Uk Pool Rules Pdf? Best 51 Answer

Swimming pool. It’s up there with the greats of pub sport. Proudly holding the winner’s trophy on the podium above darts and that look-how-coaster-can-flip-em-up-and-catch thing.

We all played it and we all enjoyed it. But how many of us actually know all the rules inside and out? If you’ve ever felt the need to embarrass yourself a little and ask, or if you’ve just flat-out bunked the rules of billiards, then this is the guide for you.

There are quite a few different variations of billiards, each with their own individual rules and quirks. And this is where quite a bit of the confusion comes in. So let’s dispel some of that uncertainty and lay out the rules for the English “pub version” of the classic 8-ball billiards game…

The basics

Around the world there are probably hundreds of different games with a thousand different variations that you can play on a pool table. But the two most important? 8 Ball Pool and 9 Ball Pool. We’ll be walking you through 9 Ball in an upcoming blog very soon.

But now? Let’s just focus on 8 Ball. Now in this game you have American version and English version. We’re going to focus on English 8-Ball Pool here. But for a quick guide to the US version, you can click here.

The tables are 7 feet by 4.5 feet. The kind you’ll find in pubs and bars across the UK. The balls are usually red and yellow (if you’re using 9-ball balls, just go to “Dots and Stripes”) and the cue ball is the smaller white one. Apparently.

you know the drill Quid’s in, cue chalked run around the table with your pants around your ankles if you lose…

The facility

This is how you line up (or “stack”) the balls after your pound coin frees them from their horizontal prison. You can find the triangle in the area where the balls come out. If a cloth is attached, smooth it across the table before dropping the balls onto the table, it helps keep the actual cloth on the table.

Make sure the black ball lines up with the black spot on the table. Remove the triangle, check that all the balls are tight and touching, and you’re good to go.

The break

A coin toss decides who breaks. The winner decides whether to break or not. Whoever is on top smashes the cue ball from the “D” into the ball pack with force, tries to distribute the balls and, ideally, sinks something. If they do, they can continue their break. Should they sink a red, they will be assigned red and go from there. Same with yellow.

However, if both suits are potted – well, the player at the table decides which one he wants. This decision is based on how easy it is to pocket each color’s balls.

The rules

The aim of the game is simple – sink all the colors assigned to you. And then pot the black. If you can do that, you’ve won the frame. If you sink one of your colored balls, you’ll get another visit to try and sink another one.

So technically you can pot from the break and keep playing potting every ball of your color until you have a chance to pot the black. If you can do that, you win without your opponent firing a single shot. This is called “whitewashing” and — honestly — you’re unlikely to do it too often in your life.

If you don’t pot, your opponent will come to the table. And so it goes on until one player has cleared their colors and laid down black.

Some stranger, lesser-known rules…

If you intentionally miss one of your colored balls, you lose the game. Serious. So don’t do it.

Sinking both colors from the break and not naming your color out loud when executing your shot is also a foul.

Jump shots, in which the ball is sent up to clear the table before hitting a ball, are also prohibited in English 8-ball.

What counts as a foul?

If both players are on form and playing well, fouls should be rare. But in reality, fouls are very common. They result in the player’s turn ending and their opponent coming to the table with “two shots” instead of the standard shot. This allows them to miss once and keep playing. This bonus “carries” meaning that should the player with the Advantage Pot make their first visit, the two shots can still be played.

A player commits a foul when:

They pour in the white

You’re potting the wrong color

They first hit the opponent’s ball or the 8/black ball instead of their own

Each ball leaves the table and falls to the floor

You touch a ball (or an item of clothing or jewelry) with your hand or body

It is shot when the balls are still moving

The cue ball is hit more than once in a stroke with the cue

They “push” the ball with their cue instead of hitting it

The shot is played with both feet off the ground

No ball is pocketed or hits a cushion (to prevent “tailing” and snookering)

Win

Pin your colored balls and send the black ball down and you win. But you can also win by default…

The game is lost immediately if a player sinks or sends off the table. The same applies if a foul is committed on black. Even after stewing.

Annoyingly, the rules aren’t always the same…

Here’s the catch… This guide has given you the facts about English 8-Ball. But if you play American 9 Ball? It is different. And even if it’s an English 8-Ball, there are variations. Usually dictates whereabouts in the country you are in.

Our advice? Avoid possible diplomatic incidents and ask your opponent about any rules that might be “interpretable”. Especially when it comes to falling the 8.

Here you go. Knowledge is power. Are you ready for some frames now? Then go down to Rileys and sit down at a table!

Then – once you’re good – you can work on your game with these 6 essential pool shots.

It’s time to learn the rules of 8 ball pool.

If you walk into a bar or pool hall and see people playing pool, there’s a good chance they’re in the middle of an 8-ball game.

It’s so common for billiards players, both beginners and experts, that we don’t even think about it much.

Still, 8 ball pool has some different rules and do’s and don’ts.

Here we’re going to give you a little breakdown of the 8-ball rules.

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A History of the Game of 8-Ball

The 8-ball game is believed to have originated around 1900, as the first written record of it dates back to 1908.

Introduced by the Brunswick-Balke-Collender Company, it was known as the “B.B.C. Co. Pool” instead of “8-Ball”.

The original game was played with seven yellow balls, seven red balls, one black ball and the cue ball – it was only much later that numbered stripes and solids (with an 8 on the black ball) became the preferred system.

This early game had simple rules compared to today’s games and wasn’t even included in official rule books until 1940.

Because of its simplicity, 8-Ball eventually became the most popular recreational version of pocket billiards. And a favorite bar game for generations.

