Green on 19
Match play

How to Play Nassau

Also called: Nassau bet · 2-2-2 · three-way match

Nassau is a golf betting format made of 3 separate matches: front nine, back nine and the full 18. It works best with 2 players or a 2-vs-2 foursome and can use gross or net match-play scoring.

Best for

Groups that want action across the whole round without making every hole a separate bet.

Handicaps

Recommended when abilities differ. Agree on course handicaps and stroke holes before teeing off.

The clean version

Nassau Rules

  1. 1

    Set equal stakes for the front nine, back nine and overall 18-hole match.

  2. 2

    Play each segment as its own match, usually by match-play holes won rather than total strokes.

  3. 3

    Apply handicap strokes on the agreed stroke-index holes when playing net.

  4. 4

    A tied segment is normally halved unless the group agrees to a playoff or carryover.

  5. 5

    If presses are allowed, define who may press, when a press begins and whether presses are automatic.

Before the first tee

Set Up the Game

  • Choose singles or 2-vs-2 teams
  • Set the value of each of the 3 matches
  • Choose gross or net scoring
  • Write down the press rule and maximum number of presses

Worked example

How the Scoring Works

In a $5 Nassau, the front, back and overall matches are each worth $5. If Team A wins the front and overall while Team B wins the back, Team A finishes $5 ahead before any presses.

A dispute-resistant starting point

Green on 19 Default Contract

Choose singles or 2-vs-2 teams Set the value of each of the 3 matches Choose gross or net scoring Write down the press rule and maximum number of presses

Exact scoring math

Nassau Formula

Base result = sign(front) + sign(back) + sign(overall). Payout = signed units × stake, plus each press scored as its own match from its start hole.

Settle it before it starts

Disputes and Edge Cases

Lock ties, timing, multipliers, handicap use and maximum loss before tee-off. The written round contract controls any house-rule variation.

Mix it carefully

Can Nassau Be Played With Other Games?

Skins and small event bets add hole-level action while Nassau carries the larger match. Hammer plus automatic presses can multiply exposure too quickly.

Best complementary games

SkinsRead the companion guideDots / JunkRead the companion guideSnakeRead the companion guide

House-rule territory

Popular Variations

  • Automatic press when a side is 2 down
  • Optional dormie press
  • Carry a tied nine into the next segment
  • Play medal Nassau using stroke totals instead of holes

Play smarter

Strategy Without the Spreadsheet

  • Treat each segment as a fresh match; a rough front nine does not end the day.
  • Track every press separately so its start hole and status stay clear.
  • Cap presses before the round if the group wants predictable exposure.

Quick answers

Nassau FAQ

How many bets are in a Nassau?

The base game has 3: front nine, back nine and overall 18. Every press is an additional match.

Is Nassau stroke play or match play?

It is most commonly match play, but groups sometimes use medal or stroke-play totals as a house variation.

What is a press in Nassau?

A press starts a new match over the remaining holes without canceling the original match.