6 Different Pool Games to Know for Your Pub Visit

Key Takeaways

• There are many different pool games beyond just the classic Eight-Ball.
• Learning these different types of pool games can enhance your pub experience and make you a more versatile player.
• Each game has its own set of rules and challenges, keeping the game fresh and exciting.

6 Exciting Different Pool Games for Everyone to Enjoy

Carom

Carom, also known as Carom Billiards, is a game that focuses on skillful shot-making without using pockets. Unlike traditional pool games, It is played on a table with no pockets.

Carom pool game

How to Play:

• Setup: Carom is played on a table with no pockets, using three balls: a white cue ball, a yellow cue ball (for the opponent), and a red object ball.
• Objective: The goal is to score points by making your cue ball hit both the other cue ball and the object ball in one shot.
• Scoring: Each successful carom (contact with both balls) scores 1 point. The first player to reach the agreed number of points wins the game.
• Strategy: To make accurate shots, focus on controlling the cue ball’s speed and angle. Understanding the table’s rails and how the balls rebound is key to success.

Why You Should Try It: Carom is great for players who enjoy a mental challenge and want to sharpen their strategic thinking. It’s a game that emphasizes skill over luck, making each successful shot very rewarding.

Balkline and Straight Rail

Balkline and Straight Rail are variations of Carom Billiards. These games add an extra layer of strategy by introducing lines on the table called balklines. These lines create areas on the table where scoring is restricted, adding complexity to the game.

How to Play:

• Setup: Like Carom, these games are played on a pocketless table with three balls.
• Objective: In Balkline, lines (called balklines) are drawn on the table to create specific zones. Scoring within these zones is restricted after a certain number of points. In Straight Rail, the goal is similar to Carom, hitting both object balls with the cue ball in one shot.
• Scoring: The scoring is the same as in Carom, with 1 point per successful Carom.
• Strategy: You’ll need to think ahead to avoid getting trapped in the balkline zones, which require you to move the balls out of the restricted areas to continue scoring.

Why You Should Try It: These pool games are perfect for players who enjoy a strategic and systematic approach. They demand precision and control, providing a good challenge for those looking to enhance their skills.

Pocket Billiards – Pool

Pocket Billiards are usually what people think of when they think of pools. This category includes the most popular games, such as Eight-Ball, Nine-Ball, and Ten-Ball. The common thread in all these games is the objective of pocketing specific balls in a certain order or pattern.

Pocket pool game

How to Play:

• Setup: The pool is played on a table with six pockets, using 15 object balls and one cue ball.
• Objective: The goal varies depending on the game:
• Eight-Ball: Pocket all your assigned group of balls (solids or stripes) and then legally pocket the 8-ball.
• Nine-Ball: Pocket the balls in numerical order from 1 to 9.
• Ten-Ball: Similar to Nine-Ball, but played with ten balls.
• Scoring: The game ends when the winning ball (like the 8-ball in Eight-Ball) is legally pocketed.
• Strategy: Depending on the game, aim for smart positioning of the cue ball, and plan your shots to either pocket balls or play defensively by blocking your opponent’s shots.

Why You Should Try It: Pocket Billiards is accessible and easy to learn, making it the most common pool game in pubs. It’s great for social play and provides endless variety with different games like Eight-Ball and Nine-Ball.

Classic Eight-Ball

Eight-ball is arguably the most well-known of all pool games and is often the first game that beginners learn. It is played with 15 balls, including solid-colored balls numbered 1 to 7, striped balls numbered 9 to 15, and the black 8-ball.

Classic Eight-Ball pool game

How to Play:

• Setup: Place the 15 object balls inside the triangle rack, with the 8-ball in the center. Break the rack with the cue ball.
• Objective: After the break, players are assigned either solids or stripes based on which type they pocket first. The goal is to pocket all of your assigned balls and then legally sink the 8-ball into a called pocket.
• Scoring: The game ends when the 8-ball is pocketed legally after all of a player’s group balls have been pocketed.
• Strategy: Think ahead about which balls to pocket in what order. Use the cue ball’s positioning to set up your next shot or to make it difficult for your opponent.

Why You Should Try It: Eight-Ball is popular because it’s straightforward, fun, and adaptable to different skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, it offers a satisfying blend of strategy and skill.

One Pocket

One Pocket is a pool game emphasizing strategy and control over power and speed. Each player is assigned one of the corner pockets as their target pocket.

One Pocket pool game

How to Play:

• Setup: Like other pool games, One Pocket is played with a full set of 15 balls. At the start of the game, each player is assigned one of the corner pockets.
• Objective: To be the first to pocket eight balls into your designated pocket.
• Scoring: Each ball pocketed in your assigned pocket counts toward your total. The first player to reach eight pocketed balls wins.
• Strategy: This game is all about control and careful shot planning. You’ll often need to play defensive shots to block your opponent while setting yourself up for the next move.

Why You Should Try It: One Pocket is ideal for players who enjoy a slower-paced, more strategic game. It challenges you to think several steps ahead, making it a favorite among experienced players.

Snooker

Snooker is an entirely different type of pool game, with its own unique set of rules and a different table layout. Played on a larger table with smaller pockets, Snooker uses 21 balls: 15 red, 6 colored balls (yellow, green, brown, blue, pink, and black), and a white cue ball.

Snooker pool game

How to Play:

• Setup: Snooker is played on a larger table with 21 balls: 15 red, 6 colored (yellow, green, brown, blue, pink, black), and one white cue ball.
• Objective: Players take turns attempting to score points by pocketing a red ball followed by a colored ball in an alternating pattern. Each color has a different point value.
• Scoring: Points are scored based on the value of the balls pocketed. The game continues until all the balls are pocketed, and the player with the most points wins.
• Strategy: Snooker is a game of precision and planning. You’ll need to think several shots ahead, consider the position of the balls, and aim to leave your opponent in a tough spot.