Chapter 9: 41

A popular barroom game, 41 is fast paced and highly competitive. Players alternate turns at the table after each shot, keeping the game spirited, and the outcome always unpredictable.

The objective of this game is simple: the first player to score 41 points wins. But to make things more interesting, each player is given a secret "pea" ball at the start of the game. Originally, this small round ball resembled a pea, hence its name. On the pea is printed a number between 1 and 15 (just like on the pool balls). This number is added to any balls you score, and is included in your total score. Let's say you have a pea of 7, you will then need to score balls equaling 34 (34 + 7 = 41). Be very careful when selecting which balls you will shoot, since you must score exactly 41 points.

Sound simple enough? Try a game and see for yourself how challenging 41 can be. Especially when Bob from New Jersey shoots in the 4 ball, which is what you needed to win! Hopefully the 3 ball and the 1 ball are still on the table. If not, you lose by forfeit.

When playing 41 against a computer opponent, you will not know what pea the computer player has and the computer player won't know your pea either. This adds another dimension of strategy, as you try to figure out what pea your opponent has and thwart his or her attempt to reach 41. But when playing against another human opponent, you will see each others' peas. This adds an extra dimension of competition, since you can do your darndest to sabotage your opponent's game, while still making sure you can score 41.

How to Play

The game of 41 is played with 15 object balls, numbered 1 to 15, and a cue ball. The goal of each player is to score exactly 41 points. The first person to do so, wins the game.

Players need not call shot. A player's inning at the table ends once he has made a shot, regardless of whether or not he pockets a ball. The table is then turned over to his opponent, who makes one shot. The game continues with players alternating turns at the table.

Opening break

The opening break in 41 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.

Any balls that the Starting Player pockets during the opening break are scored in his favor. After the break, the table is turned over to his opponent.

If a player scratches on the break, then that is a foul. The normal rules for scratching apply (see the section Fouls below).

Legal shot

A player may legally shoot at any ball on the table. If a player pockets a ball during his shot, then that ball's number is scored in his favor. There are two exceptions: If a pocketed ball causes the player to exceed 41 points, then the game automatically ends in a bust. Or if a pocketed ball creates an impossible win situation for the player, then the game automatically ends in a forfeit.

Once a player has completed his shot, then his inning ends and the table is turned over to his opponent.

Fouls

If a player fouls for any of the reasons listed below, his inning at the table ends. Any object balls that he pocketed while fouling are spotted and the table is turned over to his opponent.

Scratching. A player may not pocket the cue ball. 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.

Failure to execute a legal shot. A player must execute a legal shot as defined above in the section called Legal shot.

Scoring

For each legally pocketed object ball, a player scores the number on that ball in points. This score is added to the total score which also includes the player's pea. The first player to score 41 points wins the game.

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