How to Play Cutthroat Billiards

Cutthroat pool is a challenging variation of the game

Cutthroat pool is a popular variation of the normal billiards game played around the world. This version is a three-person game that focuses more on defensive moves than offensive play. Opposite from regular billiards, you need to be the last one on the table to have a ball still in play. The same techniques and tactics are used to play the game, making it popular in billiards halls and bars around the country.

Instructions

1. Rack the balls in the standard triangle, with one ball from each set of five (balls 1-5, 6-10 and 11-15) in each corner and one ball from each set on each side of the triangle.

2. The first player will break and, if he pockets a ball, decide which set of five balls he would like to play.

3. Players try to knock the balls of their opponents into any pocket on the table. They can also play defense to prevent their balls from being sunk.

4. If a player pockets a ball, it is again his turn to shoot.

5. Anytime an opponent scratches, the other two players can put a ball back on the table.

6. The last player with a ball or balls still on the table is the winner. Once an opponent's balls are gone, his turn is skipped, but he can get back into the game if there is a scratch.

References

• Billiards Forum: Cutthroat Billiards