Golf

A fast-paced solitaire game where you clear the tableau by playing cards one rank higher or lower than the foundation card. Simple rules, but with only 17 cards in the stock and no way to reuse them, winning requires careful planning.

The Deal#

35 cards are dealt face-up into seven columns of five cards each, with cards slightly overlapping so all are visible. The remaining 17 cards form the stock, and the top card is flipped to start the foundation pile.

The Layout#

• Tableau: Seven columns of five face-up cards. Only the bottom (exposed) card of each column is available to play.
• Foundation: A single pile where you play cards from the tableau. Cards must be one rank higher or lower than the top card.
• Stock: The remaining cards, used one at a time when you have no tableau moves.

Rules#

1. Playing to the Foundation: Move any exposed tableau card that is one rank higher or lower than the top foundation card, regardless of suit. For example, if the foundation shows a 6, you can play any 5 or 7.
2. Building Sequences: Cards can be played up or down freely. If you play an 8 on a 9, you can then play a 7 or another 9.
3. Using the Stock: When no tableau cards can be played, flip a card from the stock to the foundation. This becomes the new card to match against.
4. No Moving Between Columns: Cards cannot be moved between tableau columns or to empty spaces. They can only go to the foundation.
5. Single Cards Only: Cards are moved one at a time.
6. Winning: Clear all cards from the tableau before the stock runs out.

Card Ranking#

Cards rank in sequence: A-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-J-Q-K

In standard Golf, Aces and Kings are dead ends. You cannot wrap from King to Ace or Ace to King. This makes Aces and Kings particularly tricky to clear.

Variants#

Soliteur offers three Golf variants with different wrapping rules:

• Standard: No wrapping allowed. Aces can only pair with 2s, Kings can only pair with Queens. The classic, most challenging version.
• Relaxed: Wrapping is allowed, so you can play an Ace on a King or a King on an Ace. This makes the game significantly easier.
• Putt Putt: Wrapping allowed, plus you can play any card when the foundation is empty (if you clear it completely). The most forgiving variant.

Strategy Tips#

• Scan the tableau first: With all cards visible, plan your moves before starting. Look for sequences you can chain together.
• Maximize each play: When you have multiple options, choose the card that opens up more follow-up moves.
• Watch your Aces and Kings: In Standard mode, these can only pair with one rank each (2s and Queens). Keep track of how many pairing cards remain.
• Save the stock: Only draw from the stock when you have no tableau moves. Every stock card you save is another chance to continue when stuck.
• Keep columns balanced: Don’t focus on clearing single columns. Working across all columns keeps more cards available.