How to Play Kelly Pool

Play Kelly Pool for some extra fun with up to 5 players

Number of Players

2 to 15

The Game

This game involves 16 balls, comprising 1 cue ball and 15 coloured balls numbered from 1 to 15. The Table Marker assigns an alley to each player for their turn in the game. Once all the player names are registered, the alleys are returned, and the pool money is collected. The Marker then allocates an alley to each player according to the order recorded in the book. These alleys are placed in designated slots within a box to represent the order of play. For example, the 1st player is assigned to No. 1 slot, the 2nd player to No. 2 slot, and so forth. The game begins when the first player breaks the balls from the “D.”

A crucial rule when you play Kelly Pool is that the cue ball must make contact with at least one cushion before it hits the other pool balls. To ensure a smooth game, each player must remember the number associated with their alley placement in the box. The game concludes when a player successfully pockets the ball on the table bearing the same number as their alley.

Play Kelly Pool

Players are allowed to pocket any ball on the pool table, excluding the cue ball, and they continue their turn until they either fail to pocket a ball or commit a foul shot. If a player pockets a ball that does not correspond to their alley, and no other player possesses an alley for that number, they earn no advantage but continue their turn. In contrast, if another player has an alley for the ball pocketed, the player making the shot has to pay “Half Pool,” such as 5-cent Pool or 2-cent Pool, and then resumes their own turn. Likewise, they may pocket other balls and collect from them.

Once a ball is successfully pocketed through a legitimate shot, it remains off the table, potentially re-entering play during the game. However, if a ball is pocketed due to a foul shot, it is placed back on the table, either on the pink spot or, if that spot is occupied, as close to it as possible. Once a foul shot occurs, the next player immediately begins their turn.

If a new player wishes to join the game, they can do so by paying a double or triple entrance fee, depending on the circumstances. They gain no specific advantages and, as a new player, take the last alley thrown for their position.

Foul Shots

1. If the cue ball does not strike a numbered ball the shot is replayed but does not count, and the next player commenced play. Any players balls pocketed on a second shot are spotted on the pink spot.

2. (a) If the cue ball from any cause whatever is pocketed, the player stops, and the next player commences from “D” and can play at any ball on the table.

(b) Should the player pocket the cue ball and also pocket his own or any other ball in the same stroke, it is a foul stroke and does not count.

3. Any ball or balls pocketed under the above shots are re-spotted and the next player plays.

4. Rules governing foul shots in Billiards (eg: both feet off the floor, moving the cue ball in the act of striking, push shots etc) constitute a foul and must be recognized is this game if any player claims it.

5. In any case where the marker is satisfied that a player has deliberately played a ball so as to let his following win the Pool, he shall call it a foul shot and spot the ball on the pink spot immediately.

You can Watch a good Kelly Pool YouTube video here… How To Play Kelly Pool

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