How ladder golf scoring works
Ladder golf is scored at the end of a round, not as bolas are thrown, because a later toss can knock an earlier one off. What is still hanging when both sides have thrown is what counts.
What a bola is worth
The ladder has three rungs: a bola hanging on the top rung is worth 3, the middle 2 and the bottom 1. Each player throws three bolas a turn.
When to count
After both sides have thrown all their bolas. A bola knocked off by an opponent scores nothing, which is why defense is part of the game.
Bonus points
Many rule sheets give a bonus when a player hangs all three bolas on the same rung. The amount varies between sets, so agree on it before you play.
Exactly 21
The usual target is exactly 21. A round that takes you past 21 does not count. A popular house rule drops you back to 11 instead.
Cancellation variant
Some players cancel bolas on the same rung, so only the difference between the two sides scores each round.
What Score All does with these rules
What a bola is worth
A bola hanging on the top rung is 3 points, the middle rung 2 and the bottom rung 1. Each player throws three bolas a turn, so nine is the most a turn can be worth before any bonus.
Score after both sides throw
Bolas can be knocked off, so count what is still hanging once both sides have thrown and enter each side's total. The round moves on once both are in; enter 0 for a side that has nothing hanging.
The same-rung bonus
Many rule sheets add a bonus when one player hangs all three bolas on one rung. Set the bonus value when you create the game (0 turns it off) and the console gets a button for each rung.
Exactly 21
The usual finish is exactly 21. Go over and the round does not count, or with a house rule you drop back to 11. Both are settings, and so is playing first-to-21 with no bust.
Ladder golf scoring FAQ
How many points is the top rung in ladder golf?
Three. The middle rung is two and the bottom rung is one.
What happens if you go over 21 in ladder golf?
Under the usual rule the round does not count and you stay where you were. Some groups send you back to 11.
Do knocked-off bolas count?
No. Only bolas still hanging after both sides throw are scored.
How do you score ladder golf?
Top rung 3, middle 2, bottom 1, counted after both sides have thrown. First to exactly 21 wins.
What happens if you go over 21 in ladder golf?
Under the usual rule the round does not count. Some backyards drop you back to 11 instead. Score All lets you pick either, or no bust at all.
Is ladder ball the same as ladder golf?
Yes. Ladder ball, ladder toss, ladder golf and blongo are names for the same game, and they are scored the same way.