BILLIARDS GAME METHOD AND APPARATUS

Abstract

A method of playing billiards is disclosed with a scoring system. In the disclosed system, a cue ball and fifteen billiard balls are used, numbered one through fifteen. Player one is assigned seven of the billiard balls, and player two is assigned seven billiard balls. The remaining billiard ball is the game ball that is not assigned to either player. The disclosed system includes a point scoring system where points are added to a players score for sinking their own balls and points are subtracted from a score when a ball is successfully assassinated by the opposing player. Play continues until the game ball is sunk, and then the points determine the winner.

Claims

1. A method of billiards gameplay, comprising: arranging a plurality of balls on a billiards table having a plurality of pockets by placing the plurality of balls into a hollow interior of a billiards rack, wherein the plurality of balls are numbered sequentially from 1 to 15; removing the billiards rack to leave the plurality of balls in a tightly fit configuration, wherein a portion of the plurality of balls are assigned to a first player, including numbered balls 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, and 13; and wherein a portion of the plurality of balls are assigned to a second player, including numbered balls 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, and 14, and wherein ball 15 remains unassigned; and shooting a cue ball into the plurality of balls to initiate gameplay.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein during gameplay, failure to strike a shooting player's lowest assigned ball remaining on the billiards table when shooting the cue ball is an end of the shooting player's turn.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the shooting player's assigned balls that are pocketed are lost, with no points awarded.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein an opposing player's assigned balls that are pocketed are placed back on the billiards table, with no points awarded.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein during gameplay, striking a shooting player's lowest assigned ball remaining on the billiards table when shooting the cue ball is not an automatic end of the shooting player's turn.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein failure to pocket any assigned balls is an end of the shooting player's turn.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein the shooting player's assigned balls that are pocketed are won, with points awarded to the shooting player based on a numerical value on the pocketed ball.

8. The method of claim 5, wherein an opposing player's assigned balls that are pocketed are lost, with points awarded to the shooting player based on twice the numerical value on the pocketed ball, and with points subtracted from the opposing player based on a numerical value on the pocketed ball.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein assigned balls may be pocketed in any pocket of the plurality of pockets.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the billiards rack has a perimeter shape, the perimeter shape having a forward section resembling a dart or arrowhead, and the perimeter shape having a rearward section resembling a ball.

11. A method of billiards gameplay, comprising: arranging a plurality of balls on a billiards table having a plurality of pockets by placing the plurality of balls into a hollow interior of a billiards rack, wherein the plurality of balls are numbered sequentially from 1 to 15; removing the billiards rack to leave the plurality of balls in a tightly fit configuration, wherein a portion of the plurality of balls are numbered and assigned to a first player, and wherein a portion of the plurality of balls are numbered and assigned to a second player, and wherein a game ball remains unassigned; and shooting a cue ball into the plurality of balls to initiate gameplay, wherein a shooting player may declare a stake shot only after none of the shooting player's assigned balls remain on the billiards table, and wherein the shooting player shoots the cue ball into the game ball first, after which the game ball may strike an opponent's assigned balls.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein failure to strike the game ball when shooting the cue ball is an end of the player's turn

13. The method of claim 12, wherein an opposing player's assigned balls that are pocketed are placed back on the billiards table, with no points awarded.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein an opposing player's assigned balls that are pocketed are assassinated, with points awarded to the shooting player based on twice the numerical value on the pocketed ball, and with points subtracted from the opposing player based on the numerical value on the pocketed ball.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the billiards rack has a perimeter shape, the perimeter shape having a forward section receiving 8 balls of the plurality of balls, and the perimeter shape having a rearward section receiving 7 balls of the plurality of balls.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein each player is afforded only two stake shots during gameplay.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein a player's turn ends if no balls are pocketed when shooting, a scratch occurs, a player fails to hit the numerically lowest value ball on the billiards table with the cue ball before hitting any other ball, or the shooting player fails to make contact with the cue ball or any other ball on the billiards table.

