Uk 8 Ball Pool Rules Pdf? Best 51 Answer

Does the black 8-ball go in the opposite pocket or in the same pocket as the last striped ball? How do you position yourself in straight pool when the cue ball and the last object ball are in the triangle? Is it possible to win 10 ball with a combination? And what is a point shot in the Philippine rotation? Some questions come up more often at the pool table than others. To be safe, we answer them all in our ultimate guide to the rules and information for all common pool variants.

After a foul, the other player always has the ball in hand and can place the cue ball anywhere on the table for their next shot. The only exception is the break. If the player commits a foul here, the other player may only move the cue ball inside the kitchen and may only play balls that are outside the kitchen first.

After the half-time shot, the person authorized to take over the position is basically free to choose which group he or she would like to take over. Even if only “stripes” are holed on the break, the player can choose the “solids” if he thinks they are better. The groups are only finally assigned when the player has pocketed a ball in accordance with the rules. As long as the groups have not yet been assigned, “mixed” combinations can also be played, e.g. a “solid” may be played first and a called “stripe” may be pocketed in a called pocket. The eight must never be played first.

If both the cue ball and the black eight are pocketed, the opponent decides whether to play again or take over the position with the black ball rediscovered. In this case, he then has “ball in hand” from the kitchen.

If the black eight is pocketed at the break, the player who has the next shot can decide whether to do it

If no four balls touch a lane, the break is illegal. The player who did not break then has a choice

During the break, the cue ball can be placed anywhere in the kitchen. No specific ball may be hit first and no ball called. If a ball is pocketed during the break, the break is automatically valid and the breaker remains at the table. If no ball is holed, at least four object balls must strike one or more rails after the cue ball first makes contact with the rack for the break to be valid. If this is fulfilled, the shot changes and the other player takes over.

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The object of the game is to pot all the balls in your group and then the black eight. The pocket for the eight must be announced, but can be re-selected on each attempt. According to official WPA (World Pool Association) rules, the eight does not have to be played into the same or opposite pocket as the ball last potted. However, such rule variations are quite possible and common.

8-Ball is a called shot game. So in order to pot a ball correctly and continue playing, you must first call out which ball is to be sunk into which pocket. Combinations are generally permitted. A player must always hit a ball in his group first in order to make a correct shot. There is no need to make a call for obvious shots.

8-Ball is the most popular and widely used game variant in billiards. The game is played with all 15 object balls, which are divided into the groups “solid” (1-7) and “striped” balls (9-15) and the black eight. The first regular holed ball after the break decides which player plays which group.

9-Ball is the classic among the rotation games, i.e. the games in which the balls have to be hit and pocketed in ascending order. In order to make a correct shot, the object ball with the lowest number of balls remaining on the table must always be hit first. When this is met and an object ball is pocketed, it is the player’s turn.

goal of the game

The winner of a 9 ball game is the player who sinks the 9 with a correct shot. It doesn’t matter whether it’s the last object ball to fall with a normal shot, a valid combination over another ball, or purely by accident, as long as the rules for a correct shot are met. Also sinking the 9 at the kick-off automatically leads directly to winning the game if the kick-off was executed correctly. In addition, a game can be won if the opponent commits a foul in three consecutive shots (see three foul rule).

How to line up the balls

The balls 1-9 are arranged in a rhombus

One comes forward

Nine goes in the middle

The remaining balls are placed randomly

In the standard variant, one is placed at the base. Depending on the tournament order, the nines can also be placed on the foot point, especially in professional play, and the rack can thus be set up higher.

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break shot

At kick-off, the cue ball may be placed anywhere in the head area. The one in front must be hit first or it is a foul.

If an object ball is pocketed during the break, the break is automatically valid and the player taking the break stays at the table. If no ball is holed, at least four object balls must strike one or more rails after the cue ball first makes contact with the rack for the break to be valid. When this is met, the shot changes and the other player takes over how it lies.

If no four balls touch a lane, the break is illegal. The player who did not shoot then has a choice

to accept the picture as it is anyway

Have the other player shoot again

shoot yourself

Kitchen rule (3-point rule)

In addition to the standard rules, many 9-ball events use the kitchen rule or the 3-point rule. Thereafter, at least three object balls must travel back into or through the kitchen after the break for a correct break to occur. It is enough if the head string is touched, the ball does not have to cross it completely. Potted balls are automatically deducted from the 3-point rule. So if a ball is sunk, only two have to go to the kitchen. If two balls are pocketed, only one has to go to the kitchen. If three or more balls are potted, the kitchen rule is automatically fulfilled. All other combinations mean an “illegal break”. If such an illegal break occurs, the player taking over can decide whether to take over the situation or let the player who caused the illegal break play on. If the player takes over, a correct shot must be taken on the lowest remaining ball on the table. If the shot is played back, the person who caused the illegal kick-off may continue the game with a push-out.

On the first shot after the break, the eligible player is allowed to play a push-out. This option is useful when a correct shot at the lowest ball is not possible or difficult. A push-out is a free kick, so to speak, to which no rules apply. The cue ball just has to stay on the table, otherwise it’s a foul. However, no rail needs to be touched and no object ball needs to be touched. The game ball can be pushed a few centimeters forwards or backwards. After the push-out, the other player decides whether to take the newly created position or return play to the player who pushed out. It is therefore advisable not to leave the opponent with a situation that is neither too easy nor too difficult, as otherwise you usually have to continue playing yourself.

