8 different ways to play pool
Most people learn 8-ball and stop there. But the same table, the same cues and the same fifteen balls can give you a completely different night. Here are eight games worth knowing.
1. 8-Ball
The classic. One player takes the solids (1–7), the other takes the stripes (9–15). Clear your group, then call a pocket and sink the 8 to win. Pot the 8 early, or scratch while shooting it, and you lose the rack.
Good for: everyone. If you've played pool once, you've probably played this.
2. 9-Ball
Only balls 1 to 9 are racked, in a diamond with the 9 in the middle. On every shot you have to hit the lowest-numbered ball on the table first, but you can pocket any ball off it. Whoever legally sinks the 9 wins, so a well-played combination can end the game early.
Good for: fast, attacking games. It's quicker than 8-ball and rewards good position play.
3. 10-Ball
Like 9-ball with one more ball, and one big difference: every shot is called. Say the ball and the pocket before you shoot. No more lucky slop shots, so it's a truer test of skill.
Good for: players who want 9-ball without the luck.
4. Straight Pool (14.1 Continuous)
Any ball, any pocket, as long as you call it. Every ball you pocket is worth a point. When only one object ball is left, the other fourteen are re-racked and you keep going. Play to an agreed score: the pros go to 100 or more, but 25 or 50 is plenty for a night out.
Good for: building consistency. It's the best practice game there is.
5. Cutthroat
A three-player game. One player gets balls 1–5, another 6–10 and the third 11–15. The goal is to sink your opponents' balls while protecting your own. When all of a player's balls are gone, they're out. The last player with a ball on the table wins.
Good for: odd-numbered groups, and friends who like a bit of chaos.
6. One Pocket
Each player picks one of the two corner pockets at the foot of the table, and that's the only pocket that counts for them. First to eight balls in their own pocket wins. It's slow, defensive and strategic. Sometimes the best shot is moving a ball near your pocket rather than potting it.
Good for: thinkers. It's often called the chess of pool.
7. Bank Pool
Every ball has to go in off at least one cushion, into a called pocket. Straight-in shots don't count. First to eight balls with a full rack wins, or play a quicker game with fewer balls.
Good for: learning angles. Your normal game gets better fast.
8. Killer
The ultimate party game, and great for big groups. Everyone starts with three lives and takes one shot per turn, in order. Pot a ball and you're safe. Miss, or foul, and you lose a life. Re-rack as needed and keep going until one player is left standing.
Good for: birthdays, work socials and any group bigger than four.
"Can't decide? Start with 9-ball for speed, switch to Killer when more friends show up, and finish with Straight Pool once it quiets down."The VVIP team
Try them at VVIP
Pick one you've never played and give it a go on your next visit. The basics above are all you need to get started. Bringing a group? Book a few tables and run your own Killer tournament.
