Equipment
Long live the half set
There has been a growing movement in golf over the last few years to simplify and make the game less complicated by using fewer clubs, and the groundswell has been building. Most golfers learning the game start with a half set to make the game easier and help clarify the decision process on the course. As golfers progress, the desire to “fill holes in a set” can lead to purchasing more clubs—but do you really need them? A lot of people don’t think so.
Using fewer than 14 clubs affects golfers differently depending on skill. For example, as mentioned off the top, it gives those starting out the basic amount of clubs to learn on and creates larger distance gaps between each one to help with club selection. For more advanced players, using a half set of 8 clubs or less brings in the opportunity to use more creative measures to hit shots and get the ball close to the intended target. Whether it be going full bore to squeak out a few extra yards or taking a longer club and finessing a shot, there is more than one way to execute and fewer clubs give you those chances more often.
The modern game of hit it far, use the shortest club possible into the approach, and make a putt is fun but has robbed the game of so much creativity and imagination. Using imagination is part of what golf architects have challenged golfers to do since the inception of the game, a perfect example of this took place at the 2019 Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne—one of the top golf courses in the world. During the matches, we got to see a lot of variance in how players chose to approach holes which made things entertaining to watch. What we saw at Royal Melbourne was the polar opposite of the day-to-day “target golf” we see in the modern professional game. “Target golf” is an odd term when you break it down, because regardless of the style of course you are playing, you will always be trying to hit a target, it just might not be where you initially expect and that’s where creativity makes this game fun.
Building a Set
If you already have a full set, remember, it means you also have a half set too! No need to try and put one together. But if you are in the market, for building a half set from scratch, there are a couple of factors to keep in mind
- The putter isn’t going anywhere so build your set from the short clubs up. Regardless of how many clubs you are planning to carry, a majority of your shots are still going to be hit inside 100 yards.
- It’s easier to hit shots that go shorter than trying to make a club go further. Pick the most versatile clubs in your bag to make sure you have the chance to hit almost any yardage.
- Pay attention to iron lofts. Many modern sets have 4-5 degrees between clubs, but as you get to the longer irons those gaps can get smaller quickly. You don’t necessarily need every other iron in your bag.
- A driving club is still very important. Unless you plan to go completely minimalist keeping a driver in the bag is a good idea. It has the largest face and is the most forgiving club off the tee.
Modern interpretations
As the half set trend continues to grow, manufacturers are getting in on the action. The most recent notable being Linksoul in collaboration with Miura Golf and their Color Theory Irons. Consisting of four clubs with the lofts 25, 32, 40, and 49 degrees, each one is marked by a color instead of a number as a way to differentiate, and in true Linksoul style creates something both understated and unique. As a limited edition they are on the higher end at $1,300 for the set/$325 a club, but that falls directly in line with standard Miura pricing, and should not be a shock to those looking for a club in that category.
Another niche player in this is National Custom Works. Having spoken with founder Patrick Boyd on multiple occasions, one of the biggest requests they get for their entirely custom sets is for short sets between 4-6 clubs. Each set is 100 percent bespoke, and with that, pricing varies per project. Please remember though, purchasing a whole new set is not a necessity and just an option.
Like many that I have spoken with about this topic, I fit into both camps of the club setup game. I love having the option of all 14 clubs, and when it comes to a properly fit set its always going to offer peak performance, but it’s not a requirement to get maximum enjoyment. Depending on the course or even the time of day, 6-8 clubs are really all I need—especially for a quick nine at dusk in the middle of summer. It’s easier to carry, allows me to walk faster, and its a great way to get in some shotmaking practice when a trip to the range is out of the question.
The beautiful thing about golf is you can play it any way you want—it’s a freeform game. If you have a course, some clubs, and a ball you can play—and speaking to clubs, you certainly don’t need all 14.
*featured photo via Wingtip Golf
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- Kevin Tway what’s in the bag accurate as of the Wells Fargo Championship. More photos from the event here.
Driver: Ping G430 LST (10.5 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 6 X
3-wood: TaylorMade Stealth 2 (15 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana D+ 80 TX
5-wood: TaylorMade Stealth 2 (18 degrees)
Shaft: Mitsubishi Diamana D+ 90 TX
Irons: Wilson Staff Utility (2), Titleist T100 (4-9)
Shafts: Mitsubishi MMT 100 TX (2), True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 (4-9)
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (48-10F @47, 52-12F @51, 56-14F), SM7 (60-10S)
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 (48-56), True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 (60)
Putter: Scotty Cameron T-5 Proto
Grip: Scotty Cameron Black Baby T
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Plus4
More photos of Kevin Tway’s WITB in the forums.
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Editor’s note: This is an excerpt from a piece our Andrew Tursky originally wrote for PGATour.com’s Equipment Report. Head over there for the full article.
The timing of Lowry’s putter changeup was curious: Was he just using a Spider putter because he was paired with McIlroy, who’s been using a Spider Tour X head throughout 2024? Was Lowry just being festive because it’s the Zurich Classic, and he wanted to match his teammate? Did McIlroy let Lowry try his putter, and he liked it so much he actually switched into it?
Well, as it turns out, McIlroy’s only influence was inspiring Lowry to make more putts.
When asked if McIlroy had an influence on the putter switch, Lowry had this to say: “No, it’s actually a different putter than what he uses. Maybe there was more pressure there because I needed to hole some more putts if we wanted to win,” he said with a laugh.
To Lowry’s point, McIlroy plays the Tour X model, whereas Lowry switched into the Tour Z model, which has a sleeker shape in comparison, and the two sole weights of the club are more towards the face.
Lowry’s Spider Tour Z has a white True Path Alignment channel on the crown of his putter, which is reminiscent of Lowry’s former 2-ball designs, thus helping to provide a comfort factor despite the departure from his norm. Instead of a double-bend hosel, which Lowry used in his 2-ball putters, his new Spider Tour Z is designed with a short slant neck.
“I’ve been struggling on the greens, and I just needed something with a fresh look,” Lowry told GolfWRX.com on Wednesday at the 2024 Wells Fargo Championship. “It has a different neck on it, as well, so it moves a bit differently, but it’s similar. It has a white line on the back of it [like my 2-ball], and it’s a mallet style. So it’s not too drastic of a change.
“I just picked it up on the putting green and I liked the look of it, so I was like, ‘Let’s give it a go.’”
Read the rest of the piece over at PGATour.com.
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Equipment
Webb Simpson equipment Q&A: Titleist’s new 2-wood, 680 blade irons, and switching to a broomstick Jailbird
With seven career wins on the PGA Tour, including a U.S. Open victory, Webb Simpson is a certified veteran on the course. But he’s also a certified veteran in the equipment world, too. He’s a gearhead who truly knows his stuff, and he’s even worked closely with Titleist on making his own custom 682.WS irons.
On Wednesday at the 2024 Wells Fargo Championship, I caught up with Simpson to hear about his experience with Titleist’s new prototype 2-wood, how Titleist’s 680 Forged irons from 2003 ended up back in his bag, and why he’s switching into an Odyssey Ai-One Jailbird Cruiser broomstick putter this week for the first time.
Click here to read our full story about Simpson’s putter switch on PGATOUR.com’s Equipment Report, or continue reading below for my full Q&A with Simpson at Quail Hollow Club on Wednesday.
See Webb Simpson’s full WITB from the 2024 Wells Fargo Championship here
GolfWRX: It seems like you’ve been a little all over the place with your irons in the past six months or so, and now going back to the 680’s. Is that just a comfort thing? What’s been going on with the irons?
Webb Simpson: Titleist has been so great at working with me, and R&D, on trying to get an iron that kind of modernizes the 680. And so the 682.WS took the T100 grooves, but kinda took the look and the bulk and the build of the 680’s into one club. They’re beautiful, and awesome looking. I just never hit them that well for a consistent period of time. It was probably me, but then I went to T100’s and loved them. I loved the spin, the trajectory, the yardage, but again, I never went on good runs. Going through the ground, I couldn’t feel the club as well as with the blade. So last week, I’m like, ‘Alright. I’m gonna go back more for…comfort, and see if I can get on a nice little run of ball striking.’
So that’s why I went back.
View this post on Instagram
OK, that makes sense. I know you had done some 2-wood testing recently. Is that in the bag right now?
It’s like day-by-day. I used it at Hilton Head every day. Valero, I used it one round. And this week, me and my caddie will do the book every morning, and if it’s a day where we think we need it, we’ll just put it in and take the 3-wood out. I love it because it’s a super simple swap. Like, it doesn’t really change much.
Yeah, can you tell me about that club? I mean, we don’t really know anything about it yet. You know? I haven’t hit it or anything, obviously.
It has grooves like a 3-wood. Spin is perfect. And it’s honestly, like, everything is in the middle of a 3-wood and driver number. Trajectory, spin, carry, all of it. So, a Hilton Head golf course is almost too easy to talk about because, you know, there, so many holes are driver 3-wood.
Valero, our thinking was we had two par-5’s into the wind, and we knew that it would take two great shots to get there in two. So instead of hitting driver-driver, we just put it in. And I used it on those holes.
Hilton was a little easier because it was off-the-tee kind of questions. But Colonial will be a golf course where, you know, there’s a lot of driver or 3-woods. It’s kind of like a backup putter or driver for me now. I’ll bring it to every tournament.
So it’s, like, in your locker right now, probably?
Well, it would be. It’s in my house [because Webb lives near by Quail Hollow Club, and is a member at the course.] It’s in the garage.
Oh, yeah, that’s right. Do you know what holes you might use it out here if it goes in play?
Potentially 15, depending on the wind. Second shot on 10. Could be 14 off the tee. The chances here are pretty low (that he’ll use the 2-wood). But, like, Greensboro would be an awesome club all day. I’m trying to think of any other golf courses.
There’s plenty that it’ll be a nice weapon to have.
It’s interesting, the wave of 2-woods and mini drivers. Like, it’s just really taken off on Tour, and all the companies have seemed to embrace it.
Yeah. The thing I had to learn, it took me, like, at least a week to learn about it is you gotta tee it up lower than you think. I kept teeing it up too high. You need it low, like barely higher than a 3-wood. And that was where I got optimal spin and carry. If you tee it up too high, you just don’t get as much spin and lose distance, I don’t know if that’s just a mini driver thing.
And you obviously have a Jailbird putter this week. What spurred that on?
Inconsistent putting. I’m stubborn in a lot of ways when it comes to my equipment, but I have to be open minded – I just hadn’t putted consistently well in a while. And I’m like, ‘Man, I feel my ball-striking coming along. Like I feel better; for real, better.’
If I can just get something in my hands that I’m consistent with. Being on Tour, you see it every year, guys get on little runs. I can put together four to five tournaments where I’m all the sudden back in the majors, or in the FedExCup Playoffs. You can turn things around quick out here. I’m like, ‘Man, whatever’s going to get me there, great.’
My caddie, David Cook, caddied for Akshay at the Houston Open and he putted beautifully. Then, I watched Akshay on TV at Valero, and he putted beautifully. And, I’m like, ‘I’m just going to try it.’
I’ve never tried it for more than a putt or two, and I just ordered what Akshay uses. It was pretty awkward at first, but the more I used it, the more I’m like, ‘Man, it’s pretty easy.’ And a buddy of mine who’s a rep out here, John Tyler Griffin, he helped me with some setup stuff. And he said at Hilton Head, he wasn’t putting well, then tried it, and now he makes everything. He was very confident. So I’m like, ‘Alright, I’ll try it.’”
And you’re going with it this week?
Hundred percent.
Alright, I love it. Thank you, I always love talking gear with you. Play well this week.
Thanks, man.
See Webb Simpson’s full WITB from the 2024 Wells Fargo Championship here
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Pingback: 4 Tips for Buying the Perfect Set of Golf Clubs - The Leader Newspaper
Night putter
Feb 13, 2020 at 9:32 pm
2 callaway woods D, 4w GBB2, steelhead
2 hogan apex plus irons 5, 8
2 ping wedge P, SW becu
1 putter
Pantilones
Jan 10, 2021 at 7:23 pm
This is exactly what I play!
Nomad Golfer
Jan 15, 2020 at 10:33 pm
After many years of carting around a full set, I found that just 9 clubs can do the biz for me:
Driver
#7 wood
7 8 9 pw sw lw
putter
I have no use for long irons, the #7 wood covers those. Wouldn’t mind adding a #9 wood at some stage but managing ok in the meantime.
Oscar
Jan 9, 2020 at 5:19 pm
OEM’s to begin selling 1/2 sets for 3/4 the full set price. Brilliant!!
jack
Jan 12, 2020 at 9:40 am
already reduced set from 3-pw to 4-pw and raised the price too!!
Bar72
Dec 31, 2019 at 2:36 am
This year I was playing with six golf clubs.
driver
hybrid
7 iron
9th iron
Wedge
putter
The best score is 78, which is much more fun and creative than in the past when we had a full set of 14. Also, even to adjust the distance, loose swings are strictly prohibited. I’ve been tired of playing golf for 25 years, but now I feel like golf is fun again.
Andrew Provenzano
Dec 28, 2019 at 6:37 pm
The creative aspect of using less than 14 clubs is the main reason why I only carry 10. However, I do it for another reason. Confidence. I struggle to hit long irons and find myself never touching my 3 wood. I carry Driver, 4hy, 6-PW, 52, 58. I’m confident that I can hit any shot I need to with the clubs I carry. The courses I play are usually between 6500-6700 yards. The need to have more than 190 (the length I hit my 4hy) on par 4’s is just non existent. Yeah it sucks not being able to go for par 5’s from time to time, but to be honest, more times than not I think I’m better off hitting to a good wedge number and making putts. Just my 2 cents. Just have fun out there guys!
Jake
Dec 27, 2019 at 6:56 pm
Does anyone still make irons with loft instead of number stamped on the iron?
Jacob Maggi
Jan 12, 2020 at 11:01 am
I believe Ben Hogan makes irons with the loft stamped on them instead of the iron number
Cody A Martin
Feb 19, 2021 at 6:31 am
New level golf
Stephen D'Andrea
Dec 27, 2019 at 5:11 pm
I carry 8 clubs and maintain an 11 handicap (not a low cap, but I’m proud of it). Driver, 7w, 5 hybrid, 8i, 9i, W, SW, putter. I almost never find myself in a situation where I feel I need another club. Creative shot making can be required, tho.
Tim
Dec 27, 2019 at 10:38 am
Been playing with a reduced set of clubs from the start. My 6i is 27* (really a 5i) and the 5i is 24*, so I dropped the 5i in favor of a 22* hybrid. So I have Driver, 22* hybrid, 6-pw, 56*, putter. I can hit that hybrid 200+ and Im not making many approach shots beyond that, so leaving another wood out of the bag just keeps me out out of trouble. As for not having a handful of wedges – I can hit 99% of greens inside 120 yards with that jacked up PW and that 56* so I dont really fuss with with more wedges.
TODD BARROW
Dec 26, 2019 at 1:23 pm
nice to have Don White Make your set 🙂
Dan
Dec 29, 2019 at 9:09 am
Amen
Army Golfer
Dec 26, 2019 at 1:12 pm
I walk and carry when I play golf. That’s how I started and still prefer when I play. I’ve begun using a cart when I walk with a full bag due to back issues. The half set in a Sunday bag makes it much easier on my back playing with a 8 or less clubs. It’s fun to be creative on shot selections and you actually have to think your way around the course based on the clubs you have and not just bomb it. What I’ve found is half or full set, I’ve shot the same score.
Sundance Kid
Dec 26, 2019 at 12:32 pm
Funny how things come around. I wrote an English paper in college on this very concept in 1980. The premise of my argument was that a person new to the game did not need 14 clubs. In fact prior to 1936, a player could have as many clubs in his bag as needed. The average at that time was 18-20. So, as it became rules were put in place and of course the manufactures of the day figured out what worked best for profits. So, here we are 2020 and you have manufactures and marketers working together…all we are looking at here with these 2 high end brands are profits: convincing a buyer to spend $1500 for a 1/2 set instead of $2500-$3000?
Understand since 1980 I still believe that 14 clubs are not needed. But $1500 sets are not as well.
