Billiards is a classic game that has been enjoyed for centuries. It’s an activity that is always fun and engaging, whether you’re with friends or playing solo. As popular as it may be, there are still plenty of exciting billiard games that remain unheard of.
In this blog post, we will delve into 10 games you might not have tried before. We will explore the basics of these games, including the players needed, age group and duration of play. So, grab your pool cue, chalk, and let’s take a closer look!
Top 10 Exciting Billiard Games To Try
Bumper Pool
- Participants: 2-4
- Age Range: All Ages
- Duration: 30 minutes to an hour
Bumper pool is a variation of billiards played on smaller tables with only two pockets—one at each end. Players take turns attempting to sink their balls into their designated pocket while also trying to displace their opponents’ balls using the bumpers. The first player to pocket all their balls emerges as the winner.
Cutthroat
- Participants: 3
- Age Range: All Ages
- Duration: 30 minutes to an hour
Cutthroat is a game for three players, each assigned five balls of different colors. The objective is to be the last player with at least one ball remaining on the table. This game demands strategic play, as players often aim to eliminate other colors while attempting to pocket their own.
Bank Pool
- Participants: 2-4
- Age Range: All Ages
- Duration: 30 minutes to an hour
Bank Pool is a game where players aim to bank their ball off one or more cushions and into a pocket. Before each shot, players must specify the pocket and the particular cushion they intend to hit. They can also call a kiss, indicating that their ball will contact an opponent’s ball before entering the pocket. The game concludes when a player reaches a predetermined point total.
One Pocket
- Participants: 2
- Age Range: All Ages
- Duration: 30 minutes to an hour
In One Pocket, players select one pocket to pocket all their balls, while their opponent designates the other pocket. The game concludes when one player has successfully pocketed eight balls in their chosen pocket. Strategic maneuvering to block the opponent’s pocket while sinking one’s own is a key aspect of this game.
Cowboy Pool
- Participants: 2
- Age Range: All Ages
- Duration: 30 minutes to an hour
Cowboy Pool is a playful twist on traditional billiards. Players take turns aiming at various objects placed on the table, such as cue balls, coins, and even hats, each assigned a specific point value. The player with the highest point total at the end emerges as the winner.
Chicago
- Participants: 2-4
- Age Range: All Ages
- Duration: 30 minutes to an hour
Chicago is a variant of nine-ball pool where each player begins with ten points. Points are deducted for missed shots or fouls, and the player with the most points remaining at the end wins the game.
Rotation
- Participants: 2-4
- Age Range: All Ages
- Duration: 30 minutes to an hour
Rotation is a game where the goal is to pocket all your balls in numerical order. Players take turns attempting to sink the lowest numbered ball on the table, and the game concludes when someone pockets their final ball.
Kelly Pool
- Participants: 2-15
- Age Range: All Ages
- Duration: 30 minutes to an hour
Kelly Pool is a game where players draw numbered balls from a container and attempt to pocket balls that match their drawn numbers. The game concludes when all balls have been pocketed or are no longer in play.
Bank The 8
- Participants: 2
- Age Range: All Ages
- Duration: 30 minutes to an hour
Bank The 8 adds an exciting twist to the classic eight-ball game by challenging players to bank the 8 ball into a designated pocket. Players take turns attempting to sink their balls while maneuvering the 8 ball into the correct pocket.
Blackball
- Participants: 2-4
- Age Range: All Ages
- Duration: 30 minutes to an hour
Blackball is a game where each player has seven balls to pocket, with one black ball remaining on the table. Players take turns trying to pocket their balls but must leave the black ball untouched until all other balls have been pocketed. The player who successfully pockets the black ball first wins the game.”
Overall, billiards is a fun and engaging sport with thousands of games that you might have never heard of. We have covered ten exciting and unique billiard games for you to play and explore at home. Moreover, you might be seeking a low-deflection shaft to elevate your game and feel confident in the quality of your equipment, so we suggest Carbon Clear Shaft Joss for a better pool game. Try them out and discover new ways to get the most out of this classic sport. Happy gaming!
