Cutthroat is a competitive pool game variant played among three or more players. The objective is to be the last player with any of one’s assigned object balls remaining on the table. Each player, or team, is assigned a group of balls. Standard rules differ, but usually these groupings are either balls 1-5, 6-10, and 11-15, or thirds if more players are involved. The game continues until all but one player has lost all of their object balls.
The appeal of this game format lies in its strategic depth and social dynamics. It encourages defensive play and collaboration, as players may temporarily align to eliminate a common opponent. Its history is less formally documented than games like 8-ball or 9-ball, but it is a commonly played, locally adapted variant found in many pool halls and home game settings, often providing a faster-paced and more unpredictable game experience.