3-Ball Pool

3-ball is one of the easiest pool games. It is a fun and social game, often played for money and in other occasions serves as a practice for cue ball control and pool shots.

3-ball pool tournaments are not held formally and there aren't any official rules that govern the game. Here you can find the most common version of 3-ball pool rules. 

Object of the Game

The pool game is played with 3 object balls and the cue ball. The object of the game is to pocket all 3 balls into the pockets using the lowest possible number of shots. The player who scored the lowest is the winner of the game. 

3-Ball Pool Rules

3-ball pool can be played by up to 6 players. Each player plays until he/she pockets all 3 balls. At the beginning of the game, the balls are racked in a triangle with one object ball on the head spot and the other two behind it.

Opening Break Shot

On the break shot, the cue ball is placed on the head spot. The break shot does not count as a shot. However, it not necessary to cause the balls to hit the rail on the break shot (or any other shot).

Scoring

The players are scored according to the number of shots it took them to pocket all the object balls. The player who has the lowest score, is the winner of the game

End Game

The game ends when all the players have pocketed the object balls in turn.

In case of a tie (which is very common in 3-ball pool), the players play additional a winner is declared.