Well now, let me tell ya ’bout this thing called a “pool table shaker bottle.” Ya see, it’s not just a regular ol’ bottle. Nope, this one’s special-like. Folks use it in a game called Kelly Pool, or sometimes they call it bottle pool. It’s a real fun game, ‘cept it ain’t quite the same as regular ol’ pool. You ain’t just hittin’ balls in holes, no sir. This game’s got a bit of mystery and chance in it, all thanks to that shaker bottle.
So, what’s this shaker bottle all ’bout? Well, it’s a narrow-necked container, kinda like a bottle, but it’s made for a very particular purpose. Some folks call it a tally bottle, others might say shake bottle or pea bottle—don’t matter what name, it’s all the same. This here bottle is used to mix up some little numbered markers, which folks call “peas” or “pills.” They get all shook up inside the bottle, and that’s how the game starts. The markers inside are numbered, and each player pulls one out, kinda like drawin’ lots. Whatever number they draw, that’s the ball they gotta aim for, but they keep it a secret from the other players. Keeps things interesting, ya see?
Now, this game is usually played on a regular pool table, one o’ them 7-foot tables or maybe an 8-footer if you got room for it. But it ain’t just about the table size, no sir. The game really starts when you place that shaker bottle on the table, and here’s the kicker: ya gotta shake it real good before anythin’ happens. The shaker bottle has to be placed on the table, and once it’s shook up, the players each pull out their marker. It’s real random-like, adds a bit of excitement to the game.
When you start, the goal is simple, though it may take a little time to figure out. Each player has to try and score by makin’ their ball into the pockets, just like regular pool. But here’s where it gets different—before they even start, they don’t know which ball they’re supposed to hit. It’s all down to luck, see? And that’s the fun part! You don’t get to choose your ball, no ma’am. It’s all about what number ya draw from that bottle.
Now, as for the rules of the game, there ain’t much to it once you get the hang of it. The player who pulls out a marker has to find the corresponding ball and get it into one of the pockets. The winner is the one who scores first, but trust me, it can take a while if ya ain’t good at aim, or if that bottle just ain’t givin’ ya a good draw!
Some folks like to make it fancy and play with different-sized tables, like them 9-foot tables that the snooker folks love. But it don’t really matter the size of the table as long as ya got a good bottle and a fair shake. You just need enough space to make sure the balls ain’t rollin’ off the edges, ya know? So long as the table’s big enough for a good game and there’s room for that bottle to do its work, that’s all that counts.
And lemme tell ya, folks get real serious ’bout their game once they’re playin’. I’ve seen plenty o’ people stand around, all hunched over, watchin’ every little move the players make. It gets intense, just like regular pool, but with that extra bit of surprise. Ain’t nobody knowin’ which ball they’ll be goin’ after till they pull their marker outta the bottle!
In some places, they even play a little bit fancier, usin’ bigger balls like the carom billiard ones. Now that’s a whole other kettle o’ fish, I tell ya. Those balls are a bit heavier, and they ain’t got no numbers, but they still fit in the game. Some folks like to play with those, but most just stick to the regular ol’ pool balls, ’cause that’s what they know best.
So, all in all, this bottle pool game is a fun way to mix things up. Ya still get to play pool, but with a twist that keeps ya on yer toes. The shaker bottle adds a bit of luck to the game, and that’s what makes it fun. Plus, it’s a good way to get folks gatherin’ round the table, laughin’ and shakin’ up that bottle. If ya ain’t tried it yet, you oughta give it a go. Might just find yourself enjoyin’ a new kind of pool!
Tags:[pool table shaker bottle, Kelly Pool, bottle pool, billiards, shake bottle, tally bottle, pool game, random pool game, pool game rules]