A game with multiple variations

The general public may not realize it, but the term "billiards" encompasses a whole range of disciplines, each as interesting as the next. We'll look at a few of them in this article, to give you an idea of ​​the range of variations of the game that we love so much.

I. French billiards

This is the variation that Doozy specializes in. First played around 1850, carambole (the second name for French billiards) pits two players against each other on a pocketless table and is played with three balls: one ball drawn for each player and a third. The goal of carom is to hit the other two balls with the shot ball. As soon as a player succeeds in this action, he scores a point and shoots again.

In addition to the simple carom, several other variations are also very popular, including the one-cushion and three-cushion carom. The aim is always to hit the other two balls with the thrown ball, but depending on the variation, the ball must bounce on one or three cushions between the two impacts.

II. American Billiards

The most popular variation, American pool is played on a table measuring 2.54 m x 1.27 m and 76 cm high with six pockets. It is played with fifteen balls numbered from 1 to 15, plus a cue ball.

American is played with 16 balls: a white shooting ball and 15 other balls numbered from 1 to 15.

1. Group choice:
The choice of groups is determined only after a player has legally pocketed a ball. If a player pockets a solid ball, he must continue with the solids; if he pockets a striped ball, he must continue with the striped balls.

2. Game round:

• The player continues to play as long as he legally pockets a ball from his group.
• If the player misses a ball or commits a foul, it is the opponent's turn.

Victory Conditions:

- Victory:

• A player wins the game by legally pocketing the 8 ball after pocketing all of his group balls.

- Defeat:

• A player loses the game if he commits a foul while pocketing the 8 ball, such as pocketing it before pocketing all of his balls or pocketing the cue ball at the same time as the 8 ball.

These rules cover the basics of American pool but there are local variations and adaptations that can change some characteristics of the game.

III. English Billiards

English billiards is similar in many ways to the 8-ball version of American billiards. Fifteen balls (7 yellow, 7 red, and one black) are arranged in the same manner as in 8-ball at the start of the game. Players must pocket all the balls of their color, followed by the black ball, to win the game. Here, however, the breaker must pocket at least one ball (except the black ball) to continue play. Another notable difference is that the table and ball dimensions are different from those of American billiards (both smaller).

There are many other variations, and the format of a single article does not allow us to present them all in detail. The important thing to remember is that billiards can be played in different ways and each variation has its own fans. It's up to you to find the one you like best!