Swiftlydoesit Life & Insurance

Barnet or Bangkok - five essential rules for pool

October 19th, 2007

Julian Worricker – a BBC Radio 5 Live presenter has taken a 6-month sabbatical to travel the world. Interestingly, one of the first of his observations on cultural differences is about the differences in rules for pool (as in the billiard-type game). He notes the main one is about whether or not you get one or two shots after a foul shot by your opponent. I know of at least 3 others that have caused trouble and strife in bars whether in Barnet, Budapest or Bangkok so for any other intrepid travellers, my tip is always sort out before you begin:

1) Whether after the cue ball is accidentally pocketed the opponent can go forward and backward from the baulk-line or just forward. (I say both ways)
2) Whether when shooting for the 8-ball, you have to nominate the pocket you intend to put the ball into – and thus whether you lose if it ends up in another pocket, instead of winning anyway. (I say any pocket is fine)
3) Whether you have to shoot for your balls in sequence 1-7 or 9-15 before attempting to pot the black. (I say this is ridiculous - any ball is fine).
4) Whether if you are carrying two shots and then end up on the black, you continue to have two shots, or, at this stage, just the one. (I’m happy to allow just one)

And finally one I always like to establish - brimming with confidence at the start of a game – whether or not I have the right to stay at the table if I win.

Feel free to disagree with me, but I know the rules I learned are the best - even if they are not the rules pubs seem to allow probably to speed up games and thus make more money from the tables.

Entry Filed under: games, travel