Golf Solitaire Opening Strategy

Start by checking every exposed card against the waste. Compare complete runs, uncover lower cards, and draw only when all seven columns are blocked.

Four opening priorities

Find every exposed card one rank above or below the waste before choosing a route.

When several cards can play, favor the move that exposes another card underneath.

Do not judge a route only by its first few cards. Check where the run ends and what it reveals.

The stock runs once, so confirm that all seven columns are blocked before drawing.

Usually not. Check every exposed card first and draw only when none is one rank above or below the waste.

Favor the card that uncovers another card or leads to a longer useful run.

Ace plays only with 2, and King plays only with Queen. They do not wrap around to each other.

Draw again until a legal card appears or the stock runs out. The waste cannot be recycled.

A move that exposes a lower card is usually more valuable than one that only removes a surface card.

Before starting a sequence, check where it stops and whether another column can continue it.

Every draw uses one of a limited number of cards. Play all legal exposed cards before drawing.

Try one route, inspect the revealed cards, then undo and compare the other route.

What should I look at first in the opening?

Scan all seven exposed cards against the waste, note which columns can uncover a lower card, and watch for Ace and King boundaries.

Is clearing one column faster always better?

Not if it leaves the waste on a rank that blocks the rest of the table. A slower route that reveals more cards is usually stronger.

Is using Undo in the opening a bad sign?

No. Undo helps you compare legal routes and learn which sequence reveals more useful cards.

Should I practice openings on numbered deals?

Yes. The same deal number always returns the same layout, so you can replay one decision and compare routes.

What is the most expensive opening mistake?

Drawing before checking every exposed card can waste the stock and bury a playable route.

If a move does not turn a hidden card, free an Ace, or prepare a King landing, ask whether it is only making the surface prettier.

Once you can compare opening routes and conserve the stock, continue with the strategy guide or play a numbered deal.