Pool Variations: Different Ways to Play Pool

January 16, 2025 By drew

Last Updated: October 25, 2025

Quick Takeaways

  • 12+ Popular Variations: Beyond 8-ball, 9-ball, and straight pool, dozens of pool variations exist for different skill levels and preferences
  • Strategic Variety: Each variation emphasizes different skills—some reward offense, others defense, some test precision, others creativity
  • Skill Development: Playing variations improves overall pool game by forcing you to practice different shot types and strategies
  • Social Play: Many variations work for 3-4 players or teams, perfect for social settings
  • Tournament Options: Several variations (One Pocket, Bank Pool, Rotation) have professional tournament circuits

Overview

If you’ve only played 8-ball and 9-ball, you’re missing out on the rich diversity of pool games. Each variation emphasizes different skills and offers unique strategic challenges.

Why Play Variations?

Skill Development:

  • Bank Pool improves banking and kicking ability
  • One Pocket develops defensive and creative play
  • Rotation teaches ball control and position play
  • Cutthroat hones competitive strategy

Fun and Variety:

  • Break the monotony of playing the same game repeatedly
  • Challenge yourself with new rule sets
  • Discover which games match your natural playing style

Social Flexibility:

  • 3-player and 4-player variations for group play
  • Team variations for doubles competition
  • Handicapped variations for mixed-skill groups

This guide covers the most popular variations, from beginner-friendly to expert-level games.

One Pocket (Defensive & Strategic)

Overview

Skill Level: Advanced

Players: 2 (or 2 teams)

Objective: First player to pocket 8 balls into their designated pocket wins

What Makes It Unique:

One Pocket is chess on a pool table—slow, strategic, defensive. Each player “owns” one corner pocket and can only score by pocketing balls into that pocket. The other 5 pockets are neutral (balls pocketed there don’t count for either player and are re-spotted).

Basic Rules

Setup:

  • Rack all 15 balls in triangle formation
  • Players lag for break (winner decides who breaks)
  • Players choose or are assigned opposite corner pockets (one at foot end, one at head end)

Gameplay:

  • Player can only score by pocketing balls into their designated pocket
  • Balls pocketed into opponent’s pocket count for opponent
  • Balls pocketed into neutral pockets (4 other pockets) are re-spotted on foot spot

Winning:

  • First player to legally pocket 8 balls into their pocket wins
  • If all balls are pocketed before either player reaches 8, player with more balls pocketed wins

Break Rules:

  • Must make a ball or drive two object balls to cushions
  • If player makes ball on break into their pocket, they continue
  • If player makes ball into opponent’s pocket on break, opponent gets that ball (credited to their score)

Fouls:

  • Standard fouls apply (scratch, no contact, etc.)
  • Opponent gets ball in hand anywhere on table
  • Plus: Any balls you pocketed on the foul shot are re-spotted (don’t count)

Strategy Tips

Defensive Play:

  • Most shots are safeties—leaving opponent with no shot into their pocket
  • Scoring is secondary to preventing opponent from scoring
  • Patience wins—aggressive play usually backfires

Ball Control:

  • Keep balls clustered near your pocket
  • Block opponent’s balls from getting near their pocket
  • Use creative caroms and nudges to move balls into favorable positions

Breakout Shots:

  • Sometimes you must break a cluster of balls to create opportunity
  • Plan breakouts carefully—if you fail, opponent likely gets easy runout

Bank Pool (Precision Banking)

Overview

Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Players: 2

Objective: First to bank 8 balls (or predetermined number) into pockets wins

What Makes It Unique:

Bank Pool eliminates straight-in shots—every ball must bank off at least one cushion before going into any pocket. Tests your knowledge of angles, english, and rail response.

