Objective
English Billards is a precise and strategic game played on a billiard table with three balls: a white ball, a yellow ball, and a red ball. The main objective of the game is to score as many points as possible by executing various point-scoring shots.
Equipment
- A billiard table without pockets
- Three balls (white, yellow, and red)
- A cue stick
Basic Rules
-
Setup: At the beginning, the red ball is placed on the "spot" in the center of the table. Each player chooses one of the two remaining balls as their cue ball.
-
Scoring Points: Points can be scored in three main ways:
- Cannons: If the cue ball (the one hit by the player) strikes the other two balls in a single shot, the player scores 2 points.
- Potting: If the red ball is potted, the player scores 3 points. If the opponent's cue ball is potted, the player scores 2 points.
-
In-offs: This occurs when the player's cue ball hits another ball before landing in a pocket, scoring points.
-
Turnover: A turn ends when a player fails to score. The next player then takes their turn.
-
Fouls: Various infractions, such as unintentionally touching a ball with any body part or the cue, result in point deductions (usually 2 points) and an immediate turnover of the turn.
Strategy Tips
- Positioning: Good ball control is crucial. Consider where the balls will end up after a shot to set up the best subsequent shots.
- Defensive Play: Sometimes it’s wiser to avoid a difficult point and leave the table in a way that makes it hard for your opponent to make a good shot.
Special Features
English Billards is often seen as a blend of "billiards" and "snooker", with an emphasis on precision and strategy. It requires a high level of concentration and the ability to think several moves ahead.
