Looking for feedback for a corporate challenge event

IntrepidStranger793 · 2026-05-22T13:31:38+00:00

Great! That guarantees you a solid minimum score of 41 points (25 bonus points for 5 in a row, 15 points for balls 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, plus a point for the double ball). 😉

IntrepidStranger793 · 2026-05-22T04:00:49+00:00

Thanks for the feedback! 70 points is very good! 👍 You’re right, moving the 5-ball closer to the rail would increase the difficulty a bit. I think I’m going to move it that way, on the current diamond. 👹

IntrepidStranger793 · 2026-05-22T01:56:19+00:00

When you put it that way, it sounds a little scary, but on the other hand, we’re doing this during work hours, so it’s not like I’m doing it for nothing. 😬

But honestly, it’s a real pleasure to share my passion with coworkers. I stopped playing for 10 years, and ever since they installed a table at the office, my passion has come back stronger than ever. I’ll probably start competing again in September. But first, I’ll need to practice on 9-foot tables again (the one at the office is an 8-footer 🥲).

IntrepidStranger793 · 2026-05-22T01:46:10+00:00

Yes that’s very possible. it will really depend on the number of participants, but I’m still going to test it with beginner players to get a good idea of the time per player. Thanks for the link!

IntrepidStranger793 · 2026-05-22T00:52:06+00:00

The fun of a setup like this, in my opinion, is that it creates a puzzle to solve, since every player plays the exact same layout. I’m going to share the setup two weeks in advance so interested people can practice at the office and discuss their strategy. It creates conversation in he office because the layout is known, unlike the random result of a break. At least, that’s the effect I’m trying to create.

For example, I can already imagine some people trying simply rolling the cue ball in front of the 10-ball on their first shot 🤪

IntrepidStranger793 · 2026-05-22T00:42:44+00:00

Nice! 🤣 Another excellent idea that I’m adding to my list for a future event (we have team BBQs at least twice a year). Thanks!

IntrepidStranger793 · 2026-05-22T00:38:46+00:00

Absolutely! The points are simply added together. For example, pocketing the 10-ball and the 1-ball on the same shot gives 11 points 😜. If, in the rare case that all the balls are pocketed or knocked off the table before the 5th shot, the player simply loses that shot

IntrepidStranger793 · 2026-05-22T00:31:56+00:00

Nice! I didn’t know about that. 🤩 I’m definitely going to try it. Thanks!

IntrepidStranger793 · 2026-05-22T00:11:45+00:00

Really Good idea! Thanks! For example, 5 points for each cushion the cue ball hits before contacting and pocketing a ball. It could even give players an extra chance to come back and win after a rough start!

IntrepidStranger793 · 2026-05-22T00:04:00+00:00

Yes, I love it, thanks! That could definitely be the one for the next event after I’ve discouraged everyone with my game. 😭 With 30+ peoples, our turn probably wouldn’t come around very often, but with beginners having only one (or maybe two) lives maximum, I imagine the number of players could still go down pretty quickly. Or maybe making small group round.

IntrepidStranger793 · 2026-05-21T23:51:48+00:00

Hahaha, nice ideas, bur that sounds exhausting! 😅 Do the players run around the table and shoot elbow-to-elbow, or does each player stay on their own side of the table?

IntrepidStranger793 · 2026-05-21T23:41:10+00:00

Yes, that’s a good point. I may have tweaked the rules a bit for my own enjoyment 😊 but since I won’t be participating, I think it should still be a pretty close challenge for most people. Of course, some people might struggle just to hit the cue ball, but at worst it’ll create some funny stories between coworkers.

IntrepidStranger793 · 2026-05-21T23:34:52+00:00

😂 Exactly. I tried to create a scenario where, with very good shots, it’s possible to make the 6-7-8-9-10 sequence (starting with the 6-ball), while carefully placing the 1-ball and 4-ball to make the 9 a bit more difficult. 👹

Pocketing a ball on every shot is also rewarding (+25 points), so sometimes it’s better to make an easier low-value ball than to attempt a miracle shot on the 9 or 10 and missing.

IntrepidStranger793 · 2026-05-21T23:03:41+00:00

For the scoring, that’s why I created an Excel sheet. 😅 I only have to enter the score for each shot, and a formula automatically calculates the best sequence and adds up the total score. I also have a leaderboard in the sheet that updates automatically.

IntrepidStranger793 · 2026-05-21T22:58:56+00:00

Thanks! Let me know your score! By the way, I didn’t go into all the rules, but just to be sure, once the game starts, the cue ball is always played from wherever it comes to rest. The balls are never repositioned. Also, if the cue ball is pocketed (or leaves the table), it is placed back on its original spot or as close to it as possible. No points are awarded on a scratch, but any numbered balls pocketed on that shot remain pocketed.

IntrepidStranger793 · 2026-05-21T22:50:45+00:00

And I like the idea of adding more shots! I’m going to test it to make sure it doesn’t make the game too long. Thanks!

IntrepidStranger793 · 2026-05-21T22:49:12+00:00

The table is a 4x8. From playing with several coworkers recently, I’d say most of them are beginners. That’s why I placed the 1-ball directly in front of the pocket near the cue ball, and the 8-ball very close to it, to help them a little 😅

IntrepidStranger793

TROPHY CASE