Players2–4
Layout2 × 2 grid
Game lengthAbout 10–20 minutes
GoalLowest score
How to play Four Card Golf
- Deal four cards to each player in two rows of two and turn one card face up.
- Take the visible discard or draw one unknown card from the stock.
- Replace a grid card, or discard an unwanted stock draw.
- Try to create vertical pairs, because equal ranks in a column score zero.
- Score both columns at the end of each hole and total nine holes to decide the winner.
Four Card Golf strategy tips
With only two columns, a completed pair is especially valuable. Protect it unless a replacement creates a clear improvement.
A known discard is often worth taking when it removes a 10-point Jack or Queen.
The small grid makes timing important. Compare your visible cards with Finn’s before triggering the last turn.
Common questions
Is Four Card Golf easy to learn?
Yes. It uses the same draw, replace, and score-low pattern as other Golf variants but has only four grid cards.
How many cards are face up at the start?
One card in each four-card grid begins face up in the Shuffle Pals version.
How long is a game?
A quick match can be played in three holes, while a traditional full game uses nine holes.