Bumper pool is a unique version of the pool game. It is played with the help of pool sticks like the ones used in billiard table games. However this is where the similarities end. In this game you must shoot directly into the hole rather than shooting a ball for hitting another into the hole. You could even play defense by knocking the ball of your opponent into a tough position. It is actually an obstacle billiard game where the players shoot around obstacles for banking them into the pocket.
Octagonal bumper pool tables are appreciated for space-saving properties in comparison with other billiard table games. Moreover it is available in a 3-in-1 model which could be used as a card table or dining table.
Setup of the Game
The bumper pool is usually played by 2 persons or 4 persons in 2 teams. Each team or player selects either 5 red or 5 white balls. Out of them, one red ball consists of a white dot and a white ball has a red dot. They should be pocketed first in the game. One person places 2 red balls on each side of the white pocket and the marked red ball just in front of the white pocket. Another one places 2 white balls on each side of the red pocket and the marked white ball facing the red pocket at the other end of the table.
Starting the game
While starting the game, you should place your spotted cue ball facing the scoring hole on your side. Both the players strike the spotted cue ball simultaneously and bounce it off the edge of the table to their right side in order to get it in the scoring hole on the other side of the table.
Order of turns
The player spotting the cue ball end close to the scoring hole goes first. He goes on shooting till he fails to hit into the scoring hole. Then it’s the turn for the other player.
Game Play
Every player should shoot toward the pocket on the opposite side of the table. In order to start the game both the players strike their respective marked balls simultaneously by banking them off the side of the table in the right direction. The players strike directly in bumper pool and not with cue ball as in case of the regular pool. If you are the first one to strike directly in the pocket at the opposite end of the table, you should continue your turn. In case if no one strikes, both return their marked balls to the starting point for shooting again. If both the persons hit directly into the pocket, each should place one of their remaining balls before the pocket and take the second shot in the similar way. The turn of a player continues till he fails to hit in the pocket.
Striking into the Wrong Hole
If you strike into the wrong hole, it will count. However your opponent could place two of his balls into the hole by his hand. If a player strikes the last one in the wrong scoring hole, he will lose the game.
Penalties
If you accidentally pocket the ball of your opponent, it remains pocketed. If you accidentally strike in the wrong scoring pocket or pocket a solid ball before the marked ball, the 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 into the wrong scoring pocket. If you knock a ball off the table, your opponent may place it anywhere on the table. Moreover your opponent could place it in the center of the bumpers as it is the most difficult place for making the shot.
Check out these simple rules for bumper pool table game and play this game in a perfect way in your leisure hours.