Side Game Suggestions for All Skill Levels

Side Games are a great way to add a little extra competition to your round.

Whether your group wants something simple, strategic, chaotic, or just plain fun, 18Birdies has Side Games that can match the vibe of the day.

In this Article:

• Which Side Game should I play?
• What Side Games are good for any skill level?
• What Side Games are a bit more advanced?
• Frequently Asked Questions

Which Side Game should I play?

The best Side Game depends on your group.

Some games are easy to jump into, while others add more strategy, team changes, presses, carryovers, or custom scoring.

Here is a quick guide:

What Side Games are good for any skill level?

These Side Games are easy to understand and fun for most groups.

Points

Points is the most flexible Side Game.

You choose how many betting units each point is worth, then manually assign points during the round based on whatever your group wants to reward.

Use Points if your group already has its own rules or wants something simple and customizable.

Targets

Targets lets golfers compete against goals instead of only total score.

You can set goals for:

• Birdies or better
• Pars or better
• Greens in Regulation
• Fairways Hit

Targets is great when players have different skill levels because everyone can chase a goal that feels realistic.

Skins

Skins is a classic.

Each hole is worth a skin. The player with the lowest score on the hole wins the skin. If there is a tie, the skin can carry over to the next hole.

Skins is easy to learn, but carryovers can make the final few holes feel intense.

Dots

Dots, also known as Junk, rewards specific achievements during the round.

Dots can be awarded for things like birdies, eagles, long drive, closest to the pin, sand saves, chip-ins, and more.

Dots is a fun choice if your group likes side quests during the round.

Wolf

Wolf can be fun for any skill level, but it has more decisions than some other games.

Each hole has a Wolf who decides whether to choose a partner or go alone. The riskier the call, the bigger the possible reward.

Use Wolf if your group likes strategy, pressure, and a little drama on the tee box.

What Side Games are a bit more advanced?

These games are still fun, but they may take a little more setup or explanation.

Nassau

Nassau is three matches in one:

• Front 9
• Back 9
• Overall 18

Players or teams compete in match play for each segment. Presses can add even more action during the round.

Match Play

Match Play is hole-by-hole competition.

The player or team with the best score on a hole wins that hole. Tied holes are halved, and there are no carryovers.

Match Play is a great option when your group wants a clean head-to-head format.

Sixes

Sixes is a 2 vs. 2 team game for a foursome.

Teams rotate every six holes, so each golfer gets paired with every other player once during the round.

It is perfect when your group wants team play without being stuck with the same partner all day.

Vegas

Vegas is bold, strategic, and a little dangerous in the best way.

Two-player team scores are paired together instead of added together. For example, a 4 and 5 becomes 45. Lower team score wins the difference.

Vegas is best for groups that understand the scoring and want bigger point swings.

Rolling Stroke

Rolling Stroke is built for groups that play together regularly.

Past results help determine how many strokes players give or receive in future rounds.

Use Rolling Stroke if your group wants a competition that evolves over time.

Frequently Asked Questions