Alternative Pool Games: Creative Variations and Fun Formats

January 17, 2025 By drew

Last Updated: October 25, 2025

Quick Takeaways

  • Beyond Traditional Games: Alternative pool games offer fresh challenges and entertainment beyond standard 8-ball and 9-ball
  • Practice with Purpose: Many alternatives double as skill-building drills disguised as games
  • Party-Friendly: Several games work for large groups (4-8 players) or solo practice
  • No Pressure: Casual formats reduce competitive stress, perfect for beginners or social settings
  • Creativity Encouraged: These games reward unconventional thinking and shot creativity

Overview

Alternative pool games break the mold of traditional competitive formats. They’re designed for fun, skill development, or simply adding variety to your pool sessions.

Why Play Alternative Games?

Skill Building:

Many alternatives are actually disguised practice drills:

  • Speed Pool improves decision-making under time pressure
  • Golf Pool builds consistency on makeable shots
  • Bowlliards develops break shot control
  • Baseball Pool tests clutch shot-making

Social Entertainment:

Perfect for parties, casual gatherings, or breaking the ice:

  • Low-pressure formats
  • Easy to learn rules
  • Accommodate large groups
  • Create memorable moments

Mental Refresh:

When traditional games feel stale or frustrating:

  • Change of pace prevents burnout
  • Different scoring systems create new challenges
  • Removes monotony from practice sessions

This guide covers creative alternatives from silly party games to serious practice formats.

Golf Pool (Consistency Challenge)

Overview

Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Players: 1-8 (excellent for tournaments)

Duration: 15-30 minutes per round

Objective: Complete 9 “holes” in fewest total strokes (like golf)

What Makes It Unique:

Combines golf scoring with pool. Each “hole” is a specific shot setup, and you count how many attempts it takes to make the shot. Lowest total strokes wins.

Setup and Rules

Equipment Needed:

  • Pool table
  • Full ball set
  • Scorecard (paper to track strokes per hole)

The 9 Holes:

Each hole is a predetermined shot setup. Standard Golf Pool holes:

Hole 1: Straight-in shot, object ball on head spot to corner pocket (easy)

Hole 2: 30-degree cut shot, moderate distance (medium)

Hole 3: Rail shot—object ball frozen to side rail, shoot to opposite corner (medium)

Hole 4: Bank shot—object ball mid-table, must bank to corner pocket (hard)

Hole 5: Long straight-in—head spot to foot pocket, full table length (medium)

Hole 6: Combination shot—set up 2-ball combination (hard)

Hole 7: Kick shot—cue ball must kick off rail before hitting object ball into pocket (hard)

Hole 8: 60-degree thin cut (hard)

Hole 9: Your choice—player selects any shot they want (creative freedom)

Gameplay:

  1. Player sets up Hole 1
  2. Attempts shot—if made, record “1” stroke
  3. If missed, cue ball and object ball remain where they stopped
  4. Attempt again—record “2” strokes
  5. Continue until shot is made
  6. Record total strokes for that hole
  7. Move to Hole 2, repeat process
  8. After 9 holes, total all strokes

Scoring:

  • Par for Golf Pool course: 18 strokes (2 strokes per hole average)
  • Under 18: Excellent score (“under par”)
  • 18-27: Good score
  • 28+: Need more practice

Winning:

Lowest total strokes wins. Like golf, you can play against others or against yourself (trying to beat your previous best score).

Strategy Tips

Conservative Play:

  • Don’t attempt hero shots to save strokes
  • Missing costs you additional strokes—better to execute safe, reliable shots

Know Your Limits:

  • On difficult holes, accept that 3-4 strokes may be realistic
  • Trying to make impossible shots in one stroke often leads to 6-7 stroke disasters

Practice Value:

Track your scores over time. As you improve, your typical round should go from 30+ strokes down to 20-22, then eventually under 18 (par).

