From Brent Kelley,
Your Guide to Golf.
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Definition: Criss Cross is a tournament format or betting game in which the golfer or team gets to compare corresponding scores on their scorecard and choose the lower of two scores, resulting in a 9-hole total score.

It's not as complicated as we just made it sound. Here's how it works: Front 9 holes are paired up with the corresponding Back 9 hole. In other words, think of No. 1 and No. 10 as a pair, No. 2 and No. 11, No. 3 and No. 12, and so on up to No. 9 and No. 18.

Following the round, compare the scores you recorded on No. 1 and No. 10 and circle the lower of the two. Compare No. 2 and No. 11 and circle the lower of the two, and so on through No. 9 and No. 18.

Then add up the 9 holes you've circled for your total score.

Criss Cross is usually played in flights using gross scores; handicaps can be used to determine flights.