Top 10 Billiards Games to Play at Home and the (Rules You’ll Actually Use)
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Author: Kavin James, BCA-Certified Instructor • Updated 12 May 2021
Introduction
Nothing kills the vibe faster than arguing over whether you can combo the 8-Ball. This guide cuts through the confusion with ten fun pool games you can play on any 7- or 8-ft table. Each mini-rule sheet is written in under 100 words—print them, laminate them, and keep them in your cue rack.
1. 8-Ball – Malaysia’s Favourite
Players : 2 (or 2 teams)
Goal : Pot your group (solids or stripes) then legally pocket the 8.
Key rules :
- Call or obvious pocket on 8-Ball.
- Cue ball scratches on 8 = loss.
- Break yields another turn if a ball is potted.
Accessory tip : Use red and yellow spots on the cloth to practice break placement—available in our Training Ball Set.
2. 9-Ball – Fast & Fun
Players : 2
Goal : Legally pocket the 9 after hitting the lowest-numbered ball first.
Break : 1 ball must reach cushion or it’s a re-break.
Fouls = ball-in-hand anywhere.
3. Cut-Throat
Perfect for three players. Balls 1-5, 6-10, 11-15 form each player’s “team.”
Objective : Be the last player with at least one of your balls on the table.
Strategy : Early leaders often get ganged up on—great equaliser game.
4. 10-Ball – Call-Shot Precision
Like 9-Ball but you must call the intended ball and pocket. Less luck, more skills.
5. Killer (Rotation)
Group party game—each player starts with 3 “lives.”
- Shoot the lowest-numbered ball.
- Miss = lose a life.
- Last person with lives wins.
Scoring beads in our Accessory Kit make tracking lives easy.
6. Bank-the-Eight
Play standard 8-Ball but the 8 must be banked or kicked. Sharpens angle vision.
7. One-Pocket
Each player is assigned one corner pocket. First to 8 legal balls wins. Pros call it “chess on felt” because defence matters.
8. Straight Pool
Race to 50 or 100 points. Any ball counts = 1 point. After 14 balls are pocketed, rack only those 14; player continues. Old-school but great for cue-ball control.
9. GOLF
Lay six “holes” in order around the table. Each player gets 6 strokes to complete the course. Lowest strokes wins. Kids love it.
10. Speed Pool
Solo time-trial. All 15 balls racked, cue ball in hand. Clock stops when all balls are down. Compete against friends’ times.
Accessory Essentials for Game Night
| Need | Recommended accessory | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Score tracking | Wooden scoreboard | Clear lives in Killer & points in Straight Pool |
| Fast ball reset | Diamond rack | Speeds up 9-Ball & 10-Ball |
| Cue ball control | Training cue ball with target spots | Visual feedback for English shots |
| Table protection | Fitted cover | Shields cloth between sessions |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need special balls for 9-Ball?
A: No—use balls 1-9 from a standard set.
Q: Can I play 10-Ball on a 7-ft table?
A: Definitely. Cue length clearance matters more than table length; see our Room-Size Guide post.
Ready to Host Game Night?
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