LIFE IS SHORT,
LET'S PLAY SOME POOL
Eight ball is played with 15 object balls numbered one through fifteen and the cue ball. The object balls consist of seven solids, seven stripes, and the eight ball. After the break shot, players are assigned a group (solids or stripes) once a ball within that group is legally pocketed. The object of the game is to legally pocket the eight ball after pocketing all your balls within your assigned group.
Eight ball might be the most recognized game throughout the U.S. So much so, that when many beginners refer to “pool”, they are often referring to eight ball specifically. While there are many competing sets of “official rules” they all require that you must call the pocket you intend to make the object ball (including the eight ball) in order for your turn to continue or win the game. Eight ball is not as fast paced as rotation games.
8-Ball Rules
1. OBJECT OF THE GAME. Eight Ball is a call shot game played with a cue ball and fifteen object balls, numbered 1 through 15. One player must pocket balls of the group numbered 1 through 7 solid colors, while the other player has 9 thru 15 stripes. THE PLAYER POCKETING HIS GROUP FIRST AND THEN LEGALLY POCKETING THE 8 BALL WINS THE GAME.
2. CALL SHOT. In Call Shot, obvious balls and pockets do not have to be indicated. It is the opponent’s right to ask which ball and pocket if he is unsure of the shot. Bank shots and combination shots are not considered obvious, and care should be taken in calling both the object ball and the intended pocket. When calling the shot, it is NEVER necessary to indicate details such as the number of cushions, banks, kisses, caroms, etc. Any balls pocketed on a foul remain pocketed, regardless of whether they belong to the shooter or the opponent.
The opening break is not a called shot. Any player performing a break shot in 8 Ball may continue to shoot his next shot so long as he has legally pocketed any object ball on the break.
3. RACKING THE BALLS. The balls are racked in a triangle at the foot of the table with the 8 ball in the center of the triangle, the first ball of the rack on the foot spot, a stripe ball in one corner of the rack and a solid ball in the other corner. A rule change in recent years suggests that the breaker is the one to rack the balls, not the opponent.
4. ALTERNATING BREAK. Winner of the lag or coin flip has the option to break. During individual competition, players will alternate breaking on each subsequent game. Depending on the tournament, winner break may also be an option.
5. JUMP AND MASSE SHOT FOUL. While cue ball fouls only is the rule of play when a match is not presided over by a referee, a player should be aware that it will be considered a cue ball foul if during an attempt to jump, curve or masse the cue ball over or around an impeding numbered ball that is not a legal object ball, the impeding ball moves, regardless of whether it was moved by a hand, cue stick follow through or bridge.
6. LEGAL BREAK SHOT. Defined. To execute a legal break, the breaker with the cue ball behind the head string, must either 1, pocket a ball, or 2, drive at least four numbered balls to the rail. If he fails to make a legal break, it is a foul, and the incoming player has the option of 1 accepting the table in position and shooting, or 2, having the balls re–racked and having the option of shooting the opening break himself or allowing the offending player to rebreak.
7. SCRATCH ON A LEGAL BREAK. If a player scratches on a legal break shot, 1, all balls pocketed remain pocketed, exception, the 8 ball, 2, it is a foul, 3 the table is open. The incoming player has ball in hand.
8. OBJECT BALLS JUMPED OFF THE TABLE ON THE BREAK. If a player jumps an object ball off the table on the break shot, it is a foul and the incoming player has the option of 1, accepting the table in position and shooting, or 2, taking cue ball in hand.
9. 8 BALL POCKETED ON THE BREAK. If the 8-ball is pocketed on the break, the breaker may ask for a re–rack or have the 8-ball spotted and continue shooting. If the breaker scratches while pocketing the 8 ball on the break, the incoming player has the option of a re–rack or having the 8–ball spotted and begin shooting with ball in hand.
10. OPEN TABLE. Defined. The table is open when the choice of groups stripes or solids, has not yet been determined. When the table is open, it is legal to hit a solid first to make a stripe 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 in the process of pocketing the called stripe or solid. However, when the table is open and the 8 ball is the first ball contacted, no stripe or solid may be scored in favor of the shooter. The shooter loses his turn and any balls pocketed remain pocketed, and the incoming player addresses the balls with the table still open. On an open table, all illegally pocketed balls remain pocketed.
11. CHOICE OF GROUP. The choice of stripes or solids is not determined on the 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 determined only when a player legally pockets a called object ball after the break shot.
12. LEGAL SHOT. Defined. On all shots except on the break and when the table is open, the shooter must hit one of his group of balls first and 1, pocket a numbered ball, or 2, cause the cue ball or any numbered ball to contact a rail.
PLEASE NOTE: It is permissible for the shooter to bank the cue ball off a rail before contacting his object ball. However, after contact with his object ball, an object ball must be pocketed, Or the cue ball or any numbered ball must contact a rail. Failure to meet these requirements is a foul.
13. SAFETY SHOT. For tactical reasons a player may choose to pocket an obvious object ball and also discontinue his turn at the table by declaring safety in advance. A safety shot is defined as a legal shot. If the shooting player intends to play safe by pocketing an obvious object ball, then prior to the shot, he must declare a safety to his opponent. If this is NOT done, and one of the shooter’s object balls is pocketed, the shooter will be required to shoot again. Any ball pocketed on a safety shot remains pocketed.
14. SCORING. A player is entitled to continue shooting until he fails to legally pocket a ball of his group. After a player has legally pocketed all of his group of balls, he shoots to pocket the 8 ball.
15. FOUL PENALTY. Opposing player gets cue ball in hand. This means that the player can place the cue ball anywhere on the table, and does not have to be behind the head string. This rule prevents a player from making intentional fouls which would put his opponent at a disadvantage. 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 stroke motion contacting the cue ball will be a foul, if not a legal shot.
16. COMBINATION SHOTS. Combination shots are allowed. However, the 8 ball cannot be
used as a first ball in the combination except when the table is open.
17. ILLEGALLY POCKETED BALLS. An object ball is considered to be illegally pocketed when 1, that object ball is pocketed on the same shot a foul is committed, or 2, the called ball did not go in the designated pocket, or 3, a safety is called prior to the shot. Illegally pocketed balls remain pocketed.
18. OBJECT BALLS JUMPED OFF THE TABLE. If any object ball is jumped off the table, it is a foul and loss of turn, unless it is the 8 ball, which is a loss of game. Any jumped object balls are spotted in numerical order according to General Rules for spotting balls.
19. PLAYING THE 8 BALL. When shooting at the 8 ball, a scratch or foul is not loss of game if the 8 ball is not pocketed or jumped from the table. Incoming player has cue ball in hand. Note, A combination shot can never be used to legally pocket the 8-ball.
20. LOSS OF GAME. A player loses the game if he commits any of the following infractions:
a. Fouls when pocketing the 8 ball. Exception. See 8-Ball Pocketed On the Break.
b. Pockets the 8 ball on the same stroke as the last of his group of balls.
c. Jumps the 8 ball off the table at any time.
d. Pockets the 8 ball in a pocket other than the one designated.
e. Pockets the 8 ball when it is not the legal object ball.
Note: All infractions must be called before another shot is taken, or else it will be deemed that no infraction occurred.
