Rules
Billiard Snooker Pool Rules
Pool is a popular game that is played all over the world by millions of people. However, there are many different varieties of the game, all with distinctly different rules and regulations. By far, the most popular forms of the game are the ones that originated in the USA, known as ‘eight-ball’ and ‘nine-ball’ pool.
9 Ball
Both are played on a normal sized pool table with the regulation six pockets and both have multiple championships around the world. However, it is eight-ball that is the more common game – the one you’ll most likely see being played at your local pool hall and the one that most people first think of when the word pool is mentioned.
8 Ball
Eight-ball pool can be played as a singles or doubles game and is played with cues and 16 balls, 15 object balls, and one cue ball (the ball the players strike to try and hit the other balls). Pool can be a relatively high-speed game compared to its close relatives snooker and billiards but that makes it no less skilful with players requiring a high degree of skill, concentration, and tactical thinking to play the game at a high level.
Snooker
Snooker is played upon a Billiards table and uses the same cues and standard equipment. Different balls are used, though - one white cue ball is used by both players together with 15 red balls worth 1 point each and 6 coloured balls worth differing points viz:
- Yellow - 2 points - initially placed on the right corner of the D as looked at from baulk.
- Green - 3 points - initially placed on the left corner of the D as looked at from baulk.
- Brown - 4 points - initially placed on the middle of the baulk line directly between the yellow and green balls.
- Blue - 5 points - initially placed slap bang in the middle of the table.
- Pink - 6 points - initially placed on a spot midway between the blue ball and the end cushion.
- Black - 7 points - initially placed on the spot used for the red ball in Billiards - twelve and three-quarter inches from the middle of the end cushion.
Australian Confederation of Billiards Sport
- Details
- Written by: cueSports
- Category: Rules
RULES OF SNOOKER & ENGLISH BILLIARDS W.P.B.S.A RIGHT OF PICTURE
- Details
- Written by: cueSports
- Category: Rules
World Eightball Pool Federation Rules (two-shot)
as used by the World Eightball Pool Federation and the Australian Eight-Ball Federation
updated 2008 Annual General Meeting - Changes highlighted in green - Effective 1/1/2009
Copyright 2008
A Spirit of the Game
B Equipment
C Definitions
D Object of the Game
E Playing from Baulk
F The Break
G Legal Shot
H Deciding Colours
I Time Allowed
J Fouls
K Standard Fouls
L Non-Standard Fouls
MSerious Standard Fouls
N Loss of Frame Fouls
OPush Shots & Double Hits
P Snookers
Q Foul Snookers
R Foul Jaw Snooker
S Touching Balls
T Balls off the Table
U Balls Falling without being Hit
V Interference
W Impossible Shot
X Stalemate
Y Referee's Guidelines and Duties
Download World Rules
Download World Rules.pdf
Download Calling Procedures
Calling Procedures.pdf
Download Break-Flow Chart
Breakflow Chart.pdf
A Spirit of the Game
The Game is known as Eight - Ball Pool. It is expected that players will always play the game in the true spirit and in a sporting manner. The Referee will take whatever action is necessary to ensure that the spirit and rules of the game are observed.
B Equipment
The Game of Eight - Ball Pool is played with:-
(1) A Cue Ball being a white ball.
(2) Fifteen Object Balls consisting of:
(a) Colours - being a group of seven red balls (or balls numbered 1 to 7) and a group of seven yellow balls(or balls numbered 9 to 15)
(b) The Eight-Ball - being a black ball marked with a number Eight (8).
(3) A six pocket rectangular Pool Table with general characteristics as follows:-
(a) The cloth will be marked with a "Spot" at the position where a straight line drawn diagonally from the centre of a side pocket to the centre of the opposite side pocket to the centre of the other corner pocket.
(b) The cloth will be marked with a "Baulk Line", being a straight line drawn from cushion to cushion, parallel to, and one fifth of the length of the table from, the face of the cushion that lies the Greatest distance fron the Spot.
C Definitions
(1) Shot - A shot begins when all balls stop moving from the previous shot. A player Plays a shot by striking the Cue ball with the tip of the cue. A shot ends when all balls stop moving from the current shot.
(2) Play - To Play an Object Ball is to play a shot that results in the Cue Ball’s first contact with another ball to be with that Object Ball. To Play the Cue ball is to strike it with the tip of the cue.
(3) Ball On - At any time during a frame, a "Ball On" is any Object Ball that the player may play without incurring a penalty.
(4) Pot - A ball is "Potted" when it leaves the bed of the table, enters a pocket and remains in that pocket.
(5) Visit - A "Visit" comprises one shot or a series of shots. Each visit lasts until the player fails to pot a Ball "On", (or until a foul is committed or the frame ends).
(6) Turn - A players "Turn" at the table comprises one visit or, after most fouls committed by the opponent, two visits.
(7) Frame - (a) A Frame is one game of Eight-Ball Pool between two players or two pairs of players. A Frame is played from the opening break and usually through until the Eight-Ball is potted.
