House rules vary. This is the common way to play Snake. Settle the details (points, stakes, handicaps) on the first tee, before anyone has hit a shot they'd like to renegotiate.
The rules
- The first player to three-putt takes the snake.
- The snake passes to the next player who three-putts.
- Whoever holds it at the end pays the agreed amount, either to each player or into the pot.
If two players three-putt on the same hole, the last one to finish their putts usually takes the snake.
Popular variations
- Growing snake: the value goes up by one unit every time the snake changes hands, so a late three-putt is expensive.
- Front and back: run two snakes, one per nine.
- Four-putt rule: a four-putt counts double.
- Off-green rule: putts from the fringe usually don't count; agree first.
Why it helps your game
Snake puts a little pressure on every lag putt and every three-footer, which is exactly the pressure you need to practise under. If the snake keeps finding you, the putting ladder drill is the fix.
Example. Cal three-putts the 4th and takes the snake. Ana three-putts the 11th: the snake moves to Ana. Nobody else three-putts, so Ana pays.
The scorecard
Snake card
Official-ish scorecardMark who three-putted on each hole (the last one if two did). Everything stays in your browser; nothing is saved or sent. Your secrets are safe.
Questions people actually ask
Does a three-putt from off the green count?
Usually not. Most groups only count putts taken from on the green.
Can Snake be played with other games?
Yes. It's a side bet that runs on top of Skins, Nassau or Wolf.
What happens if two players three-putt on the same hole?
The last player to hole out takes the snake.
Playing for money? Keep it friendly and legal where you live. The best stake is one nobody minds losing.