“Cut Down” alters 9-Ball and makes for a faster and less frustrating game, especially for beginning and intermediate pool shoots. The rules are as simple as 1-2-3:
1. Play according to typical 9-Ball rules and strategy but
2. Pocket every ball numbered below balls sunk on the break (e.g., if you sink the 3- and 5-balls on the break, the 1-, 2- and 4-balls are also pocketed immediately)
3. If no ball has sunk on the break, pocket the ball nearest to a pocket and then take off more as needed in rule 2 above (pocket more than one ball if it cannot be determined which is closest to a pocket)
The game goes quickly and is tons of fun. As a learning game, you will pay more attention than in regular 9-Ball pool games to where the balls are to be racked and in how to make a powerful 9-Ball break. As patterns emerge, you will see how the experts view the break as a matter of direction and intention, not chance.
Do not confuse Cut Down 9-Ball with Cutthroat Pool, a different game entirely but also one which is a blast to play. My pool students love it.
