Hi folks! I have a question to ask you. How many of you have ever played the game of 3-ball? The reason why I’m 
asking is that I just heard about this game as I was looking for different types of pool variations that people play. I was looking into it, and thought that I’d share how this game is played and hope that you can enjoy this variation as well.
The game is played with 2 or more people and the object of the game is to get as much of the balls in a pocket after the break. The only balls in play are the cue and 3 balls that are racked to be pocketed as shown in the picture to the right. It really doesn’t matter what balls are to be set up in the rack to be hit on the break. The object of 3 ball billiards is to break, and pocket all of the balls in the smallest number of shots. I have provided a YouTube video down below on how this game is played and to get a better understanding on how to play 3 Ball.
Well, this is all I have to say in this variation of pool. Please share this on social media, and add any comments, thoughts, and questions in the comments section below. I look forward to hearing what you all have to say. I thank you all for stopping by.
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Where I shoot 9-ball league, they play 3-ball for money after the league matches. I’m commenting, because here, the three object balls are placed in a line. The front ball is on the “spot” with the other two in a straight row behind it. Much more difficult rack, so there is large monetary prize for an “Ace”; pocketing all three on the break.
FYI, I live Kansa, USA.
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Hi Steve! Thank you for your input. 3 Ball is not really my expertise in shooting pool. I am wondering, how long have you been playing 9-ball?
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The proper rack is in a triangle not in a straight line. I used to play with friends on a brand new table using the in line method and after 1.5 years of occasional 3ball and mostly 8 ball the center of the back rail was so broken down it had to be replaced because the back ball will always hit the center diamond no matter how you hit the break.
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I have played pool all my adult life but I have never come across 3 ball pool. Maybe it’s a U.S.? thing I’m not sure.
It does look pretty easy and its over in a few minutes but I like the original game better than this.
Does it matter which pool balls are out during this game or can it be random balls every time?
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Hi Matthew! I thank and welcome you back to my site. Yes, 3 Ball is a rare variation of pool that you can play. It might be just available in the US since it’s not that well-known outside of US boundaries. As far as what kind of pool ball can be used in play, it really does not matter other than just the cue ball must be the ball to use to knock out the other balls in the pocket. I hope this helps, and I look forward to hearing from you again. Cheers!
Armand