Strokes given in matchplay

Question
Playing in a fourball matchplay format the handicaps were :
DW = 12 , PA = 20 ( my partner ) V's CH  =16 , BN = 23

Playing full allowance , what strokes are given to each player? I say DW goes to scratch ( everybody strokes off him) , PA gets 8 , CH gets 4 and BN gets 11.
Can you confirm if this is correct.
One of the players thinks the above is wrong . As there is no way that PA  should be getting a stroke from BN,due to his handicap.
How this point arose was :
Hole 14 ( stroke index 5 )DW and CH no strokes, PA and BN both get a stroke ?
Scores on hole = DW (6) PA ( 5 nett 4) , CH ( 6) , BN ( 5 nett 4).
Hole halfed ?

Answer
Hi Drummond:  If I may, I'll quote from the USGA website that explains stroke allocation.  You can find this at http://www.usga.org/playing/handicaps/survival_kit/strokes_in_match.html  Or if you prefer, just accept this part of the link that addresses the specific issue.  "In a four-ball match, the best player plays at scratch, and the other three players receive the full difference between their Course Handicaps and the Course Handicap of the best player."

I hope this clears up the question for all.

Fairways and Greens,

John
www.golfnutts.com