How To Play Russian Billiards: Different Variations

Key Takeaways

• Like other billiards games, Russian billiards is a cue sport, but it differs in table size, number of balls, rules, etc. Let’s follow the guide to get more details.
• Before playing Pyramid Russian, you should familiarize yourself with three main factors: objective, equipment, and variations. Let’s see below.

What is Russian Billiards?

Russian billiards game

Russian billiards is also known as Russian Pyramids or pyramid billiards. It is a cue sport similar to pool but with notable differences, such as table size, number of balls, rules, etc. 

The game is popular in Russia and other former Soviet Union countries. It offers a unique twist on traditional billiards.

Russian Pyramid Pool vs Other Billiard Games: Key Differences

Russian Pool is a cue sport that differs significantly from popular billiard games like Pool and Snooker. Here are the key differences:

1. Table Size and Pocket Size

The size of balls and pockets are nearly the same

Russian Billiards: The tables are larger, typically measuring 12 feet in length. The pockets are very narrow and slightly larger than the balls, making it challenging to pocket balls.

Other Billiard Games:

• Pool: Standard tables are usually 7, 8, or 9 feet long with wider pockets, making it easier to pocket balls.
• Snooker: The tables are also 12 feet long, but the pockets are wider than the Russian Pyramid, allowing for more successful shots.

2. Balls

The balls of Russian billiards are bigger and heavier than other billiards game

Russian Billiards: The balls are bigger and heavier than those used in Pool or Snooker. All balls are the same size and color, with the cue ball typically marked by a small dot.

Other Billiard Games:

• Pool: Balls with distinct cue and object balls are smaller and lighter. The object balls are often numbered and come in different colors.
• Snooker: The balls in Snooker are smaller than those in the Russian Pyramid and are color-coded, with each color representing a different point.

3. Cue Ball

Russian Pyramids: Any ball can be used as the cue ball, meaning players can choose any ball to strike at the beginning of their turn.

Other Billiard Games:

• Pool and Snooker: The cue ball is distinct and used exclusively to strike the object balls.

4. Rules and Objectives

Russian Billiards: The objective is to pocket any ball, but the rules vary. Due to the small pockets, the game requires precise and careful shots, leading to slower-paced gameplay.

Other Billiard Games:

• Pool: Games like 8-ball and 9-ball have specific rules about pocketing designated balls in a particular order.
• Snooker: Have a complex scoring system where players must pocket balls in a particular sequence to accumulate points.

5. Gameplay Strategy

Russian Billiards: The narrow pockets and larger table size usually need high precision and strategic shot-making. Players often focus on defensive play and careful positioning.

Other Billiard Games:

• Pool and Snooker: While strategy is essential, the larger pockets and different ball dynamics allow for more aggressive and faster-paced gameplay.

6. Popularity and Regions

Russian Billiards: This game is popular in Russia and other former Soviet Union countries.

Other Billiard Games:

• Pool: Enjoyed worldwide, particularly popular in North America and Europe.
• Snooker: Especially popular in the UK, Commonwealth countries, and parts of Asia.

These differences highlight the unique challenges and skills required in the Russian Pyramid Pool compared to other billiard games, making it a distinctive variant in cue sports.

How to Play Russian Billiards?

Playing Russian billiards game

As a player, you should consider the game objective, equipment needed, variation, and rules before starting the gameplay.

The Game Objective

The objective of Russian billiards is the same as that of regular billiards: putting balls into pockets. However, the Russian pool is more challenging because the balls and pockets are nearly the same size, requiring extra precision.

Equipment Needed

Like other billiards games, Russian billiards gameplay also requires the necessary equipment as follows:

1. Russian Billiard Table

• Size: The standard size for official tournaments is 12 by 6 feet (370 cm × 180 cm), similar to professional snooker tables.
• Slate and Heating: The slate on Russian pyramid tables is usually thinner than on pool and snooker tables. Some tables even have a heating system.

2. Russian Billiard Balls

• Set: There are sixteen balls—fifteen numbered object balls and one cue ball.
• Colors: The numbered balls are primarily white, while the cue ball is red or yellow.
• Size and Weight: The balls are 67 mm (25/8 inches) and about 255 grams (9 ounces).

3. Pockets

• Corner Pockets: Only 3 mm (about 3/16 inches) wider than the balls, requiring precise shots.
• Middle Pockets: Slightly larger, 12–13 mm (about 1/2–3/4 inches) wider than the balls, but still demanding accuracy.

4. Russian Billiard Cue

• Size and Weight: Russian Pool cues are thicker and heavier than pool cues, suited to the larger ball size.
• Tip Diameter: The tip is wider, up to 15 mm, compared to the 10–13 mm tips used in pool cues.

Variations of Russian Billiards & Unique Rules to Play

Dynamic rule on the game play

There are several variations of the Russian pool, each with unique rules. Here are the main ones:

1. Free Pyramid (American Pyramid)

Any ball can be the cue ball at any time. Players must hit another ball first before pocketing the ball they struck. The goal is to make a carom shot, where the cue ball hits another ball, which then goes into a pocket.

2. Dynamic Pyramid

In this Dynamic rule, players can use only one ball as the cue ball. They must hit another ball with the cue ball, and if successful, they can choose a white ball to remove from the table. Players can put the cue ball anywhere on the table, but they can not pocket balls on the next shot.

3. Combined Pyramid

Similar to Dynamic Pyramid, with one designated cue ball. Players must pocket the cue ball using a carom shot off another ball. Afterward, they choose a white ball to remove from the table.

Players the cue ball between the bottom cushion and the head/baulk line, known as the “kitchen” in the Western pool. Players can pocket balls in the side and far-corner pockets from this position.

These variations offer different challenges and strategies, adding variety to the game of the Russian pyramid pool.