Bumper pool is a unique version of billiards game. It is played with the help of billiard sticks like those used in pool table games. However, this is where the similarities end. In this game you have to shoot directly into the hole instead of shooting a ball by hitting another one into the hole. You could even play defense by hitting your opponent’s ball in a difficult position. It is actually an obstacle billiards game where players shoot around the obstacles to get them into the pocket.
Octagonal bumper pool tables are prized for their space saving properties compared to other pool table sets. Furthermore, it is available in a 3-in-1 model that can be used as a game table or a dining table.
game settings
The bumper pool is usually played by 2 people or 4 people in 2 teams. Each team or player selects 5 red or 5 white balls. Of them, a red ball consists of a white dot and a white ball has a red dot. They must be bagged first in the game. One person places 2 red balls on either side of the white pocket and the marked red ball just in front of the white pocket. Another places 2 white balls on either side of the red pocket and the marked white ball opposite the red pocket at the other end of the table.
starting the game
When starting the game, you must place your spotted cue ball facing the scoring hole on your side. Both players hit the spotted cue ball simultaneously and bounce it off the edge of the table to their right side into the scoring hole on the other side of the table.
turn order
The player who sees the end of the cue ball near the scoring hole goes first. He continues shooting until he misses the scoring hole. Then it is the other player’s turn.
how to play
Each player must shoot into the pocket on the opposite side of the table. To start the game, both players hit their respective marked balls simultaneously by shooting them over the side of the table in the correct direction. Players hit directly into the bumper pool and not with the cue ball as in normal pool. If you are the first to hit directly into the pocket at the opposite end of the table, you must continue your turn. In case no one hits, they both return their marked balls to the starting point to shoot again. If both people hit the pocket directly, each must place one of their remaining balls before the pocket and take the second shot in a similar manner. A player’s turn continues until he fails to hit the pocket.
Hitting the wrong hole
If you hit the wrong hole, it will count. However, your opponent could place two of your balls in the hole by hand. If a player hits last on the wrong scoring hole, he will lose the game.
sanctions
If you accidentally pocket your opponent’s ball, it remains pocketed. If you accidentally hit the wrong scoring pocket or pocket a solid ball before the marked ball, your opponent could remove two of the balls from the table and pocket them. It will be an automatic loss, if you shoot the last one in the wrong score pocket. If you hit a ball off the table, your opponent can place it anywhere on the table. Also, your opponent could place it in the center of the bumpers, since that is the most difficult place to hit the shot.
Take a look at these simple rules for bumper pool table game and play this game in a perfect way in your leisure hours.