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 · Team & Partner Formats
Defender
Also called Me vs. Everybody, Defender (Round of Three), Sixes for Three, 1 v 2 Rotating, Tee Ball, King's Honors
Three-player rotation where one defender takes on the other two's better ball each hole.
- Players
- 3 players only, best with 3
- Play as
- One vs. the group
- Scorekeeping
- Easy
- Handicaps
- Handicaps recommended
- Money
- Money optional
- Type
- Betting Games
How to play
Before the round set a defender rotation (A-B-C); each player defends six holes. On each hole the defender plays alone against the better ball of the other two and typically tees off last. After hole 16, tally points and give trailing players the final defender turns.
Scoring
Defender wins the hole = 2 points to the defender; defender ties = 1 point to the defender; defender loses = 1 point to each of the two attackers. Play at least $2 per point, since totals are low.
Variations
- Defender loses 1 point when beaten while attackers gain 1 each
- Heads-Tails: coin flips on each tee decide who plays alone
- Six-hole rotations (Sixes for three)
- Tee Ball: best drive defends
- King's Honors: the hole winner stays King until beaten
Tips
- Defend on holes that suit your game if you can choose the rotation
- Attackers should play aggressively; only one needs to beat the defender
- Keep stakes per point modest
- Use net scores or the low handicap will win every defence
- Play it as three six-hole matches for clean settlement
Every hole is a mini 1v2 match with clear, quick scoring.
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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