21. STALEMATED GAME. If, after 3 consecutive turns at the table by each player, 6 turns total, the referee judges or if no referee, both players agree, that attempting to pocket or move an object ball will result in loss of game, the balls will be reracked with the original breaker of the stalemated game breaking again. The stalemate rule may only be used when there are only two object balls and the 8–ball remaining on the table. PLEASE NOTE, Three consecutive fouls by one player is not a loss of game.
9-BALL
Nine ball is played with nine object balls numbered one through nine and the cue ball. The balls are played in ascending numerical order. The player that legally pockets the nine ball first, wins the game. The desired object does not have to be called as long as it is legally pocketed. Pocketing a ball in a pocket other than what was originally intended is referred to as “slop”. This aspect is both part of the appeal to this game as well as a turn off to some players
It is a fast paced game, often with many exciting jump shots and kick shots. Since matches proceed quickly, it’s often more suitable for the time constraints of television coverage, and the fast-paced games tend to hold the audience’s attention a little better than some other games, especially for the more beginner/casual players. This game is considered and often referred to as a “rotation game” because the balls must be played in rotation (ascending order).
9-Ball Rules
1. OBJECT OF THE GAME. Nine Ball is played with nine object balls numbered one through nine and a cue ball. On each shot the first ball the cue ball contacts must be the lowest-numbered ball on the table, but the balls need not be pocketed in order. If a player pockets any ball on a legal shot, he remains at the table for another shot, and continues until he misses, fouls, or wins the game by pocketing the 9-ball. After a miss, the incoming player must shoot from the position left by the previous player, but after any foul the incoming player may start with the cue ball anywhere on the table. Players are not required to call any shot. a match ends when one of the players has won the required number of games.
2. RACKING THE BALLS. The object balls are racked in a diamond shape, with the one ball at the top of the diamond and on the foot spot, the nine–ball in the center of the diamond, and the other balls in random order, racked as tightly as possible. the game begins with cue ball in hand behind the head string. In recent years, it has become a standard for the breaker to also rack the balls.
3. LEGAL BREAK SHOT. The rules governing the break shot are the same as for other shots except: a. The breaker must strike the 1-ball first and either pocket a ball or drive at least four numbered balls to the rail. b. If the cue ball is pocketed or driven off the table, or the requirements of the opening break are not met, it is a foul, and the incoming player has cue ball in hand anywhere on the table. c. If on the break shot, the breaker causes an object ball to jump off the table, it is a foul and the incoming player has cue ball in hand anywhere on the table. The object ball is not re–spotted (exception: if the object ball is the 9-ball, it is respotted).
4. CONTINUING PLAY. On the shot immediately following a legal break, the shooter may play a “push out.” (See Rule 5.). If the breaker pockets one or more balls on a legal break, he continues to shoot until he misses, fouls, or wins the game. If the player misses or fouls, the other player begins his inning and shoots until he misses, fouls, or wins. the game ends when the nine ball is pocketed on a legal shot, or the game is forfeited for a serious infraction of the rules.
5. PUSH OUT. The player who shoots the shot immediately after a legal break may play a push out in an attempt to move the cue ball into a better position for the option that follows. On a push out, the cue ball is not required to contact any object ball nor any rail, but all other foul rules still apply. The player must announce his intention of playing a push out before the shot, or the shot is considered to be a normal shot. Any ball pocketed on a push out does not count and remains pocketed except the 9-ball. Following a legal push out, the incoming player is permitted to shoot from that position or to delegate the shot back to the player who pushed out. A push out is not considered to be a foul as long as no rule (except rules 7. and 8.) is violated. An illegal push out is penalized according to the type of foul committed. After a player scratches on the break shot, the incoming player cannot play a push out.
6. FOULS. When a player commits a foul, he must relinquish his run at the table and no balls pocketed on the foul shot are re–spotted (exception: if a pocketed ball is the 9-ball, it is re–
spotted). The incoming player is awarded ball in hand; prior to his first shot he may place the cue ball anywhere on the table. If a player commits several fouls on one shot, they are counted as only one foul.
7. BAD HIT. If the first object ball contacted by the cue ball is not the lowest- numbered ball on the table, the shot is foul.
8. NO RAIL. If no object ball is pocketed, failure to drive the cue ball or any numbered ball to a rail after the cue ball contacts the object ball on is a foul.
9. IN HAND. When the cue ball is in hand, the player may place the cue ball anywhere on the bed of the table, except in contact with an object ball. He may continue to adjust the position of the cue ball until he takes a shot.
10. OBJECT BALLS JUMPED OFF THE TABLE. An unpocketed ball is considered to be driven off the table if it comes to rest other than on the bed of the table. It is a foul to drive an object ball off the table. The jumped object ball(s) is not re–spotted (exception: if the object ball is the 9-ball, it is re–spotted) and play continues.
11. JUMP AND MASSE SHOT FOUL. If a match is not refereed, it will be considered a cue ball foul if during an attempt to jump, curve or masse the cue ball over or around an impeding numbered ball, the impeding ball moves (regardless of whether it was moved by a hand, cue stick follow-through or bridge).
12. THREE CONSECUTIVE FOULS. If a player fouls three consecutive times on three successive shots without making an intervening legal shot, he loses the game. The three fouls must occur in one game. The warning must be given between the second and third fouls. A player’s inning begins when it is legal for him to take a shot and ends at the end of a shot on which he misses, fouls or wins, or when he fouls between shots. Note: This is not always an enforceable rule, depending on the tournament directors discretion or player agreement outside of a tournament.
13. END OF GAME. A game starts as soon as the cue ball crosses over the head string on the opening break. The 1-ball must be legally contacted on the break shot. The game ends at the end of a legal shot which pockets the 9-ball; or when a player forfeits the game as the result of a foul.
10-BALL
Similar to nine ball, ten ball is also considered a rotation game. It is played with ten object balls numbered one through ten and the cue ball. The balls are played in ascending numerical order. The player that legally pockets the ten ball first, wins the rack. In order to be considered legally pocketed, the intended pocket for the desired object ball must be called. This is the primary difference from nine ball.
Ten ball has gained popularity recently primarily because the added level of complexity is preferred by many professionals and amateurs. As mentioned before, the desired object ball must be called, removing the slop factor notorious with nine ball. The rack, ten balls shaped in a triangle, also makes the break shot more difficult to make balls consistently, unlike nine ball. Similar to nine ball, ten ball is also a faster paced game with exciting shots that seem to hold the viewer’s attention.
10-Ball Rules
1. OBJECT OF THE GAME. Ten Ball is played with ten object balls numbered one through ten and a cue ball. On each shot the first ball the cue ball contacts must be the lowest-numbered ball on the table, but the balls need not be pocketed in order. If a player pockets any ball on a legal shot, he remains at the table for another shot, and continues until he misses, fouls, or wins the game by pocketing the 10-ball. After a miss, the incoming player must shoot from the position left by the previous player, but after any foul the incoming player may start with the cue ball anywhere on the table. Unlike 9-Ball rules, players are required to call every shot, unless obvious. A match ends when one of the players has won the required number of games.
2. RACKING THE BALLS. The object balls are racked in a triangle shape, with the one ball at the top of the diamond and on the foot spot, the ten-ball in the center of the triangle, and the other balls in random order, racked as tightly as possible. Many tournament and non-tournament scenarios also require the 2 and 3 balls to be racked in the bottom corners of the triangle. The game begins with cue ball in hand behind the head string. In recent years, it has become a standard for the breaker to also rack the balls.
