Quick answer: English billiards is a cue sport played with three balls: two cue balls (usually white and yellow) and one red ball. Each player uses their own cue ball. You score points in three ways: a pot (knocking another ball into a pocket), an in off (your cue ball goes into a pocket after hitting another ball), and a cannon (your cue ball hits both other balls). Under common rules, potting the red or going in off the red scores 3 points, while potting the other cue ball, going in off it, or making a cannon scores 2 points. The first player to reach the agreed score, or the player ahead when time runs out, wins.
English billiards is an old game that mixes pool style pocketing with carom style scoring. It is played on a large table with pockets, often the same size table used for snooker.
What You Need
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Table | A large pocketed table, often the size used for snooker |
| Balls | One red, one white cue ball, one yellow cue ball |
| Cues | Normal cues, often thinner snooker style cues |
For more on table sizes, read pool table sizes.
How Scoring Works
| Shot | What happens | Common points |
|---|---|---|
| Pot the red | Red goes in a pocket | 3 |
| In off the red | Your cue ball hits the red then goes in | 3 |
| Pot the opponent’s ball | Their cue ball goes in | 2 |
| In off the opponent’s ball | Your cue ball hits their ball then goes in | 2 |
| Cannon | Your cue ball hits both other balls | 2 |
You can score more than one way on the same shot. Your turn keeps going as long as you keep scoring.
How to Start a Game
- Decide who goes first. Players often lag or flip a coin.
- Place the red on its spot near the far end of the table.
- The first player plays from the area at the head of the table, often called the D.
- Score points with pots, in offs, and cannons.
- When you miss, your opponent takes their turn.
- Play to an agreed score or a set amount of time.
Rules about where balls go after they are potted, and about fouls, can be a bit detailed. If you join a club or league, follow their rule book.
Fouls
Fouls usually give points to your opponent or end your turn. Common fouls include missing all the other balls and hitting a ball off the table. Ask about local rules before you play.
English Billiards vs Pool and Snooker
| Game | Balls | Main idea |
|---|---|---|
| Pool | Many numbered balls | Pocket your balls or the money ball |
| Snooker | Reds and colors | Pot reds and colors in order |
| English billiards | Three balls | Score with pots, in offs, and cannons |
Learn about snooker in our snooker rules for beginners page, and see difference between pool and billiards for more about the names.
Beginner Tips
- Practice the in off. It is a big part of scoring.
- Learn cannons. Hitting both balls takes good aim and speed.
- Keep balls close together. Many skilled players try to keep all three balls near each other so they can keep scoring.
- Use soft speed. Gentle shots help you control where the balls stop.
Other Games to Try
If you like scoring games, try three cushion billiards, which has no pockets, or fun pool games from our pool games for 2 players guide.
The Bottom Line
English billiards uses three balls and scores points with pots, in offs, and cannons. Red ball shots are often worth 3 and the rest are worth 2. Learn the scoring, practice soft control, and play to an agreed score with a friend.
Keep Reading on This Site
- How to Play Bowliards: Bowling Rules on a Pool Table
- 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
- How to Play 10 Ball: Rules and Tips for Beginners
- Straight Pool Rules: How to Play 14.1 Continuous in 6 Simple Steps
Frequently Asked Questions
How many balls are used in English billiards?
Three: a red ball and two cue balls, usually white and yellow.
What is a cannon in English billiards?
A cannon is when your cue ball hits both of the other balls on one shot.
What is an in off?
An in off is when your cue ball goes into a pocket after hitting another ball.
Is English billiards the same as snooker?
No. They often use the same size table, but snooker uses many more balls and different scoring.