Quick answer: Killer pool is a group pool game for three or more players. Each player starts with a set number of lives, often three. Players take turns, and on each turn you must pot a ball. If you miss, or you foul, you lose a life. When a player runs out of lives, they are out. If the balls run out, they are racked again. The last player with lives left wins. House rules vary a lot, so agree on the details first.
Killer is popular in pubs and with groups because everyone gets to play, and it is easy to learn. It is also a good way to practice potting under a little pressure.
What You Need
- A pool table and a full set of balls.
- Three or more players. More players make it more fun.
- A way to track lives, like a chalk board, paper, or a phone.
Basic Setup
- Write each player’s name and the number of lives, often three.
- Pick a shooting order. Some groups draw names or balls to decide.
- Rack the balls. Many groups use a normal 15 ball rack.
- The first player breaks.
How a Turn Works
- Each player gets one shot per turn.
- If you pot a ball, you keep your life and the next player shoots.
- If you miss, you lose one life.
- If you foul, like scratching, you also lose a life. Some groups take away a life plus give the next player ball in hand.
- Play moves on to the next player either way, under most versions.
When Balls Run Out
When all object balls are potted, rack them again and keep going. This is why killer can go on for a while with a big group.
Winning
When a player has no lives left, they are out. Keep playing until only one player has lives. That player wins.
Common House Rules
| Rule | Common Choices |
|---|---|
| Starting lives | Two, three, or five |
| Potting the black ball | Some groups give an extra life, others take one away |
| Fouls | Lose one life, or lose two |
| Order | Fixed order, or random each round |
| Final two players | Some groups play a short 8 ball game to decide |
Since rules vary, agree on them before the first shot.
Strategy Tips
- Take the easy pot. You only need one ball per turn, so pick the shot you are most sure of.
- Think about the next player. If you can, leave the cue ball in a hard spot after your pot.
- Stay calm. Every shot counts, so use your normal routine.
- Practice potting. Killer rewards steady shot making more than fancy position play.
Killer Pool vs Other Group Games
Killer is different from cutthroat. In cutthroat, each player has a group of balls and tries to sink the other players’ balls. Our post on how to play cutthroat pool explains it. Rotation is another fun game, covered in our post on rotation pool rules.
Why Groups Like Killer
- Anyone can join, even new players.
- Games are lively and social.
- Players who are out can cheer on the rest.
If you want to learn more pool words used in games like this, see our post on billiard terms and definitions.
The Bottom Line
To play killer pool, give each player a few lives, take turns potting one ball per turn, and lose a life on a miss or foul. Rerack when the balls run out, and the last player with lives wins. Agree on house rules first and have fun.
Keep Reading on This Site
- How to Play 3 Ball Pool: Rules, Scoring and Tips
- How to Play 10 Ball: Rules and Tips for Beginners
- Straight Pool Rules: How to Play 14.1 Continuous in 6 Simple Steps
- One Pocket Rules: How to Play the Pool Game of Patience and Defense
- Pool Table Sizes: 7, 8, and 9 Foot Tables and How Much Room You Need
- How to Play Billiards: 8 Steps From Setup to Your First Game
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lives do you get in killer pool?
Many groups start with three lives, but some use two or five.
How many players do you need for killer pool?
You need at least three players, and more players make it more fun.
What happens if you foul in killer pool?
Most groups take away a life. Some also give the next player ball in hand.
How do you win killer pool?
The last player with lives left wins.