Billiard Games: Rotation

            Billiard games come in many different forms.  Some are quick.  Some take awhile.  Some games require the use of certain shots, and some require teams.   In other billiard games, players keep points to win.  Rotation is one such game.

            Rotation pool will usually take a little bit longer to complete than a common game of 8- or 9-Ball. It mimics 9-Ball in the way that players must shoot at balls in numerical order, always making contact with the lowest-numbered ball on the table first. All 15 balls are used and racked in numerical order from 1, at the head spot, to 15. Points are accumulated throughout the match based on which player sinks which balls, with each billiard ball having a face value point total. For example, if Player 1 sinks the 1 ball, he or she is given one point. If the 2 ball is dropped, then two points are awarded, and so forth. When only the cue ball remains, whoever has the highest point total wins.

            Obviously, the higher-numbered balls are worth more points, and are therefore more valuable. If you want the edge in this game, consider using more combination shots, simply because the lower-numbered balls must be hit first, while the higher-numbered ones are more sought after.   There is nothing wrong with sinking the 14 ball, for example, using a combo shot and scoring 14 points, as long as the lowest number on the table is struck first with the cue ball.  And fouls, including scratches, are considered "ball-in-hand" for the next shooter, meaning the cue ball can be spotted anywhere on the billiard table after the foul, just like in 9-Ball.

            Although Rotation can be viewed as an extended version of 9-Ball and somewhat lengthy at times since all 15 balls are used, it definitely has one major advantage over many other billiard games.  Unlike many games, Rotation can be played using any number of participants, both odd and even. Also, since points are involved, you can play with a teammate or as "every man for himself."