18. The method of claim 11, wherein pocketing the game ball before completely pocketing all assigned balls results in an award of negative points to the shooting player.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein pocketing the game ball in an incorrect pocket of the plurality of pockets after completely pocketing all assigned balls results in no award of points and an end of the game.

20. A method of billiards gameplay, comprising: arranging a plurality of balls on a billiards table having a plurality of pockets by placing the plurality of balls into a hollow interior of a billiards rack, wherein the plurality of balls are numbered sequentially from 1 to 15; removing the billiards rack to leave the plurality of balls in a tightly fit configuration, wherein a portion of the plurality of balls are assigned to a first player, including numbered balls 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, and 13; and wherein a portion of the plurality of balls are assigned to a second player, including numbered balls 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, and 14, and wherein a game ball, numbered ball 15, remains unassigned; and shooting a cue ball into the plurality of balls to initiate gameplay, wherein a shooting player may declare a stake shot only after none of the shooting player's assigned balls remain on the billiards table, and wherein the shooting player shoots the cue ball into the game ball first, after which the game ball may strike an opponent's assigned balls.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Various aspects and advantages will become apparent upon review of the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which:

[0007] FIG. 1 is an example setup for playing billiards according to the disclosed method.

[0008] FIG. 2 is an example game play and scoreboard for playing billiards according to the disclosed method.

[0009] FIG. 3 is an example game play and scoreboard for playing billiards according to the disclosed method.

[0010] FIG. 4 is an example game play and scoreboard for playing billiards according to the disclosed method.

[0011] FIG. 5 is an example game play and scoreboard for playing billiards according to the disclosed method.

[0012] FIG. 6 is an example game play and scoreboard for playing billiards according to the disclosed method.

[0013] FIG. 7 is an example game play and scoreboard for playing billiards according to the disclosed method.

[0014] FIG. 8 is an example game play and scoreboard for playing billiards according to the disclosed method.

[0015] FIG. 9 is an example game play and scoreboard for playing billiards according to the disclosed method.

[0016] FIG. 10 is an example game play and scoreboard for playing billiards according to the disclosed method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The following disclosure includes a method for playing billiards with a standard set of 15 numbered balls and a cue ball, played on a billiards table with pool sticks. APA (American Poolplayers Association) rules for pool rules still exist unless stated otherwise.

[0018] In an example game setup according to the disclosed system, at the start of the game, when racking the setup to play the billiards game system on a billiards table 100, you may use the systematically designed and uniquely shaped billiards rack 110 (e.g., having a dart, arrow or point shape) with rack 110 which may be positioned on one side of the billiards table 100 with the pointed side of rack 110 facing toward the opposing side of billiards table 100 (e.g., where the cue ball 115 may be placed on the opposing side of billiards table 100 for the opening move, or break).

[0019] All 15 balls (labeled with numerals 1-15) may be organized sequentially (e.g., from left to right and/or from front to rear) in billiards rack 110. The 15 balls may be organized non-sequentially (e.g., starting with the blue 2 ball at the tip of the dart). The yellow 1 ball may go in the center of the pointed side of rack 110 (e.g., in the middle of the dart shaped part of the billiards rack 110, with other numbered balls around ball 1). The striped maroon 15 ball may go in the center of the opposing side of rack 110 (e.g., in the middle of the ball shaped part of the billiards rack 110, with other numbered balls around ball 15).

[0020] Billiards rack 110 may enable preparation for gameplay with the instant billiards gameplay system. The shape of billiards rack 110 may approximately resemble an arrowhead, and may have a relatively narrow front (e.g., accommodating a single ball). Billiards rack 110 may widen and/or narrow as it extends rearwardly from the front end. Billiards rack 110 may include a forward section (e.g., the dart, or arrow) designed to accommodate a plurality of rows of balls, and a rearward section (e.g., the ball) designed to accommodate a plurality of columns of ball. The forward section and the rearward section may be arranged so that one or more balls from each section are in contact.

