Every format

Pool formats, with the full rules

18 games you can run on a bar table, each with its rules written out, the common house variants, the arguments that break out around it, and an honest verdict on whether it suits a room full of people.

• Three-strikes pool

  Everyone pays in, the order is scrambled, and you get one shot a turn. Miss and it is a strike. Three strikes and you are out. Last player standing takes the pot.

  3–24 players · 30–60 minutes · Beginner

• Cutthroat

  Each player owns a group of balls. You win by pocketing everyone else's and keeping at least one of your own on the table.

  3 or 5 players · 10–20 minutes a game · Beginner

• Eight-ball (bar rules)

  The game everyone already knows, and the one with the most house rules per square foot of any game in this list.

  2, or 4 in pairs players · 8–15 minutes a game · Beginner

• Nine-ball

  Lowest ball first, every time. The 9 wins it, whenever and however it goes down.

  2 players · 5–10 minutes a game · Intermediate

• Ten-ball

  Nine-ball with the luck taken out: every shot is called, so nothing counts by accident.

  2 players · 8–15 minutes a game · Advanced

• Straight pool

  Call every ball, score a point each, and play to a target — usually 50, 75 or 100. The purest scoring game in pool.

  2 players · 30–90 minutes · Advanced

• One pocket

  You get one corner pocket, your opponent gets the other. First to eight balls in their own pocket wins.

  2 players · 20–60 minutes a game · Advanced

• Bank pool

  Every ball has to go in off a cushion. Nothing straight counts.

  2+ players · 15–30 minutes a game · Advanced

• Rotation

  Lowest ball first, and each ball is worth its number. The pot is 120 points, so 61 wins.

  2–4 players · 15–30 minutes a game · Intermediate

• Three-ball

  Clear three balls in as few shots as you can. Lowest total wins, like golf.

  2–8 players · 2–4 minutes a round · Beginner

• Seven-ball

  Nine-ball's shorter cousin, with each player restricted to one side of the table for the winning ball.

  2 players · 5–8 minutes a game · Intermediate

• Scotch doubles

  Partners alternate shots. You do not get to fix what your partner just did to you.

  4, in two pairs players · 10–20 minutes a game · Beginner

• Ring game

  Multi-player rotation played for a set amount per ball. The money moves every single shot.

  3–6 players · 20–40 minutes · Advanced

• Golf pool

  Each player gets a ball and a pocket. Play the six pockets like six holes and count your strokes.

  2–8 players · 20–40 minutes · Beginner

• Bowlliards

  Ten frames, ten balls, two innings a frame, scored exactly like ten-pin bowling. Strikes and spares included.

  1–6 players · 20–40 minutes · Intermediate

• Chicago

  Rotation played for money a ball, with certain balls worth considerably more than the rest.

  3–6 players · 20–40 minutes · Intermediate

• Last pocket eight-ball

  Eight-ball, except the 8 must go in the same pocket as your last object ball. Simple change, completely different game.

  2 players · 12–20 minutes a game · Intermediate

• Speed pool

  Clear the table as fast as you can. The clock is the only opponent.

  1–8 players · 2–5 minutes a turn · Intermediate