Game-Types

There are many variations of games played on a standard billiard table. Even within games types, there are variations (e.g. 8-ball, convergence 8 ball, etc.), and people may play recreational using easier versions of a (more difficult) game. A few of the more popular examples are:
Eight Ball: A two-player game in which the ultimate goal is try to pocket the eight ball (after designating the pocket). This is only allowed after pocketing all of one's designated balls, either striped or solid.
Nine Ball: A two-player game in which the goal is to pocket the nine ball. The initial contact of the cue ball each turn must be the lowest ball on the table.
Straight Pool: A two-player game in which calls a ball and a pocket, and pockets the ball into the designated pocket, scoring a point. The first player to reach a pre-determined number of points wins the game.
Seven-Ball: A two-player game in which the goal is to pocket the seven ball on one's elected side of the table. The cue ball must initially contact the lowest-numbered ball on the table on each turn.
Bank Pool: A two-player game in which legally pocketed balls must be banked into the pocket (using one or more banks). Any ball on the table can be selected and the game is call ball-and-pocket.