The Most Popular Pool Game, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the pool game you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 12, 2024 06:47
Gathering friends for a game of pool can be the highlight of the week, yet not every game captures the crowd's interest in the same way. Some games become the center of attention, engaging players and spectators alike with their unique challenges and exciting gameplay. Understanding which games hold the most appeal can enhance your next pool night, ensuring everyone has a memorable time.
This site taps into the collective experience of pool enthusiasts far and wide, compiling votes to determine which games are currently capturing imaginations. By participating, users not only revel in their favorite games but also contribute to a dynamic, user-generated ranking. Your vote helps paint a clearer picture of what makes a pool game stand out, providing valuable insights for new and experienced players alike.
What Is the Most Popular Pool Game?
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161votesEight-ball is the most popular pool game worldwide. It is played with a standard set of 16 balls, and the objective is to pocket all of the balls of one's group (either stripes or solids) followed by the eight ball.Eight-ball is a popular pool game played on a typical billiards table. It is one of the most widespread cue sports, enjoyed by casual players and professionals alike. The objective of the game is to legally pocket all of the designated balls (solids or stripes) and finally the black 8-ball to win the match.
- Equipment: Pool table, cue sticks, set of billiard balls (1 white cue ball, 7 solid-colored balls, 7 striped balls, and 1 black 8-ball)
- Players: Two players or two teams
- Objective: Pocket all the designated balls and sink the black 8-ball to win
- Opening Break: The game starts with the cue ball behind the head string, and the breaker attempts to pocket one or more balls
- Legal Shot: The cue ball must first contact a ball of the breaker's group (solids or stripes), or it must pocket a ball
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230votesNine-ball is another popular pool game that is played with nine balls numbered one through nine. The objective is to pocket the balls in numerical order, with the nine ball being the final ball.Nine-ball is a popular pool game played with nine numbered balls and a cue ball. The objective is to pocket the balls in numerical order, starting from 1 through 9. The first player to legally pocket the 9-ball wins the game.
- Number of players: 2
- Equipment: 1 cue ball, 9 numbered balls
- Table size: Standard pool table
- Gameplay type: Turn-based
- Breaking: Player must hit the 1-ball first and a minimum of four object balls must hit a cushion or be pocketed
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333votes
Straight pool
Michael PhelanStraight pool, also known as 14.1 continuous, is a classic pool game that is played with all 15 balls. The objective is to score as many points as possible by pocketing balls in any order, with each ball worth one point.Straight pool, also known as 14.1 continuous or simply 14.1, is a popular pool game characterized by its focus on pocketing balls in a specific order. It is typically played on a standard pool table with fifteen numbered balls and a cue ball.- Objective: To reach a predetermined target score (often 100) by pocketing balls in numerical order.
- Racking: The balls are racked in a triangular formation with the apex ball on the foot spot.
- Break Shot: The player breaks by striking the racked balls from behind the headstring.
- Scoring: Each pocketed ball counts as one point, and the player continues shooting until they miss or reach the target score.
- Fouls: Various fouls apply, such as scratching (cue ball pocketed) or failing to hit the lowest numbered ball first.
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412votesOne-pocket is a strategic pool game that is played with only two pockets. Each player is assigned one pocket, and the objective is to score points by pocketing balls in one's own pocket.One-pocket is a popular pool game that is played with two players. The objective of the game is to score eight balls into a designated pocket. However, unlike other pool games, players can only score balls into their designated pocket, which is determined at the beginning of the game. The player who successfully pockets eight balls into their pocket first wins the game.
- Number of Players: 2
- Objective: Score eight balls into a designated pocket
- Designated Pocket: Determines at the beginning of the game
- Scoring: Player can only score balls into their designated pocket
- Winning Condition: First player to pocket eight balls in their designated pocket wins
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513votesBank pool is a challenging pool game that involves banking shots off of the cushions and into the pockets. The objective is to pocket five balls before the other player does.Bank pool is a popular variation of the classic billiards game played on a standard pool table. It is also commonly known as bank shot pool or bank shot billiards. In bank pool, players are required to pocket the object balls by banking them (hitting them off one or more cushions) into the designated pockets. The first player to legally pocket their set number of object balls (typically five to nine) and then legally pocket the designated winning ball, wins the game.
- Equipment: Standard pool table, set of object balls (usually 15), cue ball
- Goal: Pocket the set number of object balls by banking them into the designated pockets, followed by pocketing the winning ball
- Number of Players: Usually two, but can be played with more
- Break Shot: Determined by traditional methods (coin toss, lag, etc.)
- Fouls: Scratching (cue ball in pocket), failing to hit object ball or cushion, not calling shots
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611votesCutthroat is a three-player pool game where each player is assigned a group of five balls. The objective is to pocket all of the other players' balls while keeping one's own balls on the table.Cutthroat is a popular pool game that is played by three or more players. It is a variation of the traditional game of pool, but with some unique rules. The objective of Cutthroat is to be the last player with at least one ball on the table. Players are assigned a group of balls (solids, stripes, or the 8-ball) at the beginning of the game, and they must pocket their assigned group first before being allowed to pocket other balls. Players can also play defensively by trying to sink their opponents' balls to eliminate them from the game. The game continues until there is only one player remaining.
