Quick answer: Fifteen ball pool is a point game played with a full rack of 15 numbered balls and a cue ball. Each ball you pocket is worth points equal to its number, so the 15 ball is worth 15 points and the 1 ball is worth 1 point. All 15 balls add up to 120 points. The first player to reach 61 points, which is more than half, wins the game. It is sometimes called 61 pool. House rules on fouls and calling shots vary, so agree on them before you start.
Fifteen ball is one of the older pocket billiards games. It is a fun change from 8 ball and 9 ball because every ball counts, and the high numbers matter most.
What You Need
- A pool table
- A full set of balls, 1 through 15, plus the cue ball
- A triangle rack
- A way to keep score, like a pad and pencil
New to the table? See pool table sizes and difference between pool and billiards.
Basic Fifteen Ball Rules
- Rack all 15 balls in a triangle on the foot spot.
- Break. Decide who breaks with a lag or a coin flip.
- Shoot any ball. You do not have to hit the balls in order.
- Score the number. Each ball you make adds its number to your score.
- Keep shooting while you make balls. When you miss, your opponent shoots.
- First to 61 wins. Once a player has 61 points, the other player cannot catch up.
Scoring Table
| Balls | Points |
|---|---|
| 1 through 15 | Each ball is worth its number |
| All 15 balls | 120 points total |
| Points to win | 61 |
Fouls and House Rules
Rules for fouls are not the same everywhere. Common house rules include:
- Scratch: the shooter loses points, often a set number, or must spot a ball back on the table.
- Call shot or not: some players call every shot, and some count any ball that drops.
- Balls off the table: often spotted back on the foot spot.
Agree on all of these before the first break so there are no arguments.
Strategy Tips
- Go for the big numbers. The 15, 14, 13, and 12 add up fast.
- Do not ignore easy small balls. They keep your turn going and help you get to the big ones.
- Play safe when the high balls are hard. Leave your opponent with only low value shots.
- Track the score. Know how many points are left on the table and how many you need.
Fifteen Ball vs Other Point Games
| Game | How you score |
|---|---|
| Fifteen ball | Each ball worth its number, 61 to win |
| Straight pool | Each ball worth 1 point, play to a set total |
| Golf on a pool table | Fewest strokes wins |
| Rotation pool | Hit balls in order and score their numbers |
Rotation and fifteen ball both use the ball numbers for points. In rotation, you must hit the lowest ball first. In fifteen ball, you can usually shoot any ball.
Playing With More Than Two Players
Fifteen ball works best with two players, but you can add more by taking turns in order. The winning total is often changed for more players. Agree on it first. For other group games, see how to play cutthroat pool and how to play killer pool.
The Bottom Line
To play fifteen ball pool, rack all 15 balls, shoot any ball you want, and score points equal to each ball’s number. The first player to 61 points wins. Agree on foul rules first, aim for the big numbers, and play safe when the high balls are hard.
Keep Reading on This Site
- How to Play Pyramid Billiards: A Beginner Guide to the Russian Billiards Game
- How to Play Carom Billiards: Rules for Beginners
- How to Play English Billiards: Rules and Scoring for Beginners
- How to Play 6 Ball Pool: Simple Rules for a Fast Rotation Game
- Snooker Rules for Beginners: How the Game Works in Plain English
- How to Play Killer Pool: Rules for This Fun Group Game
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points do you need to win fifteen ball pool?
Usually 61 points, which is more than half of the 120 total points on the table.
Do you have to hit the balls in order in fifteen ball?
Usually no. You can shoot any ball. Rotation is the game where you must hit the lowest ball first.
What happens if you scratch in fifteen ball?
It depends on house rules. Often the shooter loses points or spots a ball back on the table.
Is fifteen ball the same as 61 pool?
The names are often used for the same point game where 61 points wins.