A Math based game for playing pool

[justnum]

7 + 9

with the new rules
there are multiple ways to add up to ten
1 and 9
2 and 8
3 and 7
4 and 6
instead of just one pair there are multiple pairs

If you want to include subtraction of numbers, it provides additional pairs to work with.
15 and 5
14 and 4
13 and 3
12 and 2
11 and 1

 

[eg9327]

Standard 8 ball rack and break

The objective of each inning is to pocket two balls with a sum of 16.
If you only pocket one of the balls, then its spotted.

If you pocket both of the balls, that counts as a point.

Only after all pairs are pocketed can the 8 ball be shot. Touching the 8 outside of the final shot is a foul.

The main concept is have a game where both players can "clear the table" and adding is required during the match.

I keep making games for the imaginary students I plan to teach pool.

That's great. I do the same thing, but use the colors to pair the balls. Use a second cue ball spotted on the balkline at the break to pair with the 8. It is a great practice game. It takes a lot of strategy to run several pairs.

 

[BC21]

How about prime numbers vs non-prime numbers (composite). Use 9 balls to play 8ball. The 8 is the game ball. One player shoots the 4 prime numbered balls and the other player shoots the 4 composite numbered balls. Lol

I actually think these math games are great ideas, for players 5 to 8 years old. They get started in pool and at the same time learn to do simple math skills in their head, which seems to be out of style nowadays. For experienced players you'd really have to enjoy such things to have fun with it.

 

[Bob Jewett]

How about prime numbers vs non-prime numbers (composite). ...

For the innumerate English majors, shoot in alphabetically-ordered pairs.

We see a new game go by maybe once a month. There is usually no point, by which I mean the "new" game is substantially like some other common game and it doesn't give the player anything novel. If you're going to invent a game, at least be inventive. The new game should require strategy and shots that are different from what is already played.

If you're looking for something "new" to expand your horizons, try the following if you have not already played them:

Snooker
Golf
Pink ball
English Billiards
3-Cushion
Straight rail
Artistic billiard shots
Partners rotation (15 balls with the 1-5-8-10 12-15 being special)
One pocket
Straight pool
Standard rotation
Cowboy
Loop, Irish pool, In-offs
Bank pool
Blackball
Russian Pyramid
Honolulu
Cutthroat

And any good inventor would have already done his homework and played all of those.

 

[BC21]

For the innumerate English majors, shoot in alphabetically-ordered pairs.

We see a new game go by maybe once a month. There is usually no point, by which I mean the "new" game is substantially like some other common game and it doesn't give the player anything novel. If you're going to invent a game, at least be inventive. The new game should require strategy and shots that are different from what is already played.

If you're looking for something "new" to expand your horizons, try the following if you have not already played them:

Snooker
Golf
Pink ball
English Billiards
3-Cushion
Straight rail
Artistic billiard shots
Partners rotation (15 balls with the 1-5-8-10 12-15 being special)
One pocket
Straight pool
Standard rotation
Cowboy
Loop, Irish pool, In-offs
Bank pool
Blackball
Russian Pyramid
Honolulu
Cutthroat

And any good inventor would have already done his homework and played all of those.

I did design a pretty cool game a few years back. You may find it interesting...

Two players, a full rack of 15 balls. Lag for the break.

Player A shoots first. The objective is to pocket a ball, any ball. Then it's Player B's turn. Player B must pocket a ball or at least make 1st contact with a ball that mathematical factors into the ball Player A pocketed. If a factored ball is pocketed then B gets a point. If a factored ball is not at least hit first, player A gets ball in hand.

When a ball is pocketed that has no factors, like a prime number, or a composite number of which all the factored balls have already been pocketed. The player that pockets that ball shoots again. The opposing player only gets to shoot if the ball pocketed has a factor left on the table.

Examples: Player A shoots the 6 ball and gets a point for it. It is now player B's shot, and B must either pocket or legally hit any factor of 6. So he can shoot the 1, 2, or 3 (the 1-ball can be used for a factor with any ball).

Let's say B pockets the 2. Now player A must hit or pocket the 1, seeing that it's the only factor available for a 2. Let's say she pockets it. Score is now 2-1 with player A ahead. But there is no factor for 1, so player A gets to shoot again. Now she pockets the 3, a prime number, and with the 1 off the table, she gets to shoot again. Score is 3-1. She pockets the 10. Score is now 4-1. Since the 5 is still on the table, player B gets a chance to pocket the 5. He at least better make a legal hit on it. He can play a safe also, but player A will be free to shoot any ball now.

The game can be played to 25 points or 50 points or whatever. A player can get on roll after the 1 ball is off the table. They can shoot as many prime balls or factorless balls thay can shoot and player B will not have a chance at the table until player A misses, fouls, or pockets a ball that has a factor left on table.

There is quite a bit of strategy here. But also the players must really pay attention. If A pockets a ball thinking there are no factors for that ball, let's say it's the 14, and then shoots again regardless of the fact that the 7ball is still on the table, player B can call a foul and get ball in hand.