(b)) A Player may concede a frame at any time.
(Note there are other ways that a frame may end - see Loss of Frame)
(8) Match - A Match is a predetermined number of frames of Eight-Ball Pool between two players, two pairs of players or two teams of players.
(9) Player in Control - A player (and the players partner in doubles) is deemed to be "in Control" of the frame from the time that the balls stop moving from the final shot of an opponent’s turn until the balls stop moving from the final shot of the players turn. There can be no instance, once a frame has commenced, that someone is not in control.
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D Object of the Game
(1) The object of the game is to win by beingthe first player to Pot a group of colours in any order and in any pockets, and then Pot the Eight-Ball in any pocket.
(2) When "On" a group of Colours, potting more than one ball of that Colour in the same shot is allowed, but a separate shot must be played to pot the Eight-Ball and win the game.
E Playing from Baulk
(1) Baulk is the rectangular area of the table that is bordered by the Baulk Line and the three cushions at that end of the table .
(2) When playing from Baulk:
(a) The centre point of the Cue Ball must be in Baulk when a shot is played. (If the centre point of the Cue Ball is directly on the Baulk Line it is not deemed to be in Baulk)
(b) The Cue Ball can be moved into position by hand or with the shaft of the cue, but when touched by the tip of the cue, a shot is deemed to have been played.
(c) The Cue Ball may be played in any direction.
(d) If a player wishes to play from Baulk after a Foul Snooker, Foul Jaw Snooker or Time Foul, the player must verbally advise the Referee of his choice and the Referee will then recover the cue Ball and hand it to the player or place it on top of, and in the centre of, the cushion at the Baulk end of the table for the player to retrieve by hand, if the player touches or recovers the Cue Ball it is a Standard Foul (see Standard Fouls 21)
(e) After an In Off, Foul Snooker, Foul Jaw Snooker or Time Foul the player must endeavour to position the Cue Ball so as not to create a Foul Snooker. If the player claims a Foul Snooker from Baulk, the Referee may choose to move the Cue Ball around to determine if there is any position in Baulk where the player would not be Foul Snookered. Whether such a position is found or not, the Referee will announce the result and hand the Cue Ball back to the player, or place it on top of and in the centre of the cushion at the Baulk end of the table, for the player to retrieve by hand.
F The Break (Break Flow Chart) .pdf
(1) The Object Balls are racked with the Eight-Ball on the Spot. rack170.png (Please Note Reds or Yellows may start at top of the rack)
(2) In the absence of any competition/tournament rules to the contrary, a coin will be tossed to determine which player will break. If a series of frames is to be played, (a match), the break of each subsequent frame will alternate.
(3) The first shot of a frame is called the Break. To Break, the Cue Ball is played at the triangle of Object Balls from Baulk. The frame is deemed to have commenced the instant that the Cue Ball is played.
(4) (a) The Break will be deemed a Fair Break if:
(i) at least one colour is potted, and/or
(ii) four object balls (at least) are driven to a cushion.
(b) If the Break is not a Fair Break it is a Non-Standard Foul and:
(i) The opponent is awarded two visits,
(ii) The balls are re-racked,
(iii) The opponent re-starts the game and is under the same obligation to achieve a Fair Break.
(c)(i) If the Cue Ball is potted on a Fair Break it is a Non-Standard Foul that is penalised by the turn passing to the opponent.
(ii) If the Break is not a Fair Break and the Cue Ball is potted, the penalty for failure to perform a Fair break applies, (see (b) above)
(5) If the Eight-Ball is potted on any Break, the balls are re-racked and the same player will break again. When the Eight-Ball is potted on the Break, all other aspects of the shot are ignored. (Except if a Serious Foul or breech of the Spirit of the Game occurs).
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G Legal Shot
(1) On all shots the player must:
(a) Cause the cue ball’s initial contact with a ball to be with a Ball On, and then,
(b) Pot a Ball On or cause the Cue Ball or any Object Ball to contact a cushion.
(2) Failure to play a Legal Shot is a Standard Foul
(3) Exceptions:
(a) On the Break, the conditions of a Legal Shot do not apply (see (F) The Break)
(b) When playing out of Total Snooker a player is only obliged to meet the conditions of (1)(a) above.
(i) Definition: A player is in a Total Snooker when it is impossible to play any part of any of the player's own coloour by the way of a 'straight line shot'. leaving an opponent in a Total Snooker is not a foul.
(ii) If a player believes that a Total Snooker exists, the player may ask the referre for a ruling.
(iii) If the referee rules that a Total Snooker exists, the player's obligations under the Legal Shot rule are relaxed as follows:- The player need only cause the Cue Ball initial contact to be with a Ball On . The requirment to pot a ball and / or cause a ball to strike a cushion is waived.
(iv) In a Total Snooker, the straight sections of the cushions Do come into consideration. If a player has to strike a cushion prior to impact with a Ball On, then a Total Snooker does exist.
