Billiard Table Games: Beyond 8-Ball

Aug 2
07:04

2010

Andrew Stratton

Andrew Stratton

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When one usually thinks of a billiard table, they think of the game of 8-Ball pool. While this is undeniably the most popular of the many games to be played (at least in America), there are others out there for those who have bored of the rules. Here are some of the other variations.

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The billiard table provides an arena for many different games,Billiard Table Games: Beyond 8-Ball Articles though by far the most popular of these games is 8-ball pool. If you’ve tired of this game and want to try out some other variations, you’ll be pleased to know that they are out there. Most of them are quite a bit more obscure than the popular 8-ball version, but they can be just as much fun once everyone is initiated into the rules of the games. The games below require pockets, though there are quite a few games that can be played without pockets as well.

9-Ball Pool
Next to 8-Ball, this is one of the most popular games to play in America on a billiard table. The game requires the use of 9 balls, all of them numbered. The players are to shoot for the lowest numbered ball, which starts at the 1 ball and moves up from there. The game continues until there is only the 9 ball left, with the winner being whoever sinks it first.

Straight Pool
This variation calls for 15 numbered balls along with the use of the white cue ball. When it is a player’s turn, he has the option of shooting any ball on the table. The catch is that he must call his shot first, specifying both the ball and the pocket he intends to shoot it in. The game comes to an end when there is only one ball left. At that point, the other 14 balls are re-racked. The player must try to break the balls, while sinking the last remaining ball. This variation of the game is sometimes also known as 14.1 continuous.

One Pocket
This variation of the game plays like something similar to air hockey or soccer, except using the billiard table rather than an ice rink or a field. Of course, in this game, there are no attempts at real time blocking, though strategy can consist of setting up obstacles in front of your goal. Each player chooses a pocket goal at the other end of the table. The game then consists of scoring as many points as possible through sinking balls into that pocket. 

Snooker
Snooker is the English version of 8-Ball, in terms of relative popularity. In recent years, the game has gained increasing popularity in America as well. The game requires the use of 21 colored balls and a white cue ball. 15 of the balls are red, while the remaining balls are differently colored, using yellow, black, pink, blue, brown, and green. The red balls count as a single point each, while the others vary in value from 2 to 7 points a piece. Players must first sink a red ball before going for any other color. The game ends when a player has no clear shot.