A push-out must be clearly promised to the opponent before it is executed.

foul shots

A foul occurs when

The game ball is put in a pocket

the cue ball does not touch any other ball

the cue ball or an object ball bounces off the table

a ball other than the lowest ball on the table is touched first

After the first contact of the cue ball with an object ball, no ball touches at least one lane or is pocketed

The cue ball is touched several times during the shot (push shot foul)

touches a ball or balls with a cue stick, body, clothing or otherwise

a throw occurs while at least one ball is still moving on the table

At least one foot of the player does not touch the ground during the shot

Three Foul Rule

If a player commits a foul in three consecutive shots, he loses the game. It is important that before a possible third foul he is clearly warned by his opponent (or by the referee) that he has already committed two consecutive fouls and that if he committed another foul the game would be lost. If this warning is not given, the third foul has only the normal consequences of a normal foul.

10-Ball is an evolution of 9-Ball and, in contrast, a called shot game. In principle, the player must announce before each shot which ball is to be sunk into which pocket. No call is required for obvious shots.

The game is played with balls from 1 to 10. In order to make a correct shot, the object ball with the lowest number of balls remaining on the table must always be played first. When this is satisfied and the called object ball is pocketed in the called pocket, it is the player’s turn.

goal of the game

The winner of a 10-ball game is the player who sinks the last ball on the table – the 10 – into the called pocket with a correct shot. In addition, a game can be won if the opponent commits a foul in three consecutive shots (see three foul rule).

Pocket ball 10 early

If ball 10 is pocketed while other balls are still on the table, it will be spotted again. Before the next shot, the ball is placed on the foot spot. If this is blocked by other balls, the 10-ball is placed from below as close as possible to the foot spot without touching another ball.

If the 10 is pocketed prematurely during the break or with a correctly called combination shot, the player may continue his shot after the 10 is rediscovered. If the 10 is pocketed without being called, the other player can choose to take the position or let the opponent play on.

Stewballs not named

If the called ball is pocketed correctly during a shot, any number of other balls can also be pocketed. These remain in the pockets and the player continues to shoot the lowest remaining ball on the table with one shot. The only exception is the 10 ball, which is dropped again after it has been put in early.

If, during a shot, the called ball is not pocketed, but a ball is pocketed without a correct call, that ball also remains in the pocket and the other player can decide whether to take the position or let the opponent play on. Balls that are either not nominated at all or fall into a pocket other than the nominated pocket will be deemed improperly holed.

How to line up the balls

Balls 1-10 are placed in a triangle.

One comes first

The ten goes in the middle

The remaining balls are placed randomly

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break shot

At kick-off, the cue ball may be placed anywhere in the head area. The one ball in front must be hit first, otherwise it is a foul.

If an object ball is pocketed during the break, the break is automatically valid and the player taking the break stays at the table. If no ball is holed, at least four object balls must strike one or more rails after the cue ball first makes contact with the rack for the break to be valid. When this is met, the shot changes and the other player takes over how it lies.

If no four balls touch a lane, the break is illegal. The player who did not shoot then has a choice

to accept the picture as it is anyway

Have the other player shoot again

shoot yourself

Kitchen rule (3-point rule)

In addition to the standard rules, some 10-ball events use the kitchen rule or the 3-point rule. Thereafter, at least three object balls must travel back into or through the kitchen after the break for a correct break to occur. It is enough if the head string is touched, the ball does not have to cross it completely. Potted balls are automatically deducted from the 3-point rule. So if a ball is sunk, only two have to go to the kitchen. If two balls are pocketed, only one has to go to the kitchen. If three or more balls are potted, the kitchen rule is automatically fulfilled. All other combinations mean an “illegal break”. If such an illegal break occurs, the player taking over can decide whether to take over the situation or let the player who caused the illegal break play on. If the player takes over, a correct shot must be taken on the lowest remaining ball on the table. If the shot is played back, the person who caused the illegal kick-off may continue the game with a push-out.

On the first shot after the break, the player eligible to shoot may play a push-out. This option is useful when a correct shot at the lowest ball is not possible or difficult. A push-out is a free kick, so to speak, to which no rules apply. The cue ball just has to stay on the table, otherwise it’s a foul. However, no rail needs to be touched and no object ball needs to be touched. The game ball can also be pushed a few centimeters forwards or backwards. After the push-out, the other player decides whether to take the newly created position or return play to the player who pushed out. It is therefore advisable not to leave the opponent with a situation that is neither too easy nor too difficult, as otherwise you usually have to continue playing yourself.

A push-out must be clearly promised to the opponent before it is executed.

fouls

A foul occurs when

The game ball is put in a pocket

the cue ball does not touch any other ball

the cue ball or an object ball bounces off the table

a ball other than the lowest ball on the table is touched first

After the first contact of the cue ball with an object ball, no ball touches at least one lane or is pocketed

The cue ball is touched several times during the shot (push shot foul)

touches a ball or balls with a cue stick, body, clothing or otherwise

a throw occurs while at least one ball is still moving on the table

At least one foot of the player does not touch the ground during the shot

Three Foul Rule

If a player commits a foul in three consecutive shots, he loses the game. It is important that before a possible third foul he is clearly warned by his opponent (or by the referee) that he has already committed two consecutive fouls and that if he committed another foul the game would be lost. If this warning is not given, the third foul has only the normal consequences of a normal foul.

14.1 Continuous / Straight Pool

14.1 Continuous is the original form of billiards and in the USA, mostly known as “Straight Pool”, it is still the supreme discipline of the sport for many billiards fans. It is played with a full set of balls from 1-15 and is a called shot game. All object balls are equal. If a ball is pocketed with the correct declaration of ball and pocket, the player receives a point. If other balls are pocketed in addition to the called ball, these also count as one point. The player stays at the table and can continue his shot until he misses a called shot, voluntarily stops with a safe, or wins the game.

