The object is to capture "the Bear" by having the low score on a hole. Winning a hole, and thereby capturing the Bear, is worth a set amount of points or money. The value of the Bear doubles each time it is captured by a different player. The bet pays off to the player who holds the Bear after the ninth hole, then starts over and pays off again to the golfer who holds the Bear after the 18th hole.
Let's do an example. Say we have three golfers - Players A, B and C - and they decide the Bear is worth $1 to start. On the first hole, Player A has the low score of the group, and captures the Bear (if two or more players tie for low score, the Bear doesn't change hands). The value of the Bear at this point is the original $1.
On the second hole, Player B has the low score and so takes the Bear away. But the Bear doubles in value with every exchange, so now it's worth $2. Holes are halved for the next three holes, but on No. 6 Player C has the low score. He captures the Bear, which is now worth $4 (doubling from $2). Player C holds onto the Bear the rest of the front nine, and since he has the Bear after the ninth hole he wins $4.
Beginning on No. 10, the Bear is set free and the process begins again.
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