Press

Type Side Bet
Alias Pressing the Bet
Format Option
Number of players 2, 3, 4+
Team or Individual play Both
  • A “press” is essentially a second bet that is placed in addition to an original bet.
  • Usually, when a player or team is on the losing side, they begin a second bet, i.e., they “press” the bet.
  • Although pressing is most commonly found in Nassau, it can be used in other games and formats as well.
  • The pressing bet is usually worth the same amount as the original bet.

    Variations:

        There are no fixed rules for presses. The way they are used is determined among the group of players. However, listed below are some common examples of presses:

        • For Nassau, a game that bets on the results of the front nine, the back nine, and the overall match, a $2 press is common. For a player who is down by a few holes, winning the front nine is unlikely. In that case, they may press the bet on the given hole, say Hole 6. And so, a second bet is initiated for holes 6 to 9.
        • Some games mandate that a player must be at least two holes down to press the bet.
        • In some games, pressing on the 9th and 18th holes is not allowed.
        • Players have the option to accept or decline a press.
        • An automatic press can be invoked in some games if a certain predefined condition is met, e.g., when a player is two holes behind.
        • Although the press is usually worth the same amount as the original bet, it may vary.