[0021] For example, the forward section of billiards rack 110 may be dimensioned to accommodate a single ball in a first row of billiards rack 110, two balls in a second row, three balls in a third row, and two balls in a fourth row (e.g., from front to rear). The rearward section of billiards rack 110 may be dimensioned to accommodate two balls in a first column, three balls in a second column, and two balls in a third column (e.g., from left to right). The fourth row of balls of the forward section may contact the second column of balls of the rearward section. About half of the plurality of balls may be arranged in the forward section (e.g., 8 balls out of 15 balls). About half of the plurality of balls may be arranged in the rearward section (e.g., 7 balls out of 15 balls).

[0022] Billiards rack 110 may be formed of wood, plastic, metal, or any composite that enables billiards rack 110 to maintain a rigid shape as described in this disclosure. Billiards rack 110 may form a perimeter shape as described in this disclosure with a hollow interior for receiving the balls. The perimeter shape may lay flat on the billiards table 100, so that balls can be placed on the billiards table 100 within the interior space of the perimeter shape. Billiards rack 110 may enable a plurality of balls to be organized in a tightly fit configuration with adjoining balls in contact with each other. The tightly fit configuration of the balls is paramount to achieving a good scattering of the balls during the break in gameplay. Therefore, billiards rack 110 must be configured to orient the balls in the tightly fit configuration whilst allowing billiards rack 110 to be removed for gameplay without disturbing the tight configuration of the balls.

[0023] The billiards game system may be played with two players (e.g., a shooting player and/or an opposing player, or opponent). The first player (Player One) and the second player (Player Two) may each be given and/or assigned pre-designated balls that are considered their balls during gameplay (e.g., one or more of balls 1-15). Player One's assigned balls may be 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13. Player Two's assigned balls may be 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14. During gameplay, each player may begin with a zero points. During gameplay, each player may be capable of achieving points during gameplay by pocketing their own assigned balls (e.g., player one may achieve 53 points by pocketing its assigned balls, and player two may achieve 52 points by pocketing its assigned balls). Points may be achieved during gameplay in other ways, as will be further explained in this disclosure. Ball 15 may be the last, final or Game Ball that is itself worth 15 points. Each player may be required to shoot their balls, sequentially, from the lowest number to highest number (e.g., Player One may be required to shoot their balls in the order 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13). Shoot or shooting may refer to the act of hitting the cue ball 115 with a pool stick in a manner to cause cue ball 115 to travel across billiards table 100 (e.g., in an effort to use cue ball 115 to knock into one or more of balls 1-15 and/or knock one or more of balls 1-15 into one or more pockets 105 of billiards table 100).

[0024] The opening move, or break, may be performed by Player One. The break may be required to hit the blue 2 ball first. Player One may continue gameplay (e.g., shooting cue ball 115) until the end of turn occurs. The end of turn may occur if no balls are pocketed when shooting. The end of turn may occur if a player scratches the cue ball (e.g., hitting cue ball 115 into a pocket 105 of billiards table 100). The end of turn may occur if a player fails to hit the next numerically sequential ball with the cue ball before any other ball is hit. The end of turn may occur if a player fails to make contact with the cue ball and/or any other ball on the table.

[0025] When an end of turn condition occurs, it then becomes the other player's turn (e.g., Player Two's turn) until the next end of turn condition occurs, at which time the play goes back to the opposing player and so on. If a player scratches the cue ball or fails to connect the cue ball with any balls whatsoever, it may become the opposing player's turn and that player may use ball-in-hand if they so choose. Ball-in-hand refers to a rule that allows a player to place cue ball 115 anywhere on billiards table 100 for the next shot to be taken by that player.

