What AARP Golf Solitaire Is

AARP Golf Solitaire is a free card game you can play on the AARP website or through the AARP mobile app. It is a variation of the classic solitaire card game, designed with larger cards and a simpler layout that work well on phones and tablets. The game is available to anyone—you do not need an AARP membership to play.

The goal is to clear cards from the board by matching them to a discard pile. Unlike traditional solitaire, Golf Solitaire does not require you to build sequences in suit. Instead, you match cards one at a time based on a single rule: the card you play must be one rank higher or one rank lower than the card on top of the discard pile.

The game gets its name from golf scoring. You play through seven columns of cards (like seven holes), and your score is the number of cards left on the board when you run out of moves. A lower score is better—just like in golf.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP Golf Solitaire is a free card game playable on the AARP website or mobile app without a membership.
  • You win by matching cards one rank higher or lower than the top card of the discard pile until the board is clear.
  • The game scores like golf: fewer remaining cards means a better score.
  • You can play as many rounds as you want, and your scores are tracked if you create a free AARP account.

How to Play a Round

When you start a game, you see seven columns of cards laid out face-up on the board. One card sits in the discard pile at the bottom—this is the card you match against. Look at the board and find any card that is one rank higher or one rank lower than the discard card. For example, if the discard card is a 7, you can play a 6 or an 8.

Click or tap the card you want to play. It moves to the discard pile, and now that card becomes the one you match against. Keep playing cards from the board that are one rank higher or lower than the current discard card. Aces are low (rank 1) and Kings are high (rank 13), so an Ace can only match a 2, and a King can only match a Queen.

When you cannot play any more cards from the board, the game ends. Count the cards still on the board—that is your score. The fewer cards remaining, the better your score. You can play another round when ready and try to beat your previous score.

Where to Find and Play the Game

AARP Golf Solitaire is available on the AARP website at games.aarp.org. Search for "Golf Solitaire" in the games section, or look for it in the list of card games. The game also comes with the AARP mobile app, which you can read for free on iPhone or Android devices from the App Store or Google Play.

You do not need to log in to play a single round. However, if you create a free AARP account and sign in, the game will save your scores and statistics. This lets you track your best scores over time and see how many games you have played.

Tips for Better Scores

Look ahead before you play a card. When you have a choice between two cards, think about which one leaves you more options for your next move. A card that opens up more plays from the board is usually the better choice, even if it does not seem like it at first.

Pay attention to high and low cards. Kings and Aces are the hardest to match because they have only one matching rank (Queen and 2, respectively). If you see a King or Ace early in the game, try to play it soon rather than letting it sit on the board until the end, when you may have no way to match it.

Use the undo button if the game offers one. Some versions of Golf Solitaire let you take back a move if you realize it was a mistake. Check the game screen for an undo or back arrow button.

Scoring and Tracking Progress

Your score in Golf Solitaire is the number of cards left on the board when you cannot play any more moves. The lowest possible score is 0 (you cleared the entire board). The highest possible score is 35 (all cards remain unplayed). Most games end with a score between 5 and 15.

If you sign in with a free AARP account, the game tracks your total games played, your best score, and your average score. You can view these statistics on your profile or in the game's stats section. Some versions also show you how your scores compare to other players, though this is just for fun and does not affect your game.

Differences from Other Solitaire Games

Golf Solitaire is simpler than many other solitaire games because you do not have to think about suits or build long sequences. You only match one card at a time based on rank. This makes it easier to learn and faster to play—most rounds take 5 to 10 minutes.

Classic Klondike solitaire, by contrast, requires you to build sequences in alternating colors and move cards between columns. Freecell and Pyramid are other popular solitaire games with different rules. AARP offers several solitaire variations on its games site, so if you enjoy Golf Solitaire, you can try others to find your favorite.

Playing on Different Devices

On a computer or tablet, you can play AARP Golf Solitaire through any web browser by visiting games.aarp.org. The game works on Windows, Mac, and Chromebook. The cards are sized to fit your screen, and you click or tap to play.

On a phone, the AARP app is the easiest way to play because the interface is designed for a smaller screen. You can also play through a mobile web browser, but the app version is usually smoother. The game saves your progress if you close the app and come back later, as long as you are signed in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an AARP membership to play Golf Solitaire?

No. The game is free and open to anyone. You do not need to be an AARP member or even have an AARP account to play a single round. Creating a free account is optional and only needed if you want to save your scores.

Can I play Golf Solitaire offline?

The web version requires an internet connection. The AARP mobile app may offer an offline mode depending on your device and app version—check your app settings. If offline play is not available, you will need to connect to the internet to play.

What does it mean when I cannot play any more cards?

When no cards on the board match one rank higher or lower than the discard card, your game ends. This is called being "stuck." The cards left on the board become your score. You can start a new game and try again.

How do I reset my scores or start over?

Your scores are tied to your AARP account. If you want to clear your history, sign out and play without logging in—those games will not be saved. To delete your account statistics, contact AARP support through their website.

Is there a way to win every game?

Not always. Some card layouts do not allow you to clear the entire board no matter what moves you make. The goal is to get the lowest score possible, not necessarily to clear all cards. Scoring 0 is rare and means you played a nearly perfect game.