Frequently asked questions about Golf
Are all Golf deals winnable?
No. Deal GO1-C-AAAAAAH cannot be won: even with optimal play, 4 cards remain on the tableau, as proven by a program that tries every sequence of moves. The app does not tell you this during the game: it has neither hints nor a solver.
What is the difference between Easy and Classic?
On Easy, the app's default rules, the King and Ace are consecutive: an Ace can be placed on a King, and a King on an Ace. On Classic, they are separate, as in the traditional rules. The same deal can be winnable on Easy and unwinnable on Classic: AAAAAAH is one such deal.
When should you draw?
The app lets you draw at any time, but each of the 16 cards can be used only once, and the stock is not recycled. Drawing too early wastes a card. Before drawing, check whether an available card can still be played on the waste.
How is the score calculated?
Each card removed from the tableau earns 10 points; drawing earns none. A winning game is therefore worth 350 points, with no bonus for cards left in the stock. If the game becomes blocked, the app deducts 10 points for each card left on the tableau, without letting the score fall below zero.
What happens when no more moves are possible?
When the stock is empty and no available card can be played on the waste, the game is blocked. The app applies the end-of-game penalty and displays “No more moves possible”. You can then undo moves or start a new game.
What is the game code for?
Each deal has a code, such as GO1-E-AAAAAAB, displayed during the game. Pasting it into the New Game window deals exactly the same cards under the same rules: you can replay a deal or give it to someone else to try. The middle letter indicates the rules: E for Easy, C for Classic.
Can you undo a move?
Yes, the app keeps the last 100 actions, including removals and draws. Undo restores the points for the move and, after a blocked game, clears the penalty. The move counter, however, does not go back down.
Does suit matter?
No, only rank matters: a 7 of hearts can be removed onto a 6 or a 8 of any suit. This makes Golf quick to learn.