(4) Interpretations:
(a) If the Cue Ball’s initial contact is with an Object Ball that is touching a cushion, simply forcing that Object Ball into the same cushion does not constitute a Legal Shot.
(b) If the Cue Ball and an Object Ball are touching the same cushion simply forcing the Cue Ball and or the Object Ball into the same cushion does not constitute a Legal Shot.
H Deciding Colours
(1) General:
(a) When Colours have not been decided the table is deemed to be Open. When the table is Open a player may play at either group of Colours.
(b) Colours can never be decided on a foul shot.
(c) Once Colours are decided, the player remains on that coloured group for the duration of the frame. The opponent remains on the opposite coloured group.
(d) Playing a shot after neglecting to nominate a choice of Colours is a Standard Foul. Any balls potted on such a shot are left in the pocket and ignored for the purpose of deciding colours
(2) On the Break.
(a) If no colours are potted on the break the table is Open.
(b) If one or more Colours are potted on the break the player then has a right and obligation to verbally advise the referee of a choice of colour before proceeding. Failure to do so is a Standard Foul. If a player is fouled under this rule the opponent faces an Open Table.
(c)(i) If the player nominates a colour that was potted on the break, the player is on that \par colour no matter what happens next.
(ii) If the player nominates a colour that was not potted on the Break, to be on that colour the player must pot a ball of that colour on the next shot.
(3) After the break.
(a) If a player pots one or more balls of the same colour, the player is then on that colour.
(b) If a player pots one or more balls of different colours, the player then has a right and obligation to verbally advise the Referee of a choice of Colour before proceeding. Once a Colour is nominated in these circumstances, the player is on that colour no matter what happens next. Failure to nominate is a Standard Foul. If a player is fouled under this rule the opponent faces an open table.
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I Time Allowed
(1) A player has a maximum of sixty seconds to play each shot.
(2) The Referee will start timing when all balls have come to rest from the previous shot.
(3) If the first 30 seconds elapses before a shot is played, the Referee will call Thirty Seconds as a warning to the player. This call must be made the instant the thirty seconds has expired. A Referee should not postpone the call because it appears that the player is about to play a shot.
(4) If a shot is not played within sixty seconds it is a Non-Standard Foul. The incoming player is awarded two visits from:
(a) where the Cue ball lies, or if the player wishes
or, if the player wishes
(b) from baulk.
(5) The Referee may decide to grant Time Out, being a period when timing ceases:
(a) at the request of the player, (For example something is obstructing the player or the player needs to leave the playing area) and/or,
(b) Because the Referee deems that it is warranted, (For example the Referee may call time out when making a close Foul Snooker decision or when searching for a piece of equipment requested by the player).
(6) When the referee has racked the balls, the referee will call 'Time Running'. The oncomining player must then play the Break Shot within 60 seconds.
J Fouls
There are four types of foul. Standard Fouls, Non-Standard Fouls, Serious Fouls and Loss of Frame Fouls. A player can only be penalised for one Foul at a time. If two or more fouls are committed during a shot, the foul that carries the most severe penalty will apply.
Exceptions:
1. In the case of a Serious Foul and a Time Foul, where the incoming player has the right to 'Ball in Hand'. The penalty for Time foul still applies, even though a Serious Fouls has been called and applied.
2. In the case of a Serious Foul and a Foul Break, the incoming player has the right to 'Ball in hand'. The penalty for a Foul Break still applies, even though a Serious Foul has been called and applied.
K Standard Fouls
Standard Fouls are to called by the Referee as soon as they occur and the fouled player is in control, until all balls from that shot come to rest. the Referee then awards two visits to the opponent.
(1) Potting the Cue Ball - In Off (except on a Fair Break - see (F) The Break (4)(c)(1)) The incoming player plays from Baulk (see Playing from Baulk (2)(d)(1)).
(2) Playing from outside Baulk when obliged to play from Baulk. (See Playing from Baulk (2)(a)).
(3) Potting an opponent’s ball (except where it is the properly nominated ball following a Foul Snooker or a Foul Jaw Snooker).
(4) Failing to cause the Cue Ball’s initial contact with a ball, to be with a Ball On.
(5) Accidentally striking the Cue Ball with any part of the cue other than the tip.
(6) Accidentally striking the an Object Ball with any part of the cue.
(7) Playing a shot before the balls have come to rest from the previous shot.
(8) Playing a shot before any balls that required spotting, have been spotted.
(9) (a) Touching the table while having a cigarette (lit or unlit) in hand or mouth.
(b) Causing a cigarette (lit or unlit) to touch the table or enter the space directly above the table.
(c) Touching the table while having a beverage container in hand.
(d) Causing a beverage container or beverage to touch the table or enter the space directly above the table.
(10) Touching the table when not in control of the frame (see Definitions (9) Player in Control). Exception - When a player’s turn is finished that player has a maximum of 10 seconds to move away from the table. (See (11)below).
(11) Not moving away from the table within 10 seconds of the time that all the balls stopped moving from the final shot of a turn at the table.
