Golf Card Game

Golf is a fast draw-and-discard card game where, just like on the course, the lowest score wins. This is the classic six-card version: you get a face-down grid of six cards, swap better cards into it one turn at a time, and try to pair up matching cards in each column. Play the Golf card game online free against one, two or three computer players, with no download or sign-up, on desktop or on your phone.

How to play

Each hole starts with a fresh deal from one 52-card deck. Every player gets six cards face down in two rows of three. The next card starts the discard pile and the rest form the stock. Before anyone plays, you turn any two of your cards face up.

• Draw or take. On your turn, draw the top card of the stock, or take the top card of the discard pile.
• Swap. Put the card into any spot in your grid. The card it replaces goes face up on the discard pile, even if it was face down and you never saw it.
• Or discard and flip. A card drawn from the stock can be thrown straight onto the discard pile instead. If you do that, you must turn one of your face-down cards up (unless only one is left).
• No take-backs. A card taken from the discard pile has to go into your grid; you can’t discard it again. Put back undoes a mistaken take.
• The last round. As soon as one player has all six cards face up, every other player gets one more turn. Then all cards are revealed and the hole is scored.

If the stock ever runs out, the discard pile (minus its top card) is shuffled into a new stock so play can continue.

Scoring

• Ace: 1 point
• Two: minus 2 points
• Three to ten: face value
• Jack or queen: 10 points
• King: 0 points
• Two cards of the same rank in the same column (one above the other): 0 for the pair, whatever the rank

A game is nine holes, or 18 if you pick the longer option on the start screen. Each player’s hole scores are added up and the lowest total wins. Your games won, your best total and your best single hole are saved in your browser, and an unfinished game can be continued later.

Strategy tips

• Pairs beat low cards. A pair of jacks in one column scores zero, the same as a pair of kings. Once you have a high card face up, a matching card for that column is often worth more than a random low card.
• Kings and twos are gold. A king is worth nothing and a two takes points off your score. Grab them from the discard pile whenever you have a spot for them. Keep two twos in different columns, though: a pair of twos in one column scores 0, not minus 4.
• Watch the discard pile. Every card you throw away is a card the next player can take. Don’t hand them the queen that completes their pair.
• Don’t rush to go out. Turning your last card up gives everyone else one final turn while you sit still. Go out when your total is clearly lower than what your opponents are showing, not just because you can.
• Replace the unknowns. A face-down card is worth a bit over 5 points on average. Swapping a low card in for an unseen one is usually a good deal, while swapping a 9 in blind usually isn’t.

FAQ

Is the Golf card game free to play?

Yes. It’s completely free with no account and no install. Hit New game to pick your opponents and game length.

Is this the same as Golf Solitaire?

No. Golf Solitaire is a one-player patience game where you clear columns by playing cards one rank up or down. The Golf card game is a draw-and-discard game against other players with a six-card grid. If you want the solo version, try Golf Solitaire.

Do the computer players cheat?

No. The computer players only use what is on the table: their own face-up cards, the discard pile and the cards you have turned up. They never look at face-down cards, theirs or yours.

Does a pair of twos score minus 4?

Not in this version. Any matching pair in a column scores 0, including twos. Some house rules let a pair of twos keep its minus 4, but the standard six-card game scores every pair as zero.

Can I play on a phone or Chromebook?

Yes. Tap the stock or the discard pile to draw, then tap one of your cards to swap. On a keyboard, D draws, T takes the discard, 1 to 6 pick a card in your grid and X discards.

Like draw-and-discard card games? Try Crazy Eights next, or browse our list of the best free card games online.