Cutthroat
From Freepedia
Cutthroat is a three-player billiards game, played on a pool table using cue sticks. Each player is assigned a set of numbered balls. The object is to be the last player with at least one of your balls still on the table. Subtle differences in game rules exist, with numerous regional variants.
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Game play
When starting the game, the one-ball, six-ball, and eleven-ball should be placed on the three points of the triangle or rack (the piece of equipment used for gathering the balls into the formation required by the game being played). The one-ball is placed on the top of the triangle where the it is spotted.
In cutthroat, the 'low' balls are 1-5, the 'mid' balls are 6-10 and the 'high' balls are 11-15. Each set of five balls is initially unclaimed, the assignment of groups of balls to each player is done during the initial stages of game play. The three players take turns attempting to knock any ball into a pocket. Once a player has knocked in a ball, he knows that he does not own that group of balls. For example, if a player started the game by hitting in the 3-ball and the 8-ball, he would own the high balls, as he has knocked in a low ball and mid ball. The other two players would still not have ownership over a set of balls, and would, during their turns, attempt to knock in balls to gain ownership over a set. This may vary with regional differences.
A player's turn continues so long as he knocks in an opponent's ball during his turn. One can even knock in his own ball so long as an opponent's ball is knocked in first during that one turn. This circumstance, called 'cutting one's own throat,' is where the game gets its name.
Scratch
Another peculiarity of this game is the consequence of scratch, or knocking the cue ball into a pocket. In some regional variants, a player's opponents are rewarded by taking two of their balls each out of pockets, and placing them back onto the table. Other variants allow the next player to place the cue ball anywhere on the table before he makes his shot instead of only behind the break line.
Winning the game
The object is to be the last player with at least one ball left on the table. When a player has no balls on the table, he is said to be 'out' and his turn is skipped in the rotation of taking shots. Being a very good player may be to your disadvantage as two average players can cooperate to defeat you.
External links
- The Billiard Resource: Cutthroat Rules - Forum thread on cutthroat rules.
