How Do You Play Golf the Card Game? Rules, Setup, and Winning Strategies

Golf isn’t just played on the course—it’s also a fun and easy-to-learn card game enjoyed by families and friends. This guide explains how to play Golf the card game, including rules, setup, scoring, and strategies for winning.

What Is Golf the Card Game?

A popular card game for 2–6 players
Objective: End the game with the lowest score
Played in multiple rounds, usually 9 or 18 (like golf holes)

What You Need

One or two standard 52-card decks (use two decks for 4+ players)
Paper and pencil for scoring

Setup

Deal each player 6 cards face down in two rows of three
Players do not look at their cards yet
Place the remaining deck in the center as the draw pile; flip the top card to start the discard pile

How to Play

1. Each player turns over any two of their six cards. 2. On your turn, draw a card from the draw or discard pile. 3. You may: – Replace one of your face-down cards with the drawn card (discard the replaced card) – Or discard the drawn card 4. The goal is to create the lowest total score by the end of the round. 5. Play continues clockwise until one player has all cards face up, then each other player gets one final turn.

Scoring

Aces = 1 point
2–10 = face value
Jacks/Queens = 10 points
Kings = 0 points

– Add up the value of all six cards for each player. – Lowest total score wins the round. – Play multiple rounds; lowest total score at the end wins the game.

Tips and Strategies

Remember which cards you’ve seen and where they are
Replace high cards with lower ones when possible
Watch opponents’ moves to guess their cards
Try to end the round when you have a low score

Variations

4-card, 9-card, and 12-card versions exist
Some play with special rules for matching pairs or columns

Conclusion

Golf the card game is easy to learn and fun for all ages. With simple rules and plenty of strategy, it’s a great way to enjoy a “round of golf” at the table!

—Key Takeaways:

Objective: lowest score after several rounds
Replace high cards with low ones
Remember card positions and watch opponents
Try different variations for more fun

For more on Golf the card game, see this Bicycle Cards guide to Golf.