Hammer golf game rules
Hammer is a hole-by-hole match where either side can double the value of the hole at any moment. It's all about nerve.
How to play
Every hole starts at an agreed value. Either side can throw the hammer: the other side must accept, doubling the hole, or concede and lose it at the value before that hammer. Once you accept, only you can hammer back.
Limits
Set a maximum — 2×, 4×, 8× or 16×. Halved holes push. Side Pot won't let a hole be saved while a hammer is waiting for an answer.
Worked example
Dave against Mike, $2 a hole. Hole 1: Dave hammers, Mike accepts, Dave wins at 2×. Hole 2: Mike hammers and Dave concedes. Hole 3: Dave hammers, Mike hammers back, both accept, and Dave wins at 4×.
Dave +$4, then −$2 (conceded at the pre-hammer value), then +$8. Mike pays Dave $10.
These numbers come straight from the scoring Side Pot uses in a real round. Load them into the calculator below and change anything.
Hammer calculator
Dave, Mike
- Dave+$10Net up
- Mike−$10Net down
Why (3 entries)
- Mike → Dave $4 · Hammer hole 1: Dave wins at 2x ($4)
- Dave → Mike $2 · Hammer hole 2: Dave conceded at 1x ($2)
- Mike → Dave $8 · Hammer hole 3: Dave wins at 4x ($8)
Common questions
What happens if you decline the hammer?
You concede the hole at the value it was worth before that hammer.
Can you hammer back?
Yes — after you accept a hammer, only your side can throw the next one.
Related games
Let Side Pot keep the book.
Tap scores, and every Hammer result, the money and the settle-up are worked out for you.
Score your next Hammer round