3. LEGAL BREAK SHOT. The rules governing the break shot are the same as for other shots except: a. The breaker must strike the 1-ball first and either pocket a ball or drive at least four numbered balls to the rail. b. If the cue ball is pocketed or driven off the table, or the requirements of the opening break are not met, it is a foul, and the incoming player has cue ball in hand anywhere on the table. c. If on the break shot, the breaker causes an object ball to jump off the table, it is a foul and the incoming player has cue ball in hand anywhere on the table. The object ball is not re-spotted (exception: if the object ball is the 10-ball, it is re–spotted).
4. CONTINUING PLAY. On the shot immediately following a legal break, the shooter may play a “push out.” (See Rule 5.). If the breaker pockets one or more balls on a legal break, he continues to shoot until he misses, fouls, or wins the game. If the player misses or fouls, the other player begins his inning and shoots until he misses, fouls, or wins. the game ends when the ten ball is pocketed on a legal shot, or the game is forfeited for a serious infraction of the rules.
5. PUSH OUT. The player who shoots the shot immediately after a legal break may play a push out in an attempt to move the cue ball into a better position for the option that follows. On a push out, the cue ball is not required to contact any object ball nor any rail, but all other foul rules still apply. The player must announce his intention of playing a push out before the shot, or the shot is considered to be a normal shot. Any ball pocketed on a push out does not count and remains pocketed except the 10-ball. Following a legal push out, the incoming player is permitted to shoot from that position or to delegate the shot back to the player who pushed out. A push out is not considered to be a foul as long as no rule (except rules 7. and 8.) is violated. An illegal push out is penalized according to the type of foul committed. After a player scratches on the break shot, the incoming player cannot play a push out.
6. FOULS. When a player commits a foul, he must relinquish his run at the table and no balls
pocketed on the foul shot are re-spotted (exception: if a pocketed ball is the 10-ball, it is re-spotted). The incoming player is awarded ball in hand; prior to his first shot he may place the cue ball anywhere on the table. If a player commits several fouls on one shot, they are counted as only one foul.
7. LOSS OF TURN. When a player makes a legal hit, but pockets any object ball in a “non-called” pocket, it results in a loss of turn. The pocketed ball stays down and all other balls including the cue ball stay in their current positions on the table. The incoming play has the option to shoot as is, or delegate the table back to the player who shot, similar to the push out rule.
8. BAD HIT. If the first object ball contacted by the cue ball is not the lowest- numbered ball on the table, the shot is foul.
9. NO RAIL. If no object ball is pocketed, failure to drive the cue ball or any numbered ball to a rail after the cue ball contacts the object ball on is a foul.
10. IN HAND. When the cue ball is in hand, the player may place the cue ball anywhere on the bed of the table, except in contact with an object ball. He may continue to adjust the position of the cue ball until he takes a shot.
11. OBJECT BALLS JUMPED OFF THE TABLE. An un–pocketed ball is considered to be driven off the table if it comes to rest other than on the bed of the table. It is a foul to drive an object ball off the table. The jumped object ball(s) is not re–spotted (exception: if the object ball is the 10-ball, it is re–spotted) and play continues.
12. JUMP AND MASSE SHOT FOUL. If a match is not refereed, it will be considered a cue ball foul if during an attempt to jump, curve or masse the cue ball over or around an impeding numbered ball, the impeding ball moves (regardless of whether it was moved by a hand, cue stick follow-through or bridge).
13. THREE CONSECUTIVE FOULS. If a player fouls three consecutive times on three successive shots without making an intervening legal shot, he loses the game. The three fouls must occur in one game. The warning must be given between the second and third fouls. A player’s inning begins when it is legal for him to take a shot and ends at the end of a shot on which he misses, fouls or wins, or when he fouls between shots. Note: This is not always an enforceable rule, depending on the tournament directors discretion or player agreement outside of a tournament.
14. END OF GAME. A game starts as soon as the cue ball crosses over the head string on the opening break. The 1-ball must be legally contacted on the break shot. The game ends at the end of a legal shot which pockets the 10-ball; or when a player forfeits the game as the result of a foul.
ONE POCKET
One pocket is played with 15 object balls numbered one through fifteen and the cue ball. The player may shoot any ball regardless of number or color, but in order to score they must pocket the ball into their designated pocket at the foot end of the table. Their pocket is designated before the break and the shooter attempts a softer break aimed at pushing balls in the direction of their pocket, while not leaving the opponent a good shot towards their pocket. You do not have to call your shot in this game. As long as the ball is legally pocketed into one of the two designated pockets, it stays down and counts for the player that has that pocket. Each ball legally pocketed in the players designated pocket is worth one point. Any balls made in a pocket other than one of the two at the foot end of the table are spotted back up immediately after the shooters turn. The object is to be the first to pocket 8 balls in your own pocket.
Many pool players find one pocket to be the most challenging and most rewarding of all the pocket billiard games. This is a highly strategic and tactical game often likened to chess. There is a lot of maneuvering and defensive play as opposed to the high powered offensiveness seen in rotation games. Due to this fact, it is often hard to keep an audience’s attention, especially beginners because there may be many turns back and forth before someone makes a ball. To truly appreciate this game, you have to appreciate the tactical maneuvers that are made as well as shots that pocketed.
1-Pocket Rules
1. OBJECT OF THE GAME
One Pocket is a game for two players or two teams, where each player or team can only score into one of the two corner pockets on the foot end of the table, while the other player or team can only score into the other corner pocket at the foot end of the table. The other four pockets are neutral pockets, and any balls pocketed in a neutral pocket are spotted at the end of the shooter’s inning. There is no requirement to call your shot in One Pocket, and no special order or significance to any numbered object balls. The first player (or team) to legally score eight balls into their own pocket wins the game, whether they pocket their game-winning ball by their own shot, or as a result of their opponent’s shot. The game may be handicapped either by agreement between players or as designated by a tournament director. Standard handicaps are created by adjusting the required winning score for either one or both players, either for all breaks or for specified player’s breaks.
Please note that with One Pocket’s long tradition of non-tournament play, many other creative variations in handicapping have been invented over the years. As long as all those involved agree before play begins, virtually everything is negotiable in non-tournament contests.
2. THE BREAK
2.1 All fifteen balls are tightly racked in no particular required order in a standard triangle with the apex ball placed as nearly as possible on the foot spot. In tournament play, players lag for the first break. For games that follow, the break alternates back and forth between the players, regardless of who wins each game. Prior to breaking, the breaking player selects one of the corner pockets at the foot of the table as their own, thus the opponent is assigned the other foot pocket by default. In subsequent games, whoever breaks is free to change their pocket selection on their own break.
In standard practice, the breaker does not ‘call his pocket’; their pocket selection is considered obvious by virtue of the orientation of their break. Players employing an unusual break are advised to make their pocket selection clear prior to the break, to avoid conflict.
Traditionally opponents rack the balls for the breaker, with the breaker having option to inspect the rack and ask for a re-rack if they are not satisfied with the quality of the rack. In current tournament play, players may rack their own balls, with the opponent having the option to inspect the rack. ‘Racking your own’ is recommended at all times, to reduce racking complaints.
In a handicap situation when one player or team is awarded the break in every game, unless otherwise agreed, they should break towards alternate pockets on alternate breaks.
