The 6 6 6 rule in golf, often called Sixes or round robin, is a practical group format that divides a standard 18-hole round into three six-hole segments. Each segment is treated as an independent match with rotating two-player partnerships, so players partner with each opponent once over the full round. This article is a step-by-step explainer for players who want to run Sixes cleanly and fairly. It covers basic rotation and scoring, how the official Rules of Golf apply when formats like Four-Ball or Foursomes are used, handicap handling under the World Handicap System, and a short checklist to prevent common disputes. The goal is to help recreational groups and event organizers run balanced Sixes rounds without confusion.

Sixes splits 18 holes into three six-hole matches with rotating partners to keep play varied and balanced.

Four-Ball is the most common scoring method for Sixes, but groups may mix Scramble and Foursomes for variety.

Agree gross versus net, handicap method, and tie rules before tee-off to avoid disputes and speed play.

What is the 6-6-6 rule in golf and why players use it (context for groups and golf betting sites searches)

The 6 6 6 rule in golf, commonly called Sixes or round robin, splits an 18-hole round into three separate 6-hole segments and rotates two-person partnerships so every player teams with each other once, creating three short matches inside one round. This concise structure keeps each segment self-contained and helps groups manage competitive balance and variety in play, which is why the format appears in searches related to golf betting sites and social side games as players look for clear rules and scoring setups Golf Monthly and a Round Robin overview Round Robin guide.

Because Sixes is informal rather than a single official tournament rule, groups typically agree in advance on whether to score gross or net, what stakes apply, and how tied six-hole segments are settled. Clarifying these points before teeing off avoids confusion later and keeps the focus on fair, enjoyable golf Golf Digest. See the Funded Plays blog for related posts.

What are the basic rules and rotation for the 6-6-6 (Sixes) golf format?

Sixes divides 18 holes into three six-hole segments with rotating two-player partnerships so every player teams with each other once, commonly scored as Four-Ball for each block and settled after every six holes.

A brief example: in a four-player group A partners B for holes 1 to 6, A partners C for holes 7 to 12, and A partners D for holes 13 to 18, with each six-hole block scored and settled independently using best ball or another agreed format. This rotation is the core practical benefit of the Sixes golf format, because it creates short contests and frequent resets that limit runaway swings and keep matches engaging Golf Monthly.

How the 6-6-6 format works in practice: rotation, partnerships, and match flow

Setting up a Sixes round starts with naming the players and deciding whether you will use best ball, alternate shot, or a mix of formats across the three segments. For a four-player group the standard rotation ensures each player partners each other player once during the round, which is simple to map before you start and reduces strategic imbalance across the full 18 Golf Monthly.

Step 1, assign players numbers and list the pairings for holes 1 to 6, 7 to 12, and 13 to 18. Step 2, agree the scoring method for each block and whether ties are halved or pushed. Step 3, appoint a scorekeeper and decide how net handicaps will be applied if you use them. These practical steps make the rotation straightforward and keep settlements tidy after each six-hole block Golf Digest.

Example rotation for four players: Block A (holes 1 to 6) partners A-B vs C-D, Block B (holes 7 to 12) partners A-C vs B-D, Block C (holes 13 to 18) partners A-D vs B-C. Each block is scored separately and the group settles results at the end of the sixth hole in that block so losses or wins are capped and do not carry forward to create runaway outcomes Golf Monthly and detailed explanations appear at National Club Golfer.

Common scoring methods in 6-6-6: Four-Ball, Best Ball, and tie rules

Most casual groups use Four-Ball, also called best ball, as the default scoring method for each six-hole block because it rewards the better of two partner scores on each hole and promotes aggressive play by one partner while the other plays steady golf. Describing this approach helps groups run Sixes rounds quickly and consistently Golf Digest.

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Download a printable pairing rotation and sample scorecard to use on the course for quick reference.

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When a six-hole segment ends in a tie the common choices are to halve the result, push the stake, or use an agreed tiebreak such as best back-nine within the block if the players prefer a single winner. The simplest approach for friendly play is to halve or push, because that minimizes disputes and keeps tempo on the course Golf Monthly.

Groups should also decide whether to play gross or net ahead of time. Using net scoring requires a consistent handicap method so that partners' allowances are fair, and a clear score sheet entry for net results avoids later disagreement about settlements Golf Digest.

When a group uses formats such as Four-Ball or Foursomes within a 6-6-6 structure, the procedures and rulings from the Rules of Golf apply to each six-hole block. Four-Ball and Foursomes are defined and explained in the official Rules of Golf, so groups should follow the same relief, marking, and scorekeeping procedures for those blocks as they would in any formal event USGA Four-Ball rules.

