Beyond 8-Ball and 9-Ball: Fun and Unique Pool Games You Can Play on Your Pool Table
Pool tables are designed for versatility and fun beyond the classic 8-ball and 9-ball games that most people know. If you're looking to mix things up and try out some new games with friends or family, there are plenty of other exciting pool games to explore. Here’s a list of some popular alternative pool games, along with easy-to-follow instructions so you can start playing right away!
1. Cutthroat
Cutthroat is a fantastic game for three players, where the goal is to be the last one with any balls left on the table. Here’s how to play:
Objective: Each player "owns" a group of balls (1-5, 6-10, or 11-15) and must try to keep their group on the table while knocking out opponents' balls.
Setup: Rack all 15 balls in a standard triangle rack. Each player is assigned a ball group.
Gameplay: Players take turns shooting. Any time you make an opponent’s ball, they lose a ball from their group. The game ends when only one player has balls left on the table, and they’re declared the winner.
2. One-Pocket
One-pocket is a strategic, slower-paced game often enjoyed by skilled players. It’s perfect for players who love thinking about position and shot placement.
Objective: Each player chooses one pocket on the table and tries to make all their shots into that pocket.
Setup: Rack all 15 balls in a triangle. Players choose their designated pocket.
Gameplay: Players take turns aiming to pocket as many balls as possible into their designated pocket. The first player to score eight balls in their pocket wins the game.
3. Bank Pool
This game adds a layer of difficulty by requiring all shots to be banked, meaning the cue ball or object ball must hit the rail before entering the pocket. Bank Pool is excellent for honing precision and creativity.
Objective: Pocket eight balls by banking them.
Setup: Use the standard 15-ball rack.
Gameplay: Players take turns, and only bank shots count. If a player pockets a ball without banking it, it doesn’t count, and they lose their turn. The first player to make eight successful bank shots wins.
4. 10-Ball
10-ball is similar to 9-ball, but it uses 10 balls and requires players to call their shots, adding an element of strategy and focus.
Objective: Pocket the 10-ball legally by hitting the lowest-numbered ball on the table first.
Setup: Rack the balls in a triangle with the 1-ball at the front and the 10-ball in the center.
Gameplay: Players must hit the lowest-numbered ball first and call the pocket for the ball they intend to sink. The game ends when the 10-ball is pocketed legally.
5. Golf Pool
This is a fun, point-based game that can be played with 2 or more players and mimics the rules of golf.
Objective: Score the fewest points by pocketing balls in the fewest shots.
Setup: Place the 1-ball in one of the corner pockets to start, and other balls in similar positions around the table.
Gameplay: Players take turns attempting to pocket each ball in order. Every time a player misses, they get a “stroke” (or point). The game can be played up to nine balls or eighteen balls, similar to holes in golf.
6. Bowlliards
Bowlliards combines pool and bowling into a game that’s easy to play and great for all ages. Each “frame” resembles a frame of bowling.
Objective: Score as many points as possible over 10 frames by pocketing as many balls as possible in two attempts per frame.
Setup: Place all 10 balls on the table in any formation.
Gameplay: In each frame, players have two attempts to pocket as many balls as they can. Pocketing all 10 balls in one shot (a “strike”) scores 10 points, while pocketing them in two shots (a “spare”) also earns 10 points. Players tally up their scores over 10 frames, and the player with the highest score wins.
7. Kelly Pool
Kelly Pool (or "Pea Pool") is a luck-based game often enjoyed by groups. Players are assigned numbers secretly and must pocket the ball with their number to win.
Objective: Pocket the ball that matches the secret number assigned to you.
Setup: Place numbered markers (called peas) in a bottle, and each player draws one to determine their secret number.
Gameplay: Rack all 15 balls. Players take turns shooting, aiming to pocket the ball with their secret number. The first player to sink their assigned ball wins. This game can be adjusted for different numbers of players and is a great choice for parties.
8. Rotation
Rotation is a challenging game that requires players to pocket balls in numerical order. It’s an excellent way to practice ball control and precision.
Objective: Be the first player to score 61 points by pocketing balls in numerical order.
Setup: Rack all 15 balls in a standard triangle.
Gameplay: Each ball is worth its number in points, so pocketing the 10-ball earns 10 points, the 3-ball earns 3 points, etc. The game ends when one player reaches or exceeds 61 points, winning the game.
9. Cowboy Pool
This game combines elements of rotation and billiards and is usually played to a score of 101.
Objective: Reach exactly 101 points to win.
Setup: Use only balls 1-5, placing the 1-ball at the front of a five-ball rack.
Gameplay: Players score one point for every shot in sequence (1 to 5), then score 15 points if they make a legal combination shot that pockets any ball after hitting the cue ball. The game requires skill and precision, and the score must hit exactly 101 without going over to win.
Try Something New Today!
Next time you’re around a pool table, try out one of these alternative games! Whether you're a casual player or a pool enthusiast, these games add fun twists to the classic games we all know and love. Enjoy exploring the versatility of your pool table with friends, family, or even solo as you dive into these exciting, lesser-known pool games!