Basic Rules

Setup:

  • Rack all 15 balls in triangle
  • Standard break (must pocket a ball or drive 4 balls to cushions for legal break)

Gameplay:

  • ALL SHOTS MUST BANK: Object ball must contact at least one cushion before falling into pocket
  • Straight-in shots don’t count (ball is re-spotted)
  • Can bank off multiple rails (2-rail, 3-rail banks are legal and count same as 1-rail)
  • Must call ball and pocket (bank details optional unless specified by house rules)

Scoring:

  • Standard game: First to 8 balls wins
  • Alternate scoring: Play points (1 point per ball, race to 50 or 100)

Fouls:

  • Standard fouls (scratch, no hit, etc.)
  • Pocketing ball without banking it first = ball re-spotted, opponent’s turn (not technically a foul, just doesn’t count)

Strategy Tips

Learn Rail Response:

  • Clean balls and fast cloth = shorter angles
  • Worn cloth and dirty balls = longer angles
  • Practice finding “mirror point” on rail for basic banks

Use English:

  • Running english (spin in direction of bank angle) shortens angle
  • Reverse english lengthens angle
  • Allows you to adjust for table variations

Two-Rail and Three-Rail Banks:

  • Sometimes easier than one-rail banks due to angles
  • Multi-rail banks more forgiving of slight aim errors (ball travels farther, has time to “find” pocket)

Rotation (9-Ball’s Precursor)

Overview

Skill Level: Intermediate

Players: 2

Objective: Score more points than opponent when all balls are pocketed

What Makes It Unique:

Must contact lowest-numbered ball first (like 9-ball), but ANY ball pocketed scores its point value (1-ball = 1 point, 15-ball = 15 points). First player to reach 61 points (more than half of 120 total points) wins.

Basic Rules

Setup:

  • Rack all 15 balls in triangle
  • 1-ball at apex, 2-ball and 3-ball in back corners
  • 15-ball in center of rack (high-value target)

Gameplay:

  • Cue ball must contact lowest-numbered ball on table first
  • ANY ball pocketed (on a legal shot) scores its point value for the shooter
  • Combination shots legal—hit 1-ball first, make 15-ball, score 15 points
  • Continue shooting as long as you legally pocket balls

Winning:

  • First player to 61 points (out of 120 total) wins
  • Game can end before all balls pocketed if one player reaches 61

Break:

  • Standard break rules
  • Must pocket a ball or drive 4 balls to cushions
  • All pocketed balls on break count for points

Strategy Tips

Target High-Value Balls:

  • Early game: Try to make 15, 14, 13 with combination shots
  • 15+14+13+12 = 54 points (nearly wins the game)

Calculate Point Totals:

  • Keep running count of your score and opponent’s score
  • Know what balls you need to reach 61 (don’t waste time on low-point balls when ahead)

Defensive Play:

  • When ahead in points, play safe to prevent opponent from catching up
  • When behind, must take risks to make high-point balls

Cutthroat (Three-Player Competition)

Overview

Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Players: 3

Objective: Eliminate opponent’s balls while protecting your own—last player with ball(s) on table wins

What Makes It Unique:

Only 3-player variation that’s widely popular. Completely different strategy—you’re NOT trying to pocket your own balls, you’re trying to pocket opponent’s balls. Your balls remaining on table = your “lives.”

Basic Rules

Setup:

  • Rack all 15 balls in triangle
  • Each player is assigned a group:
  • Player 1: Balls 1-5
  • Player 2: Balls 6-10
  • Player 3: Balls 11-15

Gameplay:

  • Players shoot in rotation order
  • Goal: Pocket opponent’s balls (eliminate their balls from the table)
  • Your own balls are your “lives”—each one pocketed by opponent removes one of your lives
  • Last player with ball(s) on table wins

Turn Sequence:

  • Player continues shooting as long as they legally pocket opponent’s ball(s)
  • Turn ends when player misses or fouls
  • Next player in rotation takes over

Winning:

  • Last player with one or more balls on table wins
  • If two players eliminated simultaneously, game is re-started

Fouls:

  • Standard fouls (scratch, no contact, etc.)
  • Penalty: Bring one of your pocketed balls back to table (spotted on foot spot)
  • If you have no pocketed balls to bring back, no penalty

