Russian pyramid

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Russian Billiards pyramid.

Russian pyramid (also known as Russian billiards or Russian pool) has many differences from Western pool, though the game play is still dominated by attempts to pocket balls.

1 Main Differences
2 How To Play
3 History
4 External links

[edit] Main Differences

First of the differences is the size of the table - it is much larger. Even though sizes range 7' (198 х 99 cm); 8' (224 х 112 cm); 9' (254 х 127 cm); 12' (356 х1 78 cm) the most common one is the 12'. Second difference is the size of the balls: there are 16 of them (15 whites and 1 red) and they are much larger and heavier than the pool balls. There are two regulation sizes and they are 68 mm and 71 mm. Keeping in mind the size and weight of the balls it's obvious that you would need a much heavier cue to play Russian Billiards. The third major difference is the size of the pockets. They are only 2 to 4 mm wider than the diameter of the ball. This makes the game much more difficult and requires greater precision to pocket a ball.

[edit] How To Play

There are quite a few games that can be played in Russian Billiards but the two most common are American Pyramid and Moscow Pyramid. Both of the games start with 15 white balls racked in a pyramid just as they would be in pool. One player breaks from the baulk line. In Moscow Pyramid the object of the game is to pocket 8 balls. You can also score by pocketing the red cue ball. In this case your opponent must choose a white ball to be taken off the table and the red cue ball is returned to the baulk line. A foul (missing a ball, driving a ball off the table etc.) is penalized by deducting one of scored balls and returning it back on the table. All of the above applies to Russian Pyramid. The only difference is there is no set cue ball, at all times any ball may be used as a cue ball. The first player to score eight balls wins the game.

[edit] History

Since 2000 there is a World championship in Russian billiards. Eugene Stalev, who is also famous for playing pool in the USA became the first world champion. WC in Russian billiards starts every year and many different countries take part such as USA, Philippines, the UK, France, and many former USSR countries. Russian billiards is part of the local culture, which supports many billiards clubs.