Bumper pool is played on a smaller table than pocket or carom billiards. A series of “bumpers” on the table allow for unique opportunities for carom shots and unusual play. Each player has five balls, either red or white. Your “cup” is the pocket on the opposite end of the table from your starting point.
1. OBJECT OF THE GAME: Pocket your five balls before your opponent pockets his or her five balls.
2. LEGAL BREAK: One ball on each side is marked with a “spot”. This ball must be the first one pocketed for each player.
3. LEGAL SHOT: You must pocket your balls in your own cup, on the opposite side of the table from your starting point.
4. CONTINUING PLAY: You may continue after every ball legally pocketed.
5. FOUL PENALTIES: If you pocket one of your opponent’s balls, there is no penalty. If you pocket one of your unmarked balls before the “spotted” ball, your opponent can automatically pocket two of his or her own balls. If you pocket one of your own balls in your opponent’s “cup”, your opponent can again automatically pocket two of his or her own balls.
6. SPECIAL FOUL PENALTIES: Pocketing your final ball in your opponent’s cup causes you to automatically forfeit the game.