When there is only one object ball left on the table, the other 14 balls are reassembled into a triangle, missing only the top ball, which would be right on the foot spot. The remaining object ball and cue ball remain in the positions where they came to rest after the last shot, and the player can continue play.

The trick now is, with a correct shot, to open the triangle again and continue the game. Classically, this is attempted by potting the last free ball and then running the cue ball into the remaining 14 balls to break them up. However, it would be equally possible, albeit infinitely more difficult, to call and hole a ball from the closed triangle into a specific pocket.

As long as a correct shot sinks the announced ball into the announced pocket, the player can continue his streak indefinitely. Hence the name 14.1 “continuous”. It is also possible and not uncommon in professional circles that a player hardly or not at all comes to the table because the other player sinks his 100 balls in a row. The unofficial record streak by a player is 714 potted balls.

goal of the game

The aim of the game is to reach a set or pre-game agreed score. The usual goal is 100 points. Longer distances are also played in the professional sector. Shorter distances (50, 60, 75) are recommended for beginners, recreational and lower-level players.

In order to limit playing time, it is also common to limit the number of innings (= table visits) per player. For example, 30-40 innings is a common limit for a race to 100. Once both players have completed their 40 innings and neither player has reached the tie goal, the current score will be used to determine the winner.

If the result is a tie when both players have completed their last inning, the game is extended by five innings. If there is still no winner, the game will be extended by one inning per player pending a decision. The game situation on the table always remains as it is, it is not changed in overtime.

How to line up the balls

Balls 1-15 are set up in a triangle. The positions of the balls do not matter and are random. The foremost ball is on the foot spot.

When restacking the 14 balls balls between the racks, the balls are also randomly positioned as a triangle. The foremost position at the base remains empty.

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Peculiarities of racking in the game

If the cue ball or the last object ball remaining on the table is preventing the 14 balls from being reinserted by blocking the “triangle,” the following rules apply.

If both cue ball and object ball are in the triangle, all 15 object balls are built into a complete triangle and the cue ball must be played ball-in-hand from the kitchen area.

If only the remaining object ball is in the triangle, it is spotted head on. If the head point is blocked by the cue ball, it is placed on the center point.

If the ball is in the triangle, the game continues in the kitchen with free choice of position (ball-in-hand).

Exception: The remaining object sphere is also in the kitchen. In this case, the game ball must be turned upside down. If this is occupied by the object ball, the game ball is placed on the middle point.

Position of the 15th ball Position of the cue ball In the triangle Neither in the triangle nor on the head spot On the head spot In the triangle 15th ball: foot spot

Game ball: Kitchen 15. Ball: Head point

Cue ball: stays where it is 15. Ball: center point

Game ball: stays where he is. 15th ball: foot point

Game ball: kitchen 15. Ball: foot point

Game ball: stays where it is 15th ball: foot spot

Cue ball: stays where it is In the kitchen, but not on the head 15. Ball: stays where it is

Game ball: Header Neither in the kitchen nor in the triangle 15. Ball: stays where it is

Game ball: kitchen on head point 15. Ball: stays where it is

Cue Ball: Center

Source: Wikipedia

Rediscover individual object balls

A holed object ball is rediscovered when

A foul was committed when the shot was fired

The called ball was not pocketed in the same shot

The ball was pocketed when a safety was taken

The object ball in question is always placed on the stepping point. If this is blocked, the ball is placed in the middle as close as possible to the foot point of the foot rail. If several balls are to be played again after a shot, each one is played individually according to the above principle.

break shot

At break-off, at least two object balls and the cue-ball must touch a rail or a declared object ball must be pocketed for a correct break-off to occur. Otherwise, the player who kicked off gets two penalty points and the opponent can either take the position or request a reset. In this case, he can have the counter-attack executed again or take over the kick-off himself. If the same player goes on with a second break shot, it still counts towards the first inning. Several break-shot fouls in a row are possible, the points of which are all attributed to the first inning. For example, a score of -10 (= five break shot fouls) is possible in the first inning. A “normal” foul (e.g. pocketing a cue ball) is only punished with a minus point and cannot lead to a new break.

fouls

A foul occurs when

The ball is pocketed

the cue ball does not touch any other ball

the cue ball or an object ball bounces off the table

After the first contact of the cue ball with an object ball, no ball touches at least one lane or is pocketed

The cue ball is touched several times during the shot (push shot foul)

moving a ball or balls with a cue, body, clothing or any other means

a throw occurs while at least one ball is still moving on the table

At least one of the player’s feet does not touch the ground during the shot.

After a foul game, the game is generally continued with the same game situation. There is no ball in hand. Only when the ball is pocketed or leaves the table can the other player continue from the kitchen with a free choice of position.

minuses

A foul is always penalized with a minus point. A player’s score can therefore be negative. Three fouls in a row result in 15 minus points. In this case, the player who has already committed two fouls in a row must be advised before his next shot that he has already accumulated two fouls.

If a player commits a third foul in a row despite a warning, a minus point is calculated for the foul and then a further 15 minus points are deducted. The entire rack is then rebuilt and the player who committed the three fouls must restart play with a correct break-off (see break-off).

A pocket

One Pocket is one of the most popular pool variants in the USA and is particularly popular among gambling circles. Each player is assigned one of the two pockets at the foot of the table and can only score by potting balls into that pocket. The other four pockets are neutral. Nothing needs to be called. Each ball pocketed in one’s own pocket with a correct shot counts as one point.

goal of the game

The player who gets eight points first wins a game. An overall goal for a game can be agreed in advance. For a match, races to 3 or 5 are common.