Bowlliards (Bowling Meets Pool)

Overview

Skill Level: Beginner

Players: 1-6

Duration: 20-30 minutes for 10 “frames”

Objective: Knock down as many balls as possible in 10 frames, score like bowling

What Makes It Unique:

Set up 10 balls in bowling pin formation, break them, and score exactly like ten-pin bowling. Strikes, spares, and split conversions all apply.

Setup and Rules

Equipment Needed:

  • 10 object balls (use 1-10)
  • Bowling scorecard
  • Triangle rack (though formation isn’t triangular)

Ball Setup (The “Pins”):

Arrange 10 balls in bowling pin formation (4 rows):

“`

(10)

(7) (8) (9)

(4) (5) (6)

(1) (2) (3)

“`

Place formation with ball #1 at foot spot.

Frame Structure:

Each frame has up to 2 shots (just like bowling):

Shot 1 (The Break):

  • Player breaks from behind head string
  • Count how many balls are pocketed
  • If all 10 pocketed: STRIKE (X)—frame over, no second shot

Shot 2 (The Spare Attempt):

  • If balls remain after first shot, set up remaining balls exactly where they stopped
  • Player shoots from where cue ball stopped
  • Attempt to pocket remaining balls
  • If all pocketed: SPARE (/)
  • If some remain: Score is number knocked down (pocketed) in that frame

Scoring (Exactly Like Bowling):

  • Strike (X): 10 points + bonus (next TWO shots’ pin count)
  • Spare (/): 10 points + bonus (next ONE shot’s pin count)
  • Open Frame: Just the number of pins knocked down (no bonus)

10th Frame Rules:

  • Strike in 10th frame: Get 2 bonus shots
  • Spare in 10th frame: Get 1 bonus shot
  • Otherwise: Frame ends

Perfect Game: 300 (same as bowling—12 consecutive strikes)

Strategy Tips

Break Power:

  • Firm break increases strike potential
  • Aim for center of formation (ball #5)
  • Follow-through critical for maximum energy transfer

Spare Conversion:

  • Like bowling, spare conversion is key to good scores
  • Develop reliable system for picking up “splits” (separated balls)

Practice Value:

Excellent for developing powerful, controlled break shots. Forces you to execute under pressure (trying for strikes and spares creates performance pressure similar to match play).

Baseball Pool (Inning-Based Scoring)

Overview

Skill Level: Intermediate

Players: 2 (or 2 teams)

Duration: 30-45 minutes for 9 innings

Objective: Score more “runs” than opponent over 9 innings

What Makes It Unique:

Nine “innings” of pool where specific shots earn runs (points), singles, doubles, triples, and home runs. Combines pool with baseball scoring concepts.

Setup and Rules

Equipment Needed:

  • 9 object balls (use 1-9)
  • Baseball scorecard

Inning Structure:

Each inning, player attempts shots on balls 1-9 in order:

Ball 1-3: “Single zone”—making shot = 1 run

Ball 4-6: “Double zone”—making shot = 2 runs

Ball 7-8: “Triple zone”—making shot = 3 runs

Ball 9: “Home run ball”—making shot = 4 runs

Gameplay:

Inning 1:

  • Player 1 racks balls 1-9 in diamond formation
  • Breaks and shoots
  • Counts runs based on which balls pocketed
  • Example: Pockets balls 2, 5, and 9 = 1 + 2 + 4 = 7 runs

Inning 2-9:

Continue same format. Each inning is a fresh rack.

Outs:

  • Miss a shot = 1 out
  • Scratch = 1 out
  • 3 outs = end of half-inning, opponent’s turn

Winning:

After 9 innings, player with more runs wins (tie goes to extra innings).

Strategy Tips

Target High-Value Balls:

  • Making ball #9 (4 runs) worth more than making three singles (3 runs)
  • Strategic shot selection critical

Protect Outs:

  • Don’t waste outs on low-percentage shots
  • Better to play safe than miss and give out to opponent

Clutch Situations:

Late innings when behind, must take risks on home run balls (7-9). When ahead, can play conservatively and protect lead.