(12) Coaching - During a frame, a player is required to play without receiving any advice from other persons, relating to the playing of the frame. Should a team member or bona fide supporter of a player offer advice, the Referee will issue a first and Final Warning to that person that a repetition will result in the player being penalised via a Standard Foul. Because it may not always be possible for the Referee to hear if a statement made to a player is advice, the Referee may issue the First and Final Warning on the grounds that any statement made to a player, other than general barracking, is deemed to be coaching. In a tournament setting, a first and Final Warning may be given once only, before the commencement of the days play, as a block warning to all players and spectators.
(13) Leaving the playing area without permission. If a player needs to leave the playing area during a frame or match, Time Out must firstly be granted by the Referee, (see Time Allowed (5)).
(14) Playing a shot after neglecting to nominate a choice of Colour when the obligation and right to do so existed. (See Deciding Colours(1)(b)).
(15) Playing a Push Shot or Double Hit of a type defined in Push Shots and Double Hits.
(16) Failing to perform a (see Legal Shot).
(17) After being awarded a Foul Snooker or Foul Jaw Snooker - Playing an opponents ball or the Eight Ball without firstly nominating that ball.
(18) Playing a shot while not having at least one foot touching the floor.
(19) Failing to Play Away from a Touching Ball (see Touching Balls (1)).
(20) Causing a ball to remain off the playing surface. (See Balls Off the Table)).
(21) Players body or clothing touching any ball.
(22) Accidental Jump Shot, miscue, or when forcing the Cue Ball to a cushion and the rebound jumps a ball. (If the Cue Ball leaves the bed of the table and misses an Object Ball that would have been struck had the Cue Ball not left the table on an otherwise identical shot, the Cue Ball is deemed to have jumped over that Object Ball). A break shot that results in the pack being jumped will be deemed to be Not a Fair Break (see 4b). Also note M5 Serious Fouls.
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L Non - Standard Fouls
Non-Standard fouls are to be called by the Referee as soon as they occur and the fouled player is in control, until all balls from that shot come to rest. The Referee will then impose the relevant penalty. Non-Standard Fouls are so called because the penalty and/or options of the incoming player may vary.
(1) Failure to perform a Fair Break (see The Break (4)(a) & (b)).
(2) Failure to play a shot within sixty seconds of the time that the balls came to rest from the previous shot. (see Time Allowed (4)).
(3) Potting the Cue Ball on a Fair Break (see The Break (4)(c)(1)).
M Serious Standard Fouls
Serious Fouls are to be called by the Referee as soon as they occur and the fouled player is in control, until all balls from that shot come to rest. The Referee will replace the balls as near as possible to the position they were in before the Serious Foul was committed and award two visits to the opponent.
(1) Playing a shot out of turn (accidentally or deliberately).
(a) A player who plays a shot at any time during a frame when the right to do so does not exist has played out of turn. (For example a player who plays a shot immediately after playing a foul or immediately after the Referee has called a foul on that player, has played out of turn).
(b) Exception- a shot played out of turn accidentally, that disrupts the balls to such an extentthat the Referee deems it impossible to replace them, the Referee will give the opponent the choice of either playing the balls from where they lie or replaying the frame. If the frame is replayed the same player is to break again).
(2) Deliberately striking a ball other than the Cue Ball with the tip of the cue.
(3) Deliberately causing any ball or balls to be moved in a manner other than that which may result from playing a normal shot.
(4) Deliberately striking the Cue Ball with other than the tip of the cue.
(5) Deliberate Jump Shot caused by elevating the cue on the shot, and forcing the Cue Ball to rebound from the bed of the table and causing the Cue Ball to Jump over any ball. (If the Cue Ball leaves the bed of the table and misses an Object ball that would have been struck had the cue Ball not left the table on an otherwise identical shot, the Cue Ball is deemed to have jumped over that object ball). Also note K22 Standard Fouls
(6) Deliberately interfering, by word or action, so as to disrupt an opponents play.
N Loss of Frame Fouls
(1) Committing a foul in the same shot that the Eight Ball is potted (except on the The Break).
(2) Potting the Eight Ball when a ball or balls of the players own Colour are still on the table (except on The Break).
(3) Potting the Eight Ball and the last ball, or balls, of the players own Colour in the same shot.
(4) Committing two Serious Fouls in the one frame.
(5) Committing a Serious Foul that disrupts the table to such an extent that the Referee deems it impossible to return the balls as close as possible to their original positions.
(6) Any deliberate attempt to prevent the opponent from potting the Eight Ball, when the opponent is on the Eight Ball, by way of a Serious Foul or other unsporting manoeuvre.
(7) If a player breaches the 'Spirit Of The Game' to such an extent that the frame (or match) should be awarded to the opponent.
O Push Shots and Double Hits
(1) Definitions:- Most shots commonly known as Push Shots in the game of Snooker are allowed in the game of Eight-Ball. Generally, any shot played with speed will not be deemed to be a Push Shot, regardless of the fact that the cue tip may have come into contact with the cue ball more than once.
