Golf Card Game Strategy
Master the art of Golf with these proven strategies. Whether you're just starting out or looking to improve, these tips will help you lower your score and win more games.
Tips for Beginners
1. Prioritize Low-Value Cards
Always swap out high cards (Jacks, Queens, 10s) for lower ones when possible. Kings (0 points) and 2s (-2 points) are your best friends—grab them whenever you see them!
2. Watch the Discard Pile
Pay attention to what other players are discarding. If someone throws away a King or a 2, consider taking it on your next turn. The discard pile is public information—use it!
3. Plan for Vertical Pairs
Remember that matching cards in the same vertical column score 0 points. If you have a high card face-up, try to pair it with another of the same value in the column below it. This can turn a 10-point card into 0 points!
4. Don't Rush to Flip Cards
You don't need to flip all your cards quickly. Sometimes it's better to keep cards face-down until you know what you want to swap them with. The last player to flip all cards gets one final turn, so there's no penalty for being strategic.
Intermediate Strategies
Column Management
Think of your grid as three columns, not six individual cards. When you swap a card, consider:
- What's already in that column?
- Can you create a pair by placing a matching card?
- Is this column already low-value, or does it need work?
Discard Pile Strategy
When you draw from the discard pile, you must swap it. This means:
- Only take from discard if you have a good swap target
- Use it to complete pairs or replace high cards
- Be careful—other players can see what you're taking
Timing Your Flips
The player who flips all cards first ends the hole. Consider:
- If you're ahead, you might want to end the hole quickly
- If you're behind, keep cards face-down to get more turns
- Sometimes it's worth taking a slightly worse card to end the hole on your terms
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Ignoring the pair rule
Don't forget that vertical pairs score 0. Always look for opportunities to pair cards!
Flipping cards too quickly
There's no rush. Keep cards face-down until you have a good swap planned.
Not watching the discard pile
Other players' discards tell you what they don't want—valuable information!
Swapping without a plan
Every swap should have a purpose: lower your score, create a pair, or set up a future play.
Advanced Tips
Memory and Tracking
Try to remember which cards have been played, especially Kings and 2s. If you've seen several Kings already, there are fewer left in the deck.
Risk vs. Reward
Sometimes it's worth taking a risk. If you have a 10 and see another 10 in the discard pile, taking it to create a pair (0 points) is better than keeping the single 10 (10 points).
Endgame Strategy
In the final holes, every point counts. Be extra careful with your swaps and prioritize absolute value over potential pairs if you're close to winning.
Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to improve is to play! Try different strategies and see what works for you.