1v1 or 2v2
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'.
The rules
1
Three matches
Front 9, back 9, and overall 18 are scored as independent matches. Each has its own stake. You can win one and lose another.
2
Presses
When losing a match, the trailing team can call a 'press' — a fresh side bet starting from the current hole through the end of that segment. Auto-press at 2-down is standard.
3
The math
Each match settles independently. A typical $5/$5/$5 with one press could mean swing of $20+ on a single round.
Example
Nassau with auto-presses
- 1.Front: Team A wins original ($5). Auto-press triggered on 4 → Team B wins press ($5). Front nets $0.
- 2.Back: Team A dominates 4 & 3, wins original + press ($10).
- 3.Overall: Team A 1up at 18 ($5).
- 4.Total: Team A wins $15.
Variations
- ·Skin-presses-on-loss — automatic when down 1
- ·Cumulative presses — each press doubles stakes
When to play
The classic. Pick this if you don't know what you want to play.