Nines (5-3-1 / Baseball)

Overview

Nines is the perfect betting game for exactly 3 players. Each hole, 9 points are distributed among the players based on their relative scores. At the end of the round, players settle based on point differentials.

Also known as "Baseball" or "5-3-1" after its most common point distribution.

Point Distributions

Standard: 5-3-1

When all three players have different scores:

1st Place (lowest score): 5 points
2nd Place: 3 points
3rd Place (highest score): 1 point

Total: 5 + 3 + 1 = 9 points

Ties

4-4-1 (Two tie for low):

Two players tie for lowest score: 4 points each
Third place: 1 point
Total: 4 + 4 + 1 = 9

5-2-2 (Two tie for high):

First place (outright low): 5 points
Two players tie for high: 2 points each
Total: 5 + 2 + 2 = 9

3-3-3 (Three-way tie):

All three players tie: 3 points each
Total: 3 + 3 + 3 = 9

BLITZ! (9-0-0)

If one player beats BOTH opponents by 2 or more strokes:

Winner takes ALL 9 points
Other two players get 0 points

This is a devastating outcome that can swing the entire game!

Example Round

Hole 1: Scores are 4, 5, 6 - Distribution: 5-3-1

Hole 2: Scores are 4, 4, 6 - Distribution: 4-4-1 (tie for low)

Hole 3: Scores are 3, 5, 5 - Distribution: 5-2-2 (tie for high)

Hole 4: Scores are 4, 4, 4 - Distribution: 3-3-3 (all tied)

Hole 5: Scores are 3, 5, 6 - Distribution: 9-0-0 (BLITZ! 3 beats both by 2+)

Handicaps (Net Scoring)

How It Works

Strokes are allocated based on course handicap difference
The player with the lowest course handicap is the "scratch" player
Others receive strokes on the hardest holes (based on hole handicap)

Example

Player A: Course Handicap 6 (scratch for this group)
Player B: Course Handicap 12 (gets 6 strokes)
Player C: Course Handicap 18 (gets 12 strokes)

Player B gets a stroke on holes handicapped 1-6.

Player C gets strokes on holes handicapped 1-12.

Net scores are used for point distribution.

Betting Structure

Point-Based Settlement

Agree on a dollar value per point (e.g., $1/point)
Track points throughout the round
At the end, settle based on point differentials between players

Example Settlement (18 holes at $1/point)

Final Points:

Player A: 60 points
Player B: 54 points
Player C: 48 points

Calculations:

A beats B by 6 points: A wins $6 from B
A beats C by 12 points: A wins $12 from C
B beats C by 6 points: B wins $6 from C

Final Results:

Player A: +$18 (won $6 + $12, paid $0)
Player B: $0 (won $6, paid $6)
Player C: -$18 (won $0, paid $12 + $6)

Expected Points

Over 18 holes:

Total points: 162 (9 points x 18 holes)
Average per player: 54 points (162 / 3)
Par performance: 54 points

If you're above 54, you're winning. Below 54, you're losing.

Strategy Tips

Consistency is key - Pars are valuable; avoid big numbers
Watch for Blitz holes - Being 2+ strokes behind is costly
Know the math - 3-3-3 (tie) beats getting 1 point
Manage pressure - The player leading has a target on their back
Play smart on ties - Sometimes matching a score is better than risking a blowup

Common Variations

Double on Birdies

Some groups double the points when any player makes a birdie:

Instead of 9 points, the hole is worth 18 points
Distributions remain proportional (10-6-2, etc.)

Gross vs Net

Net (recommended): Uses handicaps for fair play
Gross: Raw scores only - best for similar skill levels

Why It's Called "Nines"

The name comes from the 9 total points distributed each hole. Over 18 holes, exactly 162 points are distributed (9 x 18), averaging 54 points per player.

The "Baseball" nickname comes from the 9-inning / 9-point connection, and "5-3-1" refers to the most common point distribution.