How to win Golf Solitaire: one long run at a time
4 min read ·
Golf Solitaire deals seven columns of five face-up cards. You clear them by playing the bottom card of a column onto the waste whenever it's one rank higher or lower. Everything is visible, so Golf is about planning the longest run you can before you draw.
Every deal on Puzzimo is checked by a solver and can be cleared. Here's how to find the line.
The rules
- Seven columns of five cards, all face up.
- Move the bottom card of any column onto the waste if it's one rank higher or lower than the waste card. Suits don't matter.
- King and Ace don't connect in Golf: you can't go from King to Ace or Ace to King.
- When nothing fits, draw from the stock. Clear all seven columns to win.
Plan the longest run
Since every card is face up, you can trace a run before you play it. From the waste card, follow the possible bottom cards up and down, and see which order clears the most. A run that zigzags (6, 7, 6, 5, 4) can use cards from several columns.
Free the cards you'll need
When two moves are equally good now, prefer the column that hides the card you'll need next. Clearing the bottom of a column reveals the card above it; if that card continues your run, you've won a move for free.
Save your draws
The stock is the only way out when a run ends, so every draw counts. Don't draw while you still have a play, and when you do draw, look at the new waste card and plan the next run from it before touching anything.
Practise
Tap the bottom card of a column to play it, or tap the stock to draw. Undo draws on your shared undo balance (three free a day). Every deal can be won, and results are ranked by time.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play an Ace on a King in Golf Solitaire?
No. Unlike TriPeaks, Golf doesn't wrap around, so a run stops at King or Ace in that direction.
What's the best strategy for Golf Solitaire?
Trace the longest possible run before you play, prefer moves that uncover the cards you'll need next, and only draw from the stock when nothing else fits.
Is Golf Solitaire luck or skill?
Mostly skill: every card is face up from the start, so you can plan your runs. On Puzzimo every deal is also checked to be winnable.