2.2 The opening break begins with ball in hand behind the head string. On the break, the cue ball may contact either a cushion or any ball in the rack first, but in either case, after contacting at least one ball, an object ball must be pocketed, or the cue ball or at least one object ball must
contact a rail, otherwise it is a one foul penalty. As long as a legal stroke is employed from behind the head string on the break, the incoming player must play the balls where they lie – there are no re-racks for a pocket scratch or failure to contact a cushion or pocket a ball on the break.
3. CONTINUING PLAY
3.1 A player’s inning continues only as long they pocket a ball or balls in their own pocket on a legal stroke. While it is perfectly legal to pocket a ball in a neutral pocket or in the opponent’s pocket, doing so does not entitle the shooter to continue their inning, unless on the same stroke they legally pocket a ball into their own pocket. Any balls pocketed either accidentally or intentionally into the opponent’s pocket are counted for the opponent, unless on the same stroke, either the cue ball pocket scratches or jumps off the table.
3.2 In the event that a player pockets both their own game winning ball, and their opponent’s game winning ball, both on the same legal stroke, then the shooting player wins. There are no ties, and it does not matter which ball drops first, as long as they both drop as a result of the same stroke.
4. SAFETY PLAY
There is no option to call a safety in One Pocket; if a player legally scores a ball into their own pocket they must shoot again, unless the game is over. Players may play safe to the same rail as many times as they wish, as long as either the cue ball or at least one object ball is driven to a cushion after the cue ball contacts an object ball. Standard frozen ball rules apply to safety play.
5. JUMPING
Players may use jump shots in One Pocket as long as they are performed with the player’s own standard playing cue using legal jumping techniques. Specialized jump cues are not permitted in One Pocket.
Please note that many players, poolrooms and tournament directors have differing opinions on specialized jump cues. It is recommended that players check with their opponent, or the tournament director prior to an important match to come to agreement on whether specialized jump cues shall be permitted or not.
6. FOULS
6.1 Unless otherwise announced by the tournament director, One Pocket is played according to the World General Rules 1.16.1, cue ball fouls only. In the event that a player accidentally moves a ball, the opponent may elect to have the disturbed ball remain in its new position or be restored to its original position. When balls are restored, they shall be placed as close as possible to their original positions, with no advantage to be gained by the offending player. If no official is available to restore disturbed balls, then the players must come to agreement on satisfactory replacement of the disturbed balls prior to continuing play.
6.2 Any scratch or foul results in the end of the shooter’s inning, as well as a standard one ball
penalty. All balls pocketed in the shooter’s pocket as a result of a stroke that includes a foul do not count for the shooting player and are to be immediately spotted, along with the standard one ball penalty. Also, any balls pocketed in the opponent’s pocket on a stroke that ends in either a pocket scratch or with the cue ball off the table are not to be counted for the opponent, and are to be immediately spotted. However, on a stroke when any other foul is committed (such as a push shot, double-hit or illegal ball contact), any balls scored into the opponent’s pocket are to stay down and be counted for the opponent.
6.3 Following either a pocket scratch or the cue ball jumping the table, the incoming player has cue ball in hand behind the head string. Following any other foul, the cue ball is played where it lies.
6.4 If the offending player has no balls to spot, then they will owe one for each such scratch, which must be repaid by spotting at the end of the first inning or innings in which they score. All owed balls must be repaid before any pocketed balls count towards a player’s game score. Typically, any owed scratches are indicated by placement of a small coin on the rail top adjacent to the offending player’s pocket. An additional coin is placed to represent each additional scratch without a scored ball to spot. One coin is removed for each owed ball repaid by spotting at the end of the first inning or innings in which they are scored, until all owed scratches have been repaid, and standard scoring can commence.
6.5 Driving either the cue ball or an object ball off the table is a foul, whenever either comes to rest off the playing surface, or comes in contact with anything other than the table itself while airborne. Please note that One Pocket has been traditionally played in many areas without a foul charged for jumping an object ball off the table, contrary to current general pocket billiards rules; therefore, it is important to verify house rules or your tournament director’s interpretation prior to an important match.
6.6 Intentional fouls are an accepted part of One Pocket tactics as long as they are played by use of a legal stroke, such as by lightly touching the cue ball with the cue tip; by rolling the cue ball to a new location without regard for legal contact with either an object ball or a cushion; by pocket scratching the cue ball; or by using a legal jump technique to force the cue ball off the table. However, if the acting official rules that a player has used an illegal technique to direct the cue ball or any object balls to a more desirable location, then the incoming player has the option of either playing the balls where they lie, or requesting the official to restore all such moved balls to their location prior to the illegal maneuver. The offending player is charged the standard one ball foul penalty, and in addition may be further penalized at the discretion of the acting official under the general rules of unsportsmanlike conduct.
6.7 It shall not be a foul to accidentally touch the cue ball while removing an object ball from an adjacent pocket, or when spotting a ball where the cue ball interferes. It shall be a foul for the incoming shooter to accidentally touch an object ball with the cue ball while placing it in a ball in hand situation.
7. THREE FOULS IN A ROW
Three consecutive fouls is loss of game, however the opponent or tournament referee must notify the player that is on two fouls, prior to their third foul. Should no notice occur until after the shot resulting in the third foul is in motion, it is not immediate loss of game, but the player will be considered to be on two fouls for their next shot. The three fouls rule is often waived in non-tournament situations by agreement between the players.
8. FROZEN BALLS
For a foul to result from failure to legally strike a rail after contacting a frozen ball, the ball in question must be inspected and designated as frozen prior to a player’s shot, otherwise the ball is not considered frozen. If the cue ball becomes wedged between an object ball and the cushion and frozen to both, then legal shot requirements must be met by pocketing the frozen ball, or by contacting either another ball or another cushion en–route to a legal shot. Failure to do so is a foul.
9. SPOTTING BALLS
9.1 Balls are to be spotted on the foot spot, or in a direct line below the foot spot, and tightly frozen to other object balls that fall in or interfere with that line. However, if the cue ball interferes, the spotted ball is to be placed on that line close to, but not quite frozen to the cue ball. In the event that the line below the foot spot is full and the bottom rail interferes with a spotted ball then balls are to be spotted on the same line, but above the foot spot.
9.2 Any penalty balls owed by the shooter, or balls pocketed in a neutral pocket, are to be spotted at the end of the shooter’s inning. However, if a player runs off all the balls on the table without reaching a winning score, then all such balls are spotted immediately (all at once, not one ball at a time), and the shooter continues their inning. At no other time in One Pocket are balls spotted during any shooter’s ongoing inning.
9.3 In the event of a handicapped game with the combined winning ball count needed by the two players or teams totals greater than sixteen at the start of the game, then the player going to the longer count must spot the first ball or balls they score, immediately at the end of the first inning in which they score, as necessary to bring the combined winning ball count back down to sixteen, at which point the game continues in standard fashion.
9.4 If any owed balls, or balls that have fallen into a neutral pocket are forgotten and later remembered, then instead of being spotted after the current shooter’s inning, they are spotted after the end of the next player’s inning, unless there are no balls left on the table, in which case they are all spotted immediately. In any case, any owed balls are not forgiven, but still must be paid. In practice, forgotten balls may be spotted at any time after they are remembered, as long as both players agree on the timing; if either player objects to an earlier spotting, then rule 9.4 should be followed.
Please note that playing ‘snooze you lose’ is the rare exception in house rules; it is by no means the standard rule, and it should only be accepted when it is clearly and mutually agreed on by both players before play begins.