How to play the game.

Also see: Your Complete Roadmap to Learning to Play Billiards…

Standardized Rules for Eight Ball Pool

American-style 8-ball pool is played by professionals and amateurs around the world, but there is still much debate over the details of the rules.

Nonprofit organizations such as the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) and the Billiard Congress of America have standardized rules for the game.

But the rules of the American Pool Players Association, the Valley National Eight-Ball Association, and the BCA Pool League differ from international rules.

And of course, since 8-ball is played informally in bars, pool halls, lounges, and basements, there is an almost infinite number of “house rules” that change from one place to another.

Nonetheless, this is a summary of some of the most commonly accepted 8-ball rules:

Eight Ball Pool Equipment

Prescribed size pool table

Eight balls can be played on pool tables of many different shapes and sizes. Of course, you don’t have to worry about whether your table follows standard 8-ball rules.

But only if you want to know

The standard size for recreational 8 ball pools are as follows:

3 1/2 feet x 7 feet

4ft x 8ft

4 1/2 feet x 9 feet

Note that the tables are twice as long as they are wide.

The standard size for professional eightball tournaments is 4 1/2 feet x 9 feet.

A pool table should be at least 29.25 inches high with a maximum height of 31 inches.

billiard balls

There are seven single-colored billiard balls numbered 1 through 7, seven striped balls numbered 9 through 15, an 8-ball, and a single-colored white cue ball.

Regular billiard balls are usually molded from plastic materials such as phenolic resin or polyester, with a consistent size and weight for proper action, rolling resistance, and general playing characteristics.

The standard specifications for billiard balls are: Weight 5.5 – 6 oz. and diameter 2.25″ (allowing for plus or minus 0.005″ in diameter).

(Learn more about choosing the best billiard balls.)

How to Use 8-Ball

If the balls are arranged in a triangle shape, the order of the balls must be random, with the 8-ball dead center being in the triangle.

They should be lined up tightly so that the balls are all in contact with each other.

The base of the frame should be parallel to the end rail of the table, with the top ball of the frame centered on the base of the table.

One ball from each group (solid and striped) should be placed at the bottom two corners of the triangle. Otherwise, the remaining balls can be placed anywhere.

Some variations call for the 1-ball to be the top ball at the front point of the triangle, with the rest of the balls alternating solid/striped, solid/striped, such that there is a solid ball at each corner.

However, this variant is not contained in any set of rules.

rules of the break

The break in 8-Ball Pool is determined by a coin toss or a win or loss of the previous game.

The breaker can position the ball anywhere behind the table’s headline.

The cue ball does not have to hit a specific object ball first.

However, unless the breaker sinks a ball, at least four balls must hit the boards.

If the breaker does not sink a ball and does not hit at least 4 balls on one or more rails, it is an illegal break.

In the event of an illegal break, the opponent can either accept the table as is and continue playing from there; opt for Re-Rack and Break; or re-rack and let the breaker go again.

If the 8-ball is pocketed on the break, the breaker can either re-spot the 8-ball and continue play, or rerack and break again.

If the breaker sinks the 8-ball and scratches the cueball, the opponent can either spot the 8-ball and pick up the cueball behind the headline for his next shot; or re-rack and decide to break.

If only the cue ball is pocketed on the break, the opponent can choose to pick up the cue ball behind the headline or break the balls again.

Finally, if a ball is bounced off the table on the break, that ball is out of play (unless it’s the 8-Ball, which would be rediscovered) and the opponent can then either play it as is or den Accept ball Hand behind head string.

Note that some regional or house rules default to an immediate win or loss if the 8-ball or cue ball is pocketed at break-in. Just remember.

(Learn about the pros and cons of using a breaking queue.)

During the game

Players take turns aiming to pocket all stripes or solids of their color.

The game is won if a player sinks the 8-ball after pocketing their entire suit, or if the opposing player accidentally sinks the 8-ball.

Some house rules require a player to call each shot with the ball and intended pocket.

This varies from venue to venue, but most games require the player to call the pocket for the final 8-ball shot.

The shooter loses if . . .

The shooter loses if he does the following (except during the break):

Scratches or fouls while potting the eight

Sinks the eight before sinking all the other balls in his group

Hide the eight in an uncalled pocket

Drives the eight off the table

Standard fouls in 8-ball play

The following is considered a foul in most 8-ball games:

Cue ball scratch on or off the table.

The shooter misses a ball of his color (or the 8 if the rest of the color is pocketed) with the cue ball without any of the other balls being hit by the cue ball.

No ball bounces off a rail or is potted after the cue ball hits the object ball.

The shooter takes more than one shot at the cue ball during a turn.

The thrower’s cue pushes and moves the cue ball before the shot.

The cue ball is touched by anything other than the tip of the cue.

The shooter touches all balls on the table except shooting the cue ball. (In that case you may need the old mechanical bridge.)

The cue ball is “skipped” over another ball.

As mentioned earlier, there are all sorts of variations on the rules of 8-ball and how to play 8-ball pool.

What’s acceptable on your buddy’s pool table down in his basement may be off-limits at the bar down the street.

The main point is that 8-Ball is a fun and relaxing game regardless of where it is played and who is playing it.

It takes skill, judgment and practice.

It can even be used to demonstrate object lessons in physics and geometry.

Don’t take the game too seriously, don’t get too upset about it – just meet up with your friends and enjoy a traditional bar game that people have been playing for a century or more.

Looking for other pool games?

Check out how to play nine-ball, cut-throat pool and other billiard games.

This is a summary of Blackball Pool Rules.

