How to Play the Bisque Format/Game
So, for example, if a golfer reaches the fifth hole and wishes to apply a handicap stroke there, that golfer has to announce before teeing off that he'll be taking a stroke on that hole.
Before we continue with the Bisque game, let's note that the word "bisque" is used in a couple other golf games (or elements of golf games), too, and those games are different from the one we are describing here. A "bisque stroke" is a single, extra handicap stroke given by one golfer to another as an enticement into a match or bet. (The bisque stroke is in addition to the receiving golfer's full allotment of handicap strokes — read more here). There is also a format called "Bisque Par" in which golfers play match play vs. par and can use their handicap strokes on any hole, even deciding to do so after completion of a hole.
Details: Playing the Bisque Format
Let's say Golfer A has a course handicap of 5 and Golfer B has a course handicap of 8. Normally, playing a match under the Rules of Golf, Golfer A would play off zero and Golfer B would play off 3 (8 minus 5 = 0). But in the Bisque format, both golfers play off their calculated course handicaps, so in our example they stick with 5 and 8. So Golfer A has 5 strokes to use during the round, Golfer B has 8 strokes.Normally, those strokes would be used on the holes designated 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, for Golfer A, on the scorecard's handicap line. And Golfer B would apply his strokes on the holes designated 1 through 8 on the handicap line.
But in the Bisque format, Golfers A and B both get to decide for themselves on which holes to apply those handicap strokes. They just have to make that decision before teeing off on a hole.
If Golfer B reaches the No. 3 tee and realizes, "this hole is one where I often struggle," he can announce to his opponent that he is taking one of his strokes on that hole. No. 3 might be the 18th-rated handicap hole, but that's OK: In Bisque, it's up to the golfer where to allocate his strokes. When Golfer B completes the third hole, he reduces his score by one stroke, using one of the 8 handicap strokes he has to use.
One proviso that usually applies in Bisque is this: You cannot use more than two strokes on any single hole. Another proviso that always applies in Bisque: Once you've used all your strokes, that's it. If you're a 5-handicap and you've used all five strokes by the eighth hole, you're done using strokes for the round.
And remember: You must announce your intention to use one (or even two) of your available strokes before teeing off on a hole.
More golf formats:
