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Clash of continents Images from the Ryder Cup between the U.S. and European teams. more photos

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updated 6:42 p.m. ET Sept. 19, 2008

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - A look at definitions, formats and scoring for the Ryder Cup:

FORMAT: Four matches of foursomes and fourballs on Friday and Saturday, followed by 12 singles matches on Sunday.

SCORING: One point is awarded for each of the 28 matches. If it ends in a tie, each team gets a half-point. As the defending champion, Europe needs only 14 points to retain the Ryder Cup.

FOURSOMES: Also known as alternate shot. The two-man teams will select one player to tee off on odd-numbered holes, while the other tees off on even-number holes. They play only one ball, alternating shots until the hole is completed.

FOURBALLS: Also known as better ball. Both players from each team play their own ball until the hole is completed, using the lowest score from each team.