Side game · 3 (exactly) players
How to play Nines
Also called: nines golf game · 5-3-1 · nine point
Nine points on every hole, split five to the best score, three to the middle, one to the worst. A threesome game with no dead holes.
The rules
- Nine points are available on each hole: 5 for the best score, 3 for the middle, 1 for the worst.
- Tied for best: 4, 4, 1.
- Tied for worst: 5, 2, 2.
- All three tied: 3, 3, 3.
- Totals after 18 holes always come to 162, which is a useful check that nothing was mis-entered.
- Settle at the unit value per point of difference.
A worked example
Setup. $1 a point, three players.
- Hole 1: A = 4, B = 5, C = 5. A takes 5; B and C tie for worst and take 2 each.
- After 18: A = 62, B = 50, C = 50.
Result. A collects $12 from B and $12 from C. The three totals add to 162.
This is exactly how Bagpipe Golf settles it: hole by hole, zero-sum, no arguing at the 19th.
Variations and house rules
- Some foursomes split 6 points a hole as 3/2/1/0. That points variant is not in the app (it is not the Sixes side game, which is partners); Nines needs exactly three.
- Net is the default. Gross works and changes the tie pattern considerably.
How it works in the app
- Add Nines at setup — it needs exactly three players.
- Enter scores; the split and every tie case are computed for you.
- Settlement shows the per-hole split and the running totals.
Nines FAQ
- Why do the totals have to reach 162?
- Nine points a hole across 18 holes. If your totals do not add to 162 a score is missing — it is the cheapest error check in any of these games.
- Can we play Nines with four?
- Not in the app. The 5-3-1 split is built for three; with four, Nassau or Low Ball / High Ball fits better.