Vegas

Overview

Vegas is a 4-player team game (2v2) where partners' scores are combined to create a two-digit number. The team with the lower number wins the hole, and points accumulate throughout the round.

Setup

4 players required
Players split into two teams of 2
Set a base bet amount (e.g., $1 per point)
Teams are typically fixed for the entire round

How It Works

Score Combination

Each team's two scores are combined to form a two-digit number, with the lower score always placed first.

Examples:

Player A: 4, Player B: 5 → Team score: 45
Player A: 3, Player B: 6 → Team score: 36
Player A: 5, Player B: 5 → Team score: 55

Important: The lower individual score ALWAYS goes first to prevent manipulation.

Double Digits Go First

If a player scores 10 or higher, that number goes FIRST no matter what:

Partner 4, you 10 → Team score: 104 (not 4-10)
This is the classic Vegas punishment for a blow-up hole, and it can't be saved by the flip rule (it's already the worst arrangement).

Calculating the Difference

The team with the lower combined number wins. The difference between the two team scores determines the points won/lost.

Example Hole:

Team 1: 4 and 5 = 45
Team 2: 5 and 6 = 56
Difference: 56 - 45 = 11 points
Team 1 wins 11 points

Point Value

Each point is worth the agreed bet amount. If betting $1 per point:

11-point difference = $11 per player
Team 1: Each player wins $11
Team 2: Each player loses $11

The "Flip" Rule

When a player makes a birdie or better (gross score), the opponent's team score gets flipped - the higher score goes first instead.

Birdie Flip Example

Hole 5 (Par 4):

Team 1: Player A scores 3 (birdie!), Player B scores 5 = 35
Team 2: 4 and 6

- Normal would be: 46

- Flipped to: 64 (because Team 1 made a birdie)

Without flip: Team 1 would have 35, Team 2 would have 46 (Team 1 wins by 11)

With flip: Team 1 has 35, Team 2 has 64

Team 1 wins 29 points (64 - 35 = 29)

When Both Teams Birdie

If both teams birdie the same hole, the flips cancel out — both teams keep their normal (lower-digit-first) numbers.

Full Round Example

Players:

Team 1: Griffin & Tom
Team 2: Yann & JJ
Bet: $1 per point

Hole-by-Hole Breakdown

Hole 1 (Par 4):

Griffin: 4, Tom: 5 = 45
Yann: 5, JJ: 6 = 56
Difference: 11 points → Team 1 +11

Hole 2 (Par 3):

Griffin: 3 (birdie!), Tom: 4 = 34
Yann: 3, JJ: 4 = ~~34~~ Flipped to 43 (because Team 1 made a birdie)
Difference: 43 - 34 = 9 points → Team 1 +9

Hole 3 (Par 5):

Griffin: 5, Tom: 6 = ~~56~~ Flipped to 65 (because Team 2 made a birdie)
Yann: 4 (birdie!), JJ: 5 = 45
Difference: 65 - 45 = 20 points → Team 2 +20

Hole 4 (Par 4):

Griffin: 4, Tom: 4 = 44
Yann: 5, JJ: 5 = 55
Difference: 11 points → Team 1 +11

Hole 5 (Par 4):

Griffin: 3 (birdie!), Tom: 3 (birdie!) = 33
Yann: 4, JJ: 5 = ~~45~~ Flipped to 54 (because Team 1 made birdies)
Difference: 54 - 33 = 21 points → Team 1 +21

Running Total After 5 Holes

Team 1: +11 +9 -20 +11 +21 = +32 points
Team 2: -11 -9 +20 -11 -21 = -32 points

Money: Team 1 is up $32 per player

Scoring Types

Gross Score Vegas (Standard)

Uses actual scores (no handicaps)
Birdie flips apply
Most common format

Net Score Vegas

Uses net scores (gross minus handicap strokes)
More complex to calculate on each hole
A "net birdie" triggers the flip
Better for players with varying skill levels

Strategy Tips

General Strategy

Consistency is key - Avoiding big numbers is more important than making birdies
Protect against flips - When opponents might birdie, limiting damage is crucial
Know par 3s and par 5s - These are most likely birdie opportunities (flip risk)

Team Communication

Discuss strategy before risky shots
Know when your partner is in trouble (you need to save par)
Celebrate birdies (they flip the opponent, not you!)

Risk/Reward

Going for a birdie helps you only if your opponent ALSO birdies
Otherwise, your solid par helps avoid high numbers
On par 5s, consider laying up if partner is already safe

Variations

6-6-6

Teams rotate every 6 holes:

Holes 1-6: Team A vs Team B
Holes 7-12: Rotate one player
Holes 13-18: Rotate again
Keeps things fresh and fair

Vegas with Carryovers

If teams tie a hole (same combined score), points carry to next hole
Next hole is worth double (or accumulated points)
Creates big swings

Progressive Vegas

Points double on back nine
Or multiply by hole number (hole 18 worth 18× the points)
Creates dramatic finishes

Six-Point Vegas

Separate bets for:

Front 9 total
Back 9 total
Overall 18

Similar to Nassau structure

Example Payout Scenarios

Scenario 1: Close Match

After 18 holes: Team 1 ahead by 15 points
At $1/point: Team 1 players each win $15

Scenario 2: Blowout

After 18 holes: Team 2 ahead by 87 points
At $1/point: Team 2 players each win $87
(This happens when one team has multiple high numbers/flips)

Scenario 3: Lower Stakes

After 18 holes: Team 1 ahead by 45 points
At $0.25/point: Team 1 players each win $11.25

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Forgetting the flip - Always check for birdies before recording scores
Wrong number order - Lower score ALWAYS goes first (unless flipped)
Not tracking running total - Know where you stand to manage risk
Playing too aggressively - Big numbers hurt more than birdies help

Why It's Called "Vegas"

The name comes from the gambling nature and the way scores "bet" against each other like a casino game. The point swings can be large and dramatic, creating excitement throughout the round.

The flip rule adds the gambling element - just when you think you have a great score, a birdie can flip everything!