99 critical shots in pool straight pool how to#
How to Shoot a “Legal Shot” in CutthroatĪ legal shot in Cutthroat requires that you make contact with an opponent’s ball first. The ball would be spotted in this case and the player would lose his turn. If you agree to play called shots in Cutthroat, and you pocket an opponent’s ball in an unintended pocket, it is considered an illegal shot. However, you do not need to call how the ball will reach its designated pocket (i.e. It basically means that each player must designate which ball will land in which pocket before each shot. This is usually a good idea when playing with a group of advanced players. Decide if You’re Calling Shotsīefore the start of the game, decide if you are going to play ‘called shots’ only in your game of Cutthroat. If the player who breaks does not complete an ‘open break’, the next player can call for a re-rack and give it a go. So make sure the breaking player puts a little effort into it. This means that at least 4 balls must be driven from the rack so they make contact with the cushions. You should use an “open break” in Cutthroat. The rest of the balls can be randomly placed in the rack. Place the 6 and 11 balls in the corners of the triangle. Just use a standard triangle rack and place the 1-ball at the top of your rack (the apex) so it sits on the foot spot. $15.99 Buy Now on Amazon Affiliate link / commissions earned ( read disclosure) How to Rack in Cutthroat Pool
![99 critical shots in pool straight pool 99 critical shots in pool straight pool](https://media.pooldawg.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/650x/040ec09b1e35df139433887a97daa66f/b/k/bk994_02.jpg)
![99 critical shots in pool straight pool 99 critical shots in pool straight pool](https://media.pooldawg.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/thumbnail/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_1988.jpg)
You could end up sinking your own balls on the first shot. However, with predetermined groups, it’s not always an advantage to break. Just pick your numbers and start playing. Other players like to just assign groups before the game starts. Option 3: Assigning Group Sets Before the Game If the first player does not pocket any balls on the break, the next player to pocket a ball gets first dibs on a group. And the third is stuck with – presumably – the worst group. The next player to sink a ball would then select his or her group. This seems to be a common approach when playing Cutthroat in a more relaxed and less-competitive atmosphere.įor example, if the first player pockets a ball on the break, they can claim a group. Other people choose a simpler version of claiming sets in Cutthroat: You claim a group as soon as you pocket a ball. Option 2: Easier and More Common Approach The most likely group would be 6 – 10 in this scenario. In 3 player cutthroat, for example, i f you pocket the 3-ball and the 12-ball, you would be able to claim a group. The traditional and most advanced version is when you can only claim a group after at least one ball from the other 2 sets has been pocketed. Here are three common options you can choose from: Option 1: Traditional Way to Claim Groups in Cutthroat Pool There are a few different ways players can determine groups in cutthroat. When playing with 5 players, the groups are divided as: 1-3 4-6 7-9 10-12 and 13-15. You want to preserve your group and knock out the others.įor 3 player games, the ball groups are numbered as follows: 1 – 5 6 – 10 and 11 – 15. Claiming Groups in CutthroatĮach player gets their own group of billiard balls in this game.
![99 critical shots in pool straight pool 99 critical shots in pool straight pool](https://media.pooldawg.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/650x/040ec09b1e35df139433887a97daa66f/b/k/bk99_02.jpg)
Now for some details and an overview of the standard rules of Cutthroat. If you’ve been eliminated during the game, you can return to the game if an opponent commits a foul.
99 critical shots in pool straight pool plus#
How to Play Cutthroat PoolĬutthroat is played with a standard set of pool balls – numbered 1 through 15 – plus the cue ball. In this post, I’ll cover the basics of how to play cutthroat pool so you can enjoy this fast and fun version of pool with your friends. Each player is assigned a group of balls, and the object of Cutthroat is to pocket the balls in your opponents’ groups before they pocket yours. It can also be a great alternative to your standard 8-ball or 9-ball matches.Ĭutthroat pool is usually played with either 3 or 5 players. Yet the game of Cutthroat is actually perfect for all levels of pool players.Ĭutthroat is a popular, fun and social billiards game that’s perfect when you have an odd number of players. It may sound a little intimidating if you’re new to pool. Have you heard of Cutthroat pool, but you’re not really sure what it’s all about?