- Pocketing Rules: Must pocket assigned group first
- Number of Players: Three or more
- Equipment: Pool table, cue sticks, set of pool balls
- Objective: Be the last player with at least one ball on the table
- Assigned Groups: Solids, stripes, or the 8-ball
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76votesRotation is a pool game where players take turns shooting at a numbered ball, with the objective being to pocket the balls in numerical order.Rotation is a popular pool game where players must pocket balls in a specific order, typically numerically. The objective is to legally pocket all the balls in sequential order.
- Number of players: 2 or more
- Balls used: 15 colored balls (numbered 1-15) and a cue ball
- Gameplay: Players take turns trying to pocket the lowest numbered ball on the table in sequential order
- Breaking: The player who breaks must initially pocket the 1-ball and legally pocket balls in ascending order
- Fouls: Players lose their turn if they fail to pocket the intended ball, make an illegal shot, or scratch
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85votesBumper pool is a tabletop pool game that is played with only two pockets and 10 balls. The objective is to pocket all five of one's own balls before the other player does.Bumper pool is a popular variation of billiards that is played on a rectangular table with bumpers or cushions placed around the pockets. The objective of the game is to sink all of your designated balls into the opposing player's pockets before they do the same to you. Bumper pool requires skill, strategy, and precision shots to maneuver around the bumpers and strategically position balls for both offense and defense.
- Table Size: Rectangular shape, typically 4.5 feet by 3.5 feet
- Number of Players: Usually played with two players, but can also accommodate up to four players in teams of two
- Bumper Material: Usually rubber or synthetic materials
- Ball Set: Usually uses a set of 10 balls, including five red balls and five white balls
- Cue Stick: Similar to a standard pool cue, typically measuring around 48 inches in length
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95votesBlackball is a popular pool game in the UK that is similar to eight-ball. It is played with a smaller set of red and yellow balls, and the objective is to pocket all of one's own balls followed by the black ball.Blackball is a popular pool game that originated in the United Kingdom. It is also known as British Eight Ball Pool or simply Eight Ball. The game is played with a cue ball and 15 object balls, numbered from 1 to 15. The objective of the game is to pocket all of the object balls in any order, while legally potting either group (solids or stripes) and then potting the black ball to win. Blackball is typically played on a 7-foot or 8-foot pool table.
- Number of Players: 2 (singles) or 4 (doubles)
- Cue Ball: White
- Object Balls: 15 (colored and numbered)
- Table Size: 7-foot or 8-foot
- Types of Shots: Open table, call shots
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1010votesSnooker is a popular cue sport that is played on a larger table with 22 balls. The objective is to score points by pocketing the red balls and then the colored balls in a specific order.Snooker is a popular cue sport that originated in the late 19th century. It is played on a large table with six pockets, using a set of 21 balls, including 15 red balls, six colored balls, and a cue ball. The objective of the game is to score more points than the opponent by potting balls in a specific order and accumulating points for each successful pot. Snooker requires strategic thinking, precision, and skillful cue ball control.
- Table Size: 12 ft x 6 ft
- Ball Set: 21 balls (15 red, 6 colored, 1 cue)
- Pockets: 6 pockets
- Potting Order: Red balls first, followed by colored balls
- Points: Points based on the color and value of the potted balls
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Ranking factors for popular pool game
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Number of playersThe number of people who play the game regularly, both casually and in official tournaments or leagues.
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AccessibilityThe ease with which new players can learn and start playing the game, including availability of equipment, clarity of rules, and skill level required.
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Variability in gameplayThe degree to which the game allows for different play styles, strategies, and challenges, leading to diverse game experiences.
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Skill developmentThe potential for players to improve their abilities and strategies through practice, creating a sense of progression and achievement.
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Social interactionThe extent to which the game promotes interaction between players, fostering a sense of community and shared enjoyment.
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Spectator appealHow entertaining the game is to watch for non-players, especially in the context of professional or competitive play.
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Cultural and historical significanceThe game's importance and presence in the larger context of pool and billiards history, including its influence on other games and its role in popular culture.
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International appealThe extent to which the game is played and enjoyed in different countries and cultures around the world, contributing to a global pool community.
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Support from professional organizationsThe presence of official governing bodies, leagues, tournaments, and other competitive structures that promote and elevate the game.
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Longevity and adaptabilityThe ability of the game to remain popular and engaging over time, with potential for updates, variations, and new developments that keep players interested.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular pool game. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or pool game is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1698 views
- 181 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each pool game once every 24 hours. The rank of each pool game is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular pool game
Pool is a popular cue sport that is enjoyed by millions of people around the world. The game typically involves two players using a cue stick to strike a set of billiard balls on a felt-covered table. Although there are many variations of pool, the most common form is eight-ball, which involves pocketing all of your colored balls and then sinking the eight ball to win the game. Other popular pool games include nine-ball, straight pool, and one-pocket. Pool is a social game that can be played for fun or as a competitive sport, and it has been a favorite pastime for generations. So, what is the most popular pool game? Let's find out with StrawPoll!
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