There is always a market, but the millennial demographic going forward will not spend this kind of money.
y2zar
Dec 25, 2019 at 6:16 pm
Playing with half-set is a great way to train & practice. It forces one to focus; knowing the actual carry distance & controlling/shaping shots per club, in turn making strategic approaches the only viable option. Creative shots are cherished in this setup, which is a big plus.
John B
Dec 24, 2019 at 4:31 pm
I’m sorry, but no. This is horrible advice for newcomers, or even the average player. Unless you are capable of hitting a knockdown, shaping the ball, or comfortably hitting a club to increase or decrease distance, you’re better off with a regulation set. Trying to swing too hard, too soft etc. will only lead to poor habits. I’m surprised I’m seeing this on golfWRX.
Edin
Dec 25, 2019 at 5:21 pm
With respect, it’s great advice for newcomers. 1. It simplifies the game and decision making, removing the likelihood of 5 hour rounds 2. Newcomers don’t have the swing speed nor the consistency of strike to differentiate between their irons anyway (why not just have a 5 iron when their 4, 5 and 6 all go the exact same average distance?). 3. Those shots you described, how do you think people learn them? By needing to hit them.
I am biased though! I’m a 1 hcp who only plays with a half set and a sunday bag.
Jacob
Dec 26, 2019 at 8:05 pm
I second this. Couple with the fact that most munis that beginners are going to play will have greens that may be 20 yards deep or more, you cut out that in between club. Play to the back, hope to land it on, and go.
Zach Bartness
Dec 27, 2019 at 9:35 pm
This can easily be done with 7-9 clubs. Driver, hybrid/high lofted FW wood, 6-PW, SW, Putter. If you want to cut it to 7, alternate iron pulls.
Larry Proffer
Dec 27, 2019 at 8:28 am
Agree
Harout
Dec 27, 2019 at 10:32 am
Couldn’t disagree more, newbs could hardly hit one club well yet alone 14. I’m a huge proponent for a first timer to only play with 4 clubs till they can regularly hit straight and only add clubs as they see fit till they work themselves towards a full set. Give me a 6i, 9i, 54 and a putter and I’ll break 90 just fine which is a great score for a newb.
Caroline
Dec 27, 2019 at 7:14 pm
Big difference between a casual golfer with an 18 handicap and a “Wanna” be with a 10 handicap…who needs more clubs…….
Jack
Dec 24, 2019 at 4:25 pm
I usually buy my clubs at thrift shops. Find some old forgings from a broken set – Reshaft with x100 bend out the offset grind the soles. I usually throw together a set for under $50.
Miura…lol…people have more money than sense. To each his own but I doubt they are any better than what I can make.
Dario Priolo
Dec 24, 2019 at 3:05 pm
I was surprised to see this article, but this is exactly what I did 3 yrs ago and it has rekindled my enthusiasm for the game. I carry 3w, 4h, 6i, 8i, PW, 58 deg and putter. As I’ve gotten older I’ve reset my expectations and reasons for playing. I play to enjoy the day out, get some exercise, and try to break 80. Fewer clubs means I can can carry easily these in a Sunday bag and enjoy the walk. I also think and stress a lot less on the course and score about the same as I did when I carried a full set.
Acemandrake
Dec 24, 2019 at 12:48 pm
I’ve settled on 6 clubs after much experimenting:
Driver (12°)…Hybrid (23°, set for 25°)…6 (28°)…9 (41°)…SW (56°)…Putter
Maximum versatility & motivation to walk.
Jeff
Dec 24, 2019 at 12:13 pm
I have about 20 (Of 78) rounds this year with 8 clubs and I LOVE it!
Driver
5w
5h
6i
8i
Pw
Sw
Putter
What I love most about a half set is that it has made it super easy to carry while golfing which I totally forgot how much nicer it is than pushing or riding.
