Playing pool with two cueballs

hang-the-9 · 07:23 AM

This thread about making several different ball sets https://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=501500, although by itself not a good idea got me thinking about something with the "more than 15 balls" idea.

Have any of you tried to play a game of pool with two cueballs? With the Measels being pretty distinct you can use one of those and a single dot ball and have a game where you and your opponent have two different cueballs.

You can setup the the game where moving or pocketing the other cueball on a shot would either give or subtract points, depending on how you feel like playing.

This way it would actually be very close to golf, you play 8 ball, he shoots at his side with his ball, you shoot at it with yours. It would add some special needs to play safe, I think would be a fun game.

buckshotshoey · 10-28-2019, 07:19 AM

It might be interesting. Post a short video of you and a buddy playing it.

gogg · 10-28-2019, 07:24 AM

Nice idea.... lots of game options open up.
I haven’t really done that, but I have played for hours with two cueballs on a coin-op to work drills and “woodshed”.

JazzyJeff87 · 10-28-2019, 07:30 AM

I’ve messed around with different ways to play 8 ball and 9 ball with 2 different cue balls, like each having their own, one being a “free ball” to get position off of or as a last ball to be made. I never did settle on a good game that I liked but there were some interesting half formed ideas while I was doing it.

Patrick Johnson · 10-28-2019, 07:58 AM

Years ago I saw Marco Marquez throw two sets of balls (32 balls including two cue balls) onto the table for practice. If he got stuck with one cue ball he'd use the other one.

pj
chgo

hang-the-9 · 10-28-2019, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JazzyJeff87

I’ve messed around with different ways to play 8 ball and 9 ball with 2 different cue balls, like each having their own, one being a “free ball” to get position off of or as a last ball to be made. I never did settle on a good game that I liked but there were some interesting half formed ideas while I was doing it.

I am going to play a bit tonight with some pool buddies and will propose this idea to mess around with a good rule set for play.

I don't think I have ever seen an "official" two cueball game of pool written up, but we do have a few people on AZB that contribute to the official rule books.

pt109 · 10-28-2019, 08:12 AM

I’ve played a lot with two cue balls.....but there were no pockets on the table.

ShootingArts · **tried that once! -** 10-28-2019, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pt109

I’ve played a lot with two cue balls.....but there were no pockets on the table.

I tried that once, couldn't make a ball!

Hu

hang-the-9 · 10-28-2019, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pt109

I’ve played a lot with two cue balls.....but there were no pockets on the table.

I have a funny quote about that I like to use for one pocket slowness.

I started a game of 8 ball on a 3 cushion table, still got finished faster than the one pocket game on the other table.

hang-the-9 · 10-28-2019, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by buckshotshoey

It might be interesting. Post a short video of you and a buddy playing it.

I have not actually tried this, will tonight though. Mondays I am with some players that love to experiment with games and rules, should be fun to try.

Black-Balled · 10-28-2019, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patrick Johnson

Years ago I saw Marco Marquez throw two sets of balls (32 balls including two cue balls) onto the table for practice. If he got stuck with one cue ball he'd use the other one.

pj
chgo

I've played around with that and if you keep the cbs clear, it isn't too bad.

9 Ball Fan · 10-28-2019, 11:22 AM

I have thought about playing with 2 cue balls.

Allow both cue balls to be in play at all times, for all players. And; allow the option of cue ball to cue ball contact, prior to striking the object ball. The object ball still must be hit prior to any other numbered ball.

You'd have fewer strong safeties; and a little easier game, with more possibilities for pattern play. It could be interesting to try playing that way.

Johnny Rosato · 10-28-2019, 11:52 AM

You can use it for a handicap too. After the break, place a 'marked' CB at a pre-determined spot. When it's your turn, you can shoot the regular CB or the 'marked' CB, opponent, (better player), can only shoot regular CB.

hang-the-9 · 11-06-2019, 03:16 PM

I played a few games of this with my son, 8 ball, two cueballs.

The non-breaker cueball we placed in center of the table.

It went like a normal game of 8 ball both games, the extra cueball was run into a few times so position may be a bit tougher with an extra ball in the way.

Accidental safes and safes in general are a whole different story, but we did not get into the safety area that much. Having to play where you need to place a ball between the second cueball and the object ball is for sure a different feeling of strategy.

Was fun to play, I'll try it out some more next time I get together with the pool buddies.

JazzyJeff87 · 11-07-2019, 06:29 AM

I like the idea of each player having their own cue ball. And you can’t hit their cue ball directly ever, have to hit your own suite or lowest ball first. Make it tough to bury their CB. Deciding how to get it in the game is tough. Back of pack doesn’t seem very fair but maybe it’ll get slammed around. Maybe put it in front like the pink in snooker. Force a 2nd ball break. I think it would work best with 8 ball anyway. Must try some more but if you come up with anything else throw it out here.