BANK POOL
Bank pool is a game where in order to legally pocket a ball, it must be banked off any number of rails and into the pocket regardless of color or number. The player must call their intended ball, the rails they intend to use, and the pocket. There is absolutely no slop allowed in this game. There are no kick shots, no caroms, no kisses, no jump shots and no combinations. This makes bank pool one of the more difficult games to play.
While there can be multiple variations, the two most common bank pool games are either played with a full rack (all 15 balls) or a short rack (only 9 balls). The object of the game is to pocket one more than half the rack (8 or 5 balls respectively). Each ball legally pocketed counts as one point.
Bank Pool Rules
THE GAME
Bank Pool is a game where legally pocketed balls must be banked into the pocket using one or more banks. Any ball on the table can be selected.
FULL RACK BANKS GAME
The object of Full Rack Bank Pool is to be the first player, or team, to legally sink eight balls. The goal is to outscore your opponents by pocketing bank shots, as the name suggests. For the shot to accrue points for the shooting player, it must be a legal bank shot.
SHORT RACK BANKS GAME
The object of Short Rack Bank Pool is to be the first player, or team, to legally sink 5 balls. The goal is to outscore your opponents by pocketing bank shots, as the name suggests. For the shot to accrue points for the shooting player, it must be a legal bank shot.
PLAYERS
Bank Pool is played by either two individuals, or in teams of two.
BALLS USED
Bank Pool uses object balls numbered one through 15, plus the cue ball for Full Rack Banks and object balls numbered one through 9 for Short Rack Banks.
THE RACK
A standard triangle rack is used in Full Rack Bank Pool. The balls can be racked in any order. All object balls are to be tightly racked in no particular order in a standard rack. The head ball is placed as nearly as possible on the foot spot. For Short Rack Bank Pool the same rack is used, however, the nine object balls are racked in a diamond shape in no particular order.
BANK POOL BREAK SHOT
The opening break shot is considered to be a free shot. If any balls are pocketed on the break, they are spotted and the breaker remains at the table. If nothing is made, the breaker’s inning is over.
The players may flip a coin or lag for the first break. For games that follow, the winner of the previous rack has the option of breaking in the following rack. Players may elect to have the break alternate between players regardless of which player won the previous rack. Any object balls pocketed on the break entitle the shooter to continue their inning, but they are not scored for the breaker. Instead, they are held for spotting at the end of the breaker’s inning. If the breaker fails to meet legal breaking requirements, the opposing player has the option to start play where the balls lie or require their opponent to re-break. There is no further penalty unless a foul or scratch occurs.
On the opening break the head ball must be struck first, driving at least one object ball past the
side pockets.
In any multi-player ring game the break rotates in the same order in which the players shoot. Every time the break completes a cycle through all the players, where each player has broken one rack, then a new shooting and breaking order is determined. Likewise, if any players enter or exit the game, a new shooting and breaking order is determined at such a time.
SAFETY PLAY
Safeties are allowed in Bank Pool. After the cue ball contacts at least one object ball, the shooter must either pocket a ball or cause the cue ball or at least one object ball to contact a cushion. There is no penalty for directly or indirectly pocketing an object ball. Pocketing any ball other than a legal called bank does not entitle the shooting player to continue their inning, and said ball spots back up on the table.
FOULS
Unless otherwise announced by the tournament director, Bank Pool is played as cue ball fouls only. In the event that a player accidentally moves a ball, the opponent may elect to have the disturbed ball remain in its new position or be restored to its original position. When balls are restored, they shall be placed as close as possible to their original positions, with no advantage to be gained by the offending player. If no official is available to restore disturbed balls, then the players must come to agreement on satisfactory replacement of the disturbed balls prior to continuing play. If a player fouls in three successive innings they lose the game.
Any scratch or foul ends the shooter’s inning, and a penalty of one ball is charged. If a called ball is pocketed on the same stroke, that ball is forfeited also. If the shooter has no legally scored balls to their credit, they owe a ball for each such offense, which is paid as necessary by spotting at the end of the first inning or innings in which they legally score.
It is a foul to jump the cue ball off the table. There is no penalty for an object ball jumping off the table; any such balls are simply spotted at the end of the shooter’s inning.
Following any pocket scratch or the cue ball jumping the table, the incoming shooter has ball in hand behind the head string. If there are no object balls below the head string, the ball nearest the head string is spotted. If two or more balls are equally close to the head string then the highest numbered ball is spotted.
Following any other foul, the incoming shooter must shoot from where the cue ball lies. However, if the acting official rules that a player has used an illegal technique to direct the cue ball or any object balls to a more desirable location, then the incoming player has the option of either playing the balls where they lie, or requesting the official to restore all such moved balls to their location prior to the illegal maneuver. The offending player is charged the standard one ball foul penalty, and in addition may be further penalized at the discretion of the acting official under the general rules of unsportsmanlike conduct.
SPOTTING BALLS
Balls are spotted on the foot spot, or in a direct line below the foot spot. Spotted balls are to be
frozen to other object balls that interfere, but not quite frozen to the cue ball. Any balls to be spotted are held until the end of the shooter’s inning, unless all the balls have been cleared from the table, in which case all balls being held are spotted immediately.
CONTINUING PLAY
A player’s inning continues as long as they legally pocket their called bank. Players can only score one ball per shot; any additional object balls that are pocketed on the same stroke are held for spotting at the end of the shooter’s inning. A player’s inning ends when they fail to legally pocket a called or obvious bank, or the cue ball scratches or jumps the table, or the shooter fouls.
Every shot must be pocketed cleanly, without contacting any other object ball on its route to the called pocket.
No combination shots are allowed.
The cue ball must contact the called ball first. No carom shots are allowed.
Every shot must be played ball first. No rail-first shots are allowed.
The cue ball is only permitted to contact the object ball once on its route to the pocket. Any ball pocketed on a double kiss is spotted without further penalty, and the shooter’s inning is over.
Various house rules permit rail-first shots, as long as they are called, and as long as a bank is designated following the rail-first contact.
Additionally, some house rules and some multi-player games permit rail-first shots directly into a pocket, as long as the cue ball strikes at least three cushions before the object ball is contacted.
CALLING SHOTS
On every shot the ball, the pocket and the path of intended cushions must be obvious or specifically called prior to commencing the shot. In the event that a called ball takes a different path to the pocket than that which was called, the pocketed ball does not count and it is spotted without penalty to the shooter.
It is the shooter’s responsibility to call any shot that is not obvious. Any single rail bank is considered obvious, unless a contrary shot was called. A ball pocketed contrary to the shooter’s called shot does not count; it is spotted without further penalty, and the shooter’s inning is over.
At any time the shooter assumes a shooting stance without having already called their shot, the opponent or tournament official may inquire as to what shot is being attempted. The shooter must honor such a request prior to commencing their shot. Failure to call a shot upon request shall be interpreted as an intentional safety; any pocketed balls are spotted without further penalty, and the shooter’s inning is over.
Any multi-cushion shot is considered not obvious. In the event that a ball is pocketed on a multi-cushion shot without prior calling, the shooter has no recourse if either the tournament official or the opponent contends that their shot was not obvious. The disputed ball does not count; it is spotted without further penalty, and the shooter’s inning is over.