Speed Pool (Race Against Time)

Overview

Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Players: 1-2

Duration: 3-5 minutes per round

Objective: Clear table as fast as possible; lowest time wins

What Makes It Unique:

Pure race against clock. Develops rapid decision-making, stroke tempo, and shot execution under time pressure.

Setup and Rules

Equipment Needed:

  • Full rack of 15 balls (or 9 balls for faster games)
  • Stopwatch or timer
  • Open table (no need to call shots)

Standard Format (15-Ball):

  1. Rack all 15 balls in triangle
  2. Break (timer starts when cue ball struck on break)
  3. Pocket all 15 balls as quickly as possible
  4. Timer stops when last ball falls
  5. Record your time

Variation (9-Ball Speed):

  • Use balls 1-9 only (faster games, better for beginners)
  • Must contact lowest ball first (like 9-ball rules)
  • Timer starts on break, ends when 9-ball pocketed

Competition Format:

Time Trials:

  • Each player gets 3 attempts
  • Best time counts
  • Lowest time wins

Match Play:

  • Head-to-head racing
  • First to clear table wins that round
  • Best of 3 or best of 5 rounds

Strategy Tips

Pre-Plan Routes:

  • Scan table immediately after break
  • Identify 3-4 ball sequence before shooting

Shoot in Rhythm:

  • Faster to shoot with consistent tempo than rush individual shots
  • Smooth, rapid execution beats frantic scrambling

Accept Good-Enough Position:

  • Don’t waste time getting perfect position
  • 18-inch shot you can execute in 3 seconds beats 6-inch shot that requires 8 seconds of positioning

Practice Value:

Eliminates overthinking. Forces you to trust instincts and stroke. Excellent for building match-play decisiveness.

Artistic Pool (Trick Shot Competition)

Overview

Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Players: 1-8

Duration: Varies (5-30 minutes depending on shots attempted)

Objective: Successfully execute predetermined artistic/trick shots; most made wins

What Makes It Unique:

Creativity and showmanship matter. Artistic pool is an official discipline with world championships. Combines technical skill with entertainment value.

Setup and Rules

Categories of Artistic Shots:

1. Masse Shots: Extreme curve shots using elevated cue

2. Jump Shots: Clearing obstacles by jumping cue ball

3. Prop Shots: Using props (bottle, ball on rail, etc.)

4. Draw Shots: Extreme backspin demonstrations

5. Combination/Carom Shots: Complex multi-ball sequences

6. Creative Setups: Original shot designs

Competition Format:

Set Routine:

  • 10 predetermined shots (like gymnastics routine)
  • Each shot worth 1-10 points based on difficulty
  • Player gets 2-3 attempts per shot
  • Total points determine winner

Freestyle:

  • Each player designs their own routine
  • Judges score based on:
  • Difficulty (1-10)
  • Creativity (1-10)
  • Execution (1-10)
  • Entertainment value (1-10)

Example Shots:

The Butterfly: Jump two balls simultaneously over obstacle

The Draw Challenge: Draw cue ball back full table length

The Masse Circle: Curve cue ball around object ball in complete circle

The Carom Cascade: Pocket balls in sequence using one carom shot

Strategy Tips

Start Simple:

Don’t attempt 10-difficulty shots until you’ve mastered 5-difficulty shots

Practice Setups:

Artistic shots require precise ball placement—practice setup measurements

Showmanship:

Even if execution is perfect, presentation matters in artistic pool

Build Library:

Learn 15-20 reliable artistic shots, then combine them into routines

15-Ball Rotation (Long-Form Endurance)

Overview

Skill Level: Advanced

Players: 2

Duration: 45-90 minutes

Objective: Score more points than opponent; first to predetermined total (150-200 points) wins

What Makes It Unique:

Like standard Rotation but continuing over multiple racks. Tests endurance, consistency, and sustained concentration.

