Pronunciation: [bˈɒtə͡l pˈuːl] (IPA) 
Bottle pool is a game played on a table with a set of numbered pins or "bottles" and a cue ball. The word is spelled /ˈbɒtl puːl/ in IPA, with the stress on the first syllable of "bottle" and the second syllable of "pool." The "o" in "pool" is pronounced as a long "u" sound, written as /uː/. The spelling of "bottle" and "pool" follows standard English phonetic patterns, with the vowel sounds matching their respective letters.
Bottle pool is a popular cue sport game that is played on a table with six circular objects shaped like bottles and one cue ball. The game is also known by various names such as bottle billiards, pin pool, or keg pool. The aim of bottle pool is to pocket all the bottles using the cue ball, similar to traditional billiards games like pool or snooker.
Each player takes turns shooting the cue ball with the goal of striking one or more of the bottles. When a bottle is pocketed, the player receives a point, and the pocketed bottle is immediately returned to its original position on the table. The player who pockets the most bottles or reaches a predetermined score first is declared the winner.
Bottle pool requires skill in aiming, positioning, and strategizing to pocket the bottles effectively. Players must carefully consider their shots to avoid scratching, where the cue ball is pocketed, resulting in a loss of turn. It is also important to plan shots that may cause the other bottles to move favorably for future shots.
Bottle pool can be played by two or more players, either individually or in teams. It is a versatile game that can be enjoyed casually at home or in more competitive settings, often in bars or recreational centers. The game is often accompanied by friendly banter and provides an entertaining and challenging pastime for enthusiasts of cue sports.
The etymology of the term "bottle pool" can be traced back to the combination of two separate words: "bottle" and "pool".
1. Bottle: term "bottle" originated from the Latin word "butticula", which referred to a small container. Over time, this word evolved into "bottle" in Old English, indicating a vessel with a narrow neck and a significantly wider base.
2. Pool: word "pool" has multiple origins. In this context, it is derived from the Old English word "pōl", which denoted a small body of still water or a shallow pond. This evolved from the Proto-Germanic word "pōlą", which had a similar meaning.
When these two words are combined, "bottle pool" refers to a game that is played on a table with a shallow pool or pocket, resembling the still water enclosed in a bottle.
