be played on a king.
- When you are stuck, tap the stock to turn a new card onto the waste pile.
- A hole ends when the columns are empty, or when the stock is empty and no card can be played.
- Play nine holes. Each card you clear earns points, and chains of plays without drawing build a streak bonus.
Controls
- Keyboard: Left and right arrows move the cursor across the columns and the stock. Space or Enter plays the card, B draws from the stock and U undoes.
- Mouse: Click the bottom card of a column to play it. Click the stock to draw. Click Undo to step back.
- Touch screen: Tap a card to play it, tap the stock to draw, and tap Undo to step back.
Tips to score higher
- Before you play, look for a long run. Choose the card that opens up the next play.
- Think about which ranks you need. If many cards in the tableau are high, keep the waste pile high too.
- Kings and aces are awkward because they only link to one neighbour. Plan for them early.
- Draw from the stock only when you must. Every card you keep is one more chance to extend a streak.
- Use Undo to learn. Trying another order often shows a better route.
The story behind Golf Solitaire
Golf is one of many patience or solitaire card games, which are played by one person with a standard deck of cards. Solitaire games became popular in Europe in the late 1700s and later spread everywhere, including to India, where card games have always been a family favourite. Golf takes its name from the way the game is scored: just like a round of golf, you try to finish each hole with as little as possible, here the number of cards left, and you add them up over nine holes. If you ever killed time on a train or on a summer afternoon with a deck of cards, this game will feel right at home.
Questions players ask
Is Golf Solitaire free to play?
Yes. It is free with no sign up, no download and no purchases.
Do suits matter in Golf?
No. You only look at the rank. A card is playable if it is one higher or one lower than the card on the waste pile.
Can a king be played on an ace?
No. In this version ranks do not wrap around, so kings and aces only link to one neighbour.
How does the scoring work?
You earn points for every card you clear, with a bonus for long chains and for clearing a whole hole. The scorecard shows the cards left on each hole.
Can I play offline?
Yes. Open the page once with internet and it keeps working without a connection.