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Clifford hailed Live Pool—often called Life Pool—as “Billiards only excepted, the prettiest and most scientific game playable on a billiard table.” Though largely supplanted by snooker in public halls, it remains a private-club favorite for its rich strategy, social dynamics, and elegant mechanics.
Equipment & Setup
Live Pool uses a standard billiard table and full complement of object balls plus cue ball. Each player takes a distinct cue ball (or is assigned a numbered ball) and a set number of “lives.” A small stake pool collects antes from each entrant, setting the game’s competitive tone.
Core Gameplay & Rules
Players shoot “on” one another in turn, aiming to strike their own ball first on every stroke. A standout rule allows you to remove any ball blocking your direct path to your target ball—even if that means pulling an obstacle off the table entirely. As long as you hit your own ball first, you may pot any number of other balls in that same shot. When you succeed, you may claim a life from your opponent; when you miss or foul, you risk losing a life yourself.
Baulk offers no sanctuary here: if your cue ball is in hand, you may play as if baulk did not exist, giving full table access. Fouls mirror billiards, so push shots and illegal strokes forfeit your turn. Proper jump shots are allowed, provided the cue ball is played cleanly.
Lives, Stakes & Endgame
Each player begins with an agreed number of lives. When you legally pocket an opponent’s ball, you “take” one of their lives. Drop to zero, and you’re out—or in some circles, you must re-buy a life to continue. In two-player finales, the remaining lives often split the pool when both competitors share the same tally. Alternatively, the last player standing may claim the entire stake.
Strategic Depth & Judgement
Live Pool is a game of nuance. Every shot demands dual aims: pot your ball in ideal position for follow-ups, or engineer a safety that leaves your opponent snookered. Removing interfering balls adds a tactical layer unseen in most pocket games. Skilled players manipulate clusters, anticipate rebounds, and balance aggression with defensive foresight—making each turn a test of both precision and planning.
Why Live Pool Endures
Its requirement for small stakes keeps it out of noisy public rooms but makes Live Pool perfect for intimate gatherings. Multiple-player “round” formats keep the action fresh, and the blend of shot-calling, ball removal, and life-management creates a social, engaging atmosphere. For those seeking a sophisticated yet convivial cue-sport, Live Pool delivers unmatched variety.
Conclusion
Live Pool stands as a testament to the creativity of early cue-sport variants. With its life-taking mechanics, obstacle removal, and emphasis on judgement, it offers a uniquely scientific challenge. Rediscover this private-club classic by gathering friends, chalking cues, and “playing on” for lives, pride, and the ultimate round-game glory.