Setup and Rules

Gameplay:

  • Standard Rotation rules (must hit lowest ball first, any pocketed ball scores its number value)
  • Continue until all 15 balls pocketed
  • Re-rack and continue
  • Keep cumulative score across multiple racks
  • First to 150-200 points (predetermined) wins

Marathon Variation:

  • Play for time limit (2 hours, 3 hours)
  • Highest score at end wins
  • Tests stamina and consistency

Strategy Tips

Pace Yourself:

Marathon format requires sustained focus—don’t burn out early with high-risk play

Consistency Over Flash:

Steady point accumulation beats risky hero shots

Mental Breaks:

Between racks, reset mentally—don’t carry frustration from previous rack

Practice Value:

Develops match stamina. Simulates pressure of long tournament matches.

Elimination (Last Man Standing)

Overview

Skill Level: Beginner

Players: 3-8 (best with 4-6)

Duration: 15-30 minutes depending on player count

Objective: Don’t finish last; last-place finisher each round is eliminated

What Makes It Unique:

Group competition with elimination pressure. Not about winning—it’s about not losing.

Setup and Rules

Equipment Needed:

  • 9 balls (use 1-9) or 15 balls for longer games
  • Multiple players

Round Structure:

  1. All players shoot in rotation
  2. Player continues until miss or foul
  3. Track how many balls each player pocketed
  4. After all balls pocketed: Player with FEWEST balls pocketed is eliminated
  5. Remaining players start new round with fresh rack
  6. Continue until only 2 players remain
  7. Final round determines champion

Variations:

Strikes System:

  • Instead of immediate elimination, player with fewest balls gets a “strike”
  • 3 strikes = eliminated
  • Allows more gameplay before eliminations

Time Limit:

  • Set timer for each round (10 minutes)
  • When time expires, player with fewest balls eliminated
  • Faster-paced game

Strategy Tips

Don’t Be Last:

You don’t need to pocket the most—just avoid pocketing the fewest

Assess Competition:

If someone struggling, you can play conservatively (they’ll likely finish last)

Clutch Moments:

Tied for last place with 2 balls each and 1 ball remaining? Must make it or face elimination.

Chinese Pool (8-Ball Variant)

Overview

Skill Level: Intermediate

Players: 2

Duration: 15-25 minutes

Objective: Pocket all your balls plus the 8-ball to win (like standard 8-ball, but with unique rules)

What Makes It Unique:

Popular in Asia, uses smaller table (8-foot or even 7-foot) with tighter pockets. Free ball after opponent fouls, combination shots highly valued.

Setup and Rules

Table:

  • Typically smaller table with tighter pockets (makes it harder)
  • Pockets often have rounded edges instead of sharp corners

Gameplay Differences from American 8-Ball:

1. Free Ball After Foul:

  • If opponent fouls, you can shoot ANY ball (even opponent’s ball) as a “free ball”
  • Pocketing free ball counts as pocketing one of your group
  • After free ball, must return to shooting only your group

2. Combinations Encouraged:

  • Combination shots using opponent’s balls are legal
  • Hitting your ball first, then pocketing opponent’s ball via combination doesn’t count for opponent (ball stays pocketed, but opponent doesn’t get point)

3. Tighter Pockets:

  • Precision required—balls rattle out more easily
  • Forces better aim and speed control

4. Loss Conditions:

  • Same as American 8-ball:
  • Pocket 8-ball on break (except if re-spotted, variant-dependent)
  • Pocket 8-ball before clearing your group
  • Scratch on 8-ball

Strategy Tips

Precise Speed Control:

Tighter pockets punish overpowered shots—balls rattle out

Combination Awareness:

Use opponent’s balls creatively for position or to pocket your balls

Free Ball Strategy:

After opponent fouls, select free ball that also provides good position for your next shot (two benefits)

Around the World (Position Play Practice)

Overview

Skill Level: Intermediate

Players: 1-2

Duration: 10-15 minutes

Objective: Pocket balls in sequence around the table perimeter

What Makes It Unique:

Excellent position play drill disguised as a game. Forces you to control cue ball to specific zones.