[0026] Slop, or hitting a ball into a pocket that is not the obvious and/or declared pocket for that shot, is allowed or permitted throughout the entirety of the game, except that slop may not be permitted for the game ball (e.g., ball 15, where ball 15 wasn't assigned to either player prior to the beginning of gameplay). In an example game the legal shot on the game ball must be called or declared, each and every time a shot is made on the game ball. The call or declaration may be required to include a statement indicating the pocket into which the player intends to shoot the game ball.

[0027] During gameplay a player (e.g., the shooting player) may assassinate any the other player's remaining balls. To do so, the player may be required to call or declare a stake shot. A player may be permitted to make a specified number of stake shots (e.g., a first stake shot, or Stake Shot 1, and a second stake shot, or Stake Shot 2). A stake shot may be made by using the game ball to knock any one of opponent's remaining balls into a pocket 105 of billiards table 100 (e.g., shooting a combo shot by knocking cue ball 115 into the game ball to cause game ball to strike one or more of the other balls into one or more pockets). Players are not required to call and/or declare a pocket on a stake shot.

[0028] During gameplay accidental shots may occur. Accidental shots refers to situations where the opposing player accidentally knocks any of either players balls into a pocket 105 out of the sequential order of gameplay (e.g., when cue ball 115 strikes any ball before the next lowest ball, or legal ball). When this happens, the opposing players balls that get accidentally pocketed may be allowed to be pulled out and placed on the spot of the foot string (e.g., at a position on the billiards table 100 corresponding to the rack side at the beginning of gameplay where the balls are initially racked). The opposing player's balls may be placed one behind the other (e.g., forming a singular straight line). A player's own balls remain pocketed and no points are awarded (the accidentally pocketed balls are lost for the remainder of gameplay). In either case, whether accidentally pocketing ones own balls or the opponent's ball, failure to strike the next lowest ball, or legal ball, is an error an triggers and end of turn condition. Therefore, it then becomes the opposing players turn.

[0029] Scoring using the billiards Scoreboard is extremely unique in its design in the billiards game system. Each player can either win, lose, or assassinate for points. A win may be indicated with (e.g., a check mark, or any other appropriate symbol unique from the other symbols) on Scoreboard 120. A loss may be indicated with (e.g., an empty set symbol, or any other appropriate symbol unique from the other symbols) on Scoreboard 120. An assassination may be indicated with X (e.g., a cross, crisscross, or the letter x, or any other appropriate symbol unique from the other symbols) on Scoreboard 120.

[0030] A win (e.g., achieving an award of points based on gameplay) may occur when a player (e.g., a shooting player) legally pockets one or more of their own balls. The score assigned with the win is the actual Face Value (FV) of each ball's number (e.g., a player pocketing the player's own black 8 ball would result in 8 points being added to the player's points, or a player pocketing the player's own blue striped 10 ball would result in 10 points being added to the player's points) and would be indicated on the player's side of the billiards Scoreboard 120.

[0031] An assassination (e.g., achieving an award and/or a loss of points based on gameplay) may occur when a player's ball is legally pocketed by the opposing player (e.g., by striking the next lowest ball, or legal ball first with cue ball 115, but also causing an opponent's ball to be pocketed). The player who legally pocketed one or more of their opponent's balls gets double Face Value (DFV) of each ball's number (e.g., a player pocketing the opponent's maroon 7 ball would result in 14 points being added to the player's points, or a player pocketing the opponent's red striped 11 ball would result in 22 points being added to the player's points), and the opposing player loses the Face Value of each ball's number (e.g., a player pocketing the opponent's maroon 7 ball would result in 7 points being subtracted from the opponent's points, or a player pocketing the opponent's red striped 11 ball would result in 11 points being subtracted from the opponent's points).

