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
Rabbit
Also called Rabbit Chase, Catch the Rabbit, The Bear
Win a hole outright to catch the rabbit; hold it at 9 and 18 to get paid.
- Players
- 2–5 players, best with 3–4
- Play as
- Everyone for themselves
- Scorekeeping
- Easy
- Handicaps
- Handicaps recommended
- Money
- Money optional
- Type
- Betting Games
How to play
The outright low net score on the first hole catches the rabbit. The holder keeps it through tied holes; the rabbit cannot be stolen, only set free when another player wins a hole outright, after which the next outright winner catches it. Whoever holds it after hole 9 wins the front bet; a new rabbit starts on 10 and the holder after 18 wins the back bet. If nobody holds it after 9 the game continues and the holder after 18 wins both.
Scoring
Two agreed stakes (front and back, e.g. $5 each), paid by every other player to the holder; some groups instead pay half the pot at 9 and half at 18. Ties never change ownership.
Variations
- Steal rule: an outright win takes the rabbit directly without the set-free step
- Legs: consecutive wins add legs that must each be freed
- Rabbit set free every hole
- Single 18-hole pot
- No 'set free' step: an outright win takes the rabbit directly
- Doubling value per capture
- 18-hole rabbit only
Tips
- Holders play safe late in a nine; chasers need outright wins
- Ties help whoever has the rabbit
- Runs easily alongside a Nassau or skins
- Ties count for nothing, so play for outright wins
- Most popular in threeballs
Simple to track and the last two holes of each nine get tense.
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.
Got a game picked out? Find a course to play it on.
Browse courses →Gear ofthe DayAD
* As an Amazon Associate, Every18 earns from qualifying purchases · affiliate links