Episode 4: Coin-Op Cutthroat

Introduction:

In the heart of the Pacific Northwest, amidst the towering timbers and the gentle murmur of the forest, lies The 4T's. Today, I, J.F. Lynwood, am about to witness a thrilling game of Coin-Op Cutthroat, featuring Speed Squatch, Hudsquatch, and Big Jim.

The Setting:

The 4T's is alive with anticipation. The rustic pool table, set against the backdrop of lush greenery, is the stage for today's exciting game. The crowd gathers, eager to see the outcome.

The Characters:

- Speed Squatch: Energetic and animated, with gray fur, a distinctive baseball hat, and glasses. Known for his rapid playstyle and enthusiastic demeanor.

- Hudsquatch: Slightly short and heavier set, with a loud and confident personality. His long silver hair is tied back in a ponytail, and he wears multiple necklaces and rings that clink softly with his movements.

- Big Jim: Tall and wise, with long silver hair tied back in a ponytail and a short beard. His calm and methodical approach contrasts sharply with Speed Squatch's frenetic energy.

The Game:

As I take my place among the onlookers, I see Speed Squatch win the coin toss and prepare to break. He lines up his shot, takes a deep breath, and breaks with a powerful stroke, yelling "Squatch Van Boening!" As the balls scatter across the table, Speed jumps excitedly, waving his stick and attempting to use body English as he sees the 8-ball heading towards the pocket. The crowd erupts in celebration when the 8-ball drops, but Speed quickly reminds everyone, "This is not a win in Cutthroat!"

Speed surveys the table, noting that his only good shots are on the six and seven balls. With a series of rapid shots, he pots both but fails to line up a good next shot. "I’ll take mids, 6 through 10," Speed declares confidently, boasting loudly about his impending victory.

Big Jim steps up next, his calm demeanor never wavering. He quickly pockets the one through five, demonstrating his methodical precision. As he lines up his shot on the nine ball, he pauses and looks over the table. "I'll take highs," he states, "leaving you without a turn, Hud."

Hudsquatch grumbles loudly about his bad luck but knows that he's not out for good. "Just wait, I'll be back," he mutters, watching intently for any mistakes.

As I observe, it’s clear that Hudsquatch’s boisterous personality contrasts sharply with Big Jim’s quiet strategy. Hudsquatch is clearly frustrated, but there’s a determination in his eyes that suggests he’s waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

With only stripes left on the table, Speed resumes his rapid play. He quickly pots the 14, then runs around the table to shoot the 15, followed by the 13. Each shot is faster than the last until he finally misses on the 12 and scratches. The crowd murmurs in anticipation.

Hud’s eyes light up as he realizes his chance to re-enter the game. "I'll take the 10 from Speed," he declares, reclaiming a spot on the table. But before Hud can play, Big Jim steps up for his turn.

Jim surveys the table, finding no good shots on the 9 or 10. "Sometimes you have to make a difficult choice," he says thoughtfully, aiming for the 12. He pockets it to continue his turn but misses his next shot on the 9.

Hudsquatch steps up with renewed confidence. He systematically pockets the rest of Big Jim’s balls, eliminating him from the game. With a grin, Hud lines up on the remaining ball from Speed, eager to claim victory. However, in his excitement, he forgets which ball he chose and accidentally pots his own ball.

"That was a great shot, Hud," Big Jim says calmly, "but the 10 ball was yours."

"Ah, Hud!" yells Hudsquatch in frustration as he remembers his choice.

Speed Squatch erupts in celebration, realizing he has the last remaining ball. He runs laps around the table, shouting "Squatch Van Boening!" over and over, his exuberance echoing through the forest.

Conclusion:

The game ends with Speed Squatch’s exuberant celebration. The observers, including myself, have witnessed a game filled with strategy, skill, and a bit of luck. The 4T's continues to be a place of discovery and excitement, promising many more stories to come. As I pack up my notes and prepare to leave, I am filled with anticipation for the next chapter in this extraordinary world. Until then, I remain your guide and storyteller, eager to share the wonders of Squatch Pool with you.

Technical Rules for Coin-Op Cutthroat

Objective:

Be the last player with at least one ball remaining on the table.

Setup:

- Three players use a standard set of 15 balls.

- Each player is assigned a set of balls: 1-5, 6-10, 11-15.

Gameplay:

1. Breaking:

   - One player breaks, scattering the balls.

   - Any balls pocketed on the break remain pocketed.

   - A player can choose a team once they pocket a legal shot. They do not have to choose the team until the end of their turn. 

2. Turns:

   - Players take turns attempting to pocket any ball on the table, including their own.

   - A player's turn continues until they fail to pocket a ball.

Fouls:

- Scratch (Cue Ball Pocketed):

  - The second player gets ball in hand.

  - The third player may claim one of the scratching player's balls as their own. If the third player was eliminated, they return to the game by claiming the ball.

  - If this was the scratching player's last ball, they are eliminated from the game.

Winning:

- The last player with at least one ball on the table wins.

Additional Rules:

- Balls pocketed illegally (e.g., on a foul) are not spotted back on the table.

Episode 4 Field Notes