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Estimated Read Time: 5 mins |
Introduction
Bottle Pool blends the precision of pocket billiards with the flair of carom play, using a specially shaped “shaker bottle” as a central target. Recognized by the BCA as one of its “Other Popular Games,” it offers a change-of-pace challenge that rewards both potting skill and carom judgment.
Equipment & Setup
- A standard pocket billiard table and full complement of object balls (1–15) plus the cue ball
- A balanced leather or plastic “bottle” placed on the centre spot (or head/foot spot if occupied)
- Balls racked in a triangle on the foot spot with the apex ball at the front
How to Play
Every turn begins with the cue ball in hand behind the head string. You must first contact the lowest-numbered ball on the table; from there, any object ball may be pocketed or used for a carom. After each shot, pocketed balls are spotted back to their starting positions before the next play.
Scoring Highlights
- Pocketing the one-ball or two-ball earns points equal to the ball’s number
- Caroming the cue ball off the bottle scores one point
- Pocketing any object ball and then caroming off the bottle combines the ball’s value plus one extra point
Players race to a predetermined point total, balancing direct potting with strategic bottle caroms.
Fouls & Penalties
- Upsetting or toppling the bottle is a foul; three consecutive fouls result in game loss
- Fouls incur a one-point deduction; non-cue-ball fouls leave the cue ball in position for the incoming player
- Illegally pocketed or jumped balls are spotted with no further penalty
- Jumping or scratching the cue ball grants the opponent cue-ball-in-hand behind the head string
Why Bottle Pool Appeals
By marrying pocketing and carom skills, Bottle Pool challenges players to think in multiple dimensions. Its requirement to hit the lowest-numbered ball first echoes games like Rotation, while the bottle adds an unpredictable element that keeps every frame fresh. With official BCA standards ensuring consistency, it’s perfect for both casual club nights and friendly competition.
Conclusion
Bottle Pool stands out among popular billiard variants for its inventive use of a non-ball target and hybrid scoring. Whether you’re aiming for a tricky bottle carom or setting up multiple-pocket runs, this game offers a dynamic, rule-rich experience. Chalk your cue, steady your aim, and see if you can conquer the bottle.