Strategy Tips

Early Game—Offensive:

  • Pocket opponent balls aggressively
  • Leave your own balls in difficult positions (so opponents can’t easily pocket them)

Mid Game—Balance:

  • Assess which opponent is ahead (fewest balls on table)
  • Form temporary alliance with third player to eliminate the leader

Late Game—Defensive:

  • If you’re down to 1-2 balls, hide them behind other balls or near cushions
  • Make it difficult for opponents to pocket your balls even if they have good shot at third player’s balls

Shifting Alliances:

  • Leading player becomes target—opponents will collaborate to eliminate you
  • Strategic play involves balancing offense (eliminating others) with defense (protecting your balls)

Cowboy Pool / Bootlegger (Wild West Variation)

Overview

Skill Level: Beginner

Players: 2-6

Objective: Last player remaining (not eliminated) wins

What Makes It Unique:

Uses only 3 balls (typically 1, 3, and 5 or any three different-colored balls). Each player has “lives” and loses a life each time they’re scored upon. Simple, fast-paced, social game perfect for bars.

Basic Rules

Setup:

  • Place three object balls in triangle formation at foot spot
  • Each player starts with 3 lives (or predetermined number)

Gameplay:

  • Players shoot in rotation
  • Player attempts to pocket any ball
  • If successful: Designate an opponent to lose a life
  • If unsuccessful: Miss or foul, your turn ends
  • Continue in rotation

Fouls:

  • Scratch or foul = You lose a life yourself (penalty for fouling)

Winning:

  • Last player with lives remaining wins
  • Eliminated players sit out until game ends

Variation—Point Balls:

  • Assign point values to each ball (1, 3, 5)
  • Pocketing ball causes designated opponent to lose that many lives

Strategy Tips

Target the Leader:

  • If one player has more lives than others, gang up on them
  • Prevents runaway leader

Protect Yourself:

  • When you have fewer lives, play conservatively
  • Miss is better than scratch (which costs you a life)

Read the Table:

  • Choose easiest shot available (all balls are equal)
  • Don’t attempt difficult shot that risks scratch/foul

Kelly Pool (Social Variation)

Overview

Skill Level: Beginner

Players: 2-15 (works with large groups)

Objective: Pocket your secretly assigned ball before opponents pocket theirs

What Makes It Unique:

Each player draws a secret number (like drawing straws). You must pocket that ball to win, but nobody knows which ball opponents need. Encourages deception and hidden strategy.

Basic Rules

Setup:

  • Use numbered pills or folded papers with numbers 1-15
  • Each player draws one secret number (their target ball)
  • Keep your number hidden from opponents
  • Rack all 15 balls normally

Gameplay:

  • Players shoot in rotation (or determine order each round)
  • Attempt to pocket any ball on table
  • If you pocket YOUR ball: Announce “Kelly!” and win
  • If you pocket opponent’s ball: That player is eliminated (though they may not reveal it immediately)
  • Continue until someone pockets their ball or all balls are pocketed

Winning:

  • First player to pocket their assigned ball wins
  • Wins the pot (if playing for stakes)

Fouls:

  • Standard fouls lose your turn
  • Optional rule: Foul forfeits your chance to win (eliminated)

Strategy Tips

Deception:

  • Shoot at random balls to disguise which ball is yours
  • Avoid showing too much interest in any specific ball
  • Occasionally take difficult shot at ball that ISN’T yours (throw opponents off)

Observation:

  • Watch opponents—notice which balls they aim at frequently
  • When player is eliminated (their ball is pocketed), deduce who had that number

Endgame:

  • As balls are pocketed, remaining targets become obvious
  • May need to transition from deceptive play to aggressive pursuit of your ball

Mr. and Mrs. (Team Variation)

Overview

Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate

Players: 4 (two teams of 2)

Objective: Team variation—partners work together to win

What Makes It Unique:

Partners share a turn—one player shoots, if successful the partner shoots next (alternating). Requires communication and team strategy.