The full rules can be seen on this blackball poster created in PDF format suitable for viewing, downloading and printing as an A3 sized sheet.

There is also a visual guide to the rules and instructions for blackball umpires.

The goal of the game:

Blackball is played with 15 colored object balls and a cue ball.

The object balls consist of two groups of seven and the black ball.

Generally, the group balls include one group of reds and another of yellows.

Less often, other colors of balls such as blue and yellow are used.

The black ball is sometimes referred to as the eight ball.

The player or team who pocket their own group of object balls and legally pocket the black wins the game.

Players do not have to nominate any of the shots they will play in blackball pool.

Terms used:

The table consists of rails, cushions, pockets and the playing surface.

At the foot of the table, the object balls are placed at the beginning of a game.

The head end is where the cue ball is positioned when play begins.

The cushions and pockets are considered parts of the head, foot and side rails.

The bar line runs parallel to the top rail. One fifth of the length of the playing surface is pulled away from the head pad.

Baulk is the rectangular area delimited by the Baulk line and the three cushions at the head of the table.

The head pad is also often referred to as a Baulk pad.

After an illegal or foul shot, an incoming opponent is awarded a free shot. This free kick can be played either from the current position of the cue ball on the table or from the pole.

When talking about game options, you may hear the words “on the ball.”

An object ball is considered “on” if it is legally playable.

A player is snookered when the cue ball cannot take a straight path to hit at least part of a jack.

Snooker must be declared as such by a player (and validated by an umpire if necessary) before attempting to escape from the snooker.

Lag and break:

The game starts when a break shot is played by Baulk.

Before kick-off, however, it must be determined which player will take the first kick-off of a game.

It is the player who wins the lag that decides which player breaks.

Two game balls are used. The balls are placed on opposite sides of the beam next to the side pads without touching them.

Opposing players aim to play their ball so that it hits the footpad directly before returning and coming to rest as close to the beam pad as possible.

The delay winner is the player whose ball comes closest to that beam cushion.

A player can lose deceleration if, for example, his ball hits a side pad or falls into a pocket.

The rules of breaking:

The balls are stacked as shown.

The cue ball starts in the hand.

This means it can be placed anywhere within the bar range by the breaking player.

When breaking, at least one group ball must be pocketed or two object balls cross the center line. This is a line connecting the midpoints of the two center pockets.

If two object balls fail to cross this line and no group balls are potted, a standard foul is called.

If the ball is pocketed or driven off the table, that is also a foul.

More on fouls and their consequences in the blackball pool below.

All break-off fouls are ignored if the black ball is pocketed.

When that happens, the object balls are broken over and over again and the same player breaks.

Determine groups :

In this game, players do not nominate their group of object balls.

At the beginning of a frame, before player groups have been determined, the table is considered open.

The table is open after the break and remains open until a player pots a ball or balls from only one group in a normal legal shot.

The pocketed ball decides that player’s group. However, groups are not assigned if balls from both groups are pocketed on a shot or on a free shot after a foul.

Continue playing:

A player remains at the table while continuing to play legal shots or until the frame ends.

If a player does not pocket a ball on a shot and no foul has been committed, the oncoming player plays the white ball from his current position.

If a player commits a standard foul, play proceeds to the opponent.

The incoming player then takes a free shot before continuing their visit to the table in the normal manner. The prerequisite is, of course, that the player does not commit a foul with this free kick.

At a free kick, an incoming player can play the cue ball from the existing position on the table or choose to have the cue ball in their hands. In this case, the player plays Baulk’s free kick.

When taking this free kick, a player may first hit or pocket one or more balls from the opposing group if he wishes. A free kick does not count as a foul.

After a free kick, play resumes with a normal visit to the table.

Standard fouls:

There are a number of standard fouls in blackball.

This term distinguishes them from fouls, which automatically result in the loss of a frame.

All standard fouls result in the oncoming player being awarded a free kick.

When playing a normal shot, accidentally hitting an opponent’s group ball first or pocketing only an opponent’s group ball is a standard foul.

However, such play is not considered a foul if a player takes a free kick.

When a player plays a free kick after a foul has been called, a player may first hit or pocket an opponent’s ball or balls.

It is also a standard foul during normal play or at a free kick in the following circumstances…

No balls touch a cushion after the cue ball hits an object ball. Unless an object ball is legally pocketed on the same shot. The exception to this rule is when attempting to escape from a snooker game. It is then not necessary to hit a band when playing a hit. Of course it is a foul if a player fails to escape from snooker.

The cue ball is pocketed or any balls leave the pool table. They must be returned to the table and placed according to official blackball rules before play continues.

A player has no foot on the ground when the toe of the game touches the cue ball.

Touching or moving the cue ball by hand. The exceptions are that the cue-ball may be moved by hand prior to breaking or on a free hit when positioning the cue-ball in the baulk.

A ball is accidentally struck by chalk, bridges, or, for example, a player’s hair or clothing during the course of a game.

The tip of the game touches the cue ball more than once in a single stroke.

The tip of the game is still touching the cue ball when the cue ball touches an object ball.

The contact between tip and ball is longer than with a normal shot. This is a push shot.

A shot is played while any balls are moving.

A player accidentally shoots out of turn.

If the referee feels that a player is playing too slowly, he may be advised to speed up play.

If the player does not comply, a foul can be called.

Combination shots:

When considering standard fouls, it’s important to understand the concept of a combination shot.

In normal continued play, that is, when a free kick is not being played, a player may hit an object ball from his own group and then legally pocket balls from both groups in the same shot.