How to tear up the balls

Balls 1-15 are set up as a triangle. The positions of the balls do not matter and are random. The ball in front is placed on the foot spot.

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break shot

Before the break, the starting player must name which of the two pockets at the foot of the table he will choose for his balls. The other player is automatically assigned the other bag. In practice, the bid is often omitted, since in the classic one-pocket opening shot, the majority of the balls are always clearly moved in the direction of a pocket, and it is clear from this which pocket the player chooses. When breaking from the left, the player then plays the right pocket and vice versa.

The game is always played with alternating breaks. Before each new rack, the breaker can choose which pocket to play.

During the break, the ball can be placed anywhere in the kitchen and must be played out of it. Either an object ball or a rail may be hit first. In any case, at least one object ball must be hit and after this contact, another ball must hit at least one rail for a correct shot to be made. If a ball is pocketed during the kick-off, the kick-off is basically correct. However, in these cases, a re-rack is sometimes performed and the kick-off re-run.

If the above conditions are not met, it is a foul and the player gets a minus point. The other player must still take the picture as it is. There is no ball in hand. If the cue ball is pocketed on the opening shot, the other player must continue play by shooting with a vacant position from the kitchen.

The game

A player is allowed to continue their stroke as long as they pocket one or more balls in their own pocket with correct strokes. If a ball is sunk – intentionally or unintentionally – into a neutral pocket or an opponent’s pocket and a ball is not sunk into one’s own pocket at the same time, the shot eligibility changes. Balls that are neutrally holed are replaced after the shot. Balls pocketed in the opponent’s pocket count one point for the opponent. The only exception is when an opponent’s ball is potted and a foul is committed, either by potting the cue ball or by having the cue ball fly off the table. Then the pocketed ball is spotted out of the opponent’s pocket again.

If a player correctly pots both their last ball and their opponent’s last ball in one stroke, the executing player wins the game.

There are no called safety or safety shots. If a ball is pocketed in the correct pocket, the player must continue his shot.

Jump queuing is not allowed in One Pocket. However, it is allowed to perform jumpshots with the complete queue.

fouls

Each foul results in a minus point. So the player who committed the foul must pass a ball out of his pocket and put it back on. Balls pocketed during a foul must be pocketed immediately afterwards, along with the offending player’s penalty ball. Balls pocketed in the opponent’s pocket are only put up again if the cue ball was pocketed or carried off the table at the same time. For other fouls, such as B. a push shot foul or an illegal ball contact, the opponent’s ball stays in the pocket and counts.

If a player has no balls in his pocket to “pay” for a foul, he owes a ball. This should be recorded in some form by writing it down or marking it. Balls that are owed must be replaced as soon as possible, but only at the end of an inning. Only when all debts are settled can the player start collecting balls in his pocket.

Deliberate fouls are a common tactic in one pocket. However, a correct shot must always be taken, even if the cue ball is pocketed on purpose, moved just a millimeter, or no attempt is made to hit another ball. After an illegal shot, the eligible player can choose to accept the table situation or restore the image prior to the foul.

Three Foul Rule

After three consecutive fouls, the game is lost. However, as in rotation games, a player must be advised by the referee or opponent that he has already committed two fouls before taking the next shot and committing a third foul. In practice, the three foul rule is often waived if both players agree.

Rediscover balls

Balls to be repotted are always placed directly on the foot point. If this is not completely clear, the ball is placed from the foot rail on the line to the foot spot as close as possible without touching another ball. If everything is blocked from the foot spot to the foot rail, the ball is pitched over the foot spot.

Balls are always pitched at the end of an inning. The only exception to this rule is if a player sinks the last ball on the table without either player reaching their rack, any balls to be re-stacked are immediately tucked and the player may continue their shot.

disabilities

It is common practice, particularly in gaming circles, to play one pocket with handicaps to compensate for differences in skill level. For example, it can be agreed that one player normally needs his eight balls to win, but the other only needs six (8-6) or the better player needs to sink even more balls (e.g. 10-6). Wenn mehr als die 15 verfügbaren Bälle benötigt werden, um die Remis-Tore zu erreichen, muss der Spieler mit dem höheren Tor am Ende seines Schusses eingelochte Bälle neu setzen, bis das Tor für beide Spieler erreichbar ist. Bei einem Handicap von 12-8 müsste also der bessere Spieler seine ersten vier richtig eingelochten Bälle wieder aufsetzen. Aber natürlich zählen die erzielten Punkte.

Bankpool

Beim Bank Pool dürfen Pockets nur als sogenannte Bank Shots über die Rail eingelocht werden. Grundsätzlich darf jeder Objektball auf dem Tisch gespielt werden und alle sechs Taschen stehen zur Verfügung. Das Ziel des Spiels ist es, mit korrekt angesagten und eingelochten Bank-Shots als Erster das Punkteziel zu erreichen. Ein eingelochter Ball zählt einen Punkt.

9-Ball-Banken

In 9-Ball-Banken werden neun beliebige Bälle zu einer Raute angeordnet, genau wie beim klassischen 9-Ball. Der erste Spieler, der fünf Punkte erreicht, ist der Gewinner.

Vollständige Rack-Bänke

Bei Full Rack Banks sind alle 15 Bälle wie beim klassischen 8-Ball als Dreieck aufgebaut. Der erste Spieler, der acht Punkte erreicht, ist der Gewinner.

