What Is a Scotch Doubles Tournament?

Scotch Doubles refers to a type of doubles billiards play, in which two teams of two compete against each other. A Scotch Doubles Tournament places teams in a tournament bracket that ultimately narrows competition to a final match.

  1. Scotch Doubles

    • In Scotch Doubles play, teammates rotate shots. In regular play, one teammate will take a shot; if missed the other team takes a shot. Then the other player on the first team shoots next. If one teammate pockets a ball, his teammate takes the next shot in the inning. Partners continue to trade off like this until one of them misses and the opposing team takes the table.

    Tournament Play

    • In tournament play, teams are entered into a bracket either randomly or through a ranking system. The winner of each game proceeds to the next round of the tournament until the final two teams are left to play each other, determining the champion of the tournament.

    Scotch Doubles in Other Sports

    • Though Scotch Doubles is most commonly known as a billiards term, the organization of players and turns can refer be used in other sports such as bowling. The term Scotch Doubles refers only to the way games and players are organized.