(2) Exceptions that are Standard Fouls are:
(a) When, during the playing of a shot, the tip of the cue strikes the Cue Ball twice and the Referee is able to actually see each contact.
(b) When, during the playing of a shot, a player plays the cue so slowly through the Cue Ball that the cue tip remains in contact with the Cue Ball so as to be visibly pushing it along.
(c) When the Cue Ball is played into a touching Object Ball (see Touching Balls (1)(a)).
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P Snookers
(1) Definition:- A player is Snookered when it is impossible to play the finest cut possible on both sides of any of that players own Colour by way of a straight-line shot. Snookering an opponent is not a Foul.
(2) A player cannot be Snookered by a ball of the players own Colour. That is, if one of the players own coloured group is an obstructing ball, it will be ignored for the purposes of determining a Snooker.
(3) A player cannot be Snookered on an Object Ball if the Cue Ball is touching that Object Ball.
(4) A player cannot be Snookered by the straight sections of the cushions. If a straight section of a cushion is preventing the finest possible cut on the side of an Object Ball, that section of cushion will be deemed not to exist for the purposes of determining a Snooker on that Object Ball.
(5) If an Object Ball is partly obscured by a curved section of a cushion (the Jaw) this in itself does not constitute a Snooker.
Q Foul Snookers
(1) Definition:- When an opponent plays a foul shot and this results in the incoming player being snookered, the incoming player is deemed to be Foul Snookered.
(2) If a player believes that a Foul Snooker exists, the player may ask the Referee for a ruling.
(3) If the Referee rules that a Foul Snooker exists, the player initially has the following options:
(a) Play the Cue Ball from where it lies (see (4)(a) below)
OR
(b) Ask the Referee to remove the Cue Ball so as to allow the player to play from Baulk (see (4)(b) below).
(4) (a) (i) If the player chooses to play the Cue Ball from where it lies, the player may, if the player wishes, nominate the Eight Ball, (but see (5) below), or any one of the opponent’s Colour. The player can nominate a particular ball by verbal description of it, or its position, or by pointing at it. The Referee may ask for further information if any doubt exists as to which ball has been nominated.
(ii) Once nominated, a ball is deemed to become one of the players Colour for the first shot of the first visit. The player may then play any of the player’s own Colour, or the nominated ball. If any of the players Colour and/or the nominated ball are potted, the player continues with the first visit.
(b) If the player chooses to play the Cue Ball from Baulk, a Foul Snooker may no longer exist. In this case the procedure under the heading (E) Playing from Baulk (2)(d)(2) and (2)(e) should be followed. If the Referee decides that a Foul Snooker does still exist, the player may nominate a ball and follow the procedure in (4)(a) above.
(5) If the Eight Ball is nominated it may be played, but potting it will mean loss of frame.
(6) If a player is On the Eight Ball and is Foul Snookered, the Player may play a nominated ball or the Eight Ball and pot either, or both, of these balls, directly or \par indirectly, in any pocket or pockets.
Assuming the player does not commit a foul:-
(i) If neither the Eight Ball nor the nominated ball is potted, the players first visit is complete.
(ii) If the nominated ball is potted and the Eight Ball is not, the player continues with the first visit.
(iii) If the nominated ball and the Eight Ball are potted, the player wins the frame.
(iv) If the Eight Ball is potted and the nominated ball is not, the player wins the frame.
(7) If a Foul Snooker exists and the Cue Ball is touching an opponent’s ball or balls, the player may, but is not obligated to, nominate one of those touching balls.
R Foul Jaw Snooker
If an opponent fouls and the Cue Ball comes to rest on, or near, a Jaw, (the curved part of a cushion), and that jaw is preventing the player from playing the finest cut possible on both sides of any of that player’s own Colour by way of a straight-line shot, the player is deemed to be Foul Jaw Snookered and all the rules pertaining to Foul Snookers will apply.
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S Touching Balls
(1) General:-
(a) if the Cue Ball is touching an Object Ball, the player is obliged to Play away from the Object Ball at an angle of more than 90 degrees, (that is, play the shot without causing the Cue Ball to make any initial further contact with that Object Ball).
(b) If, when playing away from a touching ball, the touching ball rocks or moves, without being contacted further, but simply because the Cue Ball is no longer there, no penalty will apply.
(2) When Colours have been decided:-
(a) Playing away from a touching Object Ball of the players own Colour. The instant a player plays away from a touching Object Ball of the player’s own Colour the player is deemed to have played that ball. Therefore, the player needs to then only pot a ball or cause any ball to strike a cushion to fulfil all the requirements of a Legal Shot.
(b) Playing away from a touching Object Ball of the opponent’s Colour. The Player must play away from the touching ball and then meet all the requirements of a Legal Shot.
(c)(i) Playing away from the touching Eight Ball when On the Eight Ball. The Player must play away from the touching Eight Ball and then need only cause any ball to strike a cushion to fulfil the requirements of a Legal Shot.