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Das Spiel

Bank Pool ist ein Called-Shot-Spiel. Für jeden Schlag müssen der zu versenkende Ball, die anvisierte Tasche und die Flugbahn des Balls einschließlich benutzter Schienen genannt werden. In offensichtlichen Situationen, wie dem klassischen »One Rail Bank in the Middle«, ist keine Ansage notwendig. Wenn ein Ball versehentlich auf einer anderen als der beabsichtigten Bahn eingelocht wird, wurde er nicht korrekt eingelocht und wird wieder eingelocht. Es gibt keine Strafe, das Recht zu schießen ändert sich.

Solange ein Spieler die angesagten Bälle korrekt versenkt, kann er seinen Schlag fortsetzen. Pro Schuss kann nur ein Punkt erzielt werden. Werden zusätzlich zu einem korrekt eingelochten Ball weitere Bälle eingelocht, werden diese am Ende des Schusses wieder aufgelegt. Ein Inning endet, wenn kein Ball korrekt versenkt, ein Foul begangen oder das Punkteziel erreicht wird.

Damit ein Bank Shot legal eingesteckt wird und einen Punkt zählt, müssen die folgenden Anforderungen erfüllt sein:

Der Ball muss »sauber« versenkt werden. Auf dem Weg in die Tasche darf kein anderer Ball berührt werden.

Die Spielkugel muss immer zuerst die einzulochende Objektkugel treffen. Kombinationen und Karambolschläge sind nicht erlaubt

Der Spielball muss den Objektball treffen, bevor er auf eine Schiene trifft. Der Objektball darf nicht über eine Schiene gespielt werden. Keine Rail-First-Schüsse.

Die Spielkugel darf die Objektkugel auf ihrem Weg in die Tasche nur einmal berühren. Jede weitere Berührung führt dazu, dass der Ball nicht richtig versenkt und wieder auf den Platz gelegt wird

Neben den offiziellen Regeln gibt es weit verbreitete Variationen, die das Spiel interessanter oder sogar einfacher machen. Die beliebteste Regel ist, dass Sie Bälle versenken können, ohne die Schiene zu berühren, wenn Sie mindestens drei Schienen treffen, bevor Sie den Objektball treffen. Auf diese Weise kann man auch etwas mit Bällen machen, die in der Nähe einer Tasche liegen und nicht als Bankschlag gespielt werden können. Eine andere Variante erlaubt Rail-First-Schüsse, wenn danach ein Bank-Shot versenkt wird.

Schuss brechen

9-Ball-Banken

Das Rack ist wie beim 9-Ball als Rhombus aufgebaut. The ball in front is on the foot spot and must be hit first during the break. For a legal break to occur, at least one ball must pass over the center into the other half of the table.

Full Rack Banks

The 15 balls are racked normally for the break. The foremost ball is on the foot spot. No particular ball must be hit first. For a legal break to occur, at least two object balls must hit a rail after the cue ball has touched the first object ball.

The goal in both cases is to pocket at least one ball on the break. If a ball is pocketed on the break, the player making the break may continue his shot. However, the pocketed balls do not count as points and are put back on at the end of the inning. If no ball is pocketed, the right to shoot changes and it is the other player’s turn.

If the criteria for a legal shot are not met, the other player can either take over the situation or ask the other player to take another shot. An illegal break shot is not a foul and is not penalized.

Fouls

A foul occurs when

the cue ball is pocketed into a pocket or bounces off the table

after the cue ball has touched the first object ball, not at least one ball is pocketed or touches a rail

Each foul leads to the end of the inning and results in a minus point. If a ball is correctly pocketed in the same shot, it does not count and is put back on. If a player has no points on the credit side at the time of a foul, he also gets a minus point and then owes one or more balls. The debt is settled by putting correctly pocketed balls back on at the end of an inning.

Incidentally, if an object ball flies off the table during a correct shot, it is not a foul and the ball is put back on.

If the cue ball remains on the table when a foul occurs, the other player must take over the situation as he finds it. There is no ball in hand.

If the cue ball leaves the table when a foul occurs, the ball-in-hand from the kitchen continues. The player entitled to take the cue ball must play forward from the kitchen. In the case that all remaining object balls are in the kitchen and therefore no correct shot is possible, the ball closest to the head string is taken away and placed on the foot spot.

Re-spotting of balls

Incorrectly or illegally pocketed as well as owed balls are, if possible, placed on the foot spot or in a direct line below it in the direction of the foot rail.

Balls are always re-spotted at the end of an inning. The only exception is when there are no more object balls on the table after a correctly pocketed ball, but the game is not yet decided. In this case, all balls that can be re-spotted are immediately re-spotted.

Drehung

Rotation is one of the oldest games in pool and is played in different variations almost everywhere on the globe. It is considered the supreme discipline in many places and is recommended by some professionals as a training game to improve their own billiards game.

The game is played with a complete set of balls from 1 to 15. Just as in 9- or 10-ball, the lowest ball remaining on the table must always be hit first in order to make a correct shot.

Objective of the game

In rotation pool, each ball has the value corresponding to its number. Thus, one is worth one point, four is worth four points, and 15 is the most valuable ball. The goal of the game is to reach a certain number of points. Since there are a total of 120 points on the table at the beginning, typically 61 is the number of points that wins a game. However, handicaps can be agreed upon so that, for example, one player needs 70 and the other only 50.

If there is a tie of 60:60, the player who last pocketed a ball correctly and was second to reach 60 is typically declared the winner.

