Pool Table Games To Play Online
Pool Games - Play Free Pool Games. Get ready for a wild and crazy billiard game against other players. Mafia Billiard Tricks. 3D Pool is a realistic pool game for 2 players you can play online and for free on Silvergames.com. You can challenge a friend to a 8 ball pool match or just practice by your own against the computer. Just start a game and keep hitting the striped or the solid colored balls into the holes, finishing with the black 8 ball to win.
A pool table makes a great addition to any home, but what happens when you want some variation from standard play? Fortunately, there are a number of alternative games that are fun, challenging and creative.
One-Pocket Pool
Do you find that it’s too easy to play standard pool, with just too many pockets to choose from? One-Pocket Pool is fiendishly difficult, with each player forced to pot into a designated pocket.
You start the game by placing all balls randomly within the rack, with the player making the break choosing a particular pocket that they will use for the rest of the game. They will need to pot every ball into that pocket for the rest of the game. Their opponent then nominates an alternative pocket and operates with the same restriction in place.
A point is scored each time a ball is potted, with the winner typically being the first player to reach 8 points. Some variants of One-Pocket Pool see a player losing a point in the case of a foul. Where a player makes 3 consecutive fouls, they immediately lose the game.
The beauty of One Pocket Pool is that it can also be played with a handicap system in place too, allowing players of differing abilities to compete on an equal footing. The weaker player might, for example, start with a certain number of points already on the scoreboard.
The origins of One-Pocket Pool are unclear, although it is known that the first tournament involving the game took place in 1961.
Cut-Throat
The game of Cut-Throat is unique, allowing 3 players to compete in a game. Unlike other variations of pool, the aim of the game is actually to be the last player left with a ball on the table. That’s a way of playing that can take quite some getting used to!
Within Cut-Throat the 15 balls are divided into 3 sets: low balls (those numbered 1 to 5), mid balls (numbered 6 to 10) and high balls (numbered 11 to 15). Each of the 3 players is assigned one of these sets of balls.
Each player takes it in turn to pot a ball, remaining at the table until he makes a miss. It is sometimes appropriate for a player to pot one of his own balls, which may involve exchanging an initially weaker position for an opportunity to stay at the table longer. This is known within the gaming as “cutting your own throat” and explains how the game received its name.
If you mistakenly pot the cue ball, then each of your opponents is given a chance to restore one of their own balls to the table. A player who has no balls on the table at any given point of the game is forced to miss his turn, although he may yet return to the game, in circumstances where an opponent pots the cue ball.
Straight Pool
Invented in 1910, Straight Pool is a relative of an earlier game, which was known as continuous pool. The game of Straight Pool makes use of a scoring system, with the winner being the first player to reach 100 points.
All fouls within the game lead to a penalty of a single point, with the exception of a penalty at the break, which incurs a 2 point penalty. There is a further situation that can lead to a devastating loss of points: a player who fouls on 3 successive shots receives a 15 point penalty.
Crucially, players must nominate their target ball and pocket before playing each shot. The player scores a single point each time a nominated ball is potted in the specified pocket.
Constant re-racking throughout the game reflects the continuous origins of the game. Without such re-racking, it would be impossible for players to reach the high scores that are needed in order to win a match.
Straight Pool has been popular for some years in the United States, but has only received wider recognition on a worldwide basis in recent years. Official rules for this variation of pool are now set by the World Pool-Billiard Association.
Bumper Pool
Many people consider that it is more fun to watch Bumper Pool than possibly any other game that is played on a pool table. It’s certainly a game that is able to generate considerable excitement.
Much of that excitement stems from the placing upon the table of a series of objects that are designed to make it harder for individual players to pot balls. These obstacles (known as bumpers) are typically placed in a manner that ensures that they flank pockets, while the majority of bumpers are arranged in the centre of the table. In combination, they make gameplay considerably more challenging.
Only 10 balls are used in total, with 5 red balls and 5 white balls. Each set of 5 balls contains a single marked ball.
The aim of the game is for each player to pot their 5 balls into a pocket at the opposite end of the table. The marked ball must be potted first of all. In an interesting variation from so many other games of pool, there is no cue ball involved. This means that players can directly strike a ball into the pocket. The players also take their first shots simultaneously. If both players are successful with that first shot, then play continues in that way.
It’s not known when Bumper Pool was originally invented, but there are a number of Bumper Pool leagues in existence throughout the United States.
Table Tennis
Our final suggestion for another game to play on a pool table marks a significant departure from a standard game of pool. Have you ever thought about using your table for a game of table tennis?
This may seem like an extraordinary idea, particularly given that a pool table doesn’t look to be ideal for table tennis. The answer is to make use of a separate covering that can be placed on top of the table, transforming it into the perfect base for table tennis. All that you need then is a couple of bats and a ball!