Note that the object ball struck first must be a player’s own group ball, unless a free kick has been awarded.

If balls from both groups are potted together, it doesn’t matter which balls go into the pockets first.

Combination shots can also be played with the black ball. Of course, playing a shot that pots black in combination with another object ball wins the frame only if no balls from a player’s own group remain on the table. Otherwise frame loss.

The term skillshot is also used to describe combinations.

touch ball:

If a player plays a cue ball away from a touching object ball, that cue ball is deemed to have struck that object ball.

One consequence of this is that when the shot is taken, the cue ball does not have to touch another object ball afterwards. Although of course the other requirements of a legal shot must be met, such as B. hitting a pillow.

It also follows that when the cue-ball is played away from a touching ball in its own group, it can then legally proceed to strike an opponent’s group ball. This is possible because the player is considered to have hit the touching object ball from their own group first.

Loss of frame:

Under certain circumstances, a player can automatically lose the frame.

This is what happens when a player…

Sinks the black ball on an illegal shot. For example with a push shot.

Sinks the Black on a shot that leaves one of his or her group balls on the table.

Deliberately hitting a ball that is not an on-ball.

Deliberately touches or picks up a ball when not authorized to do so.

Don’t try to hit an “on” ball.

stalemate :

In some games it can happen that no legal shot can be played.

Whether this is accidental or intentional, it’s a deadlock and the frame will restart.

The referee decides whether a legal shot is possible.

The original breaking player breaks again if a stalemate is called.

Unsportsmanlike Conduct:

Players should be advised that there will be penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct.

The referee can issue a warning, call a standard foul, declare a loss of frame or even a game loss.

Unsportsmanlike conduct is any intentional conduct that brings the sport into disrepute or disrupts the game in ways that affect fair play.

Such conduct may include distracting an opponent, intentional misconduct, marking the table, inappropriate use of equipment, or playing while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

This type of behavior can result in disqualification from a competition or even the loss of prizes, trophies and competition points.

Pool rules are notoriously complex, which can make a casual game of billiards challenging for beginners. This challenge is one of the reasons for house rules, but in a way it only adds to the complexity as everyone seems to play by different rules. Whether or not reverse shots are allowed is an often-debated rule.

Can you shoot backwards in the pool? Some house rules (bar rules) require that on a scratch, the cue ball must be kicked out of the kitchen toward the break, which would require a forward shot. During normal league play (APA/BCA/etc) there is no forward or backward concept, but if a ball is fouled your opponent can put the cue ball anywhere on the table and take a shot.

are you still confused No problem. In this post, we’ll dive into what a reverse shot is so you’re prepared the next time you’re at the pool table.

What is a reverse shot in the pool?

There is no forward or backward in billiards. Forward is essentially the direction your cue is pointing when you make the shot. This means there is no such thing as a reverse shot during normal play.

But there are some instances where the concepts of backwards and forwards become important in the pool:

Shooting From Behind the String: When a cue ball is behind the string (or in the kitchen), it must move past the string before hitting object balls or cushions. This effectively means you have to kick the ball forward to avoid a foul.

If a cue ball is behind the string (or in the kitchen), it must move past the string before hitting any object balls or cushions. This effectively means you have to kick the ball forward to avoid a foul. Ball in Hand: When you place the cue ball, you can move it multiple times before making your shot. You can move the ball with your hand or any part of your cue, but if you hit the ball in a forward motion, even accidentally, you’ve made your shot for better or worse.

When you place the cue ball, you can move it several times before making your shot. You can move the ball with your hand or any part of your cue, but if you hit the ball in a forward motion, even accidentally, you’ve made your shot for better or worse. House Rules: It’s no secret that the pool you play at a bar, in your buddy’s basement, or even at a local pool hall, doesn’t always follow the same rules as pros. House rules often dictate that if the cue ball is in hand, it must be shot from behind the string. In this case, normal behind-the-line shooting rules apply.

If you want to know what the official rules of billiards are, you should check out the Billiard Congress of America website, which lists them in detail. For more information on the rules of billiards, see our What Happens When the 8 Breaks? and what happens if a billiard ball goes off the table?

What is the Backwards Cut Shot?

From the name, you might think that a backwards cut shot is a reverse shot, but that’s not the case. A backward cut shot is simply a type of cut shot where the pocket you are trying to put the ball in is not visible during the shot.

As you can imagine, these are some of the most difficult shots to take, but they’re not really “backwards” in the traditional sense. The video encyclopedia of pool recordings at PoolDawg can help you get started with edited recordings.

What about a behind-the-back shot?

Some might consider a shot behind the back to be “backward,” and in a way, it is. Your entire shot setup is flipped!

These shots are possible and legal in most pool games, but house rules may prohibit them. You have to lean or sit on the pool table rail, which is not good for the table. Also, they’re mostly seen as unnecessarily flashy and aren’t the most effective way to approach a hard-to-get shot. So what you think makes you look like a hotshot actually makes you a newbie.

Is it legal to shoot backwards in the pool?

As long as the cue ball is not in the string, you can shoot the ball in any direction you want. Just think of all the requirements of a fair shot and the direction doesn’t matter.

Note, however, that the house rules differ. These rules are usually published and you should review them before starting a game. If they are not posted, you can always set the rules with your opponent before starting the game.

based on the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) World Standardized Rules (the “Official Rules of Billiards”)

Is a scoop jump shot a foul even if there is no miss or multiple hit?

