Cutthroat is one of the most dynamic and competitive pool games around—especially when you’ve got exactly three players at the table. In this high-stakes format, each player is assigned a set of five balls and must try to eliminate their opponents by pocketing those balls before their own are knocked out. The last person with any of their group still on the table wins.
What makes cutthroat pool rules so appealing is the constant shift in momentum—every shot matters, and strategy can be just as important as skill. In this guide, we’ll break down how to play cutthroat, explain the official rules and common variations, walk through gameplay and fouls, and share tips to help you sharpen your strategy.
What You Need to Play Cutthroat
To play cutthroat, you'll need a standard pool table, a full rack of 15 object balls, cue sticks, and at least three players. Chalk and a triangle rack are helpful but not required. While the game works best with three players, it can be adjusted for more.
Basic Rules of Cutthroat Pool
Cutthroat divides the 15 balls into three groups:
- Player 1: Balls 1 through 5
- Player 2: Balls 6 through 10
- Player 3: Balls 11 through 15
The goal is to be the only player with balls still on the table. You do that by pocketing your opponents’ balls while avoiding your own. Once a player has no balls left, they’re out of the game unless house rules allow them to continue playing to interfere. If you're new to cutthroat rules in pool, it's helpful to review local variations before starting.
Determining Ball Groups for a Game of Cutthroat
Ball groups are assigned after the break and once the first legal shot is made. The player who sinks a ball during their turn can claim a group that hasn't already been assigned. If that shot includes balls from multiple groups, the player can choose which group to claim. If a player makes balls from all three groups, some house rules of cutthroat allow the group to be chosen later in the game.
Pre-assigning groups is another common variation, especially for quick play.
How to Break in Cutthroat
The break shot must hit the racked balls and drive at least four object balls to the rails or sink at least one ball. A scratch on the break usually results in ball-in-hand for the next player. If no balls are pocketed and the break is weak, the rack may be reset. Once a legal break occurs and balls are made, gameplay begins.
Cutthroat Gameplay Overview
Play proceeds clockwise. Players aim to pocket their opponents’ balls and keep their own on the table. Some groups require called shots—others allow slop shots, depending on house cutthroat pool rules. A player continues shooting as long as they pocket a ball that doesn’t belong to their group.
Pocketing one of your own balls is a foul. After a foul, the next player typically receives ball-in-hand. A scratch, missed shot, or table violation counts as a foul. When a player has no remaining balls, they are considered eliminated—though in some casual games, they can continue playing to make it more challenging for the others.
Cutthroat Fouls and Penalties
Common fouls include:
- Scratching the cue ball
- Failing to hit any ball
- Sinking your own ball
- Jumping the cue ball off the table
The standard penalty for a foul is giving the next player ball-in-hand. In stricter games, pocketed balls may be spotted if the shooter sank their own by mistake. Table etiquette often varies depending on local rules of cutthroat and how casual or competitive the game is.
Cutthroat Strategy Tips
Cutthroat rewards both offensive and defensive play. Eliminating a strong player early can shift the game in your favor, but it also makes you a target. Holding back and disguising your group can provide a temporary advantage in the early rounds.
Protect your group by leaving them in tough positions—especially behind blockers or near pockets without easy angles. Aim to break up clusters that favor your opponents. Positioning the cue ball for defensive safety can be as important as making shots. Strong players in cutthroat billiards often win not just through shot-making, but through smart positioning and subtle control.
Winning a Game of Cutthroat
The last player with at least one ball on the table wins. If all three groups are still in play and two players are eliminated at the same time, the win goes to the player whose group has the remaining ball. Ties are rare but can happen with unusual shot outcomes. In friendly games, these are often resolved by replaying a shortened round.
Popular Cutthroat Variations
While three-player cutthroat is the standard, you can also play with four or five by modifying the ball assignments:
- Four players: Divide into four groups of 3 or assign players to overlapping groups
- Five players: Use three-ball groups and alternate shot turns
- Team cutthroat: Two teams of multiple players share one group of balls
- Alternate splits: Instead of 1–5, 6–10, and 11–15, assign random sets or use high/mid/low
If you're ever unsure about a variation, reviewing the rules of cutthroat before the game starts can avoid confusion and keep play smooth.
Elevate Your Game With Blatt Billiards
Whether you're learning to play cutthroat or perfecting your game, having the right table makes all the difference.
At Blatt Billiards, we offer handcrafted custom pool tables, flexible semi-custom designs, and quality economy models built to perform. We also carry a full range of accessories—from cue sticks and cue racks to everything else you need to complete your setup. Explore our collection and bring home a table that fits your style, space, and skill level.
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