Six Card Golf scoring guide

Six Card Golf Scoring: Card Values and Examples

Six Card Golf rewards the lowest score. Most cards count at face value, but 2s subtract points, Kings score zero, and a matching vertical pair cancels the entire column.

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Six Card Golf card values

In the Shuffle Pals classic rules, each 2 is worth -2 points, each Ace is worth 1 point, cards 3 through 10 are worth their printed value, Jacks and Queens are worth 10 points, and Kings are worth 0 points.

After the final turn, reveal every card and score the three vertical columns. Apply the matching-pair rule before adding the remaining cards.

  • 2: -2 points
  • Ace: 1 point
  • 3 through 10: face value
  • Jack and Queen: 10 points
  • King: 0 points

How matching columns score

Two cards of the same rank in one vertical column score zero for that column. The suits do not need to match. A 9 of hearts above a 9 of clubs is therefore worth zero instead of 18 points.

The cancellation applies to the column, not to matching cards in different columns. Moving a useful rank into the correct position can be more important than simply replacing the highest card.

Example score

Suppose your three columns are 8 and 8, King and 4, and 2 and Queen. The pair of 8s scores 0. The King and 4 score 4. The 2 and Queen score 8 because -2 plus 10 equals 8. Your hole score is 12.

Record every hole and add the nine hole scores. The player with the lowest total wins the game.

Common questions

Can a Six Card Golf score be negative?

Yes. Unmatched 2s subtract two points each, so a hole can finish below zero.

Do matching suits matter?

No. Under the classic rules, only the ranks need to match within a vertical column.

Does a King cancel another King?

Yes. A pair of Kings scores zero, although each King already scores zero by itself.