This article investigates an adaptive reinforcement learning (RL) optimal control design problem for a class of nonstrict-feedback discrete-time systems. Based on the neural network (NN) approximating ability and RL control design technique, an adaptive backstepping RL optimal controller and a minimal learning parameter (MLP) adaptive RL optimal controller are developed by establishing a novel strategic utility function and introducing external function terms. It is proved that the proposed adaptive RL optimal controllers can guarantee that all signals in the closed-loop systems are semiglobal uniformly ultimately bounded (SGUUB). The main feature is that the proposed schemes can solve the optimal control problem that the previous literature cannot deal with. Furthermore, the proposed MPL adaptive optimal control scheme can reduce the number of adaptive laws, and thus the computational complexity is decreased. Finally, the simulation results illustrate the validity of the proposed optimal control schemes.