A match ends when a side's lead exceeds the number of holes left to play. Unlike stroke play, a stroke may be conceded to an opponent. All matches are 18 holes or less.
All matches are worth one point and in the event of a halved match each side gets one-half point.
Each member of the two-man team plays his own ball and the better score of the two is recorded on each hole. This format encourages players to hit bold, gambling shots when their partner is in a safe position. Whichever team is farthest from the hole can decide which team member may hit first. One player tees off on the odd-numbered holes, the other on the even, and they alternate shots until each hole is completed. Each golfer plays his own ball and the best score of the two counts for the team.