Twenty-one, also called cutthroat, hustle, tip-it, noyceball, roughhouse, scutter, rough, or rebound is a popular variation of street basketball. The game is played with any number of players on a half court, but typically when not enough players are available to at least play three-on-three. Twenty-one is an individual game that does not utilize team play. Rules The rules and game play may vary regionally, locally, and even by specific court. Basic rules are as follow: Typically play begins with one player shooting the ball from a significant distance. This shot must hit the rim, but cannot go through the basket. If either of these violations occur, the ball must be re-shot. Once the ball is legally shot, all players then fight over the rebound. This is meant to mimic the "tip-off" of a standard game. Once the ball is in play, there are technically no rules, but due to peer pressure most players abide by all rules with the exception of out of bounds violations and personal fouls. Shots made after the ball is live count one point for a player's score (or 2 points if a 3-pointer is made). After each made field goal, the player making the field goal shoots up to three free throws in a row, until he misses. All free throws count as one point towards a player's count. If three free throws are made in a row, the free throw shooter is handed the ball back at the top of the key and play is live again. The game is won by the player who accumulates exactly 21 points. If a player goes over 21 points, his score is reduced to 11 points. To avoid going over 21, players may choose to miss a free throw intentionally. In this instance, a free throw must hit the rim to be legal. If it does not, the player must shoot again. Sometimes this results in the player accidentally making the shot. Variations Common additional rules include: Allowing the starting shot to score points for the shooter if it goes in If a player is shooting for the win and misses, their score is reduced to 15. Inverting scoring values such that a field goal is worth 1 and a free throw worth 2 The shot must be a top shot/ a shot that is scored when the ball is shot over your eyeline Forcing a