Bumper Pool Table

A bumper pool table is smaller than one of the regulation pool tables. And the game is different as well. These tables have two pockets on opposite sides of each other and located in the center between the two rails.

You can find bumper pool tables that have twelve, fourteen, and some sixteen bumpers. There are two bumpers flanking each pocket. Then the rest of the bumpers are set in the center of this table forming a cross design. One line of this cross is lined up with the pockets.

In the center of this cross is a hole that is just large enough for a ball to fall through. Tables that have fourteen bumpers will have three instead of two bumpers set on either side of this center space. They are right on the cross line halfway between the holes.

Bumper Pool Table Game Explained

Bumper pool is played using five red balls and five white balls and each set has a ball that is marked. To begin the game each ball set gets arranged on five spots that are near each table edge by one of the pockets. The marked ball is then placed in direct line with the pocket.

The objective is to sink all your balls into your pocket at opposite ends of the bumper pool table. Your marked ball has to be sunk before you can sink any of your other balls. There is no cue ball like in regulation pool. Each of the balls can be shot into a pocket.

The marked balls are shot simultaneously by banking them off the cushion. This is done to the right and you try to sink your ball into the pocket that is at the opposite end of your table.

Should both players sing the first ball shot then they choose another ball and place it directly in front of the opponent’s pocket. Then they repeat the form simultaneous shot. If the players both successfully sink all five balls this way then the game will end as a draw.

If either player fails to sink their marked ball into the pocket, the one who was successful in sinking their ball or the one who came closest to their own pocket shoots next. A player’s turn will continue until they fail to sink any of their balls.

Bumper Pool Table Types Available

You can find two basic types of bumper pool tables. The first is the regular table with the rectangular shape. The second is the Octagon shaped tables. The octagon shaped tables offer an even greater challenge. This is because there are 8 rails for banking off of instead of the regular 4.

Most of the octagon shaped tables are crafted into multi-game tables. This means that you also get to use them as poker tables as well.

Regardless of which style of bumper pool table you choose, you are bound to get hour and hours of exciting fun facing the challenges that these game tables can bring you. They are great for family fun and for having friends over to have a really good time.