(ii) Playing away from the touching Eight Ball when not on the Eight Ball. The player must play away from the touching Eight Ball and then meet all the requirements of a Legal Shot.
(d) Playing away from two or more touching Object Balls:-
(i) If any of the touching Object Balls are of the players Colour, the player will be deemed to have played away if the player plays away from any one of the touching balls of the players Colour. That is, the player may play into any of the other touching balls. The player needs then to only pot a ball or cause any ball to strike a cushion to fulfil the requirements of a Legal Shot.
(ii). If none of the touching Object Balls are of the players coloured group, the player must play away from all the touching balls and then meet all the requirements of a Legal Shot.
3. When Colours have yet to be decided:-
(a) Playing away from a touching Coloured Ball. The instant a player plays away from a touching coloured ball the player is deemed to have played that ball. Therefore, the player needs to then only pot a ball or cause any ball to strike a cushion to fulfil all the requirements of a Legal Shot.
(b) Playing away from a touching Eight Ball. The player must play away from the touching Eight Ball and then meet all the requirements of a Legal Shot.
(c) Playing away from two or more touching Object Balls. If the player plays away from any of the touching coloured balls the player is deemed to have played that ball. That is, the player may play into any of the other touching Object balls. The player needs then to only pot a ball or cause any ball to strike a cushion to fulfil the requirements of a Legal Shot.
T Balls Off the Table
(1) It is a Standard Foul if a ball leaves the playing surface, (other than being potted) and remains off the playing surface, or doesn’t return by its own means.
(2) Definitions/Examples:-
(a) Playing Surface:- The Playing surface of the table is the flat part of the table between the cushions.
(b) By its Own Means:-
(i) It is not a foul if a ball leaves the playing surface, runs along the top of a cushion, drops back on to the playing surface and comes to rest there, or falls into a pocket.
(ii) It is a Standard Foul if a ball leaves the playing surface, comes into contact with a person or object that is not a part of the table and then returns to the playing surface.
(c) Off the Table:- It is a Standard Foul if a ball leaves the playing surface and comes to rest on other than the playing surface, (eg. on the floor or on the top of a cushion).
(d) Spotted:- A ball is spotted when its centre point is placed on the spot or, if this is not possible, as near as possible to the spot in a direct line between the spot and the centre point of the cushion that lies the greatest distance from the Baulk Line. If this is not possible, as near as is possible to the spot, in a direct line between the spot and the centre point of the baulk line, if any of the following balls require spotting, they are spotted in the following order:-
(i) Eight Ball, then
(ii) Red Balls in any order (or balls numbered 1 to 7 in numerical order from lowest to highest), and then
(iii) Yellow Balls in any order (or numbered balls 9 to 15 in numerical order from lowest to highest). Spotted balls should be placed as close to each other and any intervening balls as possible, without touching.
3. If a ball leaves the playing surface and remains off the playing surface, it shall be returned to the table:-
(a) If it is the Cue Ball it is to be played from baulk.
(b) If it is an Object Ball (or Balls) it is to be spotted.
U Balls Falling Without Being Hit
(1) Any ball that falls into a pocket at any time, without being struck, shall be replaced by the referee to its original position, no penalty. Time will be re-started and the player in control continues with the visit.
(2) Should any ball fall into the pocket after a shot is played and before balls come to rest, providing the fallen ball played no part in the shot, once all other balls have stopped moving, it shall be replaced as described above.
a) If a legal pot was made, play continues with same visit.
b) If no pot was made, play continues with the next visit.
c) If a foul was made, then the oncoming player will continue with the appropriate penalty.
(3) Should any ball fall into the pocket after a shot is played, but before balls come to rest, and the fallen ball would have been struck, then the Referee will replace the balls to their original positions.
a) If no infringement of the rules were committed during the shot, or if the Cue Ball is potted as a result of a ball falling that the Cue Ball would otherwise hit, the player who played will replay the shot or may play a different shot.
b) If any foul was committed (other than as defined in a) above), then the next player will continue with the appropriate penalty.
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V Interference
(1). If any balls are moved during a frame:-
(a) By a person other than the players taking part in the frame, or
(b) as a direct result on one of the players being bumped, or
(c) due to any other event deemed outside the players control such as:-
(i) An Act of God, such as an earthquake etc., or
(ii) Tip falling off the cue, or end falling off a spider etc., the Referee will replace the balls as near as possible to the positions they were in before the incident occurred. No penalty shall be imposed on either of the players, and the frame shall continue.
(2) (a) The Referee will prevent any unauthorised marking of the table. If a player causes a block of billiard chalk or other foreign matter to be on any part of the table it is not a foul. However the Referee will ensure that the item is removed.
(b) If a player repeatedly causes a block of billiard chalk, or other foreign matter to be on any part of the table the Referee may deem that the player has breeched the Spirit of the Game and award the frame to the opponent.
(c) Exceptions to (a) above:- A cigarette or beverage container (see Standard Fouls(9)).
