Golf Game Format
A skins game is a golf betting format where players compete for a prize on each hole. The player with the lowest score wins that hole's "skin." If two or more players tie, the skin carries over to the next hole, increasing its value.
Skins Pot
Thru 12
The Basics
The basic rules of a skins game
Score the lowest on a hole (outright, no ties) to win that skin.
If players tie, the skin carries to the next hole. Two ties in a row means hole 3 is worth 3 skins.
Unlike match play, everyone competes on every hole. No one is eliminated.
Each hole starts worth one skin. Carryovers are the only way holes increase in value.
Step by Step
Set an entry fee per player (e.g., $5 each). caddie.fun splits the pot by skins won.
The player with the lowest score wins the skin.
If two or more players tie for the lowest score, no one wins. The skin carries over to the next hole.
Continue until all 18 holes are played. Tally total skins won by each player.
If the last hole was tied, split remaining skins or play a sudden-death hole.
Example
A 4-player skins game with $2 per skin
| Hole | Alex | Blake | Casey | Dana | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | Blake wins 1 skin ($2) |
| 2 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 | Tie - skin carries over |
| 3 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 6 | Tie again - 3 skins now at stake |
| 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | Alex wins 3 skins ($6) |
After 4 holes: Alex has 3 skins ($6), Blake has 1 skin ($2). Casey and Dana have 0 skins.
Strategy
Tips for managing risk and maximizing your payouts
When 2-3 skins are at stake, it's worth taking risks. A birdie attempt that might cost you a stroke is worth it when the upside is 3x the normal payout.
If you're behind late in the round, forcing ties keeps skins in play. A par that ties is better than a bogey trying to make birdie.
Know who has won skins and who hasn't. Players with zero skins will take more risks - anticipate their aggressive play.
Variations
Players receive handicap strokes. Lowest net score wins the skin. Levels the playing field for mixed-skill groups.
Must make birdie or better to win a skin. Pars only tie, never win. Creates more carryovers and bigger payouts.
Back nine holes are worth more than front nine. Holes 16-18 might be worth 2x or 3x regular value.
Tied holes simply have no winner. Each hole is independent. Simpler but less exciting.
Free Tool
Enter your buy-in and player count to see how a Skins pot splits - carryovers, presses, and standard splits included.
No account required. When you are ready to score a live round, caddie.fun settles Skins automatically from hole-by-hole scores.
A skins game works with 2 to 4 players. It's most exciting with 3 or 4 players because ties are more common, creating more carryovers and higher-stakes holes.
Yes. In a net skins game, players receive strokes on holes based on their handicap. The player with the lowest net score wins the skin. This levels the playing field for groups with mixed skill levels.
If the last hole is tied, groups typically either split the carried-over skins equally or replay a playoff hole. Agree on this rule before starting.
Entry fees are capped at $10 per player. Each skin is worth a slice of that stake spread across 18 holes; carryovers stack so tied holes pay more on the next winner.
In match play, you compete against one opponent and the match can end early. In skins, all players compete on every hole, every hole has value, and the game always goes 18 holes.
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