Basic Rules

Setup:

  • Play any base game (8-ball, 9-ball, rotation, etc.)
  • Form two teams of two players each
  • Partners sit opposite sides of table (not next to each other)

Gameplay:

  • Team A player 1 shoots
  • If successful: Team A player 2 shoots next (partner)
  • If missed or fouled: Team B player 1 shoots
  • Continue alternating TEAMS (within team, partners alternate shots)

Communication:

  • Partners can discuss strategy and plan shots between innings
  • During opponent’s turn, no coaching allowed

Winning:

  • Team that completes objective (based on underlying game being played) wins

Scoring:

  • Wins/losses credited to team, not individuals
  • Common format: Best of 3 or best of 5 matches

Strategy Tips

Complementary Skills:

  • Pair offensive player with defensive player
  • Pair long-shot specialist with safety specialist

Leave Partner Setup Shots:

  • If uncertain about difficult shot, play safe position for partner
  • Don’t attempt hero shot that leaves partner impossible position

Communication:

  • Discuss strategy during your team’s inning
  • Plan 2-3 balls ahead as a team

Honolulu (Advanced Rotation)

Overview

Skill Level: Advanced

Players: 2

Objective: Similar to Rotation but must pocket balls in numerical order (like 9-ball) without calling shots

What Makes It Unique:

Combines difficulty of Rotation with strict sequence of 9-ball. Only lowest ball on table can be legally pocketed—but you don’t call shots (any pocket works).

Basic Rules

Setup:

  • Rack all 15 balls
  • Numeric sequence must be followed: 1, then 2, then 3… through 15

Gameplay:

  • Must hit lowest ball first AND pocket lowest ball to continue
  • Hitting lowest first but pocketing different ball = legal but turn ends (pocketed ball stays down)
  • Any pocket is legal (no call shot)

Scoring:

  • Point value of each ball (1+2+3…+15 = 120 total points)
  • First to 61 wins

Fouls:

  • Standard fouls (scratch, no hit on lowest ball, etc.)
  • Penalty: Opponent gets ball in hand

Strategy Tips

Similar to Rotation but more emphasis on:

  • Combination shots off lowest ball to pocket it
  • Position play to have shot at next ball in sequence
  • Difficult because must navigate through all 15 balls in order (can’t skip to high-value balls)

Equal Offense (Handicapped Variation)

Overview

Skill Level: Any (designed for mixed-skill play)

Players: 2

Objective: Level playing field for players of different abilities

What Makes It Unique:

Weaker player gets ball in hand after every opponent shot. Allows beginners to compete with advanced players.

Basic Rules

Setup:

  • Play any base game (typically 8-ball or 9-ball)
  • Determine stronger player (higher skill level)

Gameplay:

  • Stronger player shoots normally
  • After stronger player’s turn ends (miss or foul): Weaker player gets ball in hand anywhere
  • Weaker player shoots with ball in hand advantage
  • After weaker player’s turn ends: Stronger player shoots from where cue ball lies (no ball in hand)

Winning:

  • First player to achieve game objective wins
  • Game is competitive because weaker player’s ball-in-hand advantage offsets skill gap

Strategy Tips

For Stronger Player:

  • Play defensively—even when you miss, make the shot difficult for opponent
  • Leave cue ball against rail or behind balls when possible
  • Ball in hand doesn’t help if they have no clear shot

For Weaker Player:

  • Use ball in hand wisely—don’t waste it on easy shot
  • Set up multiple-ball runs when possible
  • Work on fundamentals (ball in hand eliminates position play difficulty)

Last Pocket (Rotation Variation)

Overview

Skill Level: Intermediate

Players: 2

Objective: Must pocket each ball into the same pocket where previous ball was pocketed

What Makes It Unique:

Creates unique challenge—first ball can go in any pocket, but subsequent balls must follow into that same pocket. Tests route planning and position control.

