Bankshot Billiards Updates

You told us what you think, so we're changing the rules!

MSN Games users are the best! Thank you for all of the constructive feedback and enthusiasm playing the preview versions of the new Bankshot Billiards 8-Ball and Bankshot Billiards 9-Ball. We asked you to "Tell Us What You Think" and you did. So now we're implementing your suggestions to make the games even better by adding a new Game Type.

Many users felt that the Quick Match Short Game was a little too easy. You wanted the option of choosing a more challenging game, so the updated versions of both games have replaced the Short Game choice with a Quick Match Pro Rules Game Type.

Here are the differences between the Pro Rules Settings vs. the Rated Settings:

Pro Rules

1.       Shorter turn timer – Rated turn timer = 45 seconds; Pro Rules turn timer = 30 seconds.

2.       If you pocket your opponent's ball, it is a foul.

3.       The cue ball's path is not shown (this is the assistance line before you take the shot).

It's a more challenging game just like you asked for! Start playing now and remember that when we ask you to tell us what you think, we're listening and will do our best to address your concerns and implement your suggestions.

Thanks for playing and for helping us make the best games that we can.

  Play Bankshot 8-Ball now

  Play Bankshot 9-Ball now

  Play Bankshot Cutthroat

More Answers To Your Questions

Q: Why does the computer get to play ball in hand and I don't?

A: You do. When your opponent scratches or fouls you get the ball in hand, which means you can place it anywhere on the table (some rule settings only allow the ball to be placed behind the head-string). As a default, the cue ball will appear on its initial spot but you can click on the cue ball and move it if you have ball in hand.

Q: How do I change the power of my shot?

A: There is a power meter at the bottom of the screen. You can click on this meter to change the power setting.

Q: What is the head-string?

A: The head-string is the imaginary line between the first two points on the table. If the rules require the cue ball to be placed behind the head-string after a scratch or foul, then the ball must be placed in the smaller area of the table defined by the head-string (also known as the “kitchen”). In addition, the cue ball must cross the head-string before striking another ball. In effect, this means that in order to hit another ball that is behind the head-string, you’ll need to ricochet the cue ball off the far rail or another ball past the head-string so that the cue ball crosses the head string before it is allowed to hit  the ball behind the head-string.