Fun Pool Table Games
Although this concept may sound odd, the reality is that it’s become increasingly popular in recent years. In fact, it’s now possible to buy convertible tables that are specifically designed to be used for a range of games.
A pool table will often represent an excellent investment, bringing hours of fun to the entire family. If you happen to tire of standard games of pool, then consider the alternative games that are listed above.
Whether you are attracted by the high scoring of Straight Pool, the unusual gameplay of Bumper Pool, or the multi-player options offered by Cut-Throat, you are sure to have lots of fun. When you feel like you don’t want to pot any more balls into pockets, you can always pick up a bat and have a game of table tennis. A pool table offers an almost endless range of possibilities.
Written by:
Technical Director at Liberty Games, working behind the scenes on the website and ensuring the smooth running of our digital operations. Loose-footed and a keen traveller, he once took a bus trip through a civil war.
Pool Live Pro: professional edition pool games on GameDesire
Pool is an addictive sports game, which is impossible to dislike. Pool tables are found in pizzerias, bars and clubs. And although the game really is attractive, it is worth remembering that not everyone likes to play in loud and smoky pubs. Going to the snooker club also requires a whole afternoon or evening – you need to get there, secure a table, and of course play the game. So what if you fancy a quick game between your duties? For all those who also like to entertain themselves in front of a computer or smartphone screen, we offer a great alternative. This is a series of pool games, which can be found at GameDesire - pool live pro online.
Choose your color
In pool live pro you have access to four types of pool games in which you can test yourself against thousands of players from around the world, 24/7. They are eight-ball, nine-ball, snooker, and blackball. Each will meet the expectations of the most demanding players. Those who have the opportunity to try the online game for the first time will certainly be surprised by the realistic physics and precise control. Details and polished graphics provide a very positive gaming experience. Satisfying demand, a beautiful and smooth image is achieved by displaying 60 frames per second.
Each game takes place in accordance with the rules of its real version. But the game at the digital table can be much more exciting. Gaining further experience points, players unlock new levels, and may then play for higher stakes. Each level also has slightly different rules, for example the requirement to declare a pocket before each stroke, shorter time to play a shot (Blitz), or lack of assistance in the form of guides. The more games you play, the more effective your gameplay will become. You will never be bored with pool live pro.
Pool live pro: eight-ball
In pool live pro the most popular game is eight-ball, which brings together the greatest number of players. Eight-ball is a traditional American variety of pool, played with “solids” and “stripes” balls. Just as real eight-ball is played by different rules all over the world, on the tables of Pool Live Pro you can also compete under different rules. It is worth attempting the different tricks offered in the game, as such could help in sticky situations where the game is not going your way or when you have the last ball to pot.
You should also practice rotation, or to put it simply, spin. Why is this useful skill? Because, with a little luck, it will enable you to pot all the balls in a row. Rotation helps you to control the cue ball after a rebound. Topspin can help save you when the white ball may otherwise also fall into the pocket, thus causing you to lose your turn, or rest in a position that makes further play impossible.
Additional options of online games
Pool is a game that requires of the player a lot of concentration, an ability to predict the next moves, and great precision. These are very important qualities necessary to ensure that a player can carry out their planned strategies. Beginners will certainly need a lot of practice to become adept at the game. When you feel that your skills are high enough, you can try your hand in cup competitions. Eight players participate in each knockout game. The winner of the tournament wins the whole pot of chips.
Daily bonus
Active players will be rewarded! GameDesire offers a Daily Bonus, which is a system to reward players. You can get chips every day. GameDesire gives away 100 000 chips daily. The amounts are distributed in proportion to players’ activity. The most active players will get the most.
Personalize your game!
Thanks to the 'Shop' you can customize the look of the table, the color of the baize, and choose the most suitable cue. Each cue has its own properties, such as impact power and accuracy, and a unique design. Buying a suitable cue will allow you to stand out at the table and more easily win your next battle. You pay for the equipment chips. So hone your game quickly, and start winning. In this way, you will multiply your chips and be able to enjoy all the attractions and additional functionality of the game.
Pool Table Games To Play Online Without Downloading
The “Shop” also offers the above mentioned packages of tricks that can save you in many situations. The scales of victory have tipped in favour of your opponent? In such a situation, it is worth having something up your sleeve - something that will surprise your opponent and will allow you to turn the tide of the game in your favor.
Pool Table Games To Play Online With Friends
The new edition of GameDesirepool games is the perfect antidote to boredom! It’s a great way to pass your free time, and provides great, high level entertainment. During the game you can talk with your virtual friends thanks to the chat feature. Millions of active players around the clock guarantee that, in a few seconds, you will find an opponent at your own level. Register at GameDesire, find your favorite kind of pool and say goodbye to boredom!