How does a Nassau work in golf?
A Nassau is three match-play bets in one round: the front nine, the back nine and the full 18. Here is how each bet is scored, how presses work, and how a 2 v 2 Nassau is played.
Three bets in one
A Nassau splits an 18-hole round into three separate matches, each worth the same stake: the front nine, the back nine and the overall 18. A "$5 Nassau" means $5 on each of the three.
Each bet is match play — you win, lose or halve each hole, and the side that wins more holes in that stretch wins the bet. Losing the front nine does not end your chances: the back nine and the overall are still live.
| Bet | Holes | Example stake |
|---|---|---|
| Front | 1–9 | $5 |
| Back | 10–18 | $5 |
| Overall | 1–18 | $5 |
Presses
A press is a new bet started partway through a nine, usually by the side that is losing. It runs from the next hole to the end of that nine, at the same stake.
Many groups play an automatic press: the first time a bet goes 2 down, a new press starts. Others leave it manual, so the losing side can press whenever they like. Presses can themselves be pressed, which is where a Nassau gets lively.
Singles or teams
A Nassau is played 1 v 1, or 2 v 2 as better ball — each side takes its best score on the hole. Played net, strokes are given by stroke index on the hardest holes.
Doing this on BirdieConnect
BirdieConnect plays a Nassau 1 v 1 or 2 v 2 (better ball), gross or net, with no presses, automatic 2-down presses or manual presses. The card shows each bet's state — up, down or all square — hole by hole, and the winnings flow into the settle-up with your other side games.
Common questions
- What does a $2 Nassau mean?
- $2 on the front nine, $2 on the back nine and $2 on the overall — $6 at most if one side wins all three, before any presses.
- What is an automatic 2-down press?
- As soon as a bet goes 2 down, a new bet starts from the next hole to the end of that nine. It is the most common press rule.
- Can you play a Nassau in a 9-hole round?
- Yes, it simply becomes one match over the nine holes, with presses if you use them.