Game Rules
Golf SolitaireOne card higher or lower

A fast-paced solitaire game where cards are discarded in ascending or descending order.

Players1
Duration5 – 10 Min
Deck52 Cards · 1 Deck
LevelEasy
I · Game Idea

One Card
at a Time

I

Golf Solitaire is quick to explain: 7 tableau columns with 5 face-up cards each. A card from the tableau can be placed on the discard pile if it is exactly one value higher or lower.

Aces and Kings are not connected in the standard rules – the sequence breaks at these ends.

II · Preparation

Before the
Game Begins

II
1
Set up the Tableau
7 columns with 5 cards each, all face-up – no hidden cards.
2
Start Discard Pile
Turn over one card from the remaining deck – it starts the discard pile.
3
Remaining Deck
Remaining cards face down for drawing.
Before You Start

Plan which tableau card you need next – sometimes it's worth skipping a suitable card to reveal a more important one.

III · Card Values
How to Play
Cards
III
±1
One higher/lower
Any suit
A tableau card can be placed on the discard pile if its value is exactly 1 higher or lower.
A|K
No Wrap-Around
Sequence breaks
Ace and King are not connected in the standard rules – the sequence ends after the King or Ace.
Z
New Card
From the pile
No matching tableau card: reveal and play a new card from the draw pile.
∅
No Suit Rule
Any suit
The suit plays no role at all when discarding – only the numerical value counts.
IV · Gameplay

Turn by
Turn

IV
1
Check Tableau
Which open tableau cards match the top discard pile card?
2
Play Card
Place a matching card (one value higher or lower) on the discard pile.
3
Reveal More Cards
With each tableau card played, the card beneath it becomes visible.
4
Draw Card
No matching card in the tableau: reveal a new card from the draw pile.
5
Win
All 35 tableau cards have moved to the discard pile. The game ends unsuccessfully if neither the tableau nor the draw pile allows a move.
V · Variants
Variants
V

Golf Solitaire has several well-known simplifications.

U
With Wrap-Around
Ace and King are considered connected – significantly simplifies the game.
9
Nine Holes
Nine consecutive rounds like a real golf round.
∅
Unlimited Drawing
Allowed to go through the draw pile any number of times.
T
Tri Peaks
Related game with a triangular instead of rectangular tableau shape.
VI · Tips & Tricks

What really
matters

VI
Strategy Tips
+

Plan which tableau card you really need next – sometimes it's worth taking a short break to reveal a more important card.

+

Prioritize revealing lower-lying cards in the longer columns, as they open up more subsequent options.

+

Keep the draw pile in mind, especially with limited passes – plan which values will become available next.

+

In the wrap-around variant: actively use the connection between Ace and King to resolve otherwise stuck positions.

Common Mistakes
–

Carelessly playing every matching card immediately without considering which tableau card will be revealed next.

–

Forgetting the standard Ace-King break rule and mistakenly assuming a wrap-around connection.

–

Ignoring columns with many remaining cards, even though they usually offer the most important strategic options.

–

Going through the draw pile too carelessly, without considering the limited number of passes in many variants.

Berlin Hold'em · Matching Decks
Get the right deck

Golf Solitaire is fast and relaxing – playable anytime with a clear deck.

View all designs →
20s Playing Cards – Twin Pack For larger rounds and long game nights. View product Viking Playing Cards – Twin Pack Two decks, suitable for 5+ players. View product
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