Crud Probably Isn't What You think - How to Play the Game of Crud on a Pool Table 

What is crud?

History

This fast-paced game is said to have been made up by Canadian fighter pilots WWII, although its exact origins are unknown. 

Understanding the object of the game

The object of the game is to avoid getting killed three times and be the last team (or person) standing. 

Photo: DVIDS Hub

How do you set up a game of crud on a pool table?

Required equipment for playing crud

Only two balls are required, the cue ball and striped ball - no cues necessary! Oh, and either a billiard table or snooker table and obviously some people. Beverages are encouraged but not necessary. 

How to arrange the balls at the beginning of the game

The cue ball is placed on one end of the table, and the striped ball on the other. 

What are the basic rules of playing crud?

Dividing Teams

Crud can be played with either 2 teams split evenly, or every man for themselves. Turns rotate from one team to the other, or in the order of players predetermined if not playing teams. For convenience, we'll explain it as if you're playing with 2 teams. 

We want to get started already! 

Okay, okay. The concept here is pretty simple. The server (the one throwing the ball) is trying to strike the object ball (striped) with the shooter ball (cue) before the object ball stops moving. If you are the starting server, you have three tries to hit the unmoving object ball before losing a life. Sounds easy enough right? The server also needs to be standing on one of the short ends of the table when throwing (more like rolling) the cue ball. We don't recommend you actually throw the ball. 

If the server loses a life at any point, the server moves to the next player in your established order on the opposing team. Reminder that players only get three lives per game. 

Ways to lose lives 

1. Server fails to initially hit the object ball with the shooter ball in 3 tries
2. Anyone fails to hit the object ball before it stops moving on their turn 
3. If the object ball moves less than 6" after being hit 
4. Taking a shot from the long end of the table 
5. Knocking the object ball off the table on your turn 
6. Interfering with the server on their turn 
7. In Gentlemans/Ladies Rules, if the blocker physically interferes with the server or ball 
8. If you spill the referee's beverage (more below) 

Do we need a referee + what's their purpose?

Because this game can get pretty competitive, most people opt for a referee although it's technically not necessary if you play with pretty honest people. The referee essentially makes sure the server doesn't throw the ball from the side of the table, ensures the object ball moves at least 6 inches when hit, and generally keeps things under control. In some cases, the referee holds a beverage in their hand for the duration of the game. 

Variations / house rules

Photo: Misawa Air Base

Gentlemans/Womans rules: 

The receiver (the next person in line) may distract the server using any means necessary, besides coming into contact with the server themselves. 

Wanting to play the game of crud? Try it on one of our pool tables!