When you say "playing a match", I'm presuming now you mean Matchplay.
So Matchplay is about winning, losing or splitting holes. So instead of your birdies, pars etc you are merely playing for the better score for that hole, which will count for 1 "point". (same score for a hole will mean a split point, or nil)
Now if you have won 4 holes ("points") and there are only 3 holes left to play...There is no point in playing those remaining 3 holes as you are going to win even if your opponent wins the last 3 holes. i.e. End score: opyeuclid 4 Timbo1984 3
If you want more info about Matchplay, google often works ;)
Otherwise you could wait till September to watch the Ryder Cup!
Goodluck in your endeavours with this very addictive game :)