Cricket Pool is a game of pool that resembles the dart game, Cricket. One must sink color sets to “close” them, e.g., the 1 and the 9 constitute the yellow set. (The 8-ball serves as the bullseye and does not have a corresponding pair.) If a color set is still “open” (both players have not closed the set), then one representative of that color must be retained on the table.

The easiest way to state this condition is: if the scoring chart (below) does not show an “X” in both columns of a certain color set, then the second element of that set must remain on the table.

When the second ball of a set is sunk before the set is closed by both players, then it must be returned to the table at a random location determined by a random generator. If a space is occupied, one should choose the spot nearest the center of the table which allows placement.

Game play begins with a (diamond-shaped) nine-ball rack composed of the following four color sets: yellow (1 and 9), blue (2 and 10), red (3 and 11), purple (4 and 12). The 8-ball occupies the center position.

The “breaker” marks any balls made on the scoring chart (below). The “breaker” takes a second shot in the same manner. Play proceeds with each player taking two shots in a row–regardless of outcome. (If a scratch occurs, the opposing player is given ball-in-hand behind the Head String, any balls sunk on the shot are spotted on the Foot Spot, and the turn of the violating player is forfeited.)

The winner is the first to “close” all four color sets and also sink the 8-ball. Sinking the 8-ball a single time closes the set. It may be sunk at any time and need not be reserved for the end.

Cricket Pool Score Keeper

Ball Set	Player 1	Player 2
(1,9)
(2,10)
(3,11)
(4,12)
(8)