Basic Rules
Each Ultimate Pool Challenge deck contains 52 challenge cards, plus 2 wild or joker cards. Each card has an associated point value and displays the ball setup, an english map, directions for the shot(s), and some indicate where you should attempt to direct the cue ball for position on your next shot. The initial shot must always be shot as directed and any additional balls must be pocketed when indicated. Note that all shots are aligned with the diamonds, pockets and one-ball-off-rail symbols.
In summary, the basics of play are as follows: Shuffle the deck and begin by drawing a card. Set up the balls as pictured. Make the shot(s) as instructed and keep the card/points, then draw again. When the shot is not made, the card passes to the next player who keeps the card/points if they clear the ball(s) in any manner. Play continues until all cards are used, winner(s) determined by the most total points.
More detailed, deck-specific rules are found below.
Chalk your cue, then shuffle, draw and shoot!
The Ultimate Pool Challenge Games, Original and Mike Massey Advanced Series, offer fun and training.
Original Series Rules
The Ultimate Pool Challenge — Original Series Rules
Player draws a challenge card from the deck; an opponent sets up balls as pictured on the card. Player attempts to make the shot. If player makes the shot or shots on the challenge card, the challenge has been met. Player then retains the challenge card and its associated points. Player draws again to continue play. If player fails the challenge, the card must be passed to the next player, who in turn gets to shoot whatever scenario is left on the table, and can now play any pocket.
If player scratches and ball(s) remain on the table, the next player gets the card and receives cue ball in hand, placing it behind the head string. Any pocket can now be played with the remaining ball(s). If successful, the player retains the card and continues play by drawing another challenge card. When there is more than one ball on the table, player making the final ball keeps the challenge card and wins the associated points. If player makes the final ball and scratches, his opponent gets the card, wins its associated points, and draws for the next challenge.
Break shots do not require any balls to be pocketed during the break.
Bonus cards give players the opportunity to win extra points. Player does not lose turn. Simply discard if challenge is not met.
When a wild card is drawn, player draws another card for shot selection. The wild card entitles the player to one extra shot (to be used anytime he chooses, but only during the player’s turn).
Use the wild card when it is needed most – it will help win points and possibly the Ultimate Pool Challenge.
The person or team with the most points at the end of the game wins the Ultimate Pool Challenge.
The thrilling Ultimate Pool Challenge pool playing cards instruct, challenge, and improve skills.
Advanced Series Rules
Mike Massey Advanced Series Rules – Texas Hold’em Version
This deck can be played with the rules of the Original Series, or with this Texas Hold'em Version:
Deal each player 2 cards (hole cards) face down. After looking at their cards, each player can bet 5 points.
After everyone places their bets, the dealer lays down the next 3 cards, face up. These are community cards, used by everyone for their poker hands. Each player can bet another 5 points.
The dealer lays down 3 more cards, face up, and players can bet 5 more points. (The maximum points a player can have at this time is 15).
Beginning with player on dealers left, each player sets up the pool scenarios from the first 3 face-up cards and attempts to make each shot as indicated on the cards. Each player gets 3 attempts at each shot. Subtract 1 point for each failed attempt, e.g.: 9 point card earns 9 points if successful on first attempt, 8 points if successful on second attempt, and 7 points if successful on third attempt, etc. Repeat attempts and scoring with the last 3 face-up cards. Total each player’s score from shots made.
Each player determines his poker hand by using up to 3 cards he made out of the 6 community cards, plus his 2 hole cards. (If a player only made 2 shots out of 6, he will only have 4 cards in his poker hand; if only 1 shot out of 6, he will have 3 cards in his poker hand).
The player with the winning poker hand earns 10 points plus any points he bet. Each player who placed a bet and didn’t win the poker hand must subtract his total bet from his score. Add poker points to pool score.
The player with the highest score at the end of the game is the winner.
TIPS:
If using the 2 Joker cards and one is dealt to a player as a hole card, it is considered wild and can be used as any card. If it is dealt as a community card, the dealer puts the next shot card from deck on top of it. Anyone making this shot earns double the points on the card.
Mike suggests a maximum of 4 players per table. He also suggests completing the game in 5 hands, or play up to a pre-determined number of points.
The Mike Massey Advanced Series offers more advanced training, more challenge and more excitement.