In practice that means in a Four-Ball block the lower score of the two partners on each hole is the team score, and in a Foursomes block teams play one ball alternately with a fixed tee order. Following the official descriptions for these formats reduces disputes about which ball counts and how to apply penalty strokes during a six-hole segment USGA Foursomes rules.

For relief and rulings in any Sixes block, treat the segment like an independent match and consult the Rules of Golf if a rules question arises during play. Recording the ruling and the score at the next tee helps the group resolve any later discrepancies before final settlements USGA Four-Ball rules.

Handicaps and net scoring in 6-6-6: fair adjustments and World Handicap System notes

Applying handicap allowances consistently across Sixes makes net results fair when groups mix formats. The World Handicap System publishes allowance guidelines for Four-Ball and Foursomes that are appropriate to use when a group decides to play net Sixes, and following those published allowances keeps adjustments transparent and repeatable for every six-hole block USGA handicap allowances.

Work through one simple net example for a six-hole Four-Ball block to illustrate the procedure: if Partner A has a course handicap of 12 and Partner B has 18, apply the Four-Ball allowance percentage agreed under the World Handicap System to allocate playing strokes across the six holes, then record the lower net partner score as the team net for each hole. Calculating net totals per block and writing them on the scorecard avoids later confusion and makes settlement straightforward USGA handicap allowances.

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Before using net scoring, pick one handicap method and communicate it to the group. A single choice, recorded on the scorecard, prevents arguments about which allowances apply, and it ensures that net adjustments are comparable across the three segments USGA handicap allowances.

Tournament-style 6-6-6 variants: when the format changes every six holes

Some events treat 6-6-6 as a small tournament format by alternating formats across the three blocks, commonly using Scramble for the first six, Four-Ball for the second six, and Foursomes for the final six. This sequence adds variety and tests different team skills across a single 18-hole round Today's Golfer and Golf Games Hub.

Quick pairing rotation template for a four player or larger group

Player A
Player B
Player C
Player D
Player E
Player F

Use names to fill and copy to scorecards

Event organizers should communicate format changes clearly on the starting tee and on scorecards, and they must apply the Rules of Golf for each block when ruling on play, relief, or penalties. Clear signage and pre-round briefings keep pace of play steady and reduce questions about how a given hole should be played under the active format Today's Golfer.

Logistics for small events include grouping players by tee times that allow for easy pairing rotation, confirming tee order ahead of each block that uses alternate shot, and ensuring scorecards show both gross and net columns if handicaps are in play. These details make a mixed-format Sixes event run smoothly from first tee to final green Today's Golfer.

Setting stakes, agreements, and etiquette for fair play

Agreeing on stakes, whether you play gross or net, and how tied six-hole segments are settled are must-do items before starting any Sixes round. Making these decisions in the pre-round briefing and writing them on the scorecard prevents disputes and keeps focus on fair play and fun Golf Monthly.

Minimal 2D vector diagram of four player partnership rotations across three blocks using Funded Plays color palette showing connected circular nodes and alternating partner lines golf betting sites

Good etiquette practices include honest handicap reporting, appointing one scorekeeper per group, marking scores promptly, and keeping rulings calm and procedural if a rule question arises. These habits reduce friction and protect the social nature of the game Golf Digest.

Respect club policy regarding wagering and side games. Many clubs have explicit rules about betting and competitions on the course, so check local regulations and follow club guidance to avoid problems. When in doubt, choose noncash prizes or charitable contributions as low-risk alternatives to money stakes USGA handicap allowances.

A frequent error is failing to agree whether scoring is gross or net, which leads to mismatched expectations when settlements are recorded. Another common mistake is not applying handicap allowances correctly for Four-Ball and Foursomes, which can make net results feel unfair to players who rely on consistent adjustments Golf Monthly.

Do not let one continuous match score carry across all three segments. If groups forget to reset or settle after each six holes, losses can escalate and arguments become more likely. The right practice is to settle and record each block before moving on Golf Digest.

If a rules dispute arises during play, pause and consult the Rules of Golf for the relevant format, record the ruling, and write the temporary agreed score on the card. Resolve any lingering questions after the round with reference to the Rules or a designated committee USGA Foursomes rules.

Strategy and tips: playing each six-hole block to win

In Four-Ball blocks partner tactics matter. One player can play aggressively to chase birdies while the partner secures pars. Communicate which holes you will attack and which you prefer to play conservatively so the team maximizes the chance of low scores without unnecessary risk Golf Monthly.

In alternate-shot (Foursomes) blocks choose tee order with care and favor conservative lines on holes where a forced error can be especially costly. Because players alternate shots a single mistake can be amplified, so teams that minimize risk and hit fairways consistently tend to perform better in these segments USGA Foursomes rules.