Yes. Here is the relevant quote from WPA Rule 8.18:

A scoop shot where the tip of the cue hits the playing surface and the cue ball at the same time, causing the cue ball to lift off the cloth, will be treated as a miss.

and under WPA Rule 6.16c, a miscue is a foul if it is intentional (e.g. if used to intentionally jump the CB over an obstacle). See:

The following video shows and explains what happens to different types of illegal “scoop” jump shots:

Here’s an example of a scoop shot resulting from an increased draw shot miscue:

For many examples of rule calls, along with explanations, see “Rules – Part I: Introduction” (BD August 2009) and:

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6.1 Cue Ball Scratch or off the table

6.2 First the wrong ball

6.3 No splint after contact

6.4 No foot on the ground

6.5 Ball driven off the table

6.6 Touched Ball

6.7 Double Hit / Frozen Balls

6.8 Push Shot

6.9 balls are still moving

6.10 Poor Cue Ball Placement

6.11 Poor play behind the head string

6.12 Cue on the table

6.13 Playing out of turn

6.14 Three Consecutive Fouls

6.15 Slow playback

6.16 Unsportsmanlike Conduct

fouls

The following actions are pool fouls when included in the specific rules of the game being played. If multiple fouls occur in one shot, only the most serious will be penalized. If a foul is not declared before the next shot begins, the foul is deemed not to have happened.

6.1 Cue Ball Scratch or off the table

If the cue ball is pocketed or driven off the table, the shot is a foul. See 8.3 Ball Potted and 8.5 Driven Off Table.

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6.2 First the wrong ball

In games that require the first object ball hit to be a specified ball or one of a group of balls, it is a foul if the cue ball first touches another ball.

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6.3 No splint after contact

If a shot does not pocket a ball, the cue-ball must make contact with a object ball and, after that contact, at least one ball (cue ball or any object ball) must be driven onto a track, or the shot is a foul. (See 8.4 Ridden on a rail.)

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6.4 No foot on the ground

If the thrower does not have at least one foot on the ground at the moment the tip touches the cue ball, the shot is a foul.

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6.5 Ball driven off the table

It is a foul to hit an object ball off the table. Whether this ball is discovered depends on the rules of the game. (See 8.5 Driven from the Table.)

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6.6 Touched Ball

It is a foul to touch, move, or alter the trajectory of a object ball, except through normal ball-to-ball contact during shots. It is a foul to touch, move, or alter the path of the cue-ball except when in hand or through the normal forward impact tip-to-ball contact of a shot. The shooter is responsible for the equipment he controls at the table, such as chalk, bridges, clothing, his hair, parts of his body and the cue ball when in hand, which may be involved in such fouls. If such a foul is unintentional it is a standard foul but if intentional it is 6.16 Unsportsmanlike Conduct.

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6.7 Double Hit / Frozen Balls

If the cue hits the cue ball more than once during a shot, the shot is a foul. If the cue-ball is near but not touching a object ball, and the point of play is still on the cue-ball when the cue-ball touches that object ball, the shot is a foul. If the cue-ball is very close to a object-ball and the kicker barely brushes that object-ball when kicking, the shot is presumed not to violate the first paragraph of this rule, even though the tip may still be on the cue-ball Ball-to-Ball contact is established.

However, if the cue ball touches an object ball at the beginning of the shot, it is legal to shoot at that ball or part of that ball (provided it is a legal target under the Laws of the Game) and if the object ball is moved by such a shot is deemed to have been touched by the cue ball. (Although it may be legal to shoot at such a touching or “frozen” ball, care must be taken not to violate the rules in the first paragraph if there are other balls in the vicinity.)

The cue-ball is deemed not to touch a ball unless declared touched by the referee or opponent. It is the shooter’s responsibility to obtain the explanation before the shot is fired. Playing away from a frozen ball does not constitute hitting the ball unless specified in the Laws of the Game.

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6.8 Push Shot

It is a foul to prolong contact between the tip and the cue ball beyond what occurs with normal shots.

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6.9 balls are still moving

It is a foul to initiate a shot while a ball in play is moving or spinning.

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6.10 Poor Cue Ball Placement

If the cue-ball is in hand and is confined to the area behind the head string, it is a foul to play the cue-ball on or under the head string. If the shooter is unsure whether the cue ball was placed behind the headline, he may ask the referee for a decision.

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6.11 Poor play behind the head string

If the cue ball in the hand is behind the head string and the first ball that the cue ball touches is also behind the head string, the shot is a foul unless the cue ball crosses the head string before that contact. If such a shot is intentional, it is unsportsmanlike conduct.

The cue ball must either cross the head string or touch a ball in front of or on the head string, or the shot is a foul and the cue ball is in the hand of the following player according to the rules of the relevant game.

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6.12 Cue on the table

If the shooter uses his cue to line up a shot by placing it on the table without having a hand on the stick, that is a foul.

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6.13 Playing out of turn

It is a standard foul to inadvertently play out of line. Normally balls are played from the position left by the faulty play. If a player intentionally plays out of turn, this should be treated as 6.16 Unsportsmanlike Conduct.

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6.14 Three Consecutive Fouls

If a player fouls three times without taking a legal shot in between, that is a major foul. In games scored through the rack, such as B. Nine-ball, fouls must occur in a single rack. Some games, such as eight-ball, do not include this rule.

The referee must warn a shooter who has committed two fouls when he comes to the table that he has committed two fouls. Otherwise, a possible third foul will only be counted as a second.

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6.15 Slow playback

If the referee feels that a player is playing too slowly, he may advise that player to speed up his game. If the player does not accelerate, the referee may issue a shot clock for that game that applies to both players. If the shooter exceeds the time limit set for the tournament, a standard foul will be assessed and the incoming player will be rewarded according to the rules applicable to the game being played. (Rule 6.16 Unsportsmanlike Conduct may also apply.)

