Most pool players know the rules for standard games of 8-ball or 9-ball. Trying out games you’ve never played before can help you sharpen your skills. You just might find your new favorite game to play with your friends, too! There are dozens of pool table game variations, try out these seven to challenge yourself and have fun. Baseball Billiards
1. Eight-Ball
In 8-ball pool, each player aims to pocket all their assigned group of balls (solids or stripes) before sinking the 8-ball to win. The game starts with a break shot, and players alternate turns, ensuring each shot is legal by first hitting a ball from their group. The game is won by pocketing all of one’s group balls and then legally pocketing the 8-ball.
2. Nine-Ball
In 9-ball, players compete to pocket the balls numbered 1 through 9 in sequential order. The game begins with the balls racked in a diamond shape, placing the 1 ball at the front and the 9 ball in the center. To take a shot, players must hit the lowest numbered ball first. If they pocket a ball legally, they continue their turn. The ultimate goal is to sink the 9 ball, which can be done at any time after making contact with the lowest ball. This fast-paced game emphasizes skillful shot-making and strategic thinking, making it a thrilling choice for pool enthusiasts.
3. Ten-Ball
Ten-ball is a popular rotation pool game that builds on the mechanics of nine-ball, using ten balls instead. In this call shot game, players must use the ten object balls numbered one through ten, plus a cue ball. The key rule is that the cue ball must first hit the lowest numbered ball on the table, although the balls don’t need to be pocketed in order.
What sets ten-ball apart from nine-ball is the increased challenge on the break shot, thanks to the crowded rack. Unlike nine-ball, you can’t win the game instantly by sinking the 10 ball on the break. Plus, all shots must be called, making strategy even more crucial. Players will also find that stringing together break-and-runs across racks is statistically tougher, adding to the game’s overall difficulty and excitement.
4. Baseball Billiards
Invented in 1912, Baseball Billiards is a fascinating group game. Each player has nine innings to score as many “runs” as possible. Baseball Billiards requires 21 balls and an oversized rack. The nine ball is referred to as the “pitcher” and is set at the center of the rack. Home plate is the table’s foot spot. The intended pocket and ball must be called on all shots, except for the break. The winner is determined after all players have had all nine of their innings. The highest run tally is the winner. Baseball Billiard tournaments have been known to draw huge crowds.
5. One Pocket
One Pocket is a skill and accuracy game for two players (or two teams.) Each player chooses a corner pocket and the goal is to score a total of eight object balls before the other player. One Pocket is popular with gamblers, drawing high stakes. One Pocket can be likened to chess, with a beginning, middle, and end game. Players must be careful not to leave a good shot open for their opponent or their opponent may capitalize on that shot, preventing further shots.
6. Bowlliards
As the name suggests, Bowlliards borrows its rules from ten-pin bowling. Bowlliards can be used as a training drill. At the start of each frame, ten object balls are racked with the front ball at the foot spot. The first player breaks and tries to pocket as many balls as possible until missing. This continues until all players have attempted. If there are still balls on the table, the first player gets another turn. Players can score a strike or spare, as in ten-pin bowling.
7. Bank Pool
The main goal of Bank Pool is to be the first player to bank five balls (or eight, with a fifteen-ball rack) in any order. However, each ball and pocket must be called first, and the ball must be banked off the cushion first. The ball must not touch any others for the points to count, legally. A shortened version of Bank Pool became popular in the 1990’s and early 2000’s.
8. 15-Ball
There are several variations of 15-ball. One is to play as you would with 9-ball, attempting to hit the lowest numbered ball first. To play with points, follow the same rules as 9-ball, but balls 1-10 are worth one point each and balls 11-15 are worth two point each. 15-ball can be played with two or more players and all shots must be called. Determine the winning number of points before playing and play until target points have been reached.
9. 7-Ball
7-Ball is a rotation-based game, invented in the 1980’s. Balls 1-7 are racked hexagonally, with 7 at the center, 1 at the apex, and the rest of the balls placed clockwise. After the break, the first player will choose one side of pockets. The goal is to sink the balls in descending order, without scratching the 7.
10. Cutthroat Pool
Cutthroat Pool is an exciting game for groups. Each player must attempt to pocket their opponents’ balls before their own are pocketed. After the break, each player claims a group of balls. Once a player pockets an opponent’s ball, they keep shooting until they commit a foul or scratch. The winner is the last player with their claimed balls on the table.
These games are only some of the incredible variations of pool that you can play. Every pool player knows a different game or two. You’ll be surprised if you ask around. Game trends come and go. Check out more billiards and pool game tips, here.
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