The Hammer Golf Game: Rules of the Double-the-Stake Game
The Hammer turns every hole into a game of poker: a base stake of 1 point is in play, and either side can, at any moment during the hole, call “HAMMER!” to double it. The opponents then have two choices: accept (the stake goes up to 2 points, or even 4 after a re-hammer) or FOLD — concede the current stake and start again on the next hole. The format is played head to head with 2 players, or with 4 in two sides of 2 who count their best score (best ball) — never with 3. Each side has a limited number of hammers depending on the length of the round: 1 over 6 holes, 2 over 9, 3 over 18. If the hole is tied, the current stake is simply carried over to the next hole, with no build-up. The result: a format where your head counts as much as your swing, and where the best moment to swing the hammer is often when your opponent is in trouble.
How to play The Hammer, hole by hole
- Form the sides. With 2 players, a straight duel; with 4, two sides of 2 on best ball (only the side's best score counts). Never with 3.
- Every hole puts 1 point in play — the base stake. The best score (or the best ball) wins it, as in classic match play.
- Either side can call HAMMER during the hole to double the stake, within its quota of hammers for the round.
- The opponents answer: ACCEPT (the stake goes up to 2 points) or FOLD (they concede the current stake, and play carries on at the next hole).
- Re-hammer allowed: a stake that has already been doubled can be doubled a second time, and then goes up to 4 points.
- Tie on the hole → simple carry-over: the current stake moves as it is to the next hole, without adding up. Most points at the end of the round wins.
How many hammers for your round?
| Length of the round | Hammers per side |
|---|---|
| 6 holes | 1 |
| 9 holes | 2 |
| 18 holes | 3 |
Bruno v Chloé over 9 holes: each has 2 hammers. Hole 1: Bruno's ball lands in the bunker, Chloé senses her chance and calls HAMMER — Bruno accepts (stake at 2 points)… and scrambles a miraculous par: Bruno +2. Hole 2: Bruno hammers in turn, but Chloé prefers to FOLD and concedes the current stake: Bruno +1. Hole 3: Chloé hammers, Bruno accepts (stake at 2 points), and both make the same score — a tie. The 2-point stake is carried over as it is to hole 4, which Chloé wins: Chloé +2. Totals after 4 holes: Bruno 3, Chloé 2.
Strategy: when to hammer, when to FOLD
- Swing the hammer when your opponent is in trouble, not when you are well placed: it is their position on the hole that should prompt the attack, not yours.
- Don't be ashamed to FOLD. Conceding 1 point straight away is often better than risking losing 2 or 4 three shots later.
- Manage your quota of hammers over the whole round: a hammer used too early is no longer there for the deciding hole on the 18th.
Frequently asked questions
How many hammers do you get per round?
Each side has a limited number of hammers depending on the length of the round: 1 hammer over 6 holes, 2 over 9 holes, 3 over 18 holes. Once that quota is used up, the side can no longer call HAMMER, but can still accept or FOLD when the opponents call one.
What happens if you FOLD?
FOLD means conceding the hole's current stake: the side that called HAMMER wins it automatically, without the hole being played out for that point. Play carries on as normal on the next hole, with a new base stake.
How do you play The Hammer with 4 players?
With 4, you form two sides of 2 players who play against each other on best ball: on every hole, only the side's best score counts. The Hammer is never played with 3 — only head to head with 2, or with 4 in two sides of 2.
What happens if a hole is tied?
The current stake is carried over as it is to the next hole, with no further build-up: if the hole was worth 2 points when it was tied, the next hole starts at 2 points again, no more. The side with the most points at the end of the round wins.
Every format on a single page: step-by-step rules, a worked example, the points scale and a strategy tip — to read the night before a round or to print. The free sample covers 10 formats, including the 5 you can play for free in the app; The Hammer is in the complete guide.
Download the free sample →PDF · 14 pages · direct download, no email needed · the complete guide covers all 41 formats
Make your next duel a game of The Hammer
The Game of Swing app tracks the hole's stake, every HAMMER, ACCEPT and FOLD, and the carry-overs on ties automatically — you just focus on the duel. The Hammer is waiting in the catalogue of 41 formats — with 5 free games to get you started.
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