[0032] A Stake Shot (e.g., stake shot one, or SS1, and stake shot two, or SS2) may be when a player (e.g., a shooting player) calls or declares one of the two total allowable stake shots. Stake shots may be allowed or permitted only when the player has pocketed all of their assigned balls. During gameplay, once a player has pocketed all of their assigned balls, the player may legally focus on hitting the game ball (e.g., the maroon striped 15 ball). At this stage of gameplay, the game ball may be used to assassinate any of the opponents remaining balls on the table. The player who is permitted to make stake shots may be required to call out or declare Stake Shot 1 or Stake Shot 2 when using the game ball to assassinate (e.g., pocket) the opponents balls. The score assigned with the assassination is twice the actual Face Value of each ball's number (e.g., a player pocketing the opposing player's black 8 ball using the game ball would result in 16 points being added to the player's points), and the opposing player loses 8 points.

[0033] FIG. 1 illustrates an example starting setup according to the disclosed method. The uniquely shaped billiards rack 110 is used to arrange the balls as shown. Rack 110 may be removed after balls 1-15 have been arranged on billiards table 100, at which the gameplay is ready to begin. An example scoreboard 120 is also shown with each player starting with zero points.

[0034] FIG. 2 illustrates an example game during a first turn, wherein a first player (e.g., player 1) breaks by shooting cue ball 115 into the cluster of balls 1-15. As an example, this action causes the three ball and the twelve ball to be sunk on the break (e.g., ball 3 and ball 12 may be pocketed). Therefore, player 1 may be awarded double points for an assassination of balls three and twelve (e.g., player 1 may be awarded 6 points for the three ball, and 24 points for the twelve ball, or a total of 30 points), and a second player (e.g., player 2) may be awarded negative points for the assassination of balls three and twelve (e.g., player 2 may lose 3 points for the three ball, and 12 points for the twelve ball, or a total of 15 points).

[0035] Note that ball 3 and ball 12 are exemplified as being in two separate pockets 105 of billiards table 100. According to an example method, anytime you knock your opponent's balls in they lose those face value points and you get those double face value. The point values awarded to player 1 and player 2 have been computed and reflected in the billiards scoreboard 120, on the bottom line, with player 1 having 30 points and player 2 having negative 15 points. Note that an indication (e.g., an X) is made on billiards scoreboard 120 over numerals 3 and 12 to indicate that these balls have been assassinated.

[0036] Player 1 continues to play because Player 1 legally hit ball 2 before causing balls 3 and 12 to be pocketed, without any errors and no end of turn condition occurred. Player 1 may now attempt to pocket their lowest numbered ball remaining on the table. Player 1 is now required to use cue ball 115 to strike their lowest numbered ball, which in this example is ball 2, in FIG. 2. Failure to strike ball 2 would result in an automatic end to player 1's turn. Striking ball 2 would not be an automatic end to player 1's turn, so long as a turn ending condition does not also occur.

[0037] FIG. 3 illustrates an example game during a first turn, wherein player 1 attempts to sink ball 2 using cue ball 115. As an example, player 1 sinks ball 2. Two points are added to the player one score on the billiard scoreboard 120 for a total of 32 points. These points are tallied on the top line of the scoreboard 120 next to player 1's score in the box. Note that an indication (e.g., the blue checkmark) is made on billiards scoreboard 120 over numeral 2 to indicate that ball 2 has been won.

[0038] FIG. 4 illustrates an example game during a first turn, wherein player 1 attempts to sink ball 4 (e.g., the next numerically sequential ball after ball 2 that is assigned to player 1) using cue ball 115. Player 1 continues to play because Player 1 legally sunk ball 2 without any errors and no end of turn condition occurred. Note that ball 2 is exemplified as being in a pocket 105 of billiards table 100. As an example, Player 1 sinks their next ball, which is ball 4, and adds four points to their score for a total of 36 points. These points are tallied on the top line of the scoreboard 120 next to player 1's score in the box. Note that an indication (e.g., the blue checkmark) is made on billiards scoreboard 120 over numeral 4 to indicate that ball 4 has been won.

