Hailey Johnson
In the game of billiards, a bank shot refers to a shot where the object ball is driven to one or more cushions before it is pocketed. The rules of the game vary depending on the version being played. In the nine-ball banks version, the first player to bank five balls in any order wins. In this version, the short rails do not count as banks. The shooter must call the intended pocket and the number of cushions before shooting.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of a short bank | A short bank refers to a ball that "scrubs" a rail shortly before going into a pocket. |
| When short banks do not count | Short banks do not count in games where the rail cannot be connected to the pocket. |
| When short banks count | Short banks count in games where the rail can be connected to the pocket. |
| Rules for calling short banks | The shooter must call the intended pocket and number of cushions before shooting. |
| Fouls | If the cue ball is scratched (pocketed or knocked off the table), it is a foul, and the ball must be spotted behind the head string. |
| Scoring | Scoring is based on banking a called ball off a cushion into a called pocket. |
| Game variations | Bank pool has multiple variations, including a shortened version called "nine-ball banks." |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Short rails don't count as a bank
In 9-ball banks, short rails do not count as a bank. This is because the "short rails" refer to a ball scrubbing a rail "shortly" before going into a pocket. For instance, a long straight shot down the long rail that "banks" its way into the pocket by touching the rail before dropping is not a legal bank shot in bank pool.
The fundamental requirement of the game is that all scoring shots must be made by banking a called ball off a cushion and into a called pocket. The shooter must call the intended pocket and the exact number of cushions before shooting. The object of the game is to be the first player to bank five balls in any order (or eight balls when played with a full rack).
While the game has multiple variations, the predominant version through much of its history was played with a full fifteen-ball rack, of which the winning player was required to legally pocket eight balls. A shortened version of the game using nine balls, often called "nine-ball banks," gained popularity in the 1990s and 2000s.
In billiards games, a bank refers to any shot where a player intentionally bounces an object ball off the rail to make it into a pocket they can't directly shoot at. This technique can be used to bypass obstacles and sink a ball in the process, allowing players to pull off shots that wouldn't otherwise be possible.
Firearms at River Banks Zoo: What's the Policy?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Bank shot rules
Bank pool is a pool game with a fundamental rule that all scoring shots must be made by banking a called ball off a cushion and into a called pocket. This is also known as a bank shot. The game has multiple variations, but the traditional version is played with a full fifteen-ball rack, and the winner must legally pocket eight balls.
A shorter version of the game, called "nine-ball banks", gained popularity in the 1990s and 2000s. This version uses nine balls, and players must legally pocket five to win. The balls are racked in nine-ball formation but in no particular order. On the break shot, at least four balls must hit the rails, or it is an illegal break. Any balls pocketed during the break do not count toward the score and are spotted after the player's inning ends. Pocketing a ball on the break results in the player continuing to shoot.
The key rule is that all shots must be banked (cue ball to object ball, then object ball to one or more cushions on the way to the pocket). This is different from nine-ball and standardized eight-ball, where any ball may contact a rail after the object-ball hit to avoid fouling. In bank pool, the cue ball must not be scratched (pocketed or knocked off the table) as this is a foul. If the shooter makes a legal bank shot and another ball goes in accidentally, it is not a foul, but that extra ball is spotted after the inning.
There are also some additional rules that can be introduced in tie-breaker scenarios. For example, one must bank the 8 ball to win. Or, if a player is down by two games, they can bank the 8 ball to tie the series.
Tuscaloosa Food Banks: Where to Find Them
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Scoring in bank pool
Bank pool is a pool game that requires all scoring shots to be made by banking a called ball off a cushion and into a called pocket. The predominant version of the game is played with a full fifteen-ball rack, and the winner is the first player to legally pocket eight balls. A shortened version of the game, called "nine-ball banks", uses nine balls, and the winner is the first player to legally pocket five balls.
On the break shot, at least four balls must hit the rails, otherwise, it is an illegal break. Any balls pocketed during the break do not count towards the score and will be spotted after the player's inning ends. Pocketing a ball on the break results in the player continuing to shoot. On an illegal break, the opponent can ask for a re-rack or accept the table as-is and start shooting.
All shots must be banked, with the cue ball hitting the object ball, and then the object ball hitting one or more cushions on the way to the pocket. The object ball must be hit directly by the cue ball without hitting the rail first. The shooter must call the intended pocket and the number of cushions before shooting. Short rails do not count. If the shooter makes a legal bank shot and another ball goes in accidentally, it is not a foul, but that extra ball is spotted after the inning.
