Episode 3: Caroms (Whacky Pool)

Introduction

As I quietly approached The 4T's, nestled deep within the towering timbers of the Pacific Northwest, an unusual sight caught my attention. The Squatches were gathered around the pool table, engaged in what appeared to be a unique and intriguing game. Observing closely, I noticed they were striking the object ball towards the cue ball, using it as an apparent backboard to carom into another ball or pocket. Intrigued by this unconventional gameplay, I decided to learn the rules of this new game from the Squatches.

The Setting

The 4T's, with its rustic charm and serene forest backdrop, was alive with excitement. The Squatches had gathered for a game of "Caroms," affectionately known as "Whacky Pool." This game combines elements of traditional 8-ball with unique carom shots, creating an engaging and challenging experience.

The Characters

- Giggly Squatch: Young and eager, with dark fur and a playful demeanor. Giggly is new to the game but enthusiastic to learn.

- Big Jim: Tall and wise, with long silver hair tied back in a ponytail and a short beard. Big Jim’s calm and precise approach to the game reflects his extensive experience.

- Hudsquatch: Slightly short and heavier set, with long silver hair in a ponytail. Hudsquatch is always loud and energetic, often commenting on the game with his unique style.

Rack 1: The Opening

Big Jim and Giggly Squatch exchanged friendly nods before the game began. Big Jim won the coin toss and chose to break. Unlike traditional pool, the cue ball was placed in the head position, and the break was made using the 1 ball.

- Early Game:

  Big Jim lined up his shot and broke with a smooth and powerful stroke, scattering the balls across the table. He quickly gained control, pocketing several solids with calculated carom shots.

- Mid-Game:

  Giggly Squatch stepped up to the table with enthusiasm. He struck a stripe, but the ball missed the cue ball entirely. Hudsquatch, watching from the side, boomed, "Ah, Giggly, ya gotta hit the cue ball first!"

The First Foul:

  Giggly, eager to make a good shot, attempted an illegal combo by striking the 1 ball into the cue ball, hoping the cue ball would pocket another stripe. The shot was illegal, and Giggly lost his turn. Big Jim, with a patient smile, opted to leave the cue ball where it was and took over. Hudsquatch chimed in, "No shortcuts, Giggly! Big Jim’s gonna show ya how it’s done."

- End Game:

  Big Jim continued his methodical play, pocketing more solids. The game progressed with Big Jim demonstrating the precision of advanced play, calling each shot.

Rack 2: The Continuation

With Big Jim’s victory in the first rack, he took the break for the second rack.

- Early Game:

  Big Jim broke powerfully, scattering the balls. This time, Giggly stepped up with renewed determination. He managed to pocket a stripe using a proper carom shot, drawing cheers from the onlookers.

- Mid-Game:

  The game intensified as both players showcased their skills. Giggly, despite his beginner status, managed to pocket several stripes through slop shots. However, he encountered his first Option Foul when he failed to hit the cue ball first. Big Jim, this time opting to place the cue ball in the center of the table because he didn't like where it lay, continued his play with precision. Hudsquatch, ever the commentator, shouted, "Smart move, Big Jim! Center spot gives ya options!"

The Pocket Scratch:

  As the game progressed, Giggly inadvertently pocketed the cue ball. According to the rules, the cue ball was placed back in the center of the table. Big Jim used this to his advantage, setting up a perfect carom shot to pocket another solid.

End Game:

  Big Jim approached the 8-ball with confidence. He called his shot and executed a flawless carom to pocket the 8-ball, securing another victory. Hudsquatch exclaimed, "That’s how it’s done, Big Jim! Smooth as ever!"

Rack 3: The Decider

Despite the previous losses, Giggly’s enthusiasm remained undiminished. The third rack began with Big Jim breaking once more.

- Early Game:

  Big Jim’s break scattered the balls, but none were pocketed. Giggly stepped up, successfully using a carom shot to pocket a stripe, much to the delight of the audience. Hudsquatch cheered, "There ya go, Giggly! That’s the spirit!"

