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Q&A for How to Play Bumper Pool

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Question

If both players pocket their first shot at the same time, do they both shoot again or how do they determine who goes first?

Community Answer

In the event that both marked balls are pocketed on first shots, each player takes one of the remaining balls and spots it in front of cup and both shoot at same time, just as they did with marked balls. From there on they take turns beginning with the player who pockets his ball or is nearest to his cup.

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Question

Can I block the hole with my ball to stop other opponents going into their hole?

Community Answer

Yes. You can place your balls strategically to inconvenience your opponent.

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Question

If player one has two balls left, and player two makes one of his balls, is the game over?

Community Answer

No. The player one's ball that was knocked in by player two stays pocketed. It is now player one's turn.

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Question

Does the final ball have to hit a bumper for it to count?

Community Answer

House rules determine how to play last ball. Normally, the last ball does need to be bank shot.

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Question

If I pocket my opponent's ball, who shoots next?

Community Answer

Your opponent would shoot next.

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Question

What are the rules for a bumper pool with a third hole in the middle?

Community Answer

The last ball for either the red or white side must be made in the middle hole to win.

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Question

If I pocket my own ball in the opponent's pocket, do I put it back in play or leave it in the pocket?

Community Answer

You leave it - your turn ends, and the opponent removes two of their balls before taking a turn.

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Question

Must you use the bumpers to sink your balls or can you aim straight for the pocket?

Community Answer

Set house rules. My household has always played that you must bump your ball off the bank or bumpers (excluding the bumpers around the pocket) before making your shot. But it is popular to not play this way and aim straight at the pockets. This makes the middle bumpers useless, but to each their own.

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Question

How many balls are there in bumper pool?

Community Answer

There are ten balls in bumper pool: five for each of the two players.

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Question

Can I use my spotted ball to disrupt the other player before it's pocketed?

Community Answer

Sure, but you are at a severe disadvantage in doing this. You have to make the spotted ball before shooting any other ball.

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Question

Can I use the other player's ball to sink my own?

Community Answer

You may only ever hit your own balls with the cue stick. Your balls may contact your opponent's balls without penalty, but if you sink an opponent's ball, your turn ends and the ball remains pocketed.

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Question

If I hit my ball through the middle bumper, do I get to shoot again?

Community Answer

No, you don't get to shoot again.

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Question

For my second shot, do I need to play a ball from where it is, or do I move it?

Community Answer

You play it from where it is, regardless of whether it has moved from its original location.

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Question

When was bumper pool invented?

Community Answer

From checking the rules, it shows the date of invention as 1955.

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Question

Can I use one of my other balls as defense before my spotted ball is pocketed?

Sarah Battilana

Community Answer

Usually, yes! But check with your opponent before you start to play to decide on the rules. Some people play that you can have multiple balls in play at the same time, even if your spotted ball hasn't been pocketed yet. Others play that your spotted ball has to be pocketed before any other balls can be played.

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Question

Do I leave the 4 extra balls on the table when starting/playing?

Sarah Battilana

Community Answer

Yes! When you set up the table, all 5 of your balls will be in place. When you and your opponent start the game, the 4 balls in line with the scoring holes stay exactly where they are.

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Question

How far apart are the spots placed on a bumper pool table?

Sarah Battilana

Community Answer

There are usually a few inches between each spot so that the balls don't touch each other.

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Question

Can I hit my ball into the opponent's ball when playing bumper pool?

Sarah Battilana

Community Answer

Absolutely! This is a great defensive strategy to use to make it harder for your opponent to make a shot.

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