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STRAIGHT POOL In this variation of
game, you use fifteen numbered balls and a cue ball. In this game balls can be potted in any order. However, there is a twist…the player must specify which ball he is going to pot and which pocket he is going to shoot ball into. Once fourteen of balls have been pocketed and only one is left, fourteen potted balls are places back on table. The player then has to pot final ball whilst breaking apart racked up fourteen balls.
ONE POCKET Like straight pool, this game is played with fifteen numbered balls and a cue ball. With this game one of player’s must select a corner pocket from foot of table. The second player is given remaining pocket from foot of table, and both players have to aim to shoot into their own pockets. Points are awarded for each ball that you pot into your own pocket, and points are deducted for potting a ball into your opponent’s pocket or for potting cue ball.
ENGLISH BILLIARDS This game is played with just three balls, and scored can be notched up in three different ways. The first way is by deflecting your ball off another ball and into a pocket. The second way is by hitting ball and striking other two balls. And third way is by hitting ball and knocking one of other balls into a pocket.
General rules of game
Most pocket billiards games involve a certain set of rules, although these should be checked against regulations of each individual game. Some of generalised rules include following:
Racking balls: This must be done using a triangle, with apex ball at foot spot. All other balls should be racked behind apex and should be tightly packed so that they are within triangle and touching one another in a perfect triangle formation. Striking ball: The cue ball should be struck using tip of cue, otherwise shot can be classed as a foul.
Pocketing ball: If you do not pocket ball then you are not allowed another shot and next shot goes to your opponent until he also fails to pocket a ball, at which point it is your turn again.
Pocketed balls: A pocketed ball is that which is shot from table bed into a hole (pocket) on table and remains there. If it rebounds back on to table it cannot be classed as a pocketed ball.
Ball positioning: The center (base) of ball is what determines its final position.
Foot placement: In order to shoot a ball without fouling, player must have one or both feet in contact with floor. The footwear must also be taken into consideration and must be standard in size, shape and height.
Moving balls: A player cannot shoot a ball that is in motion without it being classed as a foul. This includes cue ball and object ball. A stroke cannot be counted until all balls have stopped moving.
Cue ball: If player pots cue ball, this is counted as a foul. Also, if cue ball hits a ball that has already been pocketed, this is also classed as a foul.
Contact with balls: Any contact with object balls with anything other than cue ball is a foul. Also, any contact with cue ball with anything other than cue tip is classed as a foul. This can include contact through hands, clothes, elbow or any other object or body part.
Jumping ball: If a player intentionally strikes cue ball below center and causes it to jump in order to clear another ball, this is classed as a foul. Striking upwards and causing cue ball to jump from table bed is also considered a foul in most games.
Reno Charlton is an experienced freelance copywriter and an award-winning children’s author from the United Kingdom. You can read more of her informative articles on pool tables and billiard accessories at http://www.pool-and-billiards.com.