W Impossible Shot
A situation may arise during a frame where it is impossible for a player to play a shot without fouling. In such a situation the player has no other option but to commit a foul.
X Stalemate
The Referee shall declare a Stalemate if both the player and the opponent have three turns in succession where the Cue Ball fails to make contact with an Object Ball. In such a case the frame will be replayed with the same player breaking.
Y Referees Guidelines and Duties
The Referee’s Guidelines and Duties listed below supplement those directions contained in various other sections of these rules.
(1) The Referee’s decision is final except where players have been advised that it is possible to appeal to a Head Referee or other Higher authority.
(2) Information to be disclosed/not disclosed by a Referee:-
(a) (i) A player is responsible for knowing the rules of the game. It is not the Referee’s duty to explain or quote the rules to a player.
(ii) A Referee, if asked by a player, may divulge certain information pertaining to the frame in question under the guidelines of the Past, Present and Future rule. A Referee may divulge information relating to any Past event, or Present situation in the frame, (eg. "Who’s Turn is it" - Present, "Was that a Foul" - Past, Which colour am I on - Present) However, "If I play this shot will it be a Foul"is a question regarding the Future and the Referee should advise the player that the Referee cannot answer this type of question.
(3) The Referee shall either toss a coin, or the players shall lag, to determine the break. The winer of the toss or lag shall decide who will break first and the Referee shall announce the decision.
(4) If an Object Ball (or balls) is potted on the break the Referee will advise both players of this fact by announcing the Ball, (or Balls) potted. When Colours are decided for the first time the Referee will announce Player ‘A’ on Red (or Yellow) Balls. When that players turn is complete the Referee will advise the incoming player of the situation by announcing Player ‘B’ on Yellow (or Red) balls.
(5) (a) The Referee will call fouls as soon as they occur and the fouled player loses control of the table.
(i) The call for a Standard Foul is Foul, Two Visits.
(ii) The call for a Non-Standard Foul is Foul,(and announce the relevant penalty).
(iii) The call for a Serious Foul is Serious Foul, Two Visits.
(iv) The call for a Loss of Frame Foul is Loss of Frame.
(b) After a player has been awarded two visits the Referee will make no call until the player fails to pot a Ball On (except for 30 seconds time warnings and for any fouls that may occur). The referee will then call Second Visit to advise the player that the First Visit is complete and the Second Visit is about to begin.
(6) The Referee will call any instance when the Cue Ball is touching a Ball On.
(7) In the absence of any competition/tournament rules to the contrary, two Referees will Referee each frame. One Referee will make the standard calls, such as Second Visit and Player A on Red (or Yellow) Balls, while the other Referee will keep the time. Both Referees will be involved in the refereeing of the frame and either can call fouls. If one Referee calls a foul, the other Referee can not overrule the call. That is the two Referees have equal authority.
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World Eightball Pool Federation Rules
The Governing Body for Eightball Pool
Established 1992
Copywright 2008
Including amendements approved by the Annual General Meetings up to 2008
- Details
- Written by: cueSports
- Parent Category: Rules
- Category: 8 Ball Rules
Australian Eight Ball Federation
Founded 1984 - First Nationals held in Adelaide, SA - www.aebf.com.au
- Details
- Written by: cueSports
- Parent Category: Rules
- Category: 8 Ball Rules
World Eightball Pool Federation Rules (two-shot)
as used by the World Eightball Pool Federation and the Australian Eight-Ball Federation
updated 2008 Annual General Meeting - Changes highlighted in green - Effective 1/1/2009
Copyright 2008
A Spirit of the Game
B Equipment
C Definitions
D Object of the Game
E Playing from Baulk
F The Break
G Legal Shot
H Deciding Colours
I Time Allowed
J Fouls
K Standard Fouls
L Non-Standard Fouls
MSerious Standard Fouls
N Loss of Frame Fouls
OPush Shots & Double Hits
P Snookers
Q Foul Snookers
R Foul Jaw Snooker
S Touching Balls
T Balls off the Table
U Balls Falling without being Hit
V Interference
W Impossible Shot
X Stalemate
Y Referee's Guidelines and Duties
Download World Rules
Download World Rules.pdf
Download Calling Procedures
Calling Procedures.pdf
Download Break-Flow Chart
Breakflow Chart.pdf
A Spirit of the Game
The Game is known as Eight - Ball Pool. It is expected that players will always play the game in the true spirit and in a sporting manner. The Referee will take whatever action is necessary to ensure that the spirit and rules of the game are observed.
B Equipment
The Game of Eight - Ball Pool is played with:-
(1) A Cue Ball being a white ball.
(2) Fifteen Object Balls consisting of:
(a) Colours - being a group of seven red balls (or balls numbered 1 to 7) and a group of seven yellow balls(or balls numbered 9 to 15)
(b) The Eight-Ball - being a black ball marked with a number Eight (8).
(3) A six pocket rectangular Pool Table with general characteristics as follows:-
(a) The cloth will be marked with a "Spot" at the position where a straight line drawn diagonally from the centre of a side pocket to the centre of the opposite side pocket to the centre of the other corner pocket.
