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32 | OHCC LIVING | MARCH 2022 | Key Ball Most players know how to play 8-Ball. Key Ball is an ingenious form of 8-Ball. The difference is that the 1-ball MUST be potted in the two pocket and the 15-ball MUST be potted in the five pocket. The balls are also racked differently in this game. In the fourth row of balls, the 15-ball must be placed in the number two position and the 1-ball in the three position. This means that, in the 4th row, the 1-ball and the 15-ball will line up in positions opposite from their key ball pocket on the table. At the start of the game, the table is open. As soon as the first ball is legally potted, if the ball is a solid, that player automatically will have the solid 1-ball as his key ball. The other player, by default, has the striped 15-ball as his key ball. The opposite is also true. If a striped ball is potted first, the 15-ball becomes the key ball for that player and the 1-ball for the other player. A player cannot shoot for the 8-ball to end the game until all of his balls have been potted, including the key ball in the appropriate pocket. If a foul is committed during the game, the other player receives ball in hand. This is the best time for the other player to sink his key ball, if possible. Otherwise, play tactics involve getting into position to sink the key ball as early as possible during the game. If a player is left with only his key ball on the table, it is more difficult to sink the key ball in the correct pocket. If a player commits a foul by striking the other player's key ball first, that ball is removed from the table and considered potted. Also, if a player accidentally sinks the other player's key ball into ANY pocket, it is considered potted. If a player sinks his own key ball into any pocket other than his required pocket, the key ball in spotted and not considered potted. Play resumes. Key Ball is a game of strategy. If a player notices that his opponent has his key ball close to his key pocket and close to being potted, striking one of his own balls into the other player's key ball to knock it away works. Also, placing your own balls around the opponent's key pocket leaves less room for his to sink his key ball. Try it, and you'll like it! ~ Written by Billiards Club Member Keith Bogost Billiards