The game

Rotation Pool is not a called-shot game. As long as the lowest ball on the table is hit first with the cue ball and there is no foul, all balls pocketed on that shot count for the player whose turn it is. A shot ends when either no ball has been pocketed, a foul has been committed, or the run-out target has been reached.

How to set up the balls

When racking, four balls have fixed positions. The one goes to the very front on the base, the two and the three to the back two corners of the rack and the 15 as the most valuable ball to the center. All other balls are placed randomly.

Tip: For the perfect racking of the balls we recommend the Magic Ball Rack. And here you can find all products for racking the balls.

The break shot

To execute a correct break, at least one ball must be pocketed or four object balls must run into at least one rail. Otherwise, the same rules apply as in the entire game. The lowest ball, i.e. the one, must be hit first. If there is no foul and a ball is pocketed, the player continues his turn, otherwise the shot changes.

If the criteria for a legal break are not met, the other player can decide whether to

take over the picture as it lies and continue playing with ball-in-hand from the kitchen

set up again and break himself.

If, on the other hand, there is a break foul because the cue ball is pocketed or bounces off the table, play is continued in any case with ball-in-hand from the kitchen. However, the player entitled to take the shot may pass and force the player who committed the break foul to continue play with the situation as found.

Fouls

A foul is committed when

the cue ball does not touch the lowest ball on the table first

does not touch any ball at all

the cue ball is pocketed or flies off the table

after the contact of the cue ball with the object ball, no ball is pocketed or hits a rail

an object ball flies off the table

A special feature is the »one-ball-safety« rule. A player is allowed to play a safety only twice per rack, where the object ball to be played is simply rolled to the nearest rail, so as not to give the opponent an easy shot. The third »one-ball safe« in a rack thus also results in a foul.

All other common safe variations, however, where multiple balls are moved or multiple boards are hit, are not limited and are allowed at any time.

Three consecutive fouls by a player in a rack will result in the loss of the game.

After a foul, the player entitled to take the shot generally has the choice of taking the shot himself or allowing the fouling player to continue playing. If there is a foul where the cue ball left the table, play continues with ball-in-hand from the kitchen. However, this shot can also be given to the player who committed the foul.

In the case of ball-in-hand from the kitchen, it is mandatory to play the cue ball forward from the kitchen. If the lowest remaining object ball is in the kitchen and a direct hit is therefore impossible, this ball is placed on the foot spot.

Re-spotting balls

Balls that jump off the table or are pocketed in the course of a foul are put back on. In principle, the balls are placed on the foot spot or in a direct line to the foot rail as close as possible to the foot spot.

variations

Filipino Rotation

In the Philippines, rotation is the most popular pool variation besides 10-ball. There are some special rules to consider.

Jump cues are not allowed

In the case of kick shots, i.e. when one or more rails are hit first and then the object ball to be played is hit, no other rail needs to be touched after contact.

If a player lies completely save on the ball to be played and cannot play it directly, he can forego an attempt and offer the opponent a spot shot instead. The ball to be played is then placed on the foot spot and the other player continues to play with ball-in-hand from the head area.

After a no-hit foul, that is, when a player has failed to hit the lowest ball on the table with a correct shot, the player entitled to take the shot can either take it as it lies or take a spot shot himself. This is done by again placing the lowest object ball on the foot spot and playing ball-in-hand from the head spot.

If, after a break foul, the lowest remaining object ball is in the head area, it is also placed on the foot spot and the player entitled to take a spot shot continues to play with ball-in-hand from the head area.

American Rotation

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.

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

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 is a popular game played by millions of people around the world. However, there are many different variations of the game, all with distinctly different rules and regulations. By far the most popular forms of the game are those that originated in the United States and are known as eight-ball and nine-ball pool.

Both are played on a regular sized pool table with the regular six pockets and both have multiple championships around the world. However, eight-ball is the more common game – the game you will most likely see at your local billiards hall, and the game most people think of first when the word billiards is mentioned.

Eight-Ball Pool can be played as a singles or doubles game, and is played with cues and 16 balls, 15 object balls, and a cue ball (the ball that players hit to try to hit the other balls). Billiards can be a relatively fast-paced game compared to its close relatives snooker and billiards, but that doesn’t make it any less adept for players who require a high level of skill, concentration and tactical thinking to play the game at a high level.

subject matter of the game

The object of Pool is to pocket all of the balls you designate (either striped or solid) and then pocket the 8 to win the game. Because pool matches often consist of multiple games in a “best out of” format, players attempt to win as many games as necessary to win the match. Players must use their attacking and security game skills as well as tactical skills to help them win the game.

Players & Gear

To play billiards you will need the following equipment:

Table: The table used in billiards is approximately 9 feet by 4.5 feet, although games can often be played on different sized tables.

: The table used in billiards is approximately 9 feet by 4.5 feet, although games can often be played on different sized tables. Balls: 16 balls in total consisting of a white cue ball, seven striped balls, seven solid balls and one black ball (8 balls).

: 16 balls in total, consisting of a white cue ball, seven striped balls, seven solid balls and one black ball (8 balls). Cues: The players each have a cue, which can be made of wood, carbon fiber or fiberglass, which is used to hit the game ball.

: Players each have a cue stick, which can be made of wood, carbon fiber, or fiberglass, that is used to hit the cue ball. Chalk: To ensure they have more control over their shots, every player tends to chalk the end of their cue to ensure there is good contact between the cue and the ball.

Points

There is no scoring in pool as both players simply attempt to pocket all of their assigned object balls and then pocket the 8 in their chosen pocket. However, pool matches are often played over multiple games, so for example in a best-of-nine frame match, the first player to reach five frames is declared the winner.

win the game

8-Ball Pool is won if any of the following occurs:

A player pockets all of his designated balls and then legally pockets ball 8 in his nominated pocket.

