Three-ball

[1][2][3] The game involves a somewhat more significant amount of luck than either nine-ball or eight-ball, because of the disproportionate value of pocketing balls on the break shot and increased difficulty of doing so.

[1][2][3] Unlike in eight-ball and nine-ball which are alternating turn-based games, the player at turn remains at turn until all object balls are pocketed,[1][2][3] or the player concedes or reaches the maximum point limit (see below).

[3] As in other games, the player at turn may demand a re-rack if not satisfied with the correct formation or position of the racked balls.

The cue ball is placed anywhere behind the head string ("in the kitchen")[3] and a hard break is typically performed.

[1][2][3] A shot in which the player pocketed one or more object balls but also fouled still incurs a penalty.

Kisses, caroms, kicks, banks, combinations and non-scoop-under jump shots are legal.

He soon realized that several players, with varied billiard skill, could be involved in one turn-based game.

This form of practice is often used as a drill to hone position play with the final balls of a rack in eight-ball and nine-ball.