If an adjacent cushion or other object balls lie so close to the called ball that the cue ball might
strike either the adjacent cushion or other balls first, it is the responsibility of the opponent to summon a tournament official or the designated house man prior to the shot, to rule whether the shot is clean or not, otherwise the benefit of the doubt is afforded the shooter.
When a called ball contacts either the cushions or pocket points along the rails adjacent to the called pocket on its final approach toward the pocket, such contact does not count as a bank in defining the called shot. If an otherwise legal called bank shot is pocketed in such a manner, the ball counts as long as the shot conforms with the shooter’s called intentions, and no foul or scratch occurs.
CUE BALL AFTER A SCRATCH
After a scratch, the cue ball is put in play from the kitchen. The cue ball coming to rest on any area that is considered to be off of the table bed is a foul.
WINNING THE GAME
The first player or team to successful make the number of needed legal bank shots wins, 8 for Full Rack Banks and 5 for Short Rack Banks. In non-tournament play, handicapping may take place where one player needs more or fewer banks to win.
STRAIGHT POOL
(14.1 continuous)
At one time, straight pool was the most common game played in competition before it was overtaken by
nine ball and eight ball. Straight pool is played with 15 object balls numbered one through fifteen and the cue ball. The player may shoot any ball, regardless of number or color, into any pocket. The player must call which ball and pocket they intend to play. In straight pool, the object of the game is to play to a predetermined number of points, typically between 100 and 150. Each legally pocketed ball is worth one point.
As mentioned, in order to win you must achieve a certain score as opposed to the other games where you must pocket a certain game winning ball. For this reason, straight pool may require that you re–rack multiple times during a single turn. After you have cleared the table with a single ball remaining, you re–rack the 14 other balls and continue until you miss.
Straight pool was brought into the spotlight in the movie The Hustler and although it is no longer the most popular competitive game, it remains very well known. The current record for most balls run consecutively is held by one of the all-time greatest players, Willie Mosconi. His record setting run in 1954 took 2 hours and ten minutes.
Straight Pool (14.1) Rules
OBJECT OF THE GAME
14.1 is a nomination game. The player must nominate a ball and a pocket. The player is awarded one point for every correctly nominated and pocketed ball on a legal stroke, and is allowed to continue a turn until failure to pocket a nominated ball or commits a foul. The player can pocket the first 14 balls, but before continuing a turn by shooting at the 15th (and last remaining) ball on the table, the 14 pocketed balls are racked as before, except with the apex space vacant. The player then attempts to pocket the 15th ball in a manner so that the racked balls are disturbed and he can continue the run. The player who scores the predetermined point total for a game (usually 150 in major tournament play or any agreed upon total in non-tournament play) prior to the opponent, wins the game.
PLAYERS
2, or 2 teams.
BALLS USED
Standard set of object balls numbered 1-15, plus the cue ball.
TABLE USED
Straight pool is typically played on a Professional 9 x 4 ½ Foot Table
THE RACK
Standard triangle rack with the apex ball on the foot spot, 1-ball on the rackers right corner, 5-ball on left corner. Other balls are placed at random and must touch their neighbors.
SCORING
Any ball legally pocketed counts one point for the shooter.
OPENING BREAK
Starting player must either (1) designate a ball and a pocket into which that ball will be pocketed and accomplish the shot, or (2) cause the cue ball to contact a ball and then a cushion, plus cause two object balls to contact a cushion. Failure to meet at least one of the above requirements is a breaking violation. Offenders score is assessed a 2-point penalty for each breaking violation. In addition, the opponent has the choice of (1) accepting the table in position, or (2) having the balls re-racked and requiring the offending player to repeat the opening break. That choice continues until the opening break is not a breaking violation, or until the opponent accepts the table in position. The three successive fouls rule does not apply to breaking violations. If the starting player scratches on a legal opening break, he is charged with a foul and assessed a one–point penalty, which applies toward the Successive Fouls Penalties. The incoming player is awarded cue ball in hand behind the head string, with object balls in position.
RULES OF PLAY
1. A legally pocketed ball entitles a shooter to continue at the table until he fails to legally pocket a called ball on a shot. A player may shoot any ball, but before the shot, must designate the called ball and called pocket. Details such as kisses,
caroms, combinations or cushions (all of which are legal) need not be indicated. Any additionally pocketed ball(s) on a legal stroke is scored as one point for the shooter.
2. On all shots, a player must cause the cue ball to contact an object ball and then (1) pocket a numbered ball, or (2) cause the cue ball or any numbered ball to contact a cushion. Failure to meet these requirements is a foul.
3. When the 14th ball of a rack is pocketed, play stops momentarily with the 15th ball remaining in position on the table; the 14 pocketed balls are then racked (with the space at the foot spot vacant in the triangle). Player then continues, normally pocketing the 15th (or break ball) in such a manner as to have the cue ball carom into the rack and spread the balls to facilitate the continuance of his run. However, player is not compelled to shoot the 15th ball; he may shoot any ball he desires. See Diagram 22 if the 15th ball is pocketed on the same stroke as the 14th ball.
4. A player may call a safety rather than an object ball (for defensive purposes). Safety play is legal, but must comply with all applicable rules. The players inning ends when a safety is played, and pocketed balls are not scored. Any object ball pocketed on a called safety is spotted.
5. A player may not catch, touch or in any way interfere with a ball as it travels toward a pocket or the rack area on a shot (to include catching a ball as it enters a pocket by having a hand in the ball as it enters a pocket by having a hand in the pocket). Doing so is a special deliberate foul and is penalized one point for the foul and an additional 15 point penalty, for a total of 16 points. The incoming player then has choice of (1) accepting the table in position with the cue ball in hand behind the head string, or (2) having all 15 balls re-racked and requiring the offending player to shoot under the requirements of the opening break.
6. If the 15th (un-pocketed) ball of a rack and/or the cue ball interferes with the triangle being lowered straight down into position for racking, refer to the diagram, which indicates the proper manner of relocating balls. (The gray boxes are those situations in which there is no interference, both balls remain in position.)
7. When a player has the cue ball in hand behind the head string (as after a scratch) and all the object balls are behind the head string, the object ball nearest the head string may be spotted upon request. If two or more balls are an equal distance from the head string, the player may designate which of the equidistant balls is to be spotted.
ILLEGALLY POCKETED BALLS
All spotted. No penalty.
OBJECT BALLS JUMPED OFF THE TABLE
The stroke is a foul. Any jumped ball(s) is spotted after the balls come to rest.
CUE BALL AFTER JUMPING OFF TABLE/SCRATCH
Incoming player has cue ball in hand behind the head string, unless the offenders foul and
dictate alternate choices or procedures.
PENALTIES FOR FOULS
One point deducted for each foul. Note: penalties are more severe for deliberate fouls and third Successive Fouls. Incoming player accepts cue ball in position unless foul was a jumped cue ball, pocket scratch, deliberate foul or third successive foul.