- Mid-Game:

  The game continued with both players showcasing their skills. Giggly attempted another slop shot, this time legally caroming off the cue ball and pocketing a stripe. However, he committed another Option Foul when he failed to hit the cue ball first on his next shot. Big Jim, choosing to move the cue ball to the center, capitalized on the opportunity. Hudsquatch commented, "Watch out, Giggly! Big Jim’s setting up for a big play!"

Accidental Ball:

  During the game, Big Jim made an accidental shot, pocketing a ball unintentionally. "Ah, tough break, Big Jim," Hudsquatch exclaimed. "Rules say ya gotta call it, so it’s Giggly’s turn now!" When Giggly made an accidental ball, he got to continue. Hudsquatch excitedly explained, "That’s how we level the game! Gives Giggly a fair shot!"

End Game:

  As the game drew to a close, Giggly pocketed his final stripe and eyed the 8-ball. The tension was palpable as he lined up his shot. Despite his best efforts, he missed, leaving the table open for Big Jim. Big Jim, with his characteristic calm, called his shot and caromed the 8-ball into the pocket, winning the match. Hudsquatch shouted, "Well played, Big Jim! Giggly, you’re gettin’ there, buddy!"

Conclusion:

The game ended with a handshake between Big Jim and Giggly Squatch, their mutual respect evident. The observers, including myself, witnessed a game of strategy, skill, and learning. The 4T's continues to be a place of discovery and excitement, promising many more stories to come.

As I pack up my notes and prepare to leave, I am filled with anticipation for the next chapter in this extraordinary world. Until then, I remain your guide and storyteller, eager to share the wonders of Squatch Pool with you.

Technical Rules Manual: "Caroms" (Whacky Pool)

Objective:

The goal is to pocket all of your assigned balls (stripes or solids) and then the 8-ball, with the added challenge of caroming off the cue ball.

Setup:

1. Rack Formation:

   - The cue ball is placed in the head position.

   - The 1 ball is used to break the rack.

Gameplay:

1. Breaking:

   - The game starts with the 1 ball being used to break the rack.

   - Players choose either stripes or solids based on the first ball pocketed legally after the break.

2. Caroming Shots:

   - After the break, players must strike their respective object balls (stripes or solids).

   - Each shot must involve the object ball hitting the cue ball first and then caroming off the cue ball to attempt to pocket another ball.

   - Players cannot use the cue ball to combo other balls into the pocket. The object ball must strike the cue ball and then either directly or indirectly (by caroming) pocket another ball.

Skill Levels:

1. Beginner:

   - Players do not need to call their shots.

   - Slop balls (any ball that goes in legally) count.

2. Intermediate:

   - Players play slop for all balls except the 8-ball.

   - The 8-ball must be called.

3. Advanced:

   - Players must call every shot for the entire rack.

4. Leveling the Game:

   - Each player may play by a different difficulty rating. For example, one player may play slop while the other calls pockets.

Fouls:

1. General Fouls:

   - A foul occurs if the player does not contact the cue ball first with the object ball, or if no ball hits a rail after contact.

   - If a foul occurs, the opponent has the "option" to either leave the cue ball where it lies or place it in the center of the table between the side pockets.

2. Pocket Scratch:

   - If the cue ball is pocketed, it is placed back in the center of the table.

Winning:

1. Standard 8-ball Rules:

   - Players continue to pocket their respective balls.

   - The game is won by pocketing the 8-ball after all assigned balls have been potted.

Example Scenarios:

1. Illegal Combo:

   - A player attempts to strike the 1 ball into the cue ball, hoping the cue ball will pocket another ball. This is illegal. The object ball must hit the cue ball and then carom into another ball to be legal.

2. Option Foul:

   - If a player fails to hit the cue ball first or no ball

Episode 3 Field Notes