Fun Games To Play on a Pool Table

By Laura Varnon, Marketing Coordinator

We all know that it’s fun to play 8-ball or 9-ball on a pool table. That’s why those games have stood the test of time and are so well known. But did you know that there are other games you can play on your pool table? Ones that are fun for the whole family or a group of friends or even teams?

Below is a brief overview of a few other game you can play on your pool table. Be aware these games include a number of variations, so if you know them, they may follow the rules below or they may be slightly different.

Cut-Throat Pool

Cut-Throat pool is perfect for any odd number of pool table players. You can play with three or five players.

Basic rules for Play:

• You rack with a standard triangle rack and place the 1 ball at the top of the triangle, and the 6 ball and 11 ball at the corners.
• Assign players a group of five balls for a three-player game or a group of three balls for a five-player game.
• Aim for opponents’ balls.
• If you pocket a ball, you keep shooting until you miss or scratch.
• Once all of their balls are pocketed, a player is eliminated.
• However, if you scratch, all other opponents (including eliminated ones) can return one ball to the table and resume play.
• The winner is the person with any balls left on the table after all other players have been eliminated.

Straight Pool

Straight Pool is a call-pocket game, which means the object is simply to call the shot you want to make before making it. This game is for two players or two teams.

Basic rules for play:

• Rack in a triangle rack.
• Upon breaking, the goal is to sink a ball or get the cue ball and two other balls to reach a rail. Otherwise it is a foul and two points are lost. The opponent can require the initial breaker to break again or just play. All other fouls are only a one-point loss.
• The goal is to reach a set number of points decided upon before the game starts. One point is scored for each object ball pocketed in the called goal.

One-Pocket Pool

One-pocket is also a game where the player can shoot at any ball regardless of number or color. Each player gets their own pocket – and can not get their ball in any other pocket – giving this fun game its name.

Basic rules for play:

• Rack in a triangle rack.
• You do not need to call your shot. You also don’t need to get your ball into the pocket in any designated order.
• If you get a ball in your pocket, you must shoot again. If the ball gets in a neutral pocket, not yours or your opponent’s pocket, your turn is over.
• First team or player to get eight balls in their own pocket wins. That team or person can still win if the opponent sunk the ball the final ball into their pocket.

Ping Pong, Puzzles, Hobbies, and Meals

Should you tire of pool table games (and we can’t imagine why you would), remember you can always play get a pool table conversion top. With a conversion top, you can play ping pong, or remove the net to do a large puzzle on a nice flat surface, or ever serve a meal. The conversion top will also provide a flat surface for any number of hobbies, the only limit is your imagination. Opportunities for family fun with a pool table are nearly endless, making it a great investment for your home!