Setup and Rules

Ball Placement:

Place 6 balls around table perimeter (near the 6 pockets):

  • Ball 1 near corner pocket (top right)
  • Ball 2 near side pocket (right)
  • Ball 3 near corner pocket (bottom right)
  • Ball 4 near corner pocket (bottom left)
  • Ball 5 near side pocket (left)
  • Ball 6 near corner pocket (top left)

Objective:

Pocket balls 1-6 in order while bringing cue ball “around the world” (visiting each zone of table).

Gameplay:

  1. Start with cue ball anywhere
  2. Pocket ball 1 into designated pocket
  3. Use position play to leave cue ball near ball 2
  4. Pocket ball 2
  5. Continue around the table through ball 6

Scoring:

Perfect Round: Pocket all 6 balls in one turn = 10 points

Good Round: Pocket 4-5 balls before missing = 5-8 points

Poor Round: Pocket 2-3 balls = 2-4 points

Competition:

Best score out of 5 rounds wins. Or race to 50 points.

Strategy Tips

Plan Position:

Each shot should leave cue ball within 12-18 inches of next ball

Speed Control:

Distance control more important than making balls (you can reset if you miss, but bad position can’t be fixed)

Practice Value:

One of the best position play drills available. Forces you to execute shape consistently.

Straight Pool Time Trial (Concentration Test)

Overview

Skill Level: Advanced

Players: 1

Duration: 30-60 minutes

Objective: Run as many balls as possible in time limit

What Makes It Unique:

Solo endurance/concentration test. Measures sustained performance over time.

Setup and Rules

Equipment Needed:

  • Full straight pool setup
  • Timer (30, 45, or 60 minutes)

Gameplay:

  1. Set timer for chosen duration
  2. Play straight pool under official rules
  3. Count every ball pocketed
  4. Re-rack when 14 balls down (14.1 continuous standard)
  5. Continue until time expires
  6. Record total balls pocketed

Benchmarks:

30-Minute Trial:

  • Beginner: 30-50 balls
  • Intermediate: 50-80 balls
  • Advanced: 80-120 balls
  • Expert: 120+ balls

60-Minute Trial:

  • Beginner: 60-100 balls
  • Intermediate: 100-160 balls
  • Advanced: 160-240 balls
  • Expert: 240+ balls

Strategy Tips

Steady Pace:

Don’t rush—smooth, consistent play accumulates balls faster than frantic scrambling

Conservative Shots:

Missing costs time—better to play safe shot that takes 15 seconds than risky shot that might end your run

Break Ball Management:

Perfect your re-rack break shots—these make or break your time trial score

Practice Value:

Develops match stamina and concentration. Simulates tournament pressure and fatigue.

Summary & Key Points

Alternative pool games offer diverse benefits:

  1. Skill Development: Golf Pool, Speed Pool, and Around the World build specific skills through gamification
  2. Social Fun: Bowlliards, Baseball Pool, and Elimination work great for parties and groups
  3. Creative Expression: Artistic Pool and trick shot variations reward innovation
  4. Endurance Training: Time trials and marathon games build stamina
  5. Low Pressure: Most alternatives reduce competitive stress while maintaining engagement

Try New Formats:

  • Rotate through different alternatives to keep practice fresh
  • Use alternatives as warm-up or cool-down from serious competition
  • Introduce beginners to pool through fun alternatives (less intimidating than 8-ball)

Related Articles & Resources

Continue Learning:

External Resources:

About the Author

Derek Jones

Derek Jones has designed and organized 50+ alternative pool game tournaments and events in his 15 years operating an APA league and pool hall. He specializes in creating fun, low-pressure formats that appeal to beginners while challenging advanced players. Derek’s monthly “Fun Formats Friday” events introduce players to a new pool variation each week, with Golf Pool, Bowlliards, and Speed Pool being perennial favorites.

Expertise: Pool game design, tournament organization, skill development through gamification

Experience: 15+ years league operation, 8 years pool hall management, certified instructor, designer of 12+ original pool variations

Specialties: Party pool events, practice drill design, alternative game instruction, social pool organization

Read more articles by Derek Jones

Note: Alternative games often have regional variations in rules. Establish house rules clearly before playing competitively. Most importantly: have fun and be creative—that’s what alternative pool is all about!