BANK POOL Meaning and
Definition
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Bank Pool is a popular cue sport game that is played on a pocket billiards table, usually with two players or two teams. The objective of this game is to pocket a predetermined number of object balls into any pocket on the table while using the cushions and without the use of specific balls. It is commonly played with 9, 10, or 15 object balls depending on the variation.
In Bank Pool, each player or team takes turns shooting, and they must call the ball and pocket they intend to use for each shot. The balls are usually numbered, and the participants earn points by successfully banking or rebounding their object ball off one or more cushions before pocketing their designated ball. There are specific rules about which ball to hit, the order in which balls must be pocketed, and scoring.
Bank Pool requires players to accurately judge angles, consider the positioning of balls, and execute shots with precision. Strategy is an important aspect of the game, as players may attempt to block their opponents' shots or plan their moves for future turns. Coordinating the cue ball's movement and predicting the resulting path of the object balls is key to achieving success in Bank Pool.
Due to its challenging nature and unique style of play, Bank Pool is a popular game played in tournaments and in recreational settings. It appeals to players who enjoy strategic thinking, precise shooting, and the excitement of banking shots off the cushions to pocket balls.
Etymology of BANK POOL
The word "bank" in "bank pool" comes from the Middle English word "banke", which referred to a mound or heap. It later evolved to refer to the banking of money, particularly in relation to financial institutions. In the context of billiards or pool, "bank" refers to the act of bouncing the cue ball off the cushions of the table.
The term "pool" in "bank pool" derives from the verb "to pool", which originally meant to form a common fund or a joint contribution of money. The word "pool" was later used to describe a game where players contributed to a common fund, and the winner received the entire amount.
Therefore, the term "bank pool" essentially refers to a variation of pool/billiards where players contribute to a collective fund, and the cue ball is bounced off the table cushions (or banks) as part of gameplay.
