Hammer is match play where any player can "hammer" to double the current hole's bet at any time before the hole is complete. The opposing side must accept (and play on at double) or concede the hole.
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Accepting & Re-Hammering
If the opponent accepts the hammer, the bet doubles. They can then re-hammer back, doubling it again. This can continue until someone concedes. A hole played out is won or lost at the current stake.
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Conceding
Instead of playing on, a side can concede (fold). The other side wins the hole whatever the scores, at the stake before the last hammer — fold after one hammer and you pay the base bet; after two, double the base. Conceding before any hammer is a plain pickup at the base bet. Birdie doubles, eagle triples and the max-score cap don't apply to a conceded hole. In the round, tap "<name> concedes" under that match on the Hammer panel; tap it again to undo.
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Options & Variations
Bet-per-hole (default $5) sets the base; each hammer doubles it (2^hammers). Matches: every 1-v-1 pairing settles by default; assigning Team A / B adds a team best-ball match, and both kinds settle together unless you switch matches off in the match list. A halved hole pays nothing. Birdie doubles (default off) and eagle triples (default off) auto-multiply the hole, judged on Gross or Net (default Gross). Optional max-score cap (birdie/par/bogey). Handicaps: Index on Low HC (on) with a percentage (0/50/75/85/100%, default 100); standard USGA allocation gives a 2nd stroke past a course handicap of 18.
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In theStick
Setting up Hammer: stakes, handicaps and the game's own options.Entering Hammer on a hole, with the running total underneath.Hammer results after 18 holes, settled automatically.
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Pro Tips
•Hammering is a bluff tool — use it when you have an advantage or want to apply pressure.
•Conceding a hammered hole is sometimes the right play.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Hammer game work?
Two sides play a running bet, and at any moment either side can throw the hammer — doubling the bet. The other side either accepts and plays on at double stakes or concedes (folds) and loses the hole at the stake before the last hammer — on theStick, tap "concedes" under that match on the Hammer panel. Momentum and nerve matter as much as ball-striking.
When should you throw the hammer?
Classically right after your side gains an edge — opponent in the trees, your ball safely on the green. Throwing it early on a hole applies maximum pressure because the other side must decide before their next swing.
How fast do hammer stakes grow?
Every hammer doubles: a $5 bet hammered three times is $40. Groups typically cap the doubles per hole or set a max bet so one hole can't turn into rent money. Agree on the cap before the first tee.