Ray Neese
Dec 24, 2019 at 9:41 am
FIRST SET OF IRONS, 1975 WHEN I STARTED, 3,5,7,9. LEARNED TO HIT THOSE BEFORE FULL SET
Frank
Dec 24, 2019 at 9:19 am
I once played a tournament in Malta (I was in the Navy) against an older gent who carried 6 clubs in a canvas bag with a broken strap. He putted and chipped with what looked like a cut down 2 iron. I was sporting a full set of Haig Ultras and MacGregor woods. He closed me out on the 12th or 13th hole. I am now 80 and carry a Driver,9wood, 6,8,P, gap and SW and an Otey Crisman putter. I love to play. My handicap is the same as it was years ago and my only concession is to move up to the senior tees. Golf is great
Blake Stoops
Dec 24, 2019 at 12:29 am
Funny how Hogan did just this, and yet it didn’t go over. Instead of numbers, they put lofts on the clubs. Allowed you to pick which lofts and clubs you thought fit your game. Was just in the last three years maybe? Everyone laughed, now it’s trendy lol. We’ve played three club tournaments since I was just double digits. I’m 41 now. Not a new idea. Teaches creativity and simplifies the game. KISS ” KEEP IT SIMPLE,STUPID!”
Pat Welch
Dec 23, 2019 at 9:55 pm
I have maintained for years that a “set” should be 10 clubs and about 6 degrees between clubs. Manufacturers would hate it.
Keefus
Dec 23, 2019 at 8:32 pm
I grew up playing 1 or 2 clubs under 14 – and can easily now play with 10 +/-
But I became more of a shot-maker, not a “banger”.
Let’s get the tour to host a 7- club tournament, and see how the big boys do…
And make them play 18 holes under 3:30 as well
Christopher Christoforou
Dec 23, 2019 at 7:34 pm
If you want to improve your game see your pro, and watch lots of you tube lessons. Some of my best scores have been in 3 club + putter competitions. 9 wood, 9 iron, 52deg wedge always gets me 36 points, but, more fun with a whole bag to choose from. Get fitted by a pro.
Deacon Blues
Dec 23, 2019 at 7:20 pm
For the last year or so, I’ve only carried 11 clubs: driver, 18 and 24 degree hybrids, 6i-PW, 52 and 58 degree wedges, and putter. All my clubs are reliable and forgiving, distance gaps are manageable, and decision-making is much easier.
If need be, I can get down to 8 clubs by leaving out my 7 and 9 irons, and using a 21 degree hybrid instead of the 18 and 24.
AWW
Dec 23, 2019 at 6:44 pm
13 – 270yd
20 – 235yd
27 – 205yd
36 – 175yd
44 – 145yd
51 – 120yd
57 – 100yd
Victor Funk
Dec 23, 2019 at 4:47 pm
I’ve been carrying a very abbreviated set for years. A seven fairway wood with a longer shaft, a six iron, a nine iron, and a putter. Very convenient in a little carry bag and it’s surprising how many pars you score and how good you get a creating shots especially around hazards. Pure fun.
So light to carry.
SV
Dec 23, 2019 at 2:10 pm
I think this is a very good idea. For my part I carry 11 or 12 clubs so reducing that to 7 or 8 wouldn’t be that big of a problem. I would think if I or anyone looked at the clubs they actually use in a round it wouldn’t be more than 10 at the most. When I think about it, the “ideal” set might be: Driver or 2 wood for tee shots, plus 4 hybrid or iron, 6 iron, 8 iron, pitching wedge, sand wedge and putter. The nice thing about a 2 wood or strong wood is that it can also be used off of the fairway. Even if a fairway wood is added you still only have 8 clubs.
Bob Jones
Dec 23, 2019 at 10:00 pm
That is exactly the short set I use quite often. I used it once to shoot an 81 on a course I had never seen before. It was fun to have to be creative on almost every hole–the art of golf.
Our men’s club has a 3 clubs and a putter day every year. Almost everyone shoots the score they normally shoot, or very near it, and asks, when it’s over, “Why do we always take those extra clubs?” which they do the next week when it’s back to normal. My choices? 19* hybrid, 7-iron, sand wedge, putter.
Cj
Dec 25, 2019 at 12:23 pm
I was at the driving range and a pro told me the difference between them and amateur is that they can hit a 4iron 230 or 55 on command without any problems or any other club in the bag for that matter.
Jifmoli
Jan 8, 2020 at 11:14 pm
I do that often on Sunday: 4h, 7i and pw. Sometimes don’t even bring a putter as am ok putting with a wedge. Fun round carrying few clubs!
Can put 11 club bag together but usually leave half my irons so play with 8.