What Non Traditional / Alternative Games and Sets Do You Enjoy and Play?

[bellmagic]

One game that I haven't seen mentioned, my Dad called "Cribbage". You break a random rack like you would for 8 ball, and if you make a ball you have to then shoot the other ball which adds to 15 (make the 7, try to get the 8). Then shoot the pairs that add to 15, saving the 15 for the last shot. Each pair made is 1 point, game is 11. Having to shoot pairs makes you play good position and plan the rack carefully, and if you miss the second ball of the pair it gets spotted as closely as possible behind the break spot. Shooter who makes the 15 gets to break.
It's an interesting game and will improve your skills and frustrate you at the same time.

 

[WoodyJ]

We played that some back in the 80's when it was on tv. Its ok but its too much like 9ball. You can play 9b same way if you want.

Yep, back when they had Mosconi, Crane, Lassiter, ... and the pocket billiard champions on TV and wanted a short game.

I like it from time to time when weaker players come over to my house to play. It's a way of getting them to play a rotation game (which they usually hate) and having some fun. They don't have to run as many balls and choosing sides for the game ball makes for interesting battles at the end of the game.

 

[WoodyJ]

I have a couple pool ball sets that are three different colors and then a black ball for the 8 ball. Its kinda like cut throat but instead of pocketing everyone elses balls, you pocket your 5 balls and then the black ball. Here is where you can get those ball sets.

That was my guess. Play like cut throat (with 5 balls each) but add an extra ball (say a measles cue ball or whatever) as the money ball with 16 object balls on the table.

Just rack as usual and put the extra money ball on top of the middle of the rack?

 

[Rickhem]

Has anyone tried playing 4t5?
Vic Conte always has a 7 foot Diamond off to the side at Turning Stone set up for this. He usually gets a few of the top players to come over and give it a try early in the week, and has their scoresheets there to show off. When we had our Tri-Cup at his place in Utica, he'd have a table in front set up for 4t5, and a bunch of us would take turns playing an inning each, just to pass the time. It is not as easy as it seems it should be.

Play4t5

4t5

play4t5.com

 

[JazzyJeff87]

One game that I haven't seen mentioned, my Dad called "Cribbage". You break a random rack like you would for 8 ball, and if you make a ball you have to then shoot the other ball which adds to 15 (make the 7, try to get the 8). Then shoot the pairs that add to 15, saving the 15 for the last shot. Each pair made is 1 point, game is 11. Having to shoot pairs makes you play good position and plan the rack carefully, and if you miss the second ball of the pair it gets spotted as closely as possible behind the break spot. Shooter who makes the 15 gets to break.
It's an interesting game and will improve your skills and frustrate you at the same time.

I’ve played this before except when you make a ball, you then have to make the same color of opposite suite. Like if you make the 4, then you need to make the 12 next. Black ball last.

It’s a cool game and can be tricky for sure

 

[briankenobi]

That was my guess. Play like cut throat (with 5 balls each) but add an extra ball (say a measles cue ball or whatever) as the money ball with 16 object balls on the table.

Just rack as usual and put the extra money ball on top of the middle of the rack?

I don't know if you saw my previous response but I have a couple sets of balls that are solid colors. It is played with three different colors of balls with the black ball or traditional 8 ball. The 8 ball goes on the headstring. It is like reverse cut throat. Make your 5 colors first before you shoot the 8 ball. Kinda fun.

 

[WoodyJ]

I don't know if you saw my previous response but I have a couple sets of balls that are solid colors. It is played with three different colors of balls with the black ball or traditional 8 ball. The 8 ball goes on the headstring. It is like reverse cut throat. Make your 5 colors first before you shoot the 8 ball. Kinda fun.

I read your previous response. I was just wondering where you put the 8-ball.

I have 2 spots on my table (one at each end), so it makes sense to put it on the spot where the headstring is. I tried putting the extra ball on top of the middle of the rack. That works also and is kinda cool.

Most people don't have the extra balls like you. So, using a measles ball as the game ball is easy to do when you are using a regular cue ball, is easy to recognize as the game ball and works anywhere since I carry both types of cue balls in my bag.

Comment: When we play cutthroat we don't rack like normal 8-ball. We put one of each players' balls on the outside corners and one of each players' balls in the center of the rack. I'd rack all the regular balls that way in this game of 8-ball.

 

[briankenobi]

I read your previous response. I was just wondering where you put the 8-ball.

I have 2 spots on my table (one at each end), so it makes sense to put it on the spot where the headstring is. I tried putting the extra ball on top of the middle of the rack. That works also and is kinda cool.

Most people don't have the extra balls like you. So, using a measles ball as the game ball is easy to do when you are using a regular cue ball, is easy to recognize as the game ball and works anywhere since I carry both types of cue balls in my bag.

Comment: When we play cutthroat we don't rack like normal 8-ball. We put one of each players' balls on the outside corners and one of each players' balls in the center of the rack. I'd rack all the regular balls that way in this game of 8-ball.

Yeah using a measles cue ball would work. We also rack the balls like a cut throat game. It is an interesting a twist. I like stuff like that.