On which holes do players receive strokes in a competition?

Handicap strokes are received based on the stroke index, or "handicap" row on the scorecard. For example, a player with a Playing Handicap™ of 14 receives one handicap stroke on holes allocated 1 through 14. Players with a plus Playing Handicap will be required to give strokes back starting with the 18th ranked stroke index hole. (Appendix E, Rules of Handicapping)