SUCCESSIVE FOUL PENALTIES
When a player commits a foul, penalization is one point (or more as appropriate) and a notation is made and posted by the scorer that the player is on a foul. The player remains on a foul until the next shot attempt, at which time the foul may be removed by successfully pocketing a called ball, or completing a legal safety. If failing to meet these requirements on the next turn at the table, the player is penalized one point. The notation is changed to on two fouls. If he fails to meet the requirements of successfully pocketing a called ball or completing a legal safety on the third consecutive turn at the table, penalization is one point and an additional penalty of 15 points is assessed (a total of 18 points for three consecutive fouls equals -18 points). The commission of a third successive foul automatically clears the offenders record of fouls. The incoming player has the choice of 1). accepting the balls in position, or 2). having all 15 balls re-racked and requiring the offending player to shoot under the requirements of the opening break. Rules for the opening break apply. It should be emphasized that successive fouls must be committed in successive turns (or playing attempts), not merely in successive innings. For example, if a player ends inning six with a foul, steps to the table for inning seven and fouls (he is on two fouls), and then starts inning eight with a legally pocketed ball before scratching on his second shot attempt of the inning, he has not committed three successive fouls, even though there were fouls in three successive innings. As soon as he legally pocketed the ball to start inning eight, he cleared the two fouls. He is, of course, on one foul when he plays the first stroke attempt of inning nine.
SCORING NOTE
The deduction of penalty points can result in negative scores. A running score can read minus one, minus two, minus 15, etc. (A player can win a game with a score of 150 while the opponent has scored but two fouls. The final score would read 150 to -2.) If a player fouls on a shot that has not pocketed a ball, the point penalty is deducted from his score at the end of the previous inning. If a player fouls and pockets a ball on the same shot, that ball is spotted (not scored) and the point penalty is deducted from his score at the end of the previous inning.
STALEMATE
If the referee decides that neither player is attempting to win from the current position, he will announce his decision, and each player will have three more turns at the table. Then, if the referee still feels that there is no progress towards a conclusion, he will declare a stalemate and the original breaker at the start of the game must execute a new break shot.
SNOOKER
The objective of snooker is score more points than your opponent by pocketing object balls in the correct order. The game is played with a cue ball, 15 red balls racked in a triangle at the foot of the table, and 6 different colored balls spotted in their designated position on the table. Each ball is given a point value and when legally pocketed, that value is added to the player’s score until the table is cleared or the opponent can no longer mathematically win. The ball colors and values are as follows: red (1pt), yellow (2pts), green (3pts), brown (4pts), blue (5pts), pink (6pts), and black (7pts). Unlike pocket billiards, snooker is played on a 6ft x 12ft table. The largest of any of the cue sports.
The aim is to pocket one red ball, then any one of the 6 colored balls, then another red ball and so on. Each time one of the 6 colored balls are pocketed, it is re-spotted in its original position (if possible) until all the red balls are cleared. At this point, the colored balls must be pocketed in order of point value from least to most. The traditional maximum break of 147 points in snooker is achieved by pocketing all reds followed by all blacks and then all the colors to clear the table in a single turn.
Although snooker is not often played in the U.S., it is very popular in Europe, India, and is gaining popularity in China. Of all the cue sports, snooker is the most lucrative with top players earning multi-million dollar career earnings. The sport was dominated by Ray Reardon in the 1970s, Steve Davis in the 1980s, Stephen Hendry in the 1990s, and Ronnie O’Sullivan currently has won the most world titles in the 21st century.
Snooker Rules
TYPE OF GAME:
International or “English” snooker is the most widely played form of snooker around the world. It is generally played on 6’x12′ English billiard tables, with cushions that are more narrow than on pocket billiard tables and which curve smoothly into the pocket openings. 5 x 10 and snooker tables of even smaller playing dimensions may be used for the game. On a 6 x 12 snooker (English billiard) table the playing area within the cushion faces shall measure 11′ 8.5″ x 5′ 10″ with a tolerance on both dimensions of +/-0.5″. The height of the table is measured from the floor to the top of the cushion rail, and the height shall measure 34″ with an allowable variance of +/-0.5″.
Players: 2
BALLS USED: Set of Snooker balls: fifteen object balls that are not numbered and are solid red (called reds), six object balls of other colors that are not numbered (called colors) and a cue ball (called the white ball). Point values for object balls: red-1, yellow-2, green-3, brown-4, blue-5, pink-6, black-7. In International Snooker the balls used are 2-1/16″ diameter.
THE RACK: Play begins with the balls placed as in the diagram above. The pink is spotted on the Pyramid Spot. The apex ball of the triangle of reds is racked as close as possible to the pink without touching it.
BAULK-LINE AND BAULK: A straight line drawn 29″ from the face of the bottom cushion and parallel to it is called the Baulk-line and the intervening space termed the Baulk.
THE HALF CIRCLE: The Half Circle is a semi-circle described in Baulk with its center at the middle of the Baulk-line and with a radius of 11.5″. When the striker has cue ball in hand within the Half Circle he may place the base of the cue ball anywhere on the line or within the Half
Circle, and may use his hand or any part of his cue (including the tip) to position the cue ball–as long as it is judged he is not attempting to play a stroke.
OBJECT OF THE GAME: To score a greater number of points than opponent.
SCORING: Points are scored in two ways: players are awarded points for fouls by the opponent (see Penalties For Fouls below), and by legally potting reds or colors. Each legally potted red ball has a point value of one; each legally potted color ball has a point value as indicated (Balls Used above). A frame ends when all balls have been potted, following the Rules of Play; if, however, only the black (7) ball is left on the table, the frame ends with the first score or foul. If the players’ scores are equal after that scoring, the black is spotted on its original position and the layers lag or draw lots for the choice of playing at, or assigning opponent to play at, the black ball with the cue ball in hand within the Half Circle, first score or foul then ends the frame.
OPENING BREAK: Players lag or draw lots for choice of break in the opening frame. In a match format the players alternate the break in subsequent frames. Starting player has cue ball in hand within the Half Circle. He must cause the cue ball to contact a red ball. It is not necessary to send a ball to a rail or into a pocket. Failure to meet this requirement is a foul (see Penalties For Fouls) A foul is scored and–with all fouls–the incoming player has a choice of (1) accepting the table and becoming the striker, or (2) requiring the offender to break again.
RULES OF PLAY
1. A legally potted ball entitles the striker to continue at the table until he fails to legally pot a ball.
2. On all shots, the striker must comply with the appropriate requirements of Rules of Play 5 and 6. It is not necessary to cause the cue ball or an object ball to contact a cushion or drop in a pocket after the cue ball has contacted a legal object ball (ball on). Failure to contact a legal object ball first is a foul.
3. As long as reds are on the table, the incoming striker (player taking his first stroke of an inning) always has a red as his legal object ball (ball on).
4. Any red balls potted on a legal shot are legally potted balls; the striker need not call any particular red ball(s), pocket(s) or details of how the pot will be played.
5. When the striker has a red ball as his “ball on” (legal object ball), he must cause the cue ball’s first contact to be with a red ball. Failure to do so is a foul (See Penalties For Fouls)
6. After the striker has scored a red ball initially, his next legal object is a color, and as long as reds remain on the table he must alternate his play between reds and colors (though within each group he may play a ball of his choice). When reds remain on the table and a color is his object, the striker must (a) designate prior to stroking which color ball is his object (that specific color is then his “ball on”), and (b) cause the cue ball’s first contact with a ball to be with that colored ball. If the striker fails to meet these requirements, it is a foul (See Penalties For Fouls).
7. If the striker’s ball on is a red, and he pots a color, it is a foul.
8. If the striker’s ball on is a color, and he pots any other ball, it is a foul.
9. Jump shots are illegal in International Snooker. It is a foul if the striker intentionally causes the cue ball to jump (rise from the bed of the table) by any means, if the jump is an effort to clear an obstructing ball.
