When many people think of playing pool, they think of a game in which two people aim to sink the eight ball, the black one. Most pool games are designed for an even number of people. However, there are some multiplayer pool games such as Peas, Cutthroat and Rotation that are played with three or more players.
1) Starting the Game
To decide who starts a game of pool, whatever the number of players, each player picks a ball. Line up the pool balls at one end of the table. Pick up a cue for each player. Hit the ball with your cue so that it bounces off the opposite rail. Whoever's ball travels closest to the first rail without hitting it starts the game.
2) Cutthroat
The pool game Cutthroat, also known as Three Man and Elimination, is played by three players. The pool balls are grouped into three sets: one to five, six to 10 and 11 to 15. The first player to make a shot they have called, that is, told the other players which ball they wanted to play, gets to choose which set of balls to use while playing. You win Cutthroat by making sure all of your opponents' balls are sunk. The goal of this game is to keep as many of your own balls on the table as possible.
3) Rotation
The pool game Rotation, or Rainbow, is a game where players earn points. The player who gets the most points at the end of the game wins. If your point total reaches 61 points, you automatically win. To start a game of Rotation, the cue ball, the white one, must first hit the lowest-numbered ball on the table. After touching the lowest ball, sink your called shot. If you don't touch the lowest number first, or at all, the next player can place the cue ball wherever they like. This process is called "ball in hand". You must then touch the lowest-numbered ball and continue the game. The number of points you earned is determined by the ball you sink. For example, if you hit the colored ball with the number five, you get 5 points.
4) Kelly Pool
Kelly pool, also called Pill or Peas, is played with between two and 15 players. The extra equipment called peas is used in combination with the normal pool accessories. Players can buy peas at stores that sell pool equipment. The pea pieces represent the 15 pool balls. Players start Kelly by drawing three peas. The peas you choose remain a secret from anyone else who is playing. Starting a game requires you to hit the cue ball with the aim of making it contact the lowest-numbered ball or the highest on the table. After the high or low number is hit, you sink the ball that matches the number of your pea. You win after you have sunk a ball that matches the number of your pea; or, you pocket the last remaining player's ball.