Play
English Pool
English pool is one of the most popular formats for players across the UK (not just England.)
It’s eight red and yellow balls played on tables of either 6ft or 7ft in length. This is shorter than the international standard which makes it perfect for starters and pros alike.
Our tables also have the silkiest of green surfaces to play on, with no dodgy divots, stains, and slopes to contend with – this isn’t crazy golf after all.
The rules
RACK UP
Get your table ready and set up your pack by following the pattern of red and yellow balls from the diagram.
MAKE A BREAK
The first player places the white ball behind the line and aims at the pack. A minimum of four balls must hit a cushion otherwise it’s a foul!
REDS OR YELLOWS
The first player to hit any colour, legally, in to one of the pockets, takes that colour for the game. The other player, well, takes the other colour obviously.
POT TO WIN
Pot a ball and you get another go. Miss and its your opponent’s turn. Clear all your colours and it’s then just a matter of potting the black eight-ball to claim victory.
Foul play
The following shots are classed as fouls:
• Hitting your opponent’s ball first
• Completely missing all balls
• Any ball jumps off the table
• Potting the white ball
• If you pot the eight-ball before all your other colours (means you’ve lost the whole game too!)
• If you pot the eight ball – at the right time – but the white ball then goes in a pocket (yes, you’ve lost that game too!)
Should a foul occur, the opposing player receives two shots, and these shots can be carried on (i.e. if a ball is potted on their first shot, the player still has two shots). When a player gets two shots, they can pick up the white ball and place it anywhere behind the line to gain some advantage over their opponent.
KNOW YOUR STUFF
What better way to impress your mates than by throwing some impressive snooker terms into the conversation. It’s a sure fire way to give yourself the edge.
Ball-in-hand
When you can place the cue ball anywhere on the table after a foul.
Banger
A derogatory term for a player who “bangs” the balls, without thinking about position for their next shot.
Blood test
A difficult shot that must be made under pressure.
Dead stroke
When a player is playing flawlessly and just “cannot miss”.
Duck
Any of your balls sitting close to a pocket like a ‘sitting duck’ waiting to be pocketed.
Jam up
Expression for a player’s deadly game; “watch out, he plays jam up”
Lemonade stroke
An intentionally rubbish stroke to disguise your ability to play.
Rat in
To pocket a ball by luck; “he ratted in the nine-ball”. Usually used disapprovingly.
Sell the farm
To mess up your own shot but set up your opponent for an easy one!the game or match.