Scotch Doubles: How Pool's Team Game Works
Scotch Doubles is a two-player team format where partners take turns shooting: one partner shoots, then the other, and so on, for as long as the team stays at the table. It is social, strategic and a great way to bring new players into tournaments.
The basic rules
- Partners alternate shots. Shooting out of turn is usually a foul.
- Each team decides who breaks; the partner shoots the next shot.
- Partners can talk strategy, but many events limit coaching time per shot.
- Everything else follows the game being played (8-Ball, 9-Ball or 10-Ball rules).
Mixed and "Jack & Jill" events
Many Scotch Doubles tournaments are "mixed" or "Jack & Jill," meaning each team has one man and one woman.
Combined rating caps
Events are often capped by the partners' combined rating, for example "1000 combined Fargo." Add both players' ratings together; the team must be at or under the cap. See how Fargo ratings work.
Tips
- Play position for your partner, not for yourself: leave a shot they are comfortable with.
- Agree on safeties versus going for it before the match.
- Stay positive. The teams that have fun usually play better.
Find Scotch Doubles tournaments.
Test yourself: take the 12-question pool rules quiz and share your score with your league. Settling an argument? See the pool rules Q&A.