Pool at Denham Bowls Club

Dive into the Fun of Pool at Denham Bowls Club!

Looking for a place to unwind and enjoy some friendly competition? Denham Bowls Club is the perfect spot! We’re excited to invite you to join us for some thrilling games of Pool—where the stakes are high, but the cost is low, just 50p per game. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a complete beginner, our relaxed and welcoming atmosphere ensures everyone has a great time.

We play standard English 8-ball pool and the fast-paced, crowd-pleasing game of Killer. And here’s the twist: the winner stays on the table, so you could be in for an extended run of victories!

But that’s not all—keep an eye out for our upcoming Pool Tournaments (dates to be announced). These tournaments are the perfect opportunity to show off your skills and compete for glory.

And of course, no game of pool is complete without a drink in hand. Our bar will be open, offering draft beer and a range of other beverages to keep you refreshed as you play.

So, whether you’re aiming to sharpen your pool skills or just looking to have a bit of fun, Denham Bowls Club is the place to be. Come on down, grab a cue, and join us for a game or two.

The Rules of English Pool: A Beginner’s Guide

English pool, also known as “blackball” or “8-ball pool,” is a popular cue sport enjoyed in pubs, clubs, and homes across the UK and beyond. The game is played on a smaller table with smaller balls compared to American pool, and it has its own set of rules that make it unique. Whether you’re new to the game or looking to brush up on the basics, this guide will walk you through the essential rules of English pool.


1. The Table, Balls, and Equipment

Table: English pool is typically played on a 6-foot by 3-foot table, although 7-foot tables are also common.

Balls:

  • The game uses 15 object balls and 1 cue ball.
  • The object balls are divided into two groups: 7 yellow balls, 7 red balls, and a single black 8-ball.

Cue: Players use a cue stick to strike the cue ball and attempt to pot the object balls.


2. Objective of the Game

The primary objective of English pool is to pot all of your designated group of balls (either reds or yellows) and then pot the black 8-ball to win the game. The game ends when one player legally pots the black ball after clearing their group.


3. Setting Up the Game

  • Rack the Balls: The 15 object balls are racked in a triangular shape at the foot of the table, with the black 8-ball placed in the center of the triangle. The front ball should be positioned over the foot spot, and the two corner balls should be one red and one yellow.
  • Determine Break: The break is typically decided by a coin toss, with the winner choosing who breaks.

4. The Break

  • Breaking the Balls: The player who breaks must strike the cue ball from behind the baulk line. The goal is to scatter the balls across the table.
  • Legal Break: For a break to be legal, at least 4 object balls must hit the cushion, or at least one ball must be potted. If neither of these occurs, the opponent has the option to re-rack the balls and break or continue play as is.
  • After the Break: If a player pots one or more balls during the break, their turn continues. However, they have not yet chosen a group (reds or yellows).

5. Choosing a Group (Reds or Yellows)

  • Establishing Groups: The group (reds or yellows) is decided by the first legally potted ball after the break. If a player pots a red ball, they continue to pot reds, and their opponent must pot yellows.
  • Open Table: If no ball is potted after the break, the table remains “open,” meaning players can target any group. The first ball potted after this establishes the groups.

6. Gameplay Rules

  • Taking Turns: Players take turns striking the cue ball with the goal of potting all of their designated balls. A player’s turn continues as long as they keep potting their group’s balls without committing a foul.
  • Legal Shot: On every shot, the cue ball must first strike a ball from the player’s designated group. After contact, either an object ball must be potted, or any ball (including the cue ball) must contact a cushion.
  • Combination Shots: Combination shots are allowed as long as the cue ball first hits one of the player’s own group balls.

7. Fouls

Fouls in English pool result in a penalty that usually benefits the opponent. Here are some common fouls:

  • Cue Ball Pot: If the cue ball is potted (also known as a “scratch”), it’s a foul, and the opponent gets two visits.
  • Failure to Hit a Ball: If the cue ball does not make contact with any object ball, it’s a foul.
  • Hitting the Opponent’s Ball First: If the cue ball strikes an opponent’s ball first, it’s a foul.
  • No Cushion Contact: If no ball hits a cushion or is potted after the cue ball makes contact with an object ball, it’s a foul.
  • Potting the Black Early: If a player accidentally pots the black 8-ball before clearing their group, they lose the game.

Penalty for a Foul:

  • The opponent is awarded two visits (two consecutive turns), which they can use to pot balls or position the cue ball strategically.
  • On the first shot of the two visits, the player may play the cue ball from where it lies or take a “free ball,” which allows them to pot any ball on the table without penalty.

8. Potting the Black Ball

  • Winning the Game: After potting all of their group balls, the player must pot the black 8-ball in a nominated pocket to win the game. The player must clearly state which pocket they intend to pot the black ball into.
  • Losing the Game: The game is lost if a player pots the black ball before clearing their group, pots the black in an un-nominated pocket, or commits a foul while attempting to pot the black.

9. Common Variations

World Rules vs. Blackball Rules: English pool is often played under two sets of rules: World Rules and Blackball Rules. While both are similar, Blackball Rules are more common in pub settings and simplify some of the more complex rules found in World Rules.

  • World Rules: These rules are often used in official tournaments and have stricter guidelines, particularly around fouls and the two-shot penalty.
  • Blackball Rules: These are more relaxed, focusing on faster gameplay and fewer restrictions.

Conclusion

English pool is a game that combines strategy, precision, and skill. Whether you’re playing for fun or in a competitive setting, understanding the rules is essential for fair play and enjoyment. By mastering the basics, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a formidable player at the table. So, grab a cue, chalk up, and enjoy the game!

Rules for ‘Killer’

Killer is a fun and competitive pool game that’s perfect for groups. It’s easy to play and requires only basic skills, making it a popular choice in casual settings. Here’s a quick summary of the rules:

1. Objective

The goal of Killer is to be the last player remaining with lives left, as players are eliminated when they lose all their lives.

2. Setup

  • Each player starts with an equal number of lives, typically 3.
  • The order of play is decided by agreement or a coin toss.

3. Gameplay

  • Players take turns trying to pot any ball on the table.
  • On each turn, a player must pot a ball. If they succeed, their turn ends, and the next player goes. If they fail to pot a ball, they lose a life.
  • The game continues with players taking turns, and the balls are not re-racked after each shot; they remain where they lie.

4. Losing Lives

  • If a player misses a shot (fails to pot a ball), they lose one life.
  • If a player pots the cue ball (a scratch), they lose a life and the next player takes their turn from where the cue ball comes to rest.
  • If a player commits a foul (such as failing to hit any ball with the cue ball), they lose a life.

5. Elimination

  • When a player loses all their lives, they are out of the game.
  • The last player remaining with at least one life is the winner.

6. Optional Variations

  • Free Life: Some variations allow a player who pots multiple balls in one shot to gain an extra life.
  • Nominate Pocket: Players may need to nominate a pocket before shooting, adding difficulty and strategy to the game.

Killer is a fast-paced and entertaining game that keeps everyone involved and can be played with any number of participants. It’s a great way to enjoy a game of pool with friends, especially in a group setting!