Nines (5-3-1)
Nines, also called 5-3-1, is perfect when your fourth cancels. Every hole awards exactly 9 points split among three players based on their scores. It's straightforward, keeps everyone in the game, and creates natural competition without complicated calculations.
How to Play
1. Play Stroke Play
Each player records their actual score on every hole using standard stroke play rules.
2. Rank the Scores
After completing the hole, rank all three scores from lowest to highest.
3. Award Points
- Lowest score: 5 points
- Middle score: 3 points
- Highest score: 1 point
4. Track Running Totals
Keep a cumulative point total through the round. The consistency of the 9-point system makes for easy math.
Handling Ties
When players tie, you split the points for the tied positions:
Two-way tie for low
Tied players split 5 and 3 points = 4 points each
High player gets 1 point
Example: Scores of 4, 4, 6 = 4 pts, 4 pts, 1 pt
Two-way tie for mid/high
Low player gets 5 points
Tied players split 3 and 1 points = 2 points each
Example: Scores of 4, 5, 5 = 5 pts, 2 pts, 2 pts
Three-way tie
All players split 9 points = 3 points each
Example: Scores of 5, 5, 5 = 3 pts, 3 pts, 3 pts
Blitz Mode (Optional)
When Blitz is enabled, if one player beats the second-best score by 2 or more strokes, they sweep all 9 points. This adds extra drama to great shots and blow-up holes.
Blitz Example
Scores: 3, 5, 6
Low player wins by 2 strokes → Gets all 9 points
Other players get 0 points for that hole
Betting & Stakes
Per Point Method
Set a value per point (e.g., $0.50/point). After your round, multiply each player's total points by the stake and calculate who's above/below average.
Settlement Example (18 holes, $1 per point)
Final totals: Player A: 94 pts, Player B: 78 pts, Player C: 66 pts
Average = 79.3 points
- Player A: Wins $14.67
- Player B: Loses $1.33
- Player C: Loses $13.33
Per Hole Method
Each hole is worth a set amount (e.g., $9). Points are worth their proportional share.
With $9 per hole: 5pts = $5, 3pts = $3, 1pt = $1
Recommended Stakes
- Conservative: $0.25 - $0.50 per point
- Moderate: $1 - $2 per point
- Aggressive: $3+ per point
Strategy Tips
- Steady Golf Wins: Consistency pays off—avoiding disasters is more valuable than occasional birdies
- Great for Practice: The format encourages trying shots since you always get at least 1 point
- Quick Settlement: Total points make for easy math at the 19th hole
- Blitz Creates Swings: Enable Blitz mode when you want bigger momentum shifts
- Lower Variance: Compared to other betting games, Nines offers more predictable swings
Track Nines Automatically with Sidebet
Sidebet automatically calculates point splits, handles all tie scenarios, triggers Blitz mode, and settles payments. Just enter scores—we handle the rest.
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