killer (pool)

{{Short description|Multi-player variant of straight pool}}

Killer or killers is a multi-player folk variant of straight pool in which each player is assigned a set number of "lives" and takes one shot per {{Cuegloss|Inning|inning}} to attempt to {{Cuegloss|Pocket|pocket}} ({{Cuegloss|Pot|pot}}) a ball, or else lose a life. Usually if the player {{Cuegloss|Scratch|scratches}} then an additional life is lost.{{cite web |title=Killer Rules |url=http://www.poolhq.net/rules/Killer.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150824030123/http://www.poolhq.net/rules/Killer.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=24 August 2015 |website=Pool HQ |access-date=12 July 2018}} It is a popular pub game because it can involve a potentially unlimited number of players, and offers the opportunity for each player to bet a small amount of money for a reasonable return in winner-takes-all. There are often other local subrules such as potting the {{Cuegloss|Black ball|black}} ({{Cuegloss|8 ball|8 ball}}), or any two balls in one shot (including white), gives the player an extra life, or that failure to pocket a ball on the {{Cuegloss|Break|break shot}} does not cost a life (in which case the shooter shoots again).{{cite web |title=Frequently Asked Questions |url=http://www.killerpool.com/help#killer_pool |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317075150/http://www.killerpool.com/help#killer_pool |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 March 2012 |website=Killer Pool |access-date=12 July 2018 |quote=Provides rules for two variants: classic and sudden-death (only one "life")}} The game is sometimes called killer pool.

Killer pool is the main game subject of the Side Pocket video game series.