The opposing player illegally sinks the 8 before clearing his own set of balls.

The 8 is thrown off the table by the opponent.

billiard rules

The rules of billiards are among the most controversial of all sports, with slightly different variations being played in different countries, cities, regions and even institutions. However, the World Pool Billiard Association (WPA) has created a standardized set of rules that both amateurs and professionals must adhere to.

4.1 Delay for Pause

4.2 The 14.1 Rack

4.3 Opening Strike

4.4 Continuing the Game and Winning the Game

4.5 Shots Required to Be Called

4.6 Spot Balls

4.7 Scoring

4.8 Special shelving situations

4.9 Standard Fouls

4.10 Breaking Foul

4.11 Major Fouls

4.12 stalemate

14.1 Straight Pool Rules

14.1 Straight Pool, also known as Straight Pool, is played with fifteen numbered balls and the cue ball. Each ball pocketed on a legal shot counts as one point and the first player to reach the required number of points wins the game. 14.1 is continuous in that after fourteen balls have been potted, they are re-potted and the shooter continues.

4.1 Delay for Pause

Players wait to determine who shoots first. (See 1.2 Lagging for order of play determination)

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4.2 The 14.1 Rack

For an opening shot, the fifteen balls are arranged in a triangle with the apex ball on the toe. When reracking balls, the apex ball is omitted if only 14 balls are played in the rack. The marked outline of the triangle is used to determine if an intended breakball is in rack space.

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4.3 Opening Strike

The following rules apply to the opening shot:

(a) The cue ball starts in the hand behind the head string.

(b) If no called ball is pocketed, the cue-ball and two object-balls must each be struck in a lane or the shot is a breaking foul. (See 8.4 Drive to a Rail.) This is penalized by having two points subtracted from the breaker’s score. (See 4.10 Breaking Foul.) The non-shooting player may accept the balls in position or request the breaker to play another opening shot until he meets the requirements for an opening shot or the non-shooting player accepts the table in position. (See 4.11 Major Fouls)

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4.4 Continuing the Game and Winning the Game

The shooter stays at the table as long as he keeps sinking legally called balls or wins the game by scoring the required number of points. If fourteen balls have been legally pocketed from a rack, play is stopped until balls are racked again.

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4.5 Shots Required to Be Called

Shots must be announced as explained in 1.6 Standard Announcement. The shooter can call “Safety”, in which case play passes to the opponent at the end of the shot and any object ball pocketed on the safe will be spotted.

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4.6 Spot Balls

All balls holed due to fouls or safeties, or without a called ball being holed, and all balls hit from the table are spotted. (See 1.4 Spotting Balls.) If the fifteenth ball of a rack needs to be spotted and the fourteen balls have not been touched, the fifteenth ball is spotted on the apex and the umpire can use the triangle to ensure a tight rack.

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4.7 Scoring

The shooter earns a point for legally pocketing a called shot. Any additional ball pocketed on such a shot also counts as one point. Fouls are penalized by deducting points from the offending player’s score. Results may be negative due to foul penalties.

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4.8 Special shelving situations

If the cue ball or fifteenth object ball interferes with the racking of fourteen balls for a new rack, the following special rules apply. A ball is deemed to interfere with the rack if it is within the rack or overlaps its outline. The referee indicates when asked if a ball collides with the stand.

(a) If the fifteenth ball was potted on the shot that scored the fourteenth ball, all fifteen balls are re-potted.

(b) If both balls collide, all fifteen balls are replayed and the cue ball is in the hand behind the head string.

(c) If only the object ball interferes, it is placed on the head spot or center point if the cue-ball blocks the head spot.

(d) If only the cue ball is in the way, then it is placed as follows: if the object ball is in front of or on the head string, the cue ball in the hand is behind the head string; If the object ball is behind the head string, the cue ball is spotted on the head spot, or on the midpoint if the head spot is blocked.

In any case, there is no restriction as to which object ball the shooter may play as the first shot of the new rack.

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4.9 Standard Fouls

If the shooter commits a standard foul, one point is deducted from his score, balls are spotted as needed, and play passes to his opponent. The cue ball remains in position except as noted below.

The following are standard fouls at 14.1:

6.1 Scratching cue ball or falling off the table The cue ball is in the hand behind the head string (see 1.5 cue ball in hand).

6.3 No splint after contact

6.4 No foot on the ground

6.5 Ball Knocked Off the Table (Any object balls hit off the table will be re-taunted.)

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 Foul play from behind the headline For a foul under 6.11(2), the cue ball is in the hand of the oncoming player behind the headline.

6.12 Cue on the table

6.13 Playing out of turn

6.15 Slow playback

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4.10 Breaking Foul

A breaking foul is penalized by the loss of two points, as noted in 4.3 Opening Break Shot, and a possible re-break. If both a standard foul and a breaking foul occur in the same stroke, it is considered a breaking foul.

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4.11 Major Fouls

For Rule 6.14 Three consecutive fouls only standard fouls are counted, therefore a breaking foul does not count as one of the three fouls. A point is deducted for the third foul as usual, and then the additional fifteen-point penalty is deducted and the offending player’s consecutive foul count is reset to zero. All 15 balls are replayed and the offending player must shoot as per the requirements of the opening game.

For 6.16 Unsportsmanlike Conduct, the Referee will select a penalty depending on the nature of the offence.

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4.12 stalemate

If a stalemate occurs (see 1.12 Stalemate), players will again lay to determine who will take an opening break.

