If you’ve never played bank pool, you’re missing out!
Bank pool, as its name implies, is a pool game that requires every pocketed ball to be banked off a cushion into a called pocket. Not only is this game a blast to play, it will seriously challenge you as well, especially if you haven’t practiced bank shots much.
If you’ve never played bank pool, you’re missing out!
So, whether you’re new to the game of pool, or just looking for a new game to try, bank pool is a great game to learn and play. In this article we’re going to discuss how to play bank pool, the rules of bank pool, and everything else you need to know before racking your first game. Enjoy!
Bank Pool 101
Bank Pool 101
After the Break
Bank pool is typically played with 15 object balls and, of course, the cue ball. The object of the game is to legally pocket more object balls than your opponent via bank shots. If you’re playing with a full rack (15 object balls), then the first player to legally pocket 8 object balls wins.
Fouls To Be Aware Of
A shorter version of bank pool can be played if desired. Instead of racking all 15 object balls, simply rack like you would a game of 9-Ball instead. In this case, the first person to legally pocket 5 out of 9 balls would win.
Where to Spot Illegally Pocketed Balls
All scoring is done via bank shots only and every shot has to be called.
Safety Shots
Depending on how many object balls you’re using, bank pool is racked with either a triangle rack or a diamond rack. All object balls are placed in random order within the rack. There is no special formation or orientation used for bank pool. Just throw em’ in there!
Winning the Game
The rack is then placed at the foot spot of the table, just like you would for any other pool game. The cue ball has to be placed behind the head string of the table.
Advanced Tips and Strategies for Bank Pool Mastery
With the rack in place you then proceed to the break. Who gets to break is typically decided by flipping a coin, rock-paper-scissors, or any other method you prefer.
Angle Is Everything
Bank shots require hitting the object ball into a cushion at the right angle so it rebounds into the target pocket. On the break shot, and when playing with a full rack, a minimum of 2 object balls must come in contact with the rails or else it is considered an illegal break.
Speed Control
When playing with 9 object balls, the head ball must be contacted first on the break and at least one object ball must come past the side pockets. Failure to do so is an illegal break as well.
The Double Bank Shot
In the event of an illegal break, the opponent may request a re-rack or accept the table as is and begin shooting.
Safety Plays
If you pocket a ball on the break, you continue shooting. However, any ball pocketed on the break does not count toward your score and has to be spotted after your inning ends. We’ll discuss where the balls have to be spotted a little later.
Cue Ball Spin
After the Break
Practice, Practice, Practice
After the break, the shooting player will then proceed to legally pocket any object ball in any order until he either misses a shot, scratches, or fouls. All object balls are legal. If you fail to legally pocket an object ball, your turn ends.
In Conclusion
Bank pool is a call shot game. This means that any ball you pocket, has to be called in advance. You must make clear which ball you intend to hit, which rail(s) it will hit, and which pocket it will enter. If you make the shot, but not in the way in which you called it, the shot doesn’t count and will be spotted without penalty to the shooter.
Each players inning will continue for as long as they continue to pocket shots legally. You can only pocket one ball per shot. In the event that you pocket multiple balls, the ball that was pocketed unintentionally will be spotted at the end of your inning.
Pocketing a second ball does not result in the end of your inning. Your inning ends if you fail to legally pocket an object ball, scratch, jump the cue ball off the table, or if you foul.
Any ball that is pocketed without being banked and called is illegal.
Worth checking out: Grab a copy of the official rule book, take a look at the Official BCA Rules Book on Amazon.
FAQ
What’s the main rule of bank pool?
Every pocketed ball must be banked off at least one cushion before going into the pocket. Direct shots don’t count.
How many balls do you need for bank pool?
Bank pool is traditionally played with 15 object balls, but you can also play a shorter version with 9 balls.
How many balls do you need to win?
With a full 15-ball rack, you win by legally pocketing 8 balls. With a 9-ball rack, you win by pocketing 5 balls.
Do you have to call your shots in bank pool?
Yes. Every shot must be called in advance, stating which ball you’ll hit, which rail(s) it will contact, and which pocket it will enter.
What happens if you pocket multiple balls in one shot?
Only the ball you intended counts. Any unintentional balls are spotted back on the table without penalty, and you continue your turn.
Related Articles
For more on this topic, check out how to play pool, 8-ball rules, 9-ball rules, 10-ball rules, and cutthroat pool rules.
Check out our top-rated gear picks — selected and reviewed by billiards enthusiasts.