How to play Six Card Golf

Six Card Golf is the card game families play around the kitchen table and at the lake: two to six players, one deck, and a scorecard just like golf. The lowest score wins.

The deal

Everyone gets six cards face down, in two rows of three. Nobody looks. To start, each player turns over any two of their cards. The rest of the deck is the draw pile, and one card starts the face-up pile next to it.

Your turn

• Take the top card of the pile, or draw from the deck.
• Swap it for any one of your six cards, face up or face down. The card you take out goes on the pile, face up.
• A card from the deck you may also throw away on the pile. Then turn over one of your face-down cards.

What the cards count

• Ace 1, number cards their number, Jacks and Queens 10.
• A King is 0 and a 2 is minus 2: keep them.
• Two cards of the same rank in one column, top and bottom, count zero. Two Queens in a column are worth nothing at all.

The end of a hole

When a player has all six cards face up, everyone else gets one last turn. Then every card turns over and each player adds up their six. A full game is nine holes; pick three for a quick one. The lowest total wins.

Tips for a lower score

1. The pile is a sure thing. A low card on the pile is worth taking: you know exactly what you get.
2. Build pairs. A matching card above or below one you have turns both into zero.
3. Mind the 2s and Kings. They lower your score; do not swap them away.
4. Do not go out too early. If your face-up cards are still high, turning your last card ends the hole for everyone.
5. Watch the next player. Do not throw them the card that completes their pair.

Today's hole

Every day there is one Daily Hole against two computer players, the same deal for everyone. Score as low as you can and see how you compare with everyone who played today.

Questions

Is this the same as Golf Solitaire? No. Golf Solitaire is a one-player game with seven columns. This is the family card game for two to six.

Can I play with friends? Yes. Choose "Play with friends" and send the link, or read out the four-letter table code. Play together right now, or a turn at a time over a few days. The computer fills open seats.

Do I need an account? No. Your game is saved in this browser, so you can close the page and come back.