Chapter One

CHAPTER 1
GAMES FOR TWOSOMES


Whether it’s a quick nine holes after work with the guy in the cubicle next to you or a match against your old nemesis, there are literally dozens of games you can play against a lone opponent. Even if paired with two strangers who fill out your foursome, most of these games can still be played without interrupting the rounds of the other two players.

AIR HAMMER

A skins game in which the value of a hole can be doubled, but only when a shot is in the air. So if there’s a $1 bet on a hole, and a player’s opponent hits a tee shot that's bound for a water hazard, while the shot is in the air the player can literally yell “Hammer!” at his opponent, and the bet has now doubled to $2 for that hole. Low score wins on each hole (unlike skins, the bet typically doesn’t carry to the next hole when the previous hole is halved). Of course, the opponent has the right to “hammer” back when the player hits an errant shot, as long as it’s airborne, so that $2 bet could go to $4 or $8, etc.

STRATEGY TIPS: Obviously you’ll want to “air hammer” someone if their shot is heading for big trouble. But if you get hammered, don’t fret. Your opponent still has to play the hole and can screw it up just as easily. If you are in big trouble, don’t try for the miracle shot. Play safe and wait for your opponent to make a mistake.


BACKGAMMON (ALSO KNOWN AS HAMMER)

Holes are worth a predetermined amount—like a skins game—and the low score wins that hole. However, during the play of the hole, either player can double the bet, at anytime, if they