Basic Rules

Setup:

  • Rack balls as desired (typically 9-ball or rotation rack)

Gameplay:

  • First ball pocketed determines the “last pocket”
  • All subsequent balls must be pocketed into that same pocket
  • If ball falls into different pocket, it doesn’t count (re-spotted)
  • Player continues as long as legally pocketing balls into “last pocket”
  • If player pockets ball into different pocket, turn ends

Changing Last Pocket:

  • Some variations allow “last pocket” to change—each ball must follow into pocket where previous ball fell
  • This version requires extreme position control

Winning:

  • First to clear table (or reach predetermined score)

Strategy Tips

Choose Wisely:

  • First ball selection critical—pick pocket that offers best position routes for remaining balls
  • Corner pockets generally easier than side pockets for this variation

Route Planning:

  • Plan 3-4 balls ahead
  • Ensure position routes exist to repeatedly send balls to same pocket

High Difficulty:

  • This variation significantly harder than standard pool
  • Excellent practice for position play skills

Ten-Ball (Professional Variation)

Overview

Skill Level: Advanced

Players: 2

Objective: Legally pocket the 10-ball to win (call shot version of 9-ball)

What Makes It Unique:

Similar to 9-ball but with call-shot rule and 10 balls instead of 9. Eliminates luck factor of 9-ball (where opponent’s 9-ball can randomly go in). Professional game with growing tournament circuit.

Basic Rules

Setup:

  • Use balls 1-10
  • Triangle rack with 1-ball at apex, 10-ball in center

Gameplay:

  • Must contact lowest ball first (like 9-ball)
  • Must call ball and pocket (unlike 9-ball)
  • Pocketing called ball in called pocket continues your turn
  • Pocketing any other ball (even on legal hit of lowest ball) ends your turn

Winning:

  • Legally pocket the 10-ball
  • Must call pocket for 10-ball to win

Push-Out Rule:

  • After break, shooter can declare “push out”
  • Can move cue ball anywhere (doesn’t need to hit any ball)
  • Opponent can shoot or give turn back to pusher

Fouls:

  • Standard fouls
  • Three consecutive fouls = loss of game

Strategy Tips

Similar to 9-Ball:

  • Position play and pattern recognition critical
  • Break-and-run is goal

Key Differences from 9-Ball:

  • Must call shots—eliminates lucky makes
  • 10-ball adds one more shot to sequence (longer runouts)
  • Push-out strategy more important (extra shot to navigate)

Summary & Key Points

Pool variations offer something for every player:

  1. Defensive Players: One Pocket rewards patience and strategy
  2. Precision Shooters: Bank Pool and Honolulu test technical skill
  3. Social Groups: Cutthroat, Kelly Pool, and Cowboy work for 3+ players
  4. Skill Development: Rotation, Ten-Ball, and Mr. & Mrs. build different facets of pool ability
  5. Handicapping: Equal Offense and modified scoring allow mixed-skill play

Try New Variations:

  • Break monotony of playing same game repeatedly
  • Discover natural strengths (you might excel at Bank Pool even if 8-ball frustrates you)
  • Develop well-rounded skills by playing games that emphasize different shot types

Related Articles & Resources

Continue Learning:

External Resources:

About the Author

Derek Jones

Derek Jones has played and taught 20+ pool variations in his 15 years as an APA league operator and certified instructor. He specializes in introducing players to new games and helping them discover which variations match their natural playing style. Derek runs monthly “Variation Nights” at his local pool hall where players learn and compete in different games each week.

Expertise: Pool game variations, league operations, social pool organization, teaching multiple game types

Experience: 15+ years league operation, 8 years pool hall management, certified instructor, organizer of 100+ variation tournaments

Specialties: One Pocket strategy, Bank Pool instruction, teaching beginners through game variety

Read more articles by Derek Jones

Note: Rules for variations may differ by region and venue. Always clarify house rules before playing competitively.