Nassau
Also called 2-2-2, 5-5-5, Best Nassau
Three match-play bets in one: front nine, back nine and overall 18, with presses for double-or-nothing.
2–4 players · best with 2, 4Betting GamesEasy to scoreMoney game
How to play →Betting Games
Bridge
Also called Name That Score, Bidding
Teams bid the combined score they will make on the hole; opponents accept, double, or underbid.
- Players
- 2–4 players, best with 4
- Play as
- Partners (2 v 2)
- Scorekeeping
- Hard
- Handicaps
- Handicaps recommended
- Money
- Money game
- Type
- Betting Games
How to play
Usually 2v2 (can be 1v1). On each tee one side opens by bidding the combined score it will make, e.g. 9. The other side may accept the bet, accept and double it, or make a lower bid; the original side then has the same three options, and this continues until a bid is accepted or doubled. The side that lost the previous hole opens, or sides alternate regardless of score (Chi Chi Rodriguez's recommendation). Gross or net scores.
Scoring
Each hole is worth an agreed unit. The bidding side wins the unit if it makes its bid and loses it if it fails; it also loses an extra unit for every stroke over the bid and wins an extra unit for every stroke under. Doubling doubles all of it.
Variations
- One-on-one bidding on individual scores
- House rules vary widely, so agree the details on the first tee
Tips
- Bid realistically; every stroke over costs another unit
- Double when the opponents overbid their ability
- Keep a written record of bids
Trash talk becomes a formal auction before every hole.
Works with
Each link opens every game that works for that number of players.
Related games
Skins
Also called Skins Game, Cuts, Syndicates
Each hole is worth a skin; outright low score wins it, ties carry the value forward.
2+ players · best with 3–5Betting GamesEveryone for themselvesEasy to scoreMoney game
How to play →Wolf
Also called Wolf Match, Lone Wolf, Wolfman
Rotating Wolf watches drives, then picks a partner or goes it alone against everyone for bigger points.
3–5 players · best with 4Betting GamesRotating partnersMedium to scoreMoney game
How to play →Vegas
Also called Las Vegas, Daytona
Partners' scores are paired into a two-digit number; the difference between teams is the points won.
4 players only · best with 4Betting GamesPartners (2 v 2)Medium to scoreMoney game
How to play →Sources
Rules reflect the version most groups play, cross-checked across these sources. House rules vary; agree yours on the first tee.
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