English pool is a common name for varieties of eight-ball pool played on green cloth with tables of either 6ft or 7ft in length – shorter than the international standard.
Popular with league players in the UK, our English pool tables are maintained to the highest standard – no dodgy slopes and divots here. Just the perfect surface for players of all standards.
Here are the basics on English pool…
1.Set up the rack like this…
2.The Break - Player A must place the white ball behind the line and hit the pack. A minimum of four balls must hit a cushion otherwise it is a foul break.
3. If player A pots on the break when they are on that colour for the rest of the game. If player A pots a red and a yellow, then player A can choose which colour they want.
4. If no balls are potted off the break then the table is open for player B to attempt reds or yellows. Once either player pots a ball, they remain on that colour and the same player gets another shot. When that player misses, the other player takes a turn and this continues until one player clears all their balls and the eight-ball. The eight-ball must be the last ball potted to win the game.
5. In the event of a foul, the opposing player receives two shots and these shots carry (i.e. if a ball is potted on the first shot, the player still has two shots). When a player gets two shots, they can pick up the white ball and place it anywhere behind the line.
6. The following shots are classed as fouls:
a. Hitting a ball which you are not supposed to hit (i.e. opposition colour or the eight-ball out of sequence) or missing all the balls on the table.
b.Potting a ball which you are not supposed to pot (i.e. opposition colour)
c. A ball jumping off the table
d.Potting the white ball
7. If the eight-ball is potted before a player’s colours are potted, that player loses the game.
8. When on the eight-ball, if the player pots it but also fouls, that player loses the game.
The option of placing the cue ball anywhere on the table, prior to shooting. Usually after a player has committed some type of foul.
A derogatory term for a player who "bangs" the balls, without any thought for position.
Any very difficult shot that must be made under pressure.
When a player is playing flawlessly, just "cannot miss" and the game seems effortless.
Usually referring to an object ball sitting close to a pocket.
A person who loses money gambling and keeps coming back for more.
Expression for a player's deadly game; "watch out, he plays jam up”
An intentionally amateurish stroke to disguise one's ability to play.
To pocket a ball by luck; "he ratted in the nine-ball” usually used disapprovingly.
To mess up a shot but leaves the table in a lucky position for the opponent that there is a strong likelihood of losing the game or match.
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