Quick answer: In bank pool, every ball you count must be banked, which means it must hit at least one rail before it goes in the pocket. You call the ball and the pocket on each shot. A ball that goes straight in, or falls by accident, usually does not count and is often spotted back on the table. Many games use a full rack, and the first player to make a set number of balls wins. Rules change from room to room, so agree on them before you start.
Bank pool is a game for players who love bank shots. It is fun, it is hard, and it can make you much better at seeing angles. Here is how it works.
What Is Bank Pool?
Bank pool is a call shot game where every scoring shot must be a bank. A bank shot is when the object ball hits one or more rails before going into a pocket. Straight in shots do not count.
How to Set Up
There are two common ways to play:
- Nine ball bank. Use nine balls in a diamond or triangle. The first player to make five banks wins.
- Fifteen ball bank. Use a full rack of fifteen balls. The first player to make eight banks wins.
Any balls can be used, because the numbers do not matter. Only the count matters.
The Basic Rules
Here are rules used in many bank pool games. They can change, so always check.
- Call the ball and pocket. You must say which ball you are banking and where it is going.
- It must hit a rail first. The object ball must touch at least one rail before it drops.
- No easy kisses. Under many rules, the called ball can not touch another ball on its way to the pocket. Some rooms allow this, so ask.
- Accidental balls are spotted. If a ball you did not call goes in, it usually comes back up and is placed on the foot spot.
- Fouls cost a ball. Under many rules, a foul means you must spot one of your made balls back on the table. If you have none, you owe one.
How Do You Win?
You win by making the agreed number of banks first. In nine ball bank that is often five. In fifteen ball bank that is often eight.
5 Tips for Better Bank Shots
1. Learn the Mirror Idea
A simple way to start is to picture the pocket as if it were reflected on the other side of the rail. Aim the object ball at that mirror spot. This is not perfect, but it is a good starting point.
2. Use Medium Speed
Speed changes the angle a ball comes off the rail. Hard banks often come off shorter. Soft banks often come off longer. Pick a medium speed and use it while you learn.
3. Watch for Cut Angles
If you have to cut the ball a lot to bank it, the shot gets harder. Look for banks where you hit the object ball nearly full.
4. Keep It Simple
One rail banks are easier than two or three rail banks. Learn the one rail banks first.
5. Play Safe When You Need To
Bank pool has a lot of defense. If you do not have a good bank, leave your opponent a hard one instead.
Bank Pool vs Other Games
| Bank Pool | 8 Ball | Straight Pool | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Must bank to count? | Yes | No | No |
| Call shots? | Yes | Many rules, yes | Yes |
| Balls to win | Often 5 of 9, or 8 of 15 | All of your group and the 8 | A point total |
Is Bank Pool Good for Beginners?
It is hard, but it is a great way to learn banks. Even if you mostly play 8 ball or 9 ball, time spent banking will help you see angles and kick shots better. For other games to try, read our pages on one pocket rules and how to play cutthroat pool.
Grab a friend, rack nine balls, and see who can make five banks first.
Keep Reading on This Site
- 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
- What Is the Difference Between Pool and Billiards? A Simple Guide
- How to Play Cutthroat Pool: Rules for 3 Players in 6 Simple Steps
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bank pool?
It is a call shot game where every ball you count must hit at least one rail before going in the pocket.
How many balls do you need to win bank pool?
Common games are five banks with nine balls, or eight banks with fifteen balls.
What happens if a ball goes in by accident in bank pool?
Under many rules, it is spotted back on the table and does not count.
Do straight in shots count in bank pool?
No. Only called balls that hit a rail first count.