Bumper Pool Strategy

Pool games are popular in bars, but one pool game is so different it requires a different table. Bumper pool has only two pockets on each end of the table, one hole in the center and twelve bumpers on the table. Each player or team gets five balls apiece. Two players can play at a time or two teams. Players must serve one ball at a time and sink them all in their hole.

Defense

Bumper pool is a game primarily of defense. A carefully played shot can place one of your balls directly in the way of your opponent. Your opponent can never shoot your ball or he will receive a penalty. Consider this as you play. For example, let's say your opponent makes a good shot and is near their hole on your side. You haven't served yet. Since you haven't served yet, you shoot your ball to knock your opponent's ball back away from your hole. With careful aiming, you can even knock your ball down the table and toward your hole.

Use Bumpers Offensively

The bumpers in bumper pool can create quite an obstacle to the beginning player. A pro player knows how to use the bumpers to create obstacles for his opponent. For example, his opponent has a ball within shooting distance of her hole. However, there is a bumper a few inches to her right that would block her off from shooting. Her opponent shoots his ball so that it lightly reflects of hers to head down the table. Meanwhile, her ball slowly rolls behind the bumper and sits snuggly against the table. Getting her ball out will be incredibly difficult.

Use Bumpers Defensively

Getting stuck behind a bumper will cost you valuable turns as you struggle to get the ball out. However, you can use the bumpers to your advantage. For example, let's say your opponent has a ball in position that could knock your ball back. You're not in a very good position to serve upward. However, you can shoot your ball up the table a few inches to place it right in front of a bumper. Your opponent can't knock your ball back, as it will just knock it into a bumper. And you may even have a straight shot toward the hole.

Center Hole

The center hole in a bumper pool table is large enough for a ball to fall inside. Knocking a ball into the center hole takes it off the table to be re-served. Use the center hole to your advantage in bumper pool. Knock your opponent's balls into the center hole as often as possible. This is an especially good strategy when your opponent is winning. Successfully knocking his ball into the hole will negate all of his previous shots with the ball and can buy you time to catch up.

Psychological Penalty Play

Try to frustrate your opponent into committing penalties. Winning a penalty can be incredibly advantageous. A player cannot make a ball leave the table, nor can he sink his ball into the opponent's hole. The player can also never jump his ball off of the table. Committing a penalty allows his opponent the chance to place the offending ball wherever he likes and remove two of his own balls from the table and put them in his pocket. Playing in an annoying manner, such as knocking his balls back with every shot you make can frustrate any opponent.