Cutthroat, also called elimination, is a casual pool game that is played by three players instead of the more usual two. If you are looking for a three player game, or if you just want to try a fun new game, then Cutthroat is an ideal choice.
Each player in the game is assigned a set of balls (numbered 1-5, 6-10, and 11-15). Unlike other pool games though, players do not try to pocket their own balls, but those of their opponents. Players are eliminated from the game when all balls in their set have been pocketed. The winner is the player who has at least one of his balls still on the table after both opponents have been eliminated.
Cutthroat is played with 15 object balls, numbered 1 to 15, and a cue ball. The goal of each player is to pocket his opponents' sets of balls. Sets are numbered as follows: starting player, balls 1-5; second player, balls 6-10; and third player, balls 11-15. The player with a ball (or balls) still on the table when all opponents' balls have been legally pocketed wins the game.
Players need not call shot. A player's inning at the table ends if he fails to pocket one of his opponent's balls or if he fouls (see the section called Fouls below).
The opening break in Cutthroat is made by the Starting Player, as set in the Preferences menu. The break must be made from behind the head string. That is the only requirement for the opening break; however, "gentlemen's play" dictates that the starting player should attempt an open break even though this is not enforced.
All balls pocketed on a legal opening break remain pocketed. If a player pockets a ball in either of his opponents' sets, then his inning continues. But, if he pockets only a ball in his own set, then his inning ends and the table is turned over to the next player.
If a player fails to pocket a ball on the break, his inning ends and the next player's inning begins.
If a player scratches on the break, then that is a foul. The normal rules for scratching apply (see the section Fouls below).
A legal shot requires that the cue ball strike an opponent's ball before striking any other ball on the table (i.e., a player may not strike a ball in his own set first).
In order for a player to continue his inning at the table, he must pocket an opponent's object ball. If a player fails to pocket one of his opponent's object balls, then his inning ends and the table is turned over to the next player.
If a player fouls for any of the reasons listed below, his inning at the table ends. Any of his opponents' object balls that he pocketed while fouling are spotted, but any object balls from his own set remain pocketed. The table is then turned over to the next player.
Scratching. A player may not pocket the cue ball. In addition to spotting any opponents' object balls pocketed on a scratching foul, one additional ball from each opponent's set of balls is also spotted. Thus, a player who has been eliminated from the game can reenter after a scratch, since he now has a ball in his set on the table. After a scratch, the incoming player is awarded ball in hand behind the head string.
Illegal shooting from behind the head string: If a player has ball in hand behind the head string (ball in kitchen), then he may not shoot at any object ball in the kitchen until he first drives the cue ball out of the kitchen. If the cue ball hits a cushion and returns to strike an object ball in the kitchen, then that shot is legal. Note: The player may shoot at any object ball not in the kitchen according to the normal rules.
There is no scoring in Cutthroat. The player with at least one of his balls remaining on the table after all opponents' balls are pocketed wins the game.