(About the Author)

These series of “Game Rules’ provide rules of many different games for the pool table. The rules here have been simplified from the official versions – to make them a little easier to understand.

There are other games that have been invented, copyrighted and generally available to the playing public. Web searches will turn these up and the rules printed out for use.

Bank Pool

Bank Pool is a game where legally pocketed balls must be banked into the pocket using one or more banks.

Opponents

Two sides, individuals or a team of doubles.

Balls

Regular ball set.

Object

Each ball is 1 point. To count, it must be banked 1 or more rails. 8 points to win.

Racking

Regular random rack.

Breaking

Starting player determined by local rules (coin, lag, card draw, etc.)

Legal break is two object balls to the rails with one object ball past the center line. If a ball is pocketed, breaker continues.

If no legal break, incoming player can play the table, or require a new break. No other penalties.

Any pocketed ball, not called, is spotted after shooter’s inning.

Regular play

Call ball, rails and pocket. Cue ball contact must be to object ball first. (No rail-first. No double-kiss.)

House rules can permit three or more rail kick to a ball close to a pocket.

Fouls

Penalty is end of inning and one ball spotted. Balls made on foul shot do not count and are re-spotted. Balls can be owed.

• Ball off the table
• Scratch (shoot from kitchen)
• No legal shot
• Illegal ball touching (optional – moved balls can be replaced with opponent’s approval and play continues with no penalty)

On shooting from the kitchen, if all balls inside, ball closest to the head string is spotted.

Variation

9 Ball Bank Pool – one version allows banking any ball, leaving the 9 as the last ball. Another version requires banking balls in rotation.

Handicaps

Skilled players bank  two rails or more to score.