Wolf is a strategic betting game that can be played by 3 to 5 players.
It is typically played in a foursome.
No handicaps necessary. Opportunity to win (or lose) big for better players.
Overview: Basic Game Structure – 2 v 2 Rotating Partners
One each hole, one player is the WOLF. The Wolf tees off, then can choose a partner in the ensuing 2v2 hole.
Scoring – Skins with Carryovers
Wolf can be played with points over 18 holes. As explained in other posts, when Koreans play, they usually prefer immediate results and immediate cash payment. So, for this outline, we will not discuss point tallying but the process is almost identical except with preset bets/prizes awarded at the end of the round.
For purposes of this post, the wager will be Skins with Carryovers.
The Wolf can choose a partner then the foursome plays the hole 2v2.
The Wolf can decide to play alone, then the foursome plays the hole 1v3.
The value of each Skin, and the 2v2 and 1v3 format (Best Ball, Shamble, Scramble) is predetermined before the match.
Establishing the Wolf Order
Each player takes turns being the “Wolf.”
Before teeing off on the first tee. The order is set – either by tee-flip, ball-toss, age, whatever. Write down the names in the set order on the score card.
This sequence of who is the Wolf is set and does not change for Holes 1 through 8 and then again for Holes 10 through 17.
The Wolf tees off first. If the Wolf his confident, the Wolf can declare it will not select a partner and play the hole alone. This declaration of Blind Lone Wolf means if won, the wager is 3x the pot paid by each of three other players. If the Blind Lone Wolf ties there is no blood and the pot carries over to the next hole.
Selecting a Partner
Blind Lone Wolf is a Wolf that does not see any of the other players tee shots and decides to play alone.
This hole is played 1 v 3.
If the BLW wins, the other three players each pay 3x the pot to the BLW.
BUT if the BLW loses, the BLW pays the pot to each of the other three players.
Regular Wolf is when the Wolf chooses a partner. But the Wolf must select a partner before the next player tees off. After each player tees off, the Wolf must either select or reject that player before the next player tees off. This hole is played 2v2. Each player on the winning team is paid by each player on the losing team.
Lone Wolf is when the Wolf watches each player tee off. After the last player tees off, the LW decides to play alone. This hole is played 1v3 like BLW, but a LW wins 2x the pot from each player.
SuperWolf on Hole 9 and Hole 18
For four players, each player is the Wolf twice on the front nine. 1-2-3-4-1-2-3-4.
On the 9th Hole – the player with the least amount of points, or who has lost the most money over the first 8 holes is the “Super Wolf” on Hole 9.
The Super Wolf does not need to select a partner before the next player tees off. The Super Wolf can watch all the players tee off and then decide who to partner with – or to play alone.
Variations
Depending on who the players respective skill levels and tolerance for betting, there are variations to make the game fair and fun.
Points & Prizes
With a set pot, the point tally system sets how much (if any) money will be lost since there is no penalty for losing a hole. Points are added up and prizes are awarded after 9 holes and/or 18 holes. The point system can vary: Regular Wolf winning team members earn 1 point each; Lone Wolf wins 3 points and if the 3 beat the Lone Wolf they each earn 1 point each; Blind Lone Wolf wins 6 points and if the 3 beat the Blind Lone Wolf they each earn 1 point each.
Progressive Skins
We typically play Skins that increase in value every six holes. For example, $2 skins for the first six holes; $4 skins for Holes 7 through 13; and $6 skins for the last six holes.
The increasing skin value can be matched with various 2v2 formats as well. For example, the $2 skins are played 4-Ball (Best Ball), the $4 skins are played Shamble, and the $6 skins are played Scramble.
Three Player Ghost Wolf
When there are three players, Wolf can be played with a “Ghost” 4th player.
The Ghost is guaranteed Bogie. So depending on the 2v2 format (e.g., best ball or shamble), teaming with the Ghost can be advantageous.
Playing Wolf the key holes are the Par 3s. If the Wolf hits on and the other three do not, the Par 3s are a good opportunity to go Lone Wolf (or Blind Lone Wolf). But if you are playing Ongap-Sulsa then the guaranteed bogie is no real help.
There are various strategies that are unique to the game of Wolf.
There are apps you can download to set up and track the game as well. See this video for an example.
or you can try to “Quit Golf and Get Your Life Back...”
0 Comments