Golf Card Game

• ⛳️  How to Play Golf Card Game
• 🏌️‍♂️  10 Phase Rules
• 🎲  Golf Card Game Variations
• 👾  FAQs about Golf Card Game

The Golf card game is easy to learn but has just enough strategy to keep it interesting. It starts out light and casual, but give it a few rounds and suddenly everyone’s squinting at their grid like it owes them money.

If you need a refresher or just want to finally get the golf card game rules straight, this guide covers everything—from setup and how to play to variations and tips for keeping your score low (and your pride intact).

👉 Prefer your golf on foot and in bars? Pub Golf might be your next obsession.

How to Play Golf Card Game

The goal of the Golf card game is simple: end up with the lowest score by the end of all rounds. That means getting rid of high cards, lining up pairs, and flipping smart. It’s all about memory and timing—not just luck.

1. Deal six cards in a 2×3 grid—face down.

Each player is dealt six cards and arranges them in two rows of three. You can look at any two cards at the start. Then it’s hands off—play begins, and your memory takes over.

2. Set up the draw and discard piles.

Place the rest of the deck in the center as a draw pile. Flip one card next to it to start a discard pile. This setup works for both casual games and official golf card rules.

3. On your turn, draw and decide.

Pick up the top card from either the draw or discard pile. Then either:

• Swap it with a face-down card (replacing it face-up), or
• Discard it and flip one of your own face-down cards.

4. Match cards in columns to cancel points.

Two matching cards vertically in a column = 0 points. Think of it as the card game Golf’s version of a hole-in-one.

5. End the round by flipping all six cards.

Once a player reveals all their cards, everyone else gets one last turn before the round ends. Then it’s time to total up.

6. Scoring: low is good.

• Aces = 1 point
• Twos = -2 points (yes, that’s a minus!)
• 3–10 = Face value
• Jacks/Queens = 10 points
• Kings = 0 points

Lowest score wins the round. High scorers get roasted until next round.

👉 Golf isn’t the only game where strategy pays off — check out Phase 10.

Golf Card Game Rules

The official card game Golf rules are flexible enough for house tweaks, but the basic structure stays the same: score low, match smart, and keep your poker face sharp.

1. Twos and Kings are your best friends.

Twos give you negative points; Kings score nothing. If you draw one, hold on tight. If you discard it…someone else will use it against you.

2. Don’t rush to end the round.

Revealing all your cards ends the round. Only do this if your grid is looking solid—otherwise, you’re handing everyone else a free pass.

3. Track what others discard and grab.

Watching what people pick up (or avoid) from the discard pile gives you clues. In card game Golf, memory is just as important as strategy.

4. Prioritize matching columns.

If you reveal one 9, keep an eye out for a second 9 to cancel the column. Every point saved matters in a game that can swing with a single card.

Golf Card Game Variations

Once you’ve learned how to play the Golf card game, it’s fun to switch things up. These versions bring faster rounds, added twists, or more chaos (depending on your vibe).

👉 For another card game twist, the 3-13 card game adds a party-friendly spin.

1. Four-Card Golf

Use a 2×2 grid for quicker games. Fewer cards, less time, more pressure. Ideal for short game nights or when attention spans are low.

2. Nine-Card Golf

Players use a 3×3 grid and can peek at three cards at the start. Some versions allow triple matches to score zero, or even diagonals. Great for experienced players.

3. Eighteen-Hole Golf

Exactly what it sounds like: same rules as Six-Card Golf, just played for 18 rounds instead of 9. A longer game for serious competitors.

4. Cambio (aka Cabo)

Same basic goal as Golf but with power cards. Peek, spy, swap, or even sabotage—Jokers and face cards now come with special moves.

5. Golf Solitaire

A solo version of the card game Golf. Arrange cards in columns and clear them in sequence to win. More meditative, less chaotic—but still fun.

FAQs about Golf Card Game

1. Is the card game Golf the same as Cabo or Cambio?

No, but they’re closely related. Cambio is a Golf variation with power cards that allow special moves. Same goal, different gameplay flavor.

2. Can you play the Golf card game with more than six players?

Yes, just combine two standard decks. Most golf card game rules recommend this for 4+ players to avoid running out of cards.

3. Can I look at my cards again during the round?

Nope. Only the two you peeked at in the beginning. After that, it’s all memory—unless you flip a card during your turn.

4. What are the official rules for card game Golf?

Six face-down cards in a grid, match columns to score zero, draw and discard each turn, and try to finish with the lowest score. That’s the core.

5. How long is a typical Golf card game?

Usually played over nine rounds. If you want to go full “18-hole mode,” just double the length.

6. What makes the Golf card game different from other games?

It blends memory, strategy, and just enough luck to keep things unpredictable. And unlike most games, low score = bragging rights.