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6.16 Unsportsmanlike Conduct

The normal penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct is the same as for a serious foul, but the referee may impose a penalty based on the assessment of the conduct. Among other possible penalties are a warning; a standard foul penalty, which may count as part of a three-foul sequence; a serious foul penalty; loss of a rack, set or match; Exclusion from the competition, possibly with loss of all prizes, cups and ranking list points.

Unsportsmanlike conduct is any intentional conduct that brings the sport into disrepute or disrupts or alters the game in a way that makes it unfair. It contains

(a) distracting the opponent;

(b) changing the position of the balls in play by any means other than a shot;

(c) playing a shot by intentionally missing it;

(d) continue play after a foul has been called or play has been stopped;

(e) practice during a game;

(f) mark the table;

(g) game delay; and

(h) improper use of equipment.

A. GAME OBJECT. Nine Ball is played with nine object balls numbered one through nine and one cue ball. For each shot, the first ball the cue ball touches must be the lowest numbered ball on the table, but the balls do not have to be pocketed in sequence. If a player sinks a ball on a legal shot, they remain at the table for another shot and continue until they miss, foul, or win the game by sinking the 9-ball. After a miss, the incoming player must shoot from the position the previous player left, but after each foul, the incoming player is allowed to place the cue cue anywhere on the table. Players do not have to declare a shot. B. RACKING THE BALLS. The object balls are arranged in a diamond shape, with the one ball at the top of the diamond and at the base, the nine balls in the middle of the diamond, and the other balls in a random order as close together as possible. The game begins with the cue ball in hand behind the headband. C. STARTING THE GAME. The home team starts first and writes their line-up first. Then the break changes. A game begins as soon as the cue ball crosses the headstring on the opening break.

D. LEGAL BREAK SHOT. The rules for the break shot are the same as for other shots except: 1. The breaker must hit the 1-ball first and either pocket a ball or hit at least four numbered balls to a rail, otherwise it is a foul. The incoming player accepts the table as it is with ball in hand, or requests a rerack with the cue ball behind the headline. 2. If the cue-ball is pocketed, thrown off the table, or the conditions for the opening game are not met, it is a foul and the incoming player has the cue-ball in his hand anywhere on the table. 3. If, at the break, the breaker bounces an object ball off the table, it is a foul and the coming player has a cue ball somewhere on the table. The object ball is not spotted again. 4. Making the nine on the break is an automatic win for the breaker. However, if the cue ball is scratched while making the nine, the nine will be mocked again. (Using another strip from the tray.) E. GAME CONTINUE. If shot immediately after a legal break, the shooter may push out. If the breaker sinks one or more balls on a legal break, he keeps shooting until he misses, fouls, or wins the game. If the player misses or fouls, the other player starts their turn and shoots until they miss, foul, or win. The game ends when the nine is pocketed on a legal shot. F. PUSH OUT. The player who takes the shot immediately after a legal break is allowed to play a push-out to try to position the cue ball in a better position for the following option. On a push-out, the cue-ball need not touch an object ball or rail, but all other foul rules still apply. The player must announce his intention to play a push out before the shot is made, or the shot will be considered a normal shot. Any ball holed on a push out does not count and remains holed, except for the nine-ball. After a legal push-out, the incoming player may shoot from that position or return the shot to the player who performed the push-out. A push out is not considered a foul unless a rule is broken. An illegal push out will be penalized based on the type of foul committed. G Fouls. If a player commits a foul, he must forfeit his run at the table and no balls pocketed on the foul shot are spotted, except for the nine-ball. The incoming player receives the ball in hand; Before his first shot, he may place the cue anywhere on the table. If a player commits multiple fouls on a shot, they will be counted as one foul. 1. All fouls must be reported and acknowledged before the next shot is taken. 2. Touching or moving the cue ball is a foul. 3. Coaching is a foul. 4. Shooting the cue ball into a pocket or off the table is a foul. 5. If the first object ball touched by the cue ball is not the lowest numbered ball on the table, the shot is a foul. 6. If no object ball is pocketed, failure to hit the cue-ball or a object ball on a lane after the cue-ball has touched the object ball is a foul. 7. Potting the nine and the cue ball in the same shot is a foul. 8. Shooting without at least one foot on the ground is a foul. 9. An unpotted ball is considered thrown off the table if it comes to rest other than on the bed of the table. It is a foul to hit an object ball off the table. The bounced object balls are not detected and the game continues. When the cue-ball is in hand, the player may place the cue-ball anywhere on the table except in contact with an object ball. He can keep adjusting the position of the cue ball until he throws a shot. H. THREE CONSECUTIVE FOULS. If a player fouls three times in a row on three consecutive shots without making a legal shot in between, he loses the game. The three fouls must occur in a game. The warning must be given between the second and third foul. This rule is optional for local league and tournament play. (This rule does not apply at the International Championships.) A player’s turn begins when it is legal for him to take a shot and ends at the end of a shot where he misses, fouls, or wins, or when he is between fouled the shots . If there are only two object balls on the table and a player scrapes while pocketing the ball before the nine, it shall be brought up and placed on foot. (With another ball from the tray.) I. END OF GAME. The game ends at the end of a legal shot that sinks the 9-ball; or when a player loses the game due to a foul.

billiards

Individual sport

Rules

Players must be at the table within 5 minutes of start time or the game will be abandoned. A match consists of the best 2 of 3 games. (Women only play 1 game) The game is played according to the 8-ball rules listed below. All disputes must be resolved at the table at this time. The game time is more than 50 minutes after the scheduled start. The player with the most games won or most balls pocketed in the current game is declared the winner.

