The Nassau is the most popular bet in golf. It's really three bets in one: the front nine, the back nine, and the overall 18. Because a bad front nine still leaves two bets to play for, a Nassau keeps everyone in the match until the end.
How a Nassau works
- Set one value for each of the three bets. A "5 Nassau" is 5 on the front, 5 on the back, and 5 overall.
- Play each hole as a match. The lower score wins the hole; equal scores halve it.
- Whoever wins more holes on a nine wins that bet. The overall bet goes to whoever wins more holes across all 18.
- A tied bet pays nothing.
Presses explained
A press is a new side bet that starts mid-nine, giving the trailing player or team a chance to get back in it. The classic rule: when a side falls 2 down, a press starts on the next hole and runs to the end of that nine, for the same value as the original bet. A press can itself be pressed if the trailing side falls 2 down again.
Some groups press only when the trailing side asks. Others use auto-press, where presses start automatically at 2 down, so nobody has to remember or argue about it.
Example
Mike and Dave play a 10-point Nassau with auto-press. Mike wins holes 1 and 2, so Dave is 2 down and a front press starts on hole 3. If Dave then wins holes 3 through 9, he takes the press and the front nine, while the overall match is still wide open.
| Bet | Holes | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Front | 1–9 | 10 |
| Front press 1 | 3–9 | 10 |
| Back | 10–18 | 10 |
| Overall | 1–18 | 10 |
Team Nassau (best ball)
In a foursome, the Nassau is often played 2 vs 2 best ball: each team's best score on the hole counts. It works the same way for 3 vs 3 in a sixsome. Presses apply to each side's standing just as they do one-on-one.
Nassau variations
- Stroke-play Nassau: compare total scores for each nine and the 18 instead of holes won.
- Different values: some groups make the overall bet worth more, such as 5-5-10.
- Net Nassau: handicap strokes make it fair between players of different skill.
Tracking a Nassau with Weekend Skins
Weekend Skins tracks a Nassau hole by hole, or lets you enter just the front, back, and overall winners by total score. Tap who won each hole (your skins taps record the Nassau too) and the app keeps standings for every bet, shows each press as it starts, and adds everything into the final who-pays-whom results. Auto-press and team best ball are part of Weekend Skins Pro.
Nassau FAQ
What does a "5 dollar Nassau" mean?
It means three separate bets of the same value: one on the front nine, one on the back nine, and one on the overall 18. The most you can win or lose without presses is three times the base amount.
When can you press in a Nassau?
Traditionally, the player or team that is 2 down may press, starting a new bet from the next hole to the end of that nine. Some groups make presses automatic; others let the trailing side choose.
Is a Nassau match play or stroke play?
It can be either. Match play (holes won) is the classic format and the one presses are built for. Stroke-play Nassau compares total scores for each nine and the full round.
Can you play a Nassau with more than two players?
Yes. Groups often play it as teams, such as best ball 2 vs 2, or as individual matches. Weekend Skins supports individual Nassau and best-ball teams for 2v2 and 3v3.