The golf card game has been around for ages. It’s a classic card game that’s fun for the whole family. If you’ve never played before, don’t worry – as a professional custom game cards printing manufacturer, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get started.
What is Golf Card Game?
The golf card game is a simple card game where the goal is to get the lowest score, just like in the actual sport of golf. It’s usually played with a standard deck of 52 cards plus jokers. Each player tries to lower the point value of the cards in their hand by drawing and discarding strategically over a series of rounds (or “holes”).
It may sound basic, but there’s more subtle strategy involved than you might think! Trust me though – this easy card game is fun for kids and adults alike. Let’s go over the basics so you can get playing!
How to Play Golf Card Game
Here’s a quick step-by-step overview of how to play a basic game of golf with 3-6 players:
Step 1: Deal the Cards
Use one deck of cards for 3-4 players. For 5 or more players, shuffle together multiple decks.
The dealer deals each player 6 cards face down. Players arrange them into two rows of three cards.
Step 2: Flip and Draw
Each player turns two of their cards face up. The rest stay face down.
Take turns drawing one card from either the discard pile or undealt cards.
Step 3: Swap Cards
You can swap the newly drawn card with one of the cards in your hand, replacing one of your face-down cards.
Discard the old swapped out card face-up on top the discard pile.
Step 4: Score Cards
The goal is to make pairs and get low card values. When done, add up points based on card values. Lowest score wins!
Play 9 rounds like a golf course, tracking scores after each round.
That covers the game basics! Now let’s go over some key specifics…
Golf Card Game Rules and Setup
Golf card game rules can vary slightly depending on who you play with, but here is the most common way to set up and play:
How Many Players?
- Golf plays best with 3-6 players. It works with 2 players or up to 8 players if you use multiple decks.
What You Need
- 1 standard 52 card deck with jokers for 3-4 players
- Add another deck or two for more players
- Pen and paper to track scores
Card Values and Scoring
- Ace: 1 point
- 2-10: Face value
- Jack/Queen: 10 points
- King: 0 points
- Joker: -2 points
- Pair: 0 points (pairs in the same column)
*See the complete rules for scoring cards below.
Set Up and Dealing
First, decide dealer and which player goes first. Shuffle the cards thoroughly.
The dealer then deals 6 cards face down to each player, arranged neatly into two rows of three cards. Place the remaining deck face down as the draw pile, flipping over the top card to begin the discard pile beside it.
Flipping and Drawing Cards
To start, every player turns any two of their cards face up. Don’t show anyone!
On your turn, draw either the top card of the draw pile or the top discard card. You can swap this for one of your cards, discarding the replaced down card face up.
The goal is to make strategic choices to create pairs and improve your hand!
How to Play Rounds and End the Golf Card Game
Now let’s talk about wrapping up rounds and finishing a full game of golf:
Ending a Round
In golf card game rules, a round ends when one player has all cards face up. Other players get one final turn, then you total all the points to get your score for that round.
Shuffle and deal new hands to start the next round!
Game Length
The standard golf card game length is 9 full rounds, with scores tracked per round like a golf course. Some play up to 18 rounds.
Instead of a set number of rounds, you can also agree to play until:
- Someone reaches an agreed total score, like 100 points
- A player wins a set number of rounds
- Players get tired of playing!
Determining the Winner
The player with the LOWEST total score after all rounds is the winner! Have everyone tally their scores per round to determine the best golfer.
In a tie, either share the victory or play another quick round as a tiebreaker.
And that covers gameplay from start to finish! Next let’s look closer at scoring and strategy…
Scoring Cards Correctly
Scoring is where golf card game strategy comes into play. To tally points, here are the key card values:
Kings: 0 points
Queens/Jacks: 10 points
Aces: 1 point
Jokers: -2 points
Number cards: Face value
In addition:
Pairs: If you have a pair in the same column, they cancel out to 0 points. This is a key tactic!
Example: You have a 5 and 8 in one column (13 points). In another column you have two Queens (0 points). Your total score is just 13.
When you correctly follow golf scoring rules and make pairs, you lower your score dramatically.
NOTE: Some alternate rules make pairs score 0 points no matter what column they are in. Decide rules before starting!
Golf Card Game Strategy
There is skill beyond just luck in golf card games. Follow these tips to master golf card game strategy:
Aim for Pairs
Getting a pair in the same column is the easiest way drop points dramatically Remember, a pair equals 0!
Keep Low Numbered Cards
If you don’t have pairs, keep cards toward ace or two when possible, avoiding face cards like jacks and kings.
Watch Discards
Pay attention to discards from other players on their turns before you draw. You may find a pair or can block them from a pair.
Risk Replacing Down Cards
It can be worth the gamble swapping in unknown face-down cards if you have high scoring up cards. Just don’t get too risky leaving it to chance!
Key End Game Play
Near the end, aggressively replace high cards since it’s your last chance. And time your pairs carefully based who might end the round.
Follow these tips, practice often, and soon you’ll be a golf card game shark!
Now let’s cover some final notes on rules and variations…
Golf Card Game Variations
While you now know the standard golf card game rules, people play with minor variations:
Jokers
Some games use 2 jokers per deck. Jokers have a high point value, like -5 or -10.
Bonuses
Additional rules can have bonuses or penalties. Like if a player gets 4 of a kind, opponents get +10 points.
Layouts
You can play golf card games with more cards – like 8 or 10 cards instead of 6. Just add more decks and adjust layout size.
Pair Locations
Rather than pairs only counting in a column, some rules count pairs anywhere in your layout. Decide what you like before starting!
The great thing about golf card games is you can tinker with the rules once you understand the basics. That wraps up this complete beginner’s guide to playing golf card games. Just gather 2-6 players, grab a deck of cards, and enjoy this super fun classic game!
Let me know in the comments if you have any other questions. And if you try golf card games, share your thoughts on how you liked it. Maybe you’ll discover some new rule variations to try on your next game night!