8 balls

1. GAME OBJECT. Eight Ball is a call shot game played with a cue ball and fifteen object balls numbered 1-15. One player must pocket balls from the group numbered 1 to 7 (solid colors) while the other player has balls 9 to 15 (stripes). . THE PLAYER WHO POCKETS HIS GROUP FIRST AND THEN LEGALLY POCKETS THE 8-BALL WINS THE GAME.

2. CALL RECORDING. Obvious balls and pockets do not need to be shown in the call shot. It is the opponent’s right to ask what ball and pocket they have if they are unsure of the shot. Ricochets and combination shots are not considered obvious and care should be taken to identify both the object ball and the intended pocket. When calling the shot, it is NEVER necessary to give details such as number of ties, benches, kisses, crashes, etc. All balls pocketed on a foul remain pocketed, regardless of whether they belong to the kicker or the opponent.

3. CHANGE BREAK. The winner of the lag or coin toss has the opportunity to break. The players (teams) take turns in each subsequent game.

4. BOUNCING BALLS AND MASS SHOTS ARE NOT ALLOWED.

5. LEGAL BREAKING SHOT. To execute a legal break, the breaker (with the cue ball behind the head string) must either (1) pocket a ball, or (2) hit at least four numbered balls against the cushion. Failure to make a legal break is a foul and the incoming player has the option of (1) positioning the table and shooting, or (2) relocating the balls and having the option of taking the ball to shoot Open the break yourself or allow the offending player to break again.

6. SCRATCH ON A LEGAL BREACH. If a player scratches on a legal break, (1) all pocketed balls remain pocketed (except for the 8-ball: see Rule 9), (2) it is a foul, (3) the table is open. PLEASE NOTE: The incoming player has the cue ball in hand behind the head string and may not shoot an object ball that is behind the head string unless he first shoots the cue ball past the head string and causes the cue ball to go past the Head comes back up the string and hits the object ball.

7. OBJECT BALLS BOUNCE OFF THE TABLE AT REST. If a player bounces an object ball off the table at break, it is a foul and the ball is spotted. The incoming player then has the option of (1) positioning the table and shooting, or (2) putting the cue ball behind the head string and shooting.

8. 8-BALL POCKETED ON THE BREAK. If the 8-ball is pocketed on the break, the breaker can ask for a re-rack or have the 8-ball spotted and keep shooting. If the breaker claws while potting the 8-ball on the break, the incoming player has the option to re-rack or let the 8-ball see and begin shooting behind the headline, ball in hand.

9. THE OPENING BREAK is not a called shot. Any player who breaks an 8-ball shot may continue with their next shot as long as they legally pocketed an object ball on the break.

10. OPEN TABLE. The table is “open” if the choice of groups (stripes or full tone) is not yet determined. When the table is open it is legal to hit a solid first to make a streak or vice versa. Note: The table is always open immediately after the break shot. When the table is open, it is legal to hit any solid or stripe or the 8-Ball first when pocketing the announced stripe or solid. However, if the table is open and the 8-ball is the first ball to be touched, no streak or solid may be scored in favor of the shooter. The shooter loses his turn; all balls holed remain holed; and the incoming player addresses the balls while the table is still open. At an open table, all illegally holed balls remain holed.

11. CHOICE OF GROUP. The choice of stripes or solids is not specified at break, even if balls are made from only one or both groups. THE TABLE IS ALWAYS OPEN IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BREAK SHOT. The choice of group is only determined if a player legally pockets a declared object ball after the break.

12. LEGAL SHOT. For all shots (except break-off and open table), the pitcher must first hit a ball in his group and (1) pocket a numbered ball, or (2) bring the cue ball or any numbered ball into contact with a rail.

13. PLEASE NOTE: The shooter is permitted to deflect the cue-ball off a rail before it touches his object ball; however, after contact with his object ball, a object ball must be pocketed OR the cue ball or other numbered ball must touch a rail. Failure to meet these requirements is a foul.

14. EVALUATION. A player is entitled to continue shooting until he does not legally pocket a ball from his group. After a player has legally pocketed their entire group of balls, they shoot to pocket the 8-ball.

15. SCRATCHING is considered a foul and the opposing player gets his hands on the ball.

16. Foul Penalty. The opposing player gets his hands on the cue ball. This means the player can place the cue ball anywhere on the table (doesn’t have to be behind the headline except on the opening shot). This rule prevents a player from intentionally committing fouls that would disadvantage his opponent. With cue ball in hand, the player may use his hand or any part of his cue (including the tip) to position the cue ball. When placing the cue-ball in position, any forward striking motion that touches the cue-ball is a foul if not a valid shot.

17. COMBINATION SHOT. Combination shots are allowed; However, the 8-Ball cannot be used as the first ball in the combination unless the table is open.

18. ILLEGAL POCKET BALLS. A object ball is considered pocketed illegally if (1) that object ball was pocketed on the same shot in which a foul was committed, or (2) the called ball did not go into its designated pocket. Balls illegally holed remain holed.

19. OBJECT BALLS JUMPED OFF THE TABLE. If an object ball is bounced off the table, it is a foul and a game loss unless it is the 8-ball, which is a game loss. All bounced object balls are discovered.

20. MATCH LOSS. A player loses the game if he commits any of the following violations:

* Fouls pocketing the 8-Ball (Exception: see 8-Ball Pocketed on The Break).

* Sinks the 8-ball with the same shot as the last of his group of balls.