(b) The cloth will be marked with a "Baulk Line", being a straight line drawn from cushion to cushion, parallel to, and one fifth of the length of the table from, the face of the cushion that lies the Greatest distance fron the Spot.
C Definitions
(1) Shot - A shot begins when all balls stop moving from the previous shot. A player Plays a shot by striking the Cue ball with the tip of the cue. A shot ends when all balls stop moving from the current shot.
(2) Play - To Play an Object Ball is to play a shot that results in the Cue Ball’s first contact with another ball to be with that Object Ball. To Play the Cue ball is to strike it with the tip of the cue.
(3) Ball On - At any time during a frame, a "Ball On" is any Object Ball that the player may play without incurring a penalty.
(4) Pot - A ball is "Potted" when it leaves the bed of the table, enters a pocket and remains in that pocket.
(5) Visit - A "Visit" comprises one shot or a series of shots. Each visit lasts until the player fails to pot a Ball "On", (or until a foul is committed or the frame ends).
(6) Turn - A players "Turn" at the table comprises one visit or, after most fouls committed by the opponent, two visits.
(7) Frame - (a) A Frame is one game of Eight-Ball Pool between two players or two pairs of players. A Frame is played from the opening break and usually through until the Eight-Ball is potted.
(b)) A Player may concede a frame at any time.
(Note there are other ways that a frame may end - see Loss of Frame)
(8) Match - A Match is a predetermined number of frames of Eight-Ball Pool between two players, two pairs of players or two teams of players.
(9) Player in Control - A player (and the players partner in doubles) is deemed to be "in Control" of the frame from the time that the balls stop moving from the final shot of an opponent’s turn until the balls stop moving from the final shot of the players turn. There can be no instance, once a frame has commenced, that someone is not in control.
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D Object of the Game
(1) The object of the game is to win by beingthe first player to Pot a group of colours in any order and in any pockets, and then Pot the Eight-Ball in any pocket.
(2) When "On" a group of Colours, potting more than one ball of that Colour in the same shot is allowed, but a separate shot must be played to pot the Eight-Ball and win the game.
E Playing from Baulk
(1) Baulk is the rectangular area of the table that is bordered by the Baulk Line and the three cushions at that end of the table .
(2) When playing from Baulk:
(a) The centre point of the Cue Ball must be in Baulk when a shot is played. (If the centre point of the Cue Ball is directly on the Baulk Line it is not deemed to be in Baulk)
(b) The Cue Ball can be moved into position by hand or with the shaft of the cue, but when touched by the tip of the cue, a shot is deemed to have been played.
(c) The Cue Ball may be played in any direction.
(d) If a player wishes to play from Baulk after a Foul Snooker, Foul Jaw Snooker or Time Foul, the player must verbally advise the Referee of his choice and the Referee will then recover the cue Ball and hand it to the player or place it on top of, and in the centre of, the cushion at the Baulk end of the table for the player to retrieve by hand, if the player touches or recovers the Cue Ball it is a Standard Foul (see Standard Fouls 21)
(e) After an In Off, Foul Snooker, Foul Jaw Snooker or Time Foul the player must endeavour to position the Cue Ball so as not to create a Foul Snooker. If the player claims a Foul Snooker from Baulk, the Referee may choose to move the Cue Ball around to determine if there is any position in Baulk where the player would not be Foul Snookered. Whether such a position is found or not, the Referee will announce the result and hand the Cue Ball back to the player, or place it on top of and in the centre of the cushion at the Baulk end of the table, for the player to retrieve by hand.
F The Break (Break Flow Chart) .pdf
(1) The Object Balls are racked with the Eight-Ball on the Spot. rack170.png (Please Note Reds or Yellows may start at top of the rack)
(2) In the absence of any competition/tournament rules to the contrary, a coin will be tossed to determine which player will break. If a series of frames is to be played, (a match), the break of each subsequent frame will alternate.
(3) The first shot of a frame is called the Break. To Break, the Cue Ball is played at the triangle of Object Balls from Baulk. The frame is deemed to have commenced the instant that the Cue Ball is played.
(4) (a) The Break will be deemed a Fair Break if:
(i) at least one colour is potted, and/or
(ii) four object balls (at least) are driven to a cushion.
(b) If the Break is not a Fair Break it is a Non-Standard Foul and:
(i) The opponent is awarded two visits,
(ii) The balls are re-racked,
(iii) The opponent re-starts the game and is under the same obligation to achieve a Fair Break.
(c)(i) If the Cue Ball is potted on a Fair Break it is a Non-Standard Foul that is penalised by the turn passing to the opponent.
(ii) If the Break is not a Fair Break and the Cue Ball is potted, the penalty for failure to perform a Fair break applies, (see (b) above)
(5) If the Eight-Ball is potted on any Break, the balls are re-racked and the same player will break again. When the Eight-Ball is potted on the Break, all other aspects of the shot are ