Game Rules
GolfLow is good

A card game with face-up and face-down cards. Low totals and a good memory decide who wins.

Players2 – 6
Time15 – 25 min
Deck52 cards · 1–2 decks
LevelEasy to medium
I · The idea

Just like golf:
less is better

I

Golf simulates a round of golf with cards. Each player has a grid of cards (usually 2x3 or 2x4) – some face up, some face down. The goal: achieve the lowest total score.

Cards can be swapped to reduce high values. Whoever keeps the best mental track of their cards has a clear advantage.

II · Preparation

Before the
game begins

II
1
Lay out the grid
Each player gets 6 cards in a 2x3 grid in front of them, all face down.
2
Reveal two cards
At the start, each player may look at two of their six cards once and memorize them.
3
Point values
Face cards usually 10, Aces 1, number cards face value. Matching values in a column: 0 points.
Before you start

Really memorize the two revealed cards precisely – their position remains crucial for the rest of the round.

III · Card values
How to reduce
points
III
0
Column pair
0 points
Two matching values in one column (stacked): together they count 0 points.
S
Swap
Discard pile
Draw a card from the pile and swap it for one of your own cards (face up or face down).
K
King
Lowest value
In some variants the King counts only 0 points – as an exception among the face cards.
M
Memory
Key to victory
Whoever memorizes the other players' face-down cards can swap more strategically.
IV · Gameplay

Turn by
turn

IV
1
Draw a card
Draw from the face-down stock or the face-up discard pile.
2
Swap or discard
Swap the drawn card for one of your own cards, or discard it directly.
3
Build column pairs
Try to collect matching values in the same column – they count 0.
4
End the round
One player reveals all their cards – everyone else gets one last turn.
5
Count points
The lowest total score wins the round. Played over several rounds – whoever has the fewest total points at the end wins the game.
V · Variants
Variants
V

Golf is played worldwide with slightly different grid sizes.

4
2x4 grid
Eight cards instead of six – a longer, more complex game.
9
Nine holes
Nine rounds instead of a fixed number – like a real round of golf.
J
Jokers wild
Jokers can replace any card, including for column pairs.
∅
No preview
Stricter variant: no cards may be looked at at the start.
VI · Tips & tricks

What really
matters

VI
Strategy tips
+

Memorize the position of your revealed cards precisely – you'll need them for the rest of the round to swap strategically.

+

Actively try to build column pairs – two matching values stacked count 0 points, regardless of the actual card value.

+

Watch which cards other players take from the discard pile – it reveals which values they probably need in their grid.

+

Don't end the round too early – wait until your total is genuinely low before revealing all your cards.

Common mistakes
–

Forgetting the position of your own revealed cards – it makes targeted swapping almost impossible.

–

Keeping high cards too long, hoping to complete a column pair that never comes.

–

Completely ignoring the other players' cards – their behavior gives valuable clues about their own score.

–

Ending the round too early, even though there was still a realistic chance to lower your own score further.

Berlin Hold'em · Matching decks
Get the right deck

Golf takes a good memory – easier to master with clear, readable cards.

View all designs →
20s Playing Cards – Double Pack For bigger groups and long game nights. View product Viking Playing Cards – Double Pack Two decks, ideal for 5+ players. View product
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