A billiards variant accommodates three participants, introducing unique strategic dimensions to the conventional two-player game. This format necessitates altered rulesets and scoring systems to maintain balance and fairness among the players. Common examples include cutthroat pool, where the objective involves being the last player with remaining balls on the table, and other custom variations designed to leverage the increased complexity.
The presence of an additional player significantly changes the tactical landscape, demanding more calculated shots and defensive maneuvers. Alliances and betrayals become potential strategic elements, and the increased number of object balls and possible targets enriches the playing experience. Historically, modifications to existing billiards games have been developed to suit various group sizes, reflecting the adaptability of the sport.