Rules for playing 61
- Thread starter slim123
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Iwishiwasrich
Well-known member
Following, never heard of it.
I have limited experience with both, so here is my limited knowledge:
61 is "Rotation". You play it like 9 ball, must hit lowest ball first, but can pocket any ball. Each ball is worth its number. All 15 balls add up to 120 points. The first to make 61 points wins the game. There is a TAR match of Efren and Shane playing it about 10 years ago, where Efren explains the "filipino" style rules and nuances of the game to Shane.
15 ball I don't think is a real game. More of a practice ghost game for someone Shane's speed. Its just like 9 ball, but the 15 would be the money ball.
61 is "Rotation". You play it like 9 ball, must hit lowest ball first, but can pocket any ball. Each ball is worth its number. All 15 balls add up to 120 points. The first to make 61 points wins the game. There is a TAR match of Efren and Shane playing it about 10 years ago, where Efren explains the "filipino" style rules and nuances of the game to Shane.
15 ball I don't think is a real game. More of a practice ghost game for someone Shane's speed. Its just like 9 ball, but the 15 would be the money ball.
Rotation is still pretty popular in the 'pines. One thing they do different is if you have to kick at your ball you don't have to hit a rail. Also if you miss the ob the incoming player can shoot as is or spot it and shoot from the kitchen. Efren and Busty in their primes played it so good it bordered on black-magic.
Here is the TAR interview where Efren explains Rotation. Starts about 2:27.
61/60 has funny option rules. I think but am not sure if you're simply hooked you can request a spot shot instead of attempting the shot as is. There are also foul conditions where the spot shot is available. All spot shot options are shot from the kitchen. Probably half wrong about that - I prefer playing last ball continuous points or no points and just last ball. Last ball so there is no confusion about money balls. There are multiple money ball variations as well. With me, regular ball in hand rules.
I’ve read and reread the BCA rules for Rotation (aka 61) dozens of times, and while the general rules are easy to understand, the rules and penalties for tracking number of fouls is not.
To me, the rules encourage causing your opponent to commit three consecutive fouls for loss of game. Maybe that’s why the Filipinos have their version that favors running balls rather than inducing fouls.
15 Ball is a real game. It’s similar in that the first player to 61 points wins, but the balls can be pocketed in any order. Should be pretty easy for most people on this forum.
To me, the rules encourage causing your opponent to commit three consecutive fouls for loss of game. Maybe that’s why the Filipinos have their version that favors running balls rather than inducing fouls.
15 Ball is a real game. It’s similar in that the first player to 61 points wins, but the balls can be pocketed in any order. Should be pretty easy for most people on this forum.
Sounds like cutthroat for serious players.
All those variations; I'd dispense with the 3 foul penalty.
Rotation or 61 is pretty straight Foward. It's a very tough game. Once you start you'll probably, get the bug for it. I only ever played, the Philippines version. It's basically if you get hooked,rather than try and escape. You can spot the odject ball.player than shots from the head string. Any fouls where balls go down on a foul. Get spotted. More than one, you just put them in a line. No need to hit a rail after contact. Becouse of this, Tactics play a massive part. Being patient is also important. Some racks will take a while,
It's a great game. I think dr dave did a thread, with his version on it.
It's a great game. I think dr dave did a thread, with his version on it.
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