How to Play Pocketless Pool

Agree on a number of points needed to win the game. A common score for a game is 50 points.

Set up the table. The first player selects either of the two white balls to be his cue ball. The other white ball is played on a spot on the board called the head spot. The red ball is then placed on a spot on the board called the foot spot. The player may place his cue ball anywhere within six inches to the side of the white ball.

Take the first shot. The cue ball must bounce off at least three cushions before striking another ball, and, for this first shot only, the first ball struck by the cue ball must be the red ball. In subsequent shots, any ball may be the first one struck by the cue ball, but the three-cushion rule still applies. A point is scored if the player successfully directs the cue ball so that, after bouncing off three cushions, it hits both of the other balls. If a point is gained on the first shot, the player may choose either of the white balls, plain or spot, to use as his cue ball. However, all subsequent shots in that inning will be made with that as his cue ball.

Yield to opponent as soon as the current player fails to score. The opponent then plays the balls as they are currently positioned on the board, using the opposite white ball as his opponent.

Take turns until one player has accumulated 50 points. In the event that a player uses the wrong cue ball on her turn, she receives a one-point penalty and loses her turn.