Nine-card Golf (2 player card game)

Objective: The objective of Nine-card Golf is to have the lowest score at the end of the game by minimizing the total value of the cards in your hand.

Adaptation for 2 Players: Nine-card Golf is typically played with more than 2 players, but it can be adapted for 2 players by modifying the rules and gameplay to create a competitive head-to-head experience.

Setup:

1. Use a standard deck of 52 playing cards.
2. Remove all Jokers from the deck.
3. Shuffle the deck thoroughly and deal each player 9 cards face-down. These cards will form each player’s hand.
4. Place the remaining deck face-down in the center of the table as the draw pile.

Scoring:

• Each card in the deck has a value equal to its face value (e.g., 2 is worth 2 points, 7 is worth 7 points).
• Face cards (Jacks, Queens, Kings) are worth 10 points each.
• Aces are worth 1 point.
• The objective is to have the lowest score possible at the end of the game.

Gameplay:

1. Starting the Game:
   • Decide who goes first. Player 1 can be determined randomly.
   • Player 1 starts the game by drawing the top card from the draw pile and either swapping it with one of their cards or discarding it face-up.
2. Taking Turns:
   • Players take turns clockwise.
   • On their turn, a player must either draw the top card from the draw pile or the top card from the discard pile.
   • After drawing a card, the player must either swap it with one of their cards or discard it face-up.
3. Swapping Cards:
   • When swapping a card, the player must choose one of their cards to replace with the drawn card.
   • The replaced card is placed face-up in front of the player.
   • The player’s hand always consists of 9 cards.
4. Discarding Cards:
   • If a player chooses to discard a drawn card, they place it face-up on top of the discard pile.
5. Special Rules:
   • If a player forms a set of three or four cards of the same rank (e.g., three 5s or four 7s), they may lay the set face-down in front of them. These cards no longer count toward their total score.
6. Ending the Game:
   • The game ends when one player draws the last card from the draw pile or the discard pile is emptied.
   • Each player then adds up the total value of the cards remaining in their hand.
   • The player with the lowest total score wins the game.

Differentiating Turns:

• Player 1’s Turn: Player 1 starts the game and takes the first turn.
• Player 2’s Turn: Player 2 follows Player 1’s lead and takes their turn after Player 1 has completed their turn.

Summary: Nine-card Golf, adapted for 2 players, offers a strategic and engaging 2 player card game experience. By modifying the rules and gameplay, Nine-card Golf becomes a fun and competitive duel where players aim to minimize their score by strategically managing their hand of cards.