[0039] FIG. 5 illustrates an example game during a first turn, wherein player 1 attempts to sink ball 6 (e.g., the numerically lowest value ball on the billiards table assigned to player 1) using cue ball 115. Player 1 continues to play because Player 1 legally sunk ball 4 without any errors and no end of turn condition occurred. Note that ball 4 is exemplified as being in a pocket 105 of billiards table 100. As an example, Player 1 hits their next ball, which is ball 6. This action is a legal move, but they were not able to sink ball 6 (e.g., ball 6 was not pocketed, as exemplified in FIG. 6). This ends player 1's turn because an end of turn condition occurred.

[0040] FIG. 6 illustrates an example game during a second turn, wherein player 2 attempts to sink one or more balls using cue ball 115. As an example, player 2 sinks ball 1, ball 5, and ball 7 without any errors and no end of turn condition. Note that balls 1, 5, and 7 are exemplified as being in one or more pockets 105 of billiards table 100. Player 2 adds 1 point for ball 1, 5 points for ball 5 and 7 points for ball 7, for a total of 13 points. These points are tallied on the top line of the scoreboard 120 next to player 2's score in the box, and added to player 2's score total (15+13=2) for a total of negative 2 points. Note that an indication (e.g., the blue checkmark) is made on billiards scoreboard 120 over numerals 1, 5, and 7 to indicate that these balls have been won.

[0041] Next, Player 2 hits their next ball, which is ball 10. This action is a legal move, but they were not able to sink ball 10 (e.g., ball 10 was not pocketed, as exemplified in FIG. 7). This ends player 2's turn because an end of turn condition occurred.

[0042] FIG. 7 illustrates an example game during a third turn, wherein player 1 attempts to sink one or more balls using cue ball 115. Unfortunately for player 1, because of the position of cue ball 115, there wasn't a clear shot on their next ball, which is ball 6. Therefore, Player 1 may attempt to shoot cue ball 115 along an indirect path in an effort to cause cue ball 115 to contact ball 6. Failure to hit the cue ball into the lowest numbered ball (e.g., ball 6) before striking any other ball results in a scratch. In this event, the opposing player (e.g., Player 2) would receive cue ball 115 as ball-in-hand.

[0043] FIG. 8 illustrates an example game during a fourth turn, wherein player 2 attempts to sink one or more balls using cue ball 115. As an example, player 2 sinks their next ball, which is ball 10, and adds ten points to their score for a total of 8 points (2+10=8). The next lowest numbered ball is ball 14 because ball 12 was already assassinated on the break.

[0044] Next, in an unbelievable maneuver, Player 2 accomplishes a combo shot wherein they shoot cue ball 115 into ball 14 (a legal shot), causing ball 14 to travel into contact with ball 9, which in turn causes ball 9 to travel into contact with ball 8. The momentum causes ball 8 to travel into one of pockets 105. Therefore, player 2 may be awarded double points for an assassination of ball 8 (e.g., player 2 may be awarded 16 points for the ball 8) and player 1 may be awarded negative 8 points for the assassination of ball 8 (e.g., player 1 may lose 8 points for ball 8). Player 2 may add 16 points to their score for a total of 24 points (8+16=24). Player 1 may subtract 8 points from their score for a total of 28 points (368=28).

[0045] Player 2 continues to play because Player 2 legally sunk a ball (e.g., ball 8) after hitting the next lowest numbered ball (e.g., ball 14) without any errors and no end of turn condition occurred. Next, Player 2 hits their next ball, which is still ball 14, since ball 14 wasn't pocketed.

[0046] Next, in another combo shot, Player 2 shoots cue ball 115 into ball 14 (a legal shot), causing ball 14 to travel into contact with ball 11. The momentum causes ball 11 to travel into one of pockets 105. Therefore, player 2 may be awarded double points for an assassination of ball 11 (e.g., player 2 may be awarded 22 points for the ball 11) and player 1 may be awarded negative 11 points for the assassination of ball 11 (e.g., player 1 may lose 11 points for ball 1). Player 2 may add 22 points to their score for a total of 46 points (24+22=46). Player 1 may subtract 11 points from their score for a total of 17 points (2811=17).

[0047] As luck would have it, the remaining momentum of ball 14 caused ball 14 to roll into one of pockets 105 of billiards table 100. Player 2 adds 14 points to their score for a total of 60 points (46+14=60). The points are tallied on the top line of the scoreboard 120 and summed at the bottom next to player 1's and player 2's scores. Note that an indication (e.g., the blue checkmark) is made on billiards scoreboard 120 over numerals 10 and 14 to indicate that these balls have been won. Note that an indication (e.g., a cross) is made on billiards scoreboard 120 over numerals 8 and 11 to indicate that these balls have been assassinated.

[0048] Player 2 continues to play because Player 2 legally sunk a ball (e.g., ball 14) without any errors and no end of turn condition occurred. At this point there was no other shot for player 2 to make on Player 2's assigned balls since all assigned balls have been sunk. As an example, Player 2 missed, or did not have a good shot to sink ball 15, but managed to tap cue ball 115 into ball 15. Therefore, an end of turn condition has occurred and Player 2's turn is over. Player 2 did not scratch, nor give its opponent (e.g., player 1) a ball-in-hand.

[0049] In this example, player 1 has scored 6 normal points by sinking balls two and four. Player 1 has gained a total of 30 points from assassination of balls 3 and 12, and lost a total of 19 points from assassinations from ball 8 and ball 11. Player 2 has gained a total of 37 normal points by pocketing balls 1, 5, 7, 10, and 14. Player two lost 15 points from the assassination of balls 3 and 12, and gained 38 points by assassinating balls 8 and 11.

[0050] FIG. 9 illustrates an example game during a fifth turn, wherein player 1 attempts to sink one or more balls using cue ball 115. As an example, Player 1 accomplishes a combo shot wherein they shoot cue ball 115 into ball 6 (a legal shot), causing ball 6 to travel into contact with ball 9. Ball 6 is not pocketed, but the momentum transferred to ball 9 causes ball 9 to travel into one of pockets 105. However, player 1 may not be awarded double points for an assassination of ball 9, since ball 9 is assigned to player 1. Player 1 may add 9 points to their score for a total of 24 points (17+9=26).

[0051] Player 1 continues to play because Player 1 legally sunk a ball (e.g., ball 9) without any errors and no end of turn condition occurred. Next, Player 1 sinks their next ball, which is ball 6, and adds six points to their score for a total of 32 points (26+6=32). Next, Player 1 sinks their next ball, which is ball 13, and adds 13 points to their score for a total of 45 points (32+13=45). These points are tallied on the top line of the scoreboard 120 next to player 1's score in the box, and summed at the bottom of scoreboard 120. Note that an indication (e.g., the blue checkmark) is made on billiards scoreboard 120 over numerals 6, 9, and 13 to indicate that these balls have been won.

[0052] Player 1 continues to play because Player 1legally sunk at least one ball (e.g., balls 6, 13) without any errors and no end of turn condition occurred. Next, Player 1 shoots cue ball 115 into game ball (e.g., ball 15). However, Player 1 couldn't get a clear shot to call a pocket, and rather than calling or declaring a stake shot and missing, opted to shoot cue ball 115 into ball 15 in a manner that wouldn't leave a good shot for the opposing player (e.g., player 2). Therefore, an end of turn condition has occurred and Player 1's turn is over.

[0053] FIG. 10 illustrates an example game during a sixth turn, wherein player 2 attempts to sink one or more balls using cue ball 115. At this point, player 2 is ahead by 15 points. Player 1 could have tied the game by sinking and/or pocketing ball 15, but didn't have a clear shot. As an example, Player 2, calls the correct pocket and sinks and/or pockets ball 15 in the correct pocket. Player 2 gets 15 points for pocketing ball 15 for a total of 75 points (60+15=75). Player 2 has won the game with 75 points against player one's 45 points. These points are tallied on the top line of the scoreboard 120 next to player 1's score in the box, and summed at the bottom of scoreboard 120. Note that an indication (e.g., the red checkmark) is made on billiards scoreboard 120 over numeral 15 to indicate that this ball have been won.

[0054] One element not shown in the above examples is the scenario where a player shoots cue ball 115 and cue ball 115 hits the wrong ball before hitting the correct ball and the wrong ball goes into a pocket 105 of billiards table 100. If the correct ball and the wrong ball both belong to the player shooting cue ball 115, then the player loses the opportunity to get point for hitting in the wrong ball (e.g., the player's ball is pocketed and remains pocketed, but no points are awarded). As an example, player 1 is shooting for ball 2, but instead hits and knocks in ball 4 without hitting ball 2 first. The points for ball 4 are lost (considered a loss), and player 1 then loses the opportunity to get those 4 points. The points from the four ball don't get subtracted and they don't get added. If the correct ball and the wrong ball belong to opposing players, then the wrong ball which was pocketed is placed back on the table as further explained in this disclosure with regard to accidental shots.

[0055] Another element not shown in the above examples is the scenario where game play is the stake shot. Each player gets only two Stake Shots, which may be used by a player only after all balls assigned to that player have been pocketed and only the game ball (e.g., ball 15) remains. If one of the player's opponent's balls is in the way of shooting ball 15 into a pocket, the player may call a stake shot (e.g., stake shot 1) and attempt to knock the opponent's ball into a pocket using ball 15 (e.g., by shooting cue ball 115 into the game ball, causing the game ball to strike the opponent's ball). As an example, if Player 2 sunk and/or pocketed all their assigned balls, Player 2 may be shooting at ball 15. If ball 11 is in the way (e.g., between ball 15 and a pocket), player 2 can shoot a combo shot by using cue ball 115 to knock ball 15 toward the opposing player's ball 11, to cause ball 11 to travel into a pocket. In this example, if player 2 is not successful at sinking ball 11 or the 15 ball, then an end of turn condition has occurred and it becomes the opposing player's (e.g., player 1's) turn. As an example, player 1 may successfully sinks ball 11 as their next legal ball, but may fail to sink ball 13, causing an end of turn condition. Next, player 2 may call stake shot 2, and

[0056] attempt to assassinate ball 13 after hitting the 15 ball with cue ball 115 first. If player 2 is successful, player 2 gets 26 points as double face value, and player one loses 13 points. A player can use this routine for two final attempts of assassination of their opponent's remaining balls. A first stake shot may be recorded as a first diagonal in the player P1 or P2 box next to the SS (for Stake Shot) on scoreboard 120. A second opposing diagonal, to create an X in the box, may be used to indicate the second and final stake shot of the player. Alternatively, player 2 may call out or declare a pocket and attempt to shoot ball 15 into the declared pocket using cue ball 115.

[0057] Another element not shown in the above examples is the scenario where a player sinks the game ball in a pocket different from the pocket called and/or declared by the player (e.g., an incorrect pocket). The player does not automatically lose, but the game is over and the player loses the chance at getting the 15 points for the game ball, such that there is no award of points for the game ball.

[0058] Another element not shown in the above examples is the scenario where a player sinks the game ball at any point other than with a called and/or declared shot (e.g., before all assigned balls have been pocketed). In this case, that player gets negative 15 points. Furthermore, the players must decide before gameplay begins whether the game ball is returned to billiards table 100 and gameplay resumes or the game is over and points are tallied to determine the winner as a result of the untimely pocketing of the game ball.

[0059] Other aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice disclosed herein. It is intended, therefore, that the specification and illustrated figures be considered as examples only.