Betting games
Every game we score, with the rules laid out plainly. Click into any one for a full breakdown, examples, and when to play it.
Match Play
Hole-by-hole, win the most holes
The simplest head-to-head format. You win, lose, or tie each hole. The match ends when one side is up by more holes than there are left to play.
Stroke Play
Lowest total score over 18 holes
Add up everyone's strokes over the round; lowest total wins. The traditional tournament format and the easiest to settle as a multi-player bet.
Nassau
Three matches in one — front, back, overall
Three separate match-play bets running simultaneously: front 9, back 9, and the overall 18. Most popular friendly bet in golf — usually written as '$5/$5/$5'.
Skins
One outright low score per hole = 1 skin
Each hole is worth a skin. Lowest score on the hole takes it — but only if there's a sole low score. Ties carry the skin to the next hole, where the pot grows.
Vegas
Two-player teams, scores form 2-digit numbers
Each team's two scores combine to form a two-digit number — lower stroke first. Difference between teams' numbers × stake = hole payout. Birdies flip the digits and can swing a hole massively.
Wolf
Rotating leader picks a partner — or goes solo
The 'wolf' rotates each hole. After watching the others tee off, the wolf picks a partner — or declares 'lone wolf' for double or triple stakes against the field.
Bingo Bango Bongo
Three points per hole — first on, closest, first in
Three points up for grabs every hole, awarded for very different things. Levels the playing field — even high-handicappers can rack up points.