Across the round adapt your approach based on the settled results of earlier blocks. If you lose the first block, a more aggressive plan in the second best ball segment can recover value, whereas a lead early suggests playing conservatively to protect position in the final six-hole block Golf Digest.

Practical examples: sample scorecard, pairings, and a worked net-scoring block

Sample pairing table for a four-player group makes rotation obvious. Block 1: A-B vs C-D, Block 2: A-C vs B-D, Block 3: A-D vs B-C. Copying this chart to the scorecard before tee-off keeps everyone aware of partnerships and avoids confusion at the turn Golf Monthly.

A sample six-hole scorecard entry shows gross and net columns and a separate cell that records the settled result for that block, for example Win, Loss, or Halve. Recording the settled result immediately after hole 6, 12, and 18 keeps final accounting transparent and quick to confirm at the clubhouse Today's Golfer.

Worked net example, simplified: on a six-hole Four-Ball block Partner A net scores 4,5,4,3,5,4 while Partner B net scores 5,6,5,4,6,5. The team net for each hole is the lower partner net, sum those six lowest nets to get the team six-hole net total, then compare with the opponent team net to determine the block settlement. Keep the arithmetic simple and write the team net total on the card for the block USGA handicap allowances.

Local club rules, legality, and when to avoid wagers

Check your club rules about wagering before running a Sixes game with stakes. Many clubs have explicit policies on on-course betting games, and following those policies is essential to avoid creating conflicts with staff or other members USGA handicap allowances.

If wagering is restricted, use noncash alternatives such as points, small prizes, or a charitable pot to preserve competitive interest without violating club or local rules. These options keep the social and competitive benefits of Sixes without exposing players to legal or club policy risks Golf Monthly.

Remember that Sixes is an informal format and any stakes or settlement methods are group agreements, not formal endorsements by golf authorities, so communicate clearly and respect club guidance at all times Golf Digest.

Quick pre-round checklist for running a smooth 6-6-6 game

Must-agree list: format variant for each six-hole block, gross or net scoring, handicap method (Funded Plays evaluation guide), stakes or alternative prizes, tie rules, and order of play. Confirming these items takes five minutes and prevents most disputes later Golf Monthly.

Write the chosen format and handicaps on the scorecard and appoint a scorekeeper. After each six-hole block record the team settled result clearly, and keep a running total so final calculations at the clubhouse are quick and transparent Golf Digest.

Common reader scenarios: four-player weekend group and six-player event setups

Scenario A, four-player casual group: use the standard rotation, choose Four-Ball for all blocks, play net with agreed allowances, halve ties, and appoint one scorekeeper. This simple setup is quick to run and keeps the game social yet competitive Golf Monthly.

Scenario B, small event of six to twelve players: run a tournament-style 6-6-6 with Scramble, Four-Ball, and Foursomes across the three blocks, publish pairings and tee order before the round, and post clear scorecards that show gross and net results. Organizers should also remind players of club rules about wagering and ensure a neutral committee handles any disputes Today's Golfer.

Dos and don'ts: Do record settled results after each block, do follow the Rules of Golf for format-specific rulings, and do communicate handicaps. Do not leave tiebreak rules ambiguous, and do not ignore club policies on wagering Golf Digest.

Final takeaways: when 6-6-6 is a good choice and next steps to try it

Sixes is a flexible, balanced format that splits an 18-hole round into three short contests, encourages partner variety, and limits runaway swings by settling results every six holes. It is a good choice for weekend groups that want pace and variety without complex scoring Golf Monthly and more resources are available at Funded Plays.

Before your first run pick the variant you prefer, agree gross or net and the handicap method, assign a scorekeeper, and run a practice six-hole block as a warm-up. Clear communication and a simple written score record make the first Sixes round easy to manage and enjoyable for all players USGA Four-Ball rules.

Is 6-6-6 an official rule of golf?

No. 6-6-6, called Sixes or round robin, is an informal match format. Groups should agree stakes, scoring, and tiebreaks before play.

What scoring is most common in Sixes?

Four-Ball, or best ball, is the most common for each six-hole block because it balances aggressive and conservative play within a partnership.

How do handicaps work in 6-6-6?

Apply World Handicap System allowances for Four-Ball and Foursomes and record the chosen method on the scorecard to ensure consistent net scoring.

If you want to try Sixes, start small and keep the first round simple: pick one format for all three blocks, agree net or gross scoring, and appoint a scorekeeper. A single practice six-hole block is a low-friction way to learn the rotation and scoring before committing to stakes. When you are ready to run mixed-format events or larger tournaments, use the Rules of Golf for format-specific rulings and clearly communicate pairings and handicaps to all players.