Quick answer: Cutthroat pool is a game for three players. The 15 balls are split into three groups: 1 to 5, 6 to 10, and 11 to 15. Each player owns one group. Your goal is to knock your opponents’ balls in while keeping at least one of your own on the table. The last player with a ball left wins.
Cutthroat is a great game when three friends are at one table. It is easy to learn and a lot of fun. Rules can change from place to place, so agree on them first. Here is a common way to play.
What You Need
- A full rack of 15 balls and a cue ball
- Three players
- A shooting order
How to Play in 6 Steps
- Rack the balls. Use a triangle rack. Many players put the 1, 6, and 11 at the three corners so the groups are spread out.
- Break. The first player breaks.
- Choose groups. In a common version, the first player to make a ball after the break picks a group by which ball they make. In another version, groups are set before the game: low, middle, and high. Agree on this first.
- Take turns. If you make an opponent’s ball, you keep shooting. If you make your own ball, it hurts you. Many players say your turn ends then.
- Fouls. A common rule is that on a foul, one ball from each opponent’s group comes back to the table. Agree on this before you start.
- Win. When all of a player’s balls are in pockets, that player is out. The last player with a ball on the table wins.
Simple Cutthroat Strategy
- Go after the leader. Shoot at the player with the most balls left.
- Keep your balls safe. Leave your own balls near rails and away from pockets.
- Do not knock out a player too early if it leaves you alone against the stronger player. Sometimes it is smart to let two opponents battle.
- Play position, not power. Hard shots spread balls everywhere.
Common House Rules
- Some places let you call your group after the break.
- Some say making your own ball is a foul.
- Some do not bring balls back on fouls.
Always ask “What are the house rules?” before the first break.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many players are in cutthroat pool?
Cutthroat is made for three players, each with five balls.
How do you win cutthroat pool?
You win by being the last player with at least one of your balls still on the table.
What are the groups in cutthroat?
The groups are balls 1 to 5, 6 to 10, and 11 to 15.
What happens on a foul in cutthroat?
In a common version, one ball from each opponent's group is brought back to the table. Rules vary, so agree first.