10. While reds remain on the table, each potted color is spotted prior to the next stroke (see Spotting Balls below for spotting rules). After a color has been spotted, if the striker plays while that ball is incorrectly spotted (and opponent or referee calls it before two such plays have been taken), the shot taken is a foul. If the striker plays two strokes after such error without its being announced by opponent or referee, he is free of penalty and continues playing and scoring normally as though the spotting error simply had not occurred. The striker is responsible for ensuring that all balls are correctly spotted before striking. If the striker plays while a ball(s) that should be on the table is not a foul may be awarded whenever the foul is discovered during the striker’s inning. Any scoring prior to the discovery of the foul will count.
11. When no reds remain on the table, striker’s balls on become the colors, in ascending numerical order (2,3,4,5,6,7). These legally potted colors are not spotted after each is potted; they remain off the table. (The black (7) ball is an exception in the case of a tie score; see Scoring.)
ILLEGALY POTTED BALL: Reds illegally potted are not spotted; they remain off the table. Colors illegally potted are spotted. (See Spotting Balls.)
OBJECT BALLS JUMPED OFF THE TABLE: Reds jumped off the table are not spotted and the striker has committed a foul. Colors jumped off the table are spotted and the striker has committed a foul. (See Penalties For Fouls)
SPOTTING BALLS: Reds are never spotted. Colors to be spotted are placed as at the start of the game. If a color’s spot is occupied (to mean that to spot it would make it touch a ball), it is placed on the spot of the highest value color that is unoccupied. If all spots are occupied, the color is spotted as close as possible to its original spot on a straight line between its spot and the nearest point on the top (foot) cushion.
CUE BALL AFTER JUMPING OFF THE TABLE: Incoming player has cue ball in hand within the Half Circle. When cue ball is in hand within the Half Circle (except the opening break), there is no restriction (based on position of reds or colors) as to what balls may be played; striker may play at any ball on regardless of where it is on the table.
Touching a Ball: While balls are in play it is a foul if the striker touches any object ball or if the striker touches the cue ball with anything other than the tip during a legal stroke.
Snookered: The cue ball is snookered when a direct stroke in a straight line to any part of every ball on is obstructed by a ball or balls not on. If there is any one ball that is not so obstructed, the cue ball is not snookered. If in-hand within the Half Circle, the cue ball is snookered only if
obstructed from all positions on or within the Half Circle. If the cue ball is obstructed by more than one ball, the one nearest to the cue ball is the effective snookering ball.
Angled: The cue ball is angled when a direct stroke in a straight line to any part of every ball on is obstructed by a corner of the cushion. If there is any one ball on that is not so obstructed, the cue ball is not angled. If angled after a foul the referee or player will state “Angled Ball”, and the striker has the choice to either (1) play from that position or (2) play from in hand within the Half Circle.
Occupied: A spot is said to be occupied if a ball cannot be placed on it without its touching another ball.
Touching Ball: If the cue ball is touching another ball which is, or can be, on, the referee or player shall state “Touching Ball.” Thereafter the striker must play away from it or it is a push stroke (foul). No penalty is incurred for thus playing away if (1) the ball is not on; the ball is on and the striker nominates such ball; or (3) the ball is on and the striker nominates, and first hits, another ball. [If the referee considers that a touching ball has moved through an agency other than the player, it is not a foul.]
Push Stroke: A push stroke is a foul and is made when the tip of the cue remains in contact with the cue ball (1) when the cue ball makes contact with the object ball, or (2) after the cue ball has commenced its forward motion. Provided that where the cue ball and an object ball are almost touching, it shall be deemed a legal stroke if the cue ball hits the finest possible edge of the object ball.
Miss: The striker shall to the best of his ability endeavor to hit the ball on. If the referee considers the rule infringed he shall call foul and a “miss.” The incoming player (1) may play the ball(s) as they lie, or (2) may request that the ball(s) be returned to the original position and have the offending player play the stroke again. Note: if the ball on cannot possibly be hit, the striker is judged to be attempting to hit the ball on.
Free Ball: After a foul, if the cue ball is snookered, the referee or player shall state “Free Ball.” If the non-offending layer takes the next stroke he may nominate any ball as on. For this stroke, such ball shall be regarded as, and acquire the value of, the ball on. It is a foul should the cue ball fail to first hit, or – except when only the pink and black remain on the table – be snookered by, the free ball. If the “free ball” is potted, is is spotted, and the value of the ball on is scored. if the ball on is potted it is scored. If both the “free ball” and the ball on are potted, only the value of the ball on is scored.
Fouls
If a foul is committed:
1. the player who committed the foul incurs the penalty prescribed (which is added to the opponent’s score), and has to play again if requested by the next player. Once such a request has been made it cannot be withdrawn. 2. should more than one foul be committed in the same stroke the highest value penalty shall be incurred. 3. any ball improperly spotted shall remain where
positioned, except that if off the table it shall be correctly spotted.
Penalties for Fouls
The following are fouls and incur a penalty of four points or the higher one prescribed:
1. value of the ball on –
by striking:
a) when the balls are still moving from the previous shot. b) the cue ball more than once (double hit). c) without at least one foot on the floor. d) out of turn. e) improperly from in hand within the Half Circle.
by causing:
f) the cue ball to miss all object balls. g) the cue ball to enter a pocket. h) a snooker with free ball. i) a jump shot.
2. value of the ball on or ball concerned –
by causing:
a) a ball not on to enter a pocket. b) the cue ball to first hit a ball not on. c) a push stroke. d) by striking with a ball not correctly spotted. e) by touching a ball with other than the tip of the cue. f) by forcing a ball off the table.
3. value of the ball on or higher value of the two balls by causing the cue ball to hit simultaneously two balls other than two reds or a “free ball” and the ball on.
4. penalty of seven points is incurred if –
the striker
a) after potting a red commits a foul before nominating a color.
b) uses a ball off the table for any purpose.
c) plays at reds in successive strokes.
d) uses as the cue ball any ball other than the white one.
3-CUSHION BILLIARDS
3-cushion billiards is a skill game is played on a table without pockets and only 3 balls on the table. Rules require a player to shoot their cue ball (one for each player) and make contact with the other two balls on the table. In addition, the player must also contact three rail cushions in the same shot to earn a point. To make it even more difficult, the game is played on an oversized table from traditional games, typically on a 5’ x 10’ table. It is often referred to as the most difficult of all billiard games.
The game is played on a 5 foot by 10 foot table which does not have pockets, only cushions. There are only 3 balls used: a white, a yellow and a red ball. One opponent uses the white ball as his cue ball and the other opponent uses the yellow. The red is neutral.
To score a point, a player’s cue ball must contact BOTH of the other 2 balls on the table. Additionally, in the same shot, the cue ball must contact 3 or more cushions.
The last ball must not be contacted until a combination of 3 or more rails and the first object ball have been contacted. This counts as one point, regardless of how the point is made.
Either of the other 2 balls may be contacted first, it does not matter which one, it is up to the player. The first player to reach an agreed-upon number of points, usually 15, or 20, or 25, etc., is the winner.
The main rule is this: before your cue ball hits the last ball, it must have already contacted the other ball and a minimum of 3 cushions. You cannot hit both balls and then try to get 3 cushions afterwards. First you need a combination of at least 3 cushions and one ball, in any order, before landing on the last ball.
“Rules shown are adaptations of BCAPL Rules, USBA (3 cushion billiards) and Billiard World Rules (snooker).”