* Bounce the 8-Ball off the table at any time.

* Pots the 8-Ball into a pocket other than the intended pocket.

* Pots the 8-Ball if it’s not a legal object ball.

* Scratches trying to do the 8.

IMA points

Similar to an American table, English pockets are smaller, with the width of the pocket determined by a ball-to-pocket ratio formula, i.e. H. Ball size x 1.6 = pocket opening with a tolerance of plus or minus 1/8 inch. This is measured by the slope of the pocket, for corner pockets the slope of the pocket is at the point where the projected lines of each pad surface intersect. For medium pockets, the halyard is the point where the ball should fall.

American pocket openings should be between 4.5 and 4.625 inches at the corner pockets and between 5 and 5.125 inches in the middle. The center pocket opening is traditionally ½ inch wider than the corner pocket opening. Professional tables also have a vertical pocket angle (back draft) between 12 and 14 degrees. This question is often asked by potential customers who are usually confused and frustrated with the differences between the two types of pool tables.

In general, American pool tables are physically larger than English pool tables. With a larger playing surface, slightly larger balls and wider pocket openings, responsive “pointy” rubber pads and a fast, pile-free cloth ensure high-speed play. American pool is often described as a faster game, with lots of rebounds and rebounds compared to the more strategic game of English pool.

English pool tables have a slower, more traditional woolen cloth, narrower pockets, L-shaped cushioning rubber profiles, and a smaller playing area that often includes more tactical “snooker” shots.

table sizes

bags

pillow

balls

What ball size do I need?

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What is the difference between American and English cues? Can I use American cues on English tables?

Cloth

TL;DR: You’re not even playing to a reasonably up-to-date version of the English Pool Association rules, so we can’t answer the question.

Under current English Pool Association rules (which are identical to World Eight Ball Pool Association rules), a foul when black is “on” still results in the opponent getting two visits to the table. A foul results in a frame loss only if the black ball is pocketed.

According to the old EPA rules (before 2009)

A player who clearly makes no attempt to play a ball in his own group loses the game.

but this rule does not exist in the current rules. (Note that “game” in this context means “frame” rather than “match”).

None of these rule sets (or the 2009-2014 rules) contain a provision that a player on black does not get two visits, so you will need to consult your tournament organizer.

Pool rules are notoriously complex, which can make a casual game of billiards challenging for beginners. This challenge is one of the reasons for house rules, but in a way it only adds to the complexity as everyone seems to play by different rules. Whether or not reverse shots are allowed is an often-debated rule.

Can you shoot backwards in the pool? Some house rules (bar rules) require that on a scratch, the cue ball must be kicked out of the kitchen toward the break, which would require a forward shot. During normal league play (APA/BCA/etc) there is no forward or backward concept, but if a ball is fouled your opponent can put the cue ball anywhere on the table and take a shot.

are you still confused No problem. In this post, we’ll dive into what a reverse shot is so you’re prepared the next time you’re at the pool table.

What is a reverse shot in the pool?

There is no forward or backward in billiards. Forward is essentially the direction your cue is pointing when you make the shot. This means there is no such thing as a reverse shot during normal play.

But there are some instances where the concepts of backwards and forwards become important in the pool:

Shooting From Behind the String: When a cue ball is behind the string (or in the kitchen), it must move past the string before hitting object balls or cushions. This effectively means you have to kick the ball forward to avoid a foul.

If a cue ball is behind the string (or in the kitchen), it must move past the string before hitting any object balls or cushions. This effectively means you have to kick the ball forward to avoid a foul. Ball in Hand: When you place the cue ball, you can move it multiple times before making your shot. You can move the ball with your hand or any part of your cue, but if you hit the ball in a forward motion, even accidentally, you’ve made your shot for better or worse.

When you place the cue ball, you can move it several times before making your shot. You can move the ball with your hand or any part of your cue, but if you hit the ball in a forward motion, even accidentally, you’ve made your shot for better or worse. House Rules: It’s no secret that the pool you play at a bar, in your buddy’s basement, or even at a local pool hall, doesn’t always follow the same rules as pros. House rules often dictate that if the cue ball is in hand, it must be shot from behind the string. In this case, normal behind-the-line shooting rules apply.

If you want to know what the official rules of billiards are, you should check out the Billiard Congress of America website, which lists them in detail. For more information on the rules of billiards, see our What Happens When the 8 Breaks? and what happens if a billiard ball goes off the table?

What is the Backwards Cut Shot?

From the name, you might think that a backwards cut shot is a reverse shot, but that’s not the case. A backward cut shot is simply a type of cut shot where the pocket you are trying to put the ball in is not visible during the shot.

As you can imagine, these are some of the most difficult shots to take, but they’re not really “backwards” in the traditional sense. The video encyclopedia of pool recordings at PoolDawg can help you get started with edited recordings.

What about a behind-the-back shot?

Some might consider a shot behind the back to be “backward,” and in a way, it is. Your entire shot setup is flipped!

These shots are possible and legal in most pool games, but house rules may prohibit them. You have to lean or sit on the pool table rail, which is not good for the table. Also, they’re mostly seen as unnecessarily flashy and aren’t the most effective way to approach a hard-to-get shot. So what you think makes you look like a hotshot actually makes you a newbie.

Is it legal to shoot backwards in the pool?

As long as the cue ball is not in the string, you can shoot the ball in any direction you want. Just think of all the requirements of a fair shot and the direction doesn’t matter.

Note, however, that the house rules differ. These rules are usually published and you should review them before starting a game. If they are not posted, you can always set the rules with your opponent before starting the game.