In his book The New Illustrated Encyclopedia of Billiards, Mike Shamos wrote that many believe straight pool (aka 14.1 continuous) to be the purest form of pocket billiards.

Introduced in 1912 as America’s first official tournament game, straight pool enjoyed a major resurgence with the release of the film “The Hustler,” and remained the barroom and home game of choice until the 1980s, when eight-ball and nine-ball took over the advent of Coin tables and billiards, which became a televised sport.

Here are the rules of the game and some general information on the feel of straight pool, a good game to learn if you’re tired of eight-ball and nine-ball and want to increase the scope of your game.

This one small billiard cue accessory will change your game. If you can only afford one tool to maintain the tip of your cue, then the Cuetec Bowtie Tip Tool is it: 3-in-1 tool to help your tip hold the chalk better. Avoid mistakes. Small enough to fit in your pocket.

Straight pool is best played when nobody is waiting for the next one

Let’s say you and your pool-playing colleague want to play for a few hours and have played enough race-to-five games of eight or nine-ball games to make it redundant.

In straight pool, you typically only play one game per outing against an opponent.

Like all billiards games, it is best played on the tables that you pay by the hour or at the home tables since so many racks are required.

If you’re forced to play at coin-operated tables, put $10 aside for the first time you play.

The rules

Straight Pool is a multi-rack game that facilitates continuous scoring. They are not limited by solid colors or stripes, nor is the eight or nine of more importance than one or fifteen.

They call it the pocket and each pocketed ball counts as one point. The first to reach the agreed goal is the winner.

If you only have a few hours and are an intermediate level player, setting the goal to 30 or 60 points is a good introduction to the game.

It typically takes midfielders an hour to play a game through 60 once they become familiar with the game.

Similar to the hearts or spades card games, you can choose a target based on how much time you have to play.

Tournament games for pros in the current era of pool are few and far between, and they typically play to 150.

Scratches are playthings in the hand behind the head string.

Similar to the modern eight-ball or nine-ball, scratches occur when the cue ball is potted.

It is also a scratch when the cue ball fails to hit another ball or after hitting another ball and not hitting a rail.

(Note to billiard novices: if that doesn’t make sense, it’s the rule that stops you from tapping the cue even an inch to be on the safe side.)

Rack and Repeat: The Break Up and Continuous Play

The hardest part of Straight Pool is when you’re restacking the balls to continue the game. This part of the game is the hardest to learn in the beginning, but it starts to make sense once you’ve played through it a few racks.

After all but one ball has been potted, leave it and the cue where they are and re-stack the other 14 balls, leaving the top of the triangle bare in the rack.

(Hint: Here’s a chart showing how to play when the cue ball or object ball is where the rack normally goes.)

Then the shooter who took the last shot sinks the remaining ball with a good dismount and at the same time breaks open the new rack.

This is the “continuous” aspect of the game, allowing the shooter to continue his run through shelves. Hence the name 14:1 continuous. Pros typically play to 150 and can regularly run past 100 (~7 re-racks) if they shoot well.

Hailed as the greatest straight pool player of all time, Willie Mosconi holds the record for most balls run continuously at 526 at a 1954 show.

It’s hard to break up

How straight pool is good practice for your eight and nine ball game

Straight pool is a good exercise for learning and practicing the breakup shot; one of the most important shots in pool and the one that decides games more than any other single shot.

You use a breakup shot when one or more of the balls you need to get to are connected to other balls.

The tricky part is that the separation occurs in the same shot that you sink a ball, allowing you to keep shooting. The separation causes a ball to smack into balls that are bunched together to free them for future shots.

They are essential for longer runs and better finishes in both eight-ball and nine-ball.

Straight Pool is a great game for practicing breakup shots.

See also: How to Get Better at the Pool: 9 Essential Exercise Tips

Due to the continuous play, the racks are not broken as openly as in nine-ball and eight-ball, so more balls are pulled together at the beginning of the rack.

You have to play breakups to open the table, and they’re easier to handle in straight pool because you have fewer restrictions on what ball you shoot after the breakup.

(Note: It’s helpful to know the parts of a pool table when learning to play pool. Here’s an overview of pool table anatomy in case you need a refresher.)

Note: The opening break is omitted from this article as it is a very advanced shot that typically only comes up once per game. Since you must call every shot, experienced players play it safe during the first break of the game. Don’t rush into learning the safe break. It may be best to scatter balls with a hard break and sacrifice your turn the first few times you’re playing pool.

The gameplay

Although professional games use more safety shots and can turn into lengthy four-hour marathon matches, beginner and intermediate level play is more fun.

It’s a game of brands that feels like duck hunting or shooting fish in a barrel with the freedom to shoot any ball. The table becomes easier to manage as more balls are broken up and falling down.

It’s a strange feeling when your brain adjusts from focusing on solids and stripes or connecting the numerical dots of nine-balls and starts seeing all balls the same.

The possibilities are immense.

The first time you run 14 balls is extremely satisfying, and when you pot that last ball and can break open the new rack and keep shooting, that feeling is amplified. It’s like an extended rush and easier to get into the zone than the shorter runs of eight-ball and nine-ball.

Straight pool also eliminates luck as a factor, while luck itself can determine the winner in a series of eight or nine ball games or in league play. In Straight Pool, the better shooter wins that day.

Next time you’re where you can pay by the hour and aren’t interested in league games or the ever-popular “winners hold the table and challengers call the next” dive pool or even better at a home table and are just interested in playing a game against To play a player and looking for something new that is the oldest of all pocket pool games, try Straight Pool.