Most people have played pool in some shape or form. But what is bumper pool? Long story short, bumper pool is a game that brings so much fun that it can become addictive. Bumper pool will appeal to anyone who enjoys playing any type of billiard game.
Bumper pool is a good way to start even if you’ve never played any pool games. It is easy to play and you’ll learn the bumper pool rules after the first game. So, in this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about this wonderful game and answer any questions you may have.
Bumper pool is similar to a pocket billiard game. It has 4 white, 4 red balls, 1 white and 1 red marked ball and 12 bumpers on a small rectangular, hexagonal or octagonal table. The goal of the game is to sink all the pool balls into your pocket before your opponent. There are only two pockets, one in the center for each player, making it more difficult to score than the standard pool table game.
The winner is the first player to sink all of their balls. Bumper pool rules, however, state that you must first sink your marked ball before you can sink the others.
Brief History Of Bumper Pool
To pass the time, people developed many games during the 1500s. The majority of the games were outdoor ones, but this one was specifically for indoor play. This game is thought to be a tabletop adaptation of croquet. Of course, there are challenges in the game that you must overcome before the end of the game. Nobody is quite sure when or who came up with the idea of bumper pool. This game still has a lot of mysteries that need to be solved.
When pool table manufacturer Valley started making and selling bumper pools to bar owners and homeowners in the mid-20th century, bumper pools gained popularity. Before its decline in popularity in the 1990s, the game was popular through the 1970s and 1980s.
Nowadays, finding the best bumper pool table in a bar is very uncommon, but you can still come across them. Here are some of the best pool tables you can play on at home.
How Many People Can Play Bumper Pool?
Two players or four people as a team can play bumper pool. Each side has either five red or five white balls, with one of each color serving as a marked ball. It’s up to you to decide if you want to play just by yourself against the opponent or if you prefer to play in a team with another player.
Bumper Pool Game Setup
When you play bumper pool, you must first arrange the white and red balls on the table. The two bumpers around the pockets are in red and white, too. Consider these pockets to be “goals”.
Bumper Pool Table
One of the most appealing features of bumper pool tables is their size, which is significantly smaller than traditional pool tables. You can choose between a rectangular and an octagonal table. The fundamental rules are the same regardless of the style of the table. Each table presents unique challenges for you.
Bumper Pool Table Layout
A bumper pool table has one pocket on each end. Each pocket also has two adjacent bumpers that serve as goals. Two rows of bumpers cross at the center of the table. The bumpers are usually red or white and have a round rubber top that bounces the ball in different directions.
Balls
- You play bumper pool with ten red and white balls divided into two sets.
- Every set has one marked ball.
- You should place marked balls directly in front of each pocket.
- There is no cue ball in this game; the cue stick simply strikes the object balls.
Cue Stick
Bumper pool cues are typically 42 to 48 inches (1 – 1.2 m) long. Of course, other factors, such as your height and arm length, also affect how long a cue you should use. The cues are traditionally made of wood (hard rock maple), like cues for other games and have a leather tip.
Click here to find the best cues on the market.
Bumper Pool Rules And Guidelines
There are a few rules and guidelines to remember when playing this game. You’ll get a better feel after you play a few games, but knowing this can help you develop a winning strategy.
We advise you to talk to your opponent before starting the game to ensure you’re both playing by the same rules.
Starting The Game
To start a game, place your five balls on your side of the table. Before you can shoot at any of the other balls, you need to place the marked ball directly in front of your opponent’s pocket.
A good defense is just as important as a good offense.
During Game Play
There are a couple of rules that you need to follow during the game.
- If you hit a ball off the table, you need to place it between the main bumpers in the center of the table.
- If you score a ball in your own pocket – the one you’re supposed to be defending – your opponent is allowed to put any two of their balls in their scoring hole.
- If your opponent only has one or two balls on the table, they win the game.
Winning The Game
To start playing bumper pool, you and your team place five balls at opposite ends of the table. Both of your teams will have a ball with a dot on it. Place this ball directly in front of the pocket and shoot into the opponent’s pocket with a cue stick before your opponent can shoot at any of their balls. The objective of the game is to be the first to shoot five balls into your opponent’s hole.
You win the game if you are the first person who sinks all of the balls in your home pocket.
Penalties For Breaking The Rules Of Bumper Pool
If you don’t want to lose a game, try not to break the rules and beware of the penalties.
- If you fail to make your marked ball before making another, your opponent may sink two balls at any time.
- If you manage to knock your ball off the table, even though you did that unintentionally, your opponent will receive another automatic two-ball score.
- The same penalty applies if you jump your balls over others.
Bumper Pool Strategies
After a few rounds, you’ll have better results, but if you keep these suggestions in mind, you can come up with a winning plan.
Knocking Opponent’s Balls
If your opponent is about to score, you can use your turn to strike the opponent’s ball away from the pocket.
Setting Up Shots
To set up shots and strategize your next moves, use cushions and bumpers.
Shoot In The Middle Of The Bumper
You will buy some time if you can knock your opponent’s balls into the middle by using one of your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Purpose Of Bumper Pool?
The purpose of bumper pool is to sink the marked cue ball and then sink all the remaining balls into your pocket before your opponent does. Bumper pool is similar to billiards but you play it on a smaller table. This game is typically played one-on-one or in groups of two. There is no cue ball, so players hit their own balls with their cues.
What Is The Pool Game With Bumpers?
The pool game with bumpers is a bumper pool game. It is a cue sport played on a rectangular or octagonal table with two pockets and an array of fixed cushioned obstacles known as bumpers, which are placed on the table. The size of the bumper pool is similar to pocket billiards.
What Is Bumper Pool Ball?
The bumper pool ball is an essential part of the bumper pool game. The game requires four white and four red object balls and two marked balls, one red with a white spot and the other white with a red spot. All the balls are usually 2 1/8 inches (5.3 cm) in diameter.
Conclusion
What is bumper pool? The straightforward answer is that it’s a game that doesn’t take up too much space and is the perfect game to play at home. A bumper pool table is also less expensive than a regular pool table. Children can play this game and adults can also have a good time. Enjoy this game whether you play at home or the bar. If you ever need a refresher course on the game and rules, refer back to this guide.