TreeCardGames Blog

Rules of the Golf Solitaire Game. One Deck vs. Two Decks Compared

Golf Solitaire is a straightforward yet engaging card game that challenges players to clear a tableau of cards by moving them in sequence onto a waste pile. Originating over a century ago under the name "One Foundation," the game evolved with rules that encourage strategic thinking while maintaining a relaxing pace.

The story behind Golf Solitaire highlights its adaptability and enduring appeal, with rule changes such as the introduction of wrap-around moves from King to Ace significantly improving gameplay. When it comes to the number of decks used, playing with one deck is generally easier and more common than using two decks, as a single deck keeps the game simpler and more manageable. Two-deck versions can add complexity and reduce the chances of clearing the tableau, making them a more challenging variant.

Understanding these rules and the game’s history offers insight into why Golf Solitaire remains popular among casual players and puzzle enthusiasts alike. Exploring the differences between one deck and two decks sheds light on how variations can shift the balance between skill and difficulty.

Understanding Golf Solitaire

Key Concept and Objective

Golf Solitaire challenges the player to remove cards from the tableau by creating sequences. Cards can be moved if they are one rank higher or lower than the card on the discard pile, regardless of suit. The goal is to clear all cards from the tableau or leave as few cards as possible.

The game rewards careful planning and foresight since not all moves are beneficial. Players must often decide between immediate gains and setting up future plays. Skill plays a bigger role here than in many other solitaire games, where randomness tends to dominate.

Origins and Unique Terminology

Golf Solitaire originally began as a game called One Foundation around 1905. The early version focused on playing cards onto a single pile, known as the foundation, but without the golfing theme.”

Terms like tableau (the columns of cards) and foundation (the discard pile) are standard across solitaire but gained distinct meaning in Golf Solitaire due to its setup. The wraparound rule, allowing an Ace to follow a King and vice versa, is a modern adaptation that improved playability and win rates.

Basic Tabletop Layout

Golf Solitaire uses a standard 52-card deck dealt into seven columns, each with five overlapping cards. All cards face up, but only the topmost card in each column is available for play at any time. The remaining deck forms the stock, which feeds cards onto the discard pile one at a time.

This layout creates a clear structure for play. Players must focus on uncovering and removing cards in sequence while managing limited visibility and access. The tableau’s uniform card exposure distinguishes Golf Solitaire from games that hide cards below the surface, placing more importance on decision-making.

Gameplay Sequence

Play starts with the single card in the waste pile. Players try to remove cards from the tableau by placing cards on the waste pile in a chain of ascending or descending order.

They may place cards one rank higher or lower than the top card of the waste pile regardless of suit. For instance, a 5 can be followed by a 4 or 6.

In “Golf Easy”, the Ace is special, considered both high and low. This means players can "go around the corner" by placing a King on an Ace or a Ace on an King.

If no playable cards remain in the tableau, the player flips the next card from the stock pile onto the waste pile and continues.

The round ends when both the stock and playable tableau cards have been exhausted.

How to Move and Remove Cards

Only cards that are fully exposed in the tableau can be moved to the waste pile. Cards beneath others must be freed first.

Suit does not restrict moves in Golf Solitaire. The focus is purely on rank sequencing.

One Deck vs. Two Decks: Which Is Easier?

Golf Solitaire can be played using either one or two decks, each affecting the structure and difficulty of the game. Differences in gameplay, unique challenges, and strategy adjustments arise depending on the number of decks used.

Gameplay Differences

When playing with one deck, the game uses a single 52-card deck with a tableau typically arranged in seven columns of five cards each, all face-up. The foundation pile begins with one card flipped from the stockpile, and players build sequences by moving cards one rank higher or lower onto it.

Using two decks increases the total cards to 104, expanding the tableau size and stockpile. This often results in more columns, which can change the game's pace. The presence of duplicate ranks and suits can either increase move options or add complexity, depending on how the tableau spreads.

The core rule—moving cards one rank above or below the foundation—remains the same, but with two decks, players encounter more duplicate cards and a larger stockpile to work through, altering the flow and length of the game.

Challenges and Advantages of Each

Playing with one deck is generally simpler due to fewer cards and a more compact tableau. It demands careful planning, since there are no duplicate cards to fall back on. The smaller stockpile means fewer chances for recovery once moves are exhausted.

Two decks offer a larger tableau and more stockpile cards, which can provide more move options but also require handling increased information and card combinations. The chance of “blocking” cards becomes higher because duplicates can occupy crucial slots in the tableau, complicating gameplay.

One-deck games generally finish faster, while two-deck games tend to require longer attention spans and focus. Both formats reward patience, but two decks demand better management of the increased complexity.

Strategy Implications

In one-deck Golf Solitaire, strategy revolves around maximizing chain moves within a limited card pool and carefully deciding when to use stockpile cards. Tracking the order and rank of cards is vital because once a card is played, its duplicates don’t exist.

With two decks, strategy shifts toward handling duplicates. Players must identify opportunities to sequence multiple identical ranks to open columns and create longer chain reactions. Counting cards and estimating which duplicates remain, becomes more important due to the increased card volume.

Players using two decks need to monitor stockpile usage more closely, as wasteful draws can deplete the larger pool quickly. In both versions, keeping tableau columns balanced and planning moves to avoid early stockpile depletion are essential to success.

Golf Solitaire in Modern Play

Golf Solitaire has evolved notably in its methods of play, blending traditional card tactics with digital accessibility. Players can explore the game across multiple platforms.

Online Versions

Golf Solitaire is widely available on digital platforms, including online gaming websites. These versions replicate the classic rules, often adding features like undo buttons, hints, and customizable themes. Some apps allow players to track scores and challenge themselves to beat previous bests.

Digital play often supports variations, such as one-deck or two-deck formats, with automated shuffling and fast card dealing. This accessibility makes it easier for beginners to learn and for experienced players to practice strategies efficiently without manual setup.