Point Game FAQ

Common questions about Point Game rules, scoring, and troubleshooting.

Basic Rules

What is the Point Game?

The Point Game (also called “40-Point Game” or “40 Score”) is a team format where your foursome must use exactly 40 individual scores across 18 holes. After each hole, the captain selects which players’ NET scores count toward the team total. The team with the lowest aggregate NET score wins.

Why is it called the “40-Point Game”?

The default configuration is 4 players x 10 points each = 40 total scores. Each “point” represents one score that must be used. Some groups play variations like the “50-Point Game” for a more forgiving format.

How many scores can I select per hole?

You can select anywhere from 0 to 4 scores per hole (for a foursome), as long as you:

• Stay within the minimum required to have enough future capacity
• Don’t exceed the maximum allowed based on remaining scores needed

The system shows you the valid range for each hole.

What happens if I don’t reach exactly 40 scores?

You cannot finish the round without hitting exactly 40 scores. The system enforces constraints throughout the round to prevent this situation. On the final holes, you’ll be forced to select specific numbers of scores.

Can I change my selections after confirming?

Once you confirm selections and move to the next hole, those selections are locked. You can only modify selections for the current hole before confirming. This is intentional - Point Game is about real-time decision making.

Scoring Questions

How does NET scoring work?

NET score = Gross score - Handicap strokes received on that hole

Example: If you have a 12 course handicap and play a hole with stroke index 8:

• You receive 1 handicap stroke on that hole
• Gross score of 5 becomes NET score of 4
• If selected, “4” counts toward your team total

What handicap allowance is used?

Default is 100% of course handicap. This means each player uses their full course handicap for determining strokes received per hole.

How are team totals calculated?

Team NET Total = Sum of all selected NET scores

Team To Par = Team NET Total - Sum of the pars for holes where scores were selected

For example, if you select two scores on a par 4 (both NET 4), that hole contributes +0 to par (8 - 8 = 0).

Do we count gross or net scores?

NET scores are always used for Point Game. This levels the playing field so higher handicap players can contribute valuable selections just as easily as lower handicap players.

Selection Strategy

When should I select 0 scores?

Select 0 scores when everyone has a bad hole AND you’re ahead of pace. This “throws away” the hole entirely. You can only do this early in the round when there’s capacity to use more scores later.

Should I always select birdies?

Generally yes - birdies are rare and valuable. Even if you’re ahead of pace, banking a birdie gives you flexibility later and improves your total. The only exception might be extreme situations where you’re many scores ahead and face constraints.

What if the constraints force me to select a bad score?

This happens late in rounds if you’ve been too conservative. If you must select 3 scores and only have one par available, you’ll have to count some bogeys or worse. This is the strategic consequence of earlier decisions.

How do I know if I’m on pace?

Watch the pace status indicator in the status bar:

• Green (On Pace): You’re fine, keep playing naturally
• Blue (Need More): Start using more scores per hole
• Yellow (Caution): Getting tight, be strategic
• Red (Danger): Must select multiple scores to catch up

Target paces:

• After hole 6: 12-15 scores
• After hole 9: 20-24 scores
• After hole 12: 26-30 scores
• After hole 15: 32-36 scores

Edge Cases

What if a player picks up (no score)?

If a player picks up on a hole:

• That player’s score is not available for selection on that hole
• You effectively have only 3 scores to choose from (for a foursome)
• The system recalculates constraints with reduced capacity

What if too many pickups make 40 impossible?

If accumulated pickups make reaching 40 mathematically impossible, the round cannot be completed normally. Options include:

• Admin adjusts the target (pro-rate)
• Team is disqualified
• Round recorded as incomplete

This is rare but can happen if multiple players pick up on several holes.

What if a player withdraws mid-round?

When a player withdraws:

• All future scores from that player are unavailable
• System recalculates whether 40 is still achievable
• Admin may need to adjust the target or DQ the team

What if I lose internet connection?

Scores and selections are saved locally on your device. When connection is restored:

• Local changes sync to the server
• If there’s a conflict, server state wins
• You’ll see any differences and can adjust

Troubleshooting

Why can’t I select more scores?

You’ve hit the maximum allowed for this hole based on remaining requirements. If you select more now, you won’t have enough holes left to use remaining scores. The system prevents invalid states.

Why can’t I proceed to the next hole?

You haven’t met the minimum selection requirement. Check the validation message - it will tell you how many more scores you must select before continuing.

Why is my pace status red?

You’ve been too conservative with selections. You must use more scores per hole to reach 40 by the end. The system will increasingly force higher minimums as you approach hole 18.

The selection counts don’t add up?

Remember that pickups reduce available scores. If one player picked up, you only have 3 available scores that hole. The constraints adjust accordingly.

Can I undo my confirmation?

No - once confirmed, selections are locked. This is by design. Point Game requires commitment to real-time decisions. Double-check your selections before confirming.

Tournament Setup

How do I create a Point Game competition?

When setting up a tournament:

1. Choose “Point Game” as the scoring format
2. Configure team size and total points (default: 4 players, 40 points)
3. Set handicap allowance (default: 100%)
4. Assign teams to playing groups

Can Point Game run alongside other formats?

Yes. You can run multiple competitions in one event. For example:

• Point Game for team competition
• Individual stroke play for overall standings
• Skins game for extra excitement

How are winners determined?

Lowest aggregate NET score wins. Tiebreakers in order:

1. Back 9 score
2. Back 6 score
3. Back 3 score
4. Card-off (comparing holes sequentially)

Can spectators view the leaderboard?

Yes. The live leaderboard is accessible via shareable link. Spectators can see:

• Team rankings
• Current scores to par
• Progress (scores used out of 40)
• Holes completed

Comparison with Similar Games

How is Point Game different from Best Ball?

How is Point Game different from Scramble?

Scramble is a single-ball format where everyone plays from the same spot. Point Game is individual play where you choose which individual scores to count. They’re fundamentally different formats.

Is Point Game an official USGA format?

No. Point Game is an informal format popular in casual play and buddy trips. There are no official USGA rules - rules vary by group. Our implementation follows common conventions.

Getting Help

Where can I learn more about strategy?

See our Point Game Scoring Guide for detailed captain instructions and strategic tips.

How do I report a bug or issue?

Contact support through the help menu in the app, or reach out to your tournament administrator.

Can I suggest improvements to Point Game?

Absolutely. We’re actively developing this feature. Contact support with feedback or feature requests.