Cutthroat Pool is a multiplayer billiard game usually played by three people (it scales to more). Instead of clearing your own set first, you eliminate opponents by pocketing their balls. The last player with any object balls left on the table wins — every shot matters and the tension stays high throughout the match.

Why Play Cutthroat?

• Great for groups: Designed for three or more players — perfect for social play.
• Strategic depth: Balances offense and defense; positioning matters as much as pocketing.
• High replay value: Each game plays differently based on assignments and tactics.

You'll need standard pool gear — nothing exotic:

• Pool table: 7ft, 8ft, or 9ft with six pockets.
• Set of balls: 16 balls (cue ball + 1–15).
• Cues: One per player if possible.
• Rack: Triangle rack for the break.
• Chalk: Apply to the tip as needed; chalk alone does not make a stroke legal.

These basics follow the BCA Cut-Throat rules reprinted by Billiards.com in 2022. Decide before play whether shots must be called; agree any house changes explicitly.

Number of Players

• Best with three players. Can be adapted for more by changing group sizes.

Ball Assignment

• Divide the 15 object balls into three groups:
  • Player 1: 1–5
  • Player 2: 6–10
  • Player 3: 11–15
• Objective: Pocket opponents' balls while protecting your own.

Starting the Game

• Rack all 15 balls in a triangle (1-ball at the apex).
• Use an open break: for this home-game outline, agree to require a potted object ball or at least four object balls reaching cushions.

Taking Turns

• Players shoot in turn; you continue your turn while legally pocketing balls.
• Missing or fouling ends your turn.

Winning

• The last player with any object balls remaining on the table wins.

Quick setup and play flow:

1. Assign Ball Groups

• Assign the three five-ball groups before play and agree the shooting order.
• Three players = five balls each.

2. Rack

• Place the 1-ball at the apex on the foot spot, with 6 and 11 in the rear corners, as specified in the cited rules.
• Keep the rack tight.

3. Break

• Break from behind the head string. If the open-break requirement is not met, the incoming player may accept the layout or rerack and break.

4. Play

• Contact an opponent’s ball first, then pocket a numbered ball or send a ball to a cushion. Plan position while protecting your group.
• Losing your last ball eliminates you. An opponent’s later foul can reinstate you in your original shooting order by returning one of your balls.

Strategy separates casual players from consistent winners. Use these tactics:

Defensive Play

• Hide your balls: Park them near rails or cluster them with other balls to make direct shots difficult.
• Block angles: Use your balls to obstruct clear paths to vulnerable balls.

Offensive Tactics

• Target weak links: Remove the most exposed opponent balls first to reduce their options.
• Combo setup: Plan combos that sink multiple opponent balls in one turn.

Cue Control & Psychology

• Control the cue ball: Leave it where it restricts opponents or sets up your next shot.
• Composure: Use thoughtful shot selection and respect opponents’ concentration; do not distract a player who is shooting.

Optional home-game changes to agree in advance:

• Rotation Cutthroat: Must contact the lowest-numbered opponent ball first — adds structure and difficulty.
• Handicap Cutthroat: Give stronger players restrictions (e.g., must bank shots) to balance skill levels.
• Team play: Agree teams, groups and a fixed turn order; treat this as a house adaptation.
• Foul reinstatement: In the cited BCA version, every foul ends the turn and returns one already-pocketed ball from each opponent’s group. Nothing is owed if a group has no pocketed balls.

Cutthroat Pool is social, tactical, and fast-paced — ideal for groups that want competitive, variable play. Gather three or more players, agree on house rules, and start practicing positional defense and targeted offense. The last player with balls on the table wins.

References checked October 19, 2026: BCA Cut-Throat rules, 2022 reprint: legal contact, elimination, reinstatement and scratches.