If the cue ball is scratched (pocketed or knocked off the table), it is a foul, and the ball must be spotted behind the head string (in the "kitchen"). Any balls that were sunk on that shot are also spotted. If the shooter has not legally pocketed a ball before the foul, a ball is still owed and must be spotted after the inning in which it is legally pocketed.
Which Banks Keep Euros on Hand?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Improving bank shots
Bank shots are an essential part of pool and billiards, and mastering them can significantly improve your game. Here are some tips to help you improve your bank shots:
Visualisation and Practice
Visualise the ball hitting the rail and then going into the pocket. It is important to stay down on the shot as long as you can and make sure to note whether the ball sank into the pocket, went short, or went long. Keep feeding your brain example shots and let your brain do the rest of the work. Practice a lot of bank shots and take notice of the rebound angle off the cushion, and how speed and spin influence it.
Diamond Systems and English
It is important to have a baseline understanding of the Diamond systems and how English affects the shot. Inside English shortens the bank, while outside English lengthens it. Also, pay attention to speed; the conditions of the table will affect how things react, so you can't always expect the same result on different tables.
Aiming and Angle
Understanding how to aim and plot a course for your bank shots is crucial. One method involves drawing imaginary lines to help visualise the shot. Draw a line from the object ball into the pocket opposite the intended bank shot. This line will always form an "X" with the cross-pocket line. Align all bank angles and lines using the bottom of the pockets and cushions where they meet the cloth of the table. Additionally, consider the pace and spin of the shot, as this will affect the OB bounce. Adjust the cut angle accordingly based on how you need to play the shot.
Rules and Strategy
Understanding the rules of the game you are playing is essential for formulating your strategy. For example, in some variations of bank pool, you must bank a called ball off a cushion and into a called pocket to score. Knowing the rules can help you make strategic decisions, such as when to take a bank shot and when to play for position to avoid needing a bank shot.
Financial Affiliates: Who's Who in the Money World
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Bank pool variations
Bank pool is a pool game that requires all scoring shots to be made by banking a called ball off a cushion and into a called pocket. While the game has multiple variations, the most popular version is played with a full fifteen-ball rack, with the winner being the first player to legally pocket eight balls.
Nine-Ball Banks
A shorter version of the game, which gained popularity in the 1990s and 2000s, involves nine balls and is often called "nine-ball banks". The objective is to be the first player to bank five balls in any order. The balls are racked in nine-ball formation, but with no particular order. On the break shot, at least four balls must hit the rails, otherwise, it is an illegal break. Any balls pocketed during the break do not count towards the score and are spotted after the player's inning ends.
Fouls
If the cue ball is scratched (pocketed or knocked off the table), it is a foul, and the cue ball must be spotted behind the head string (in the "kitchen"). Any balls that were sunk on that shot are spotted. If the shooter has not already legally pocketed a ball at the time of the foul, a ball is still owed, which must be spotted after the inning in which it was legally pocketed. If the shooter makes a legal bank shot and another ball goes in accidentally, it is not a foul, but that extra ball is spotted after the inning. It is also a foul if the shooter does not hit the called object ball and drive it, or the cue ball, to a cushion or pocket the object ball. In many areas, fouling three times during successive turns means a loss of game, but this rule is sometimes ignored in local amateur play.
Diamonds
On any regulation pool table, there is a series of light-coloured dots running down the length of the rails, known as "diamonds". These are used to establish precise angles for sinking bank shots with accuracy and consistency. The number of diamonds on the rails may differ depending on the size of the table. Players can use the diamonds to determine the position of the balls in play and the most promising shooting angle.
Other Variations
Other pool games include Carom or One Pocket, Snooker, and 8-ball pool. Carom is played on unique tables without pockets, with two white balls for two players and one red object ball. Snooker uses a six-pocket table, one white cue ball, and 22 coloured balls.
Best Banks with No Overdraft Fees: Avoid Those Charges!
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
A bank shot is when a player intentionally bounces an object ball off a cushion to make it into a pocket that they can't shoot at directly.
Short rails do not count as a bank shot. However, in some games, players allow three or more rail kicks as a bank.
It is important to observe the placement of the cue and object balls and select the right pockets for reference. Using the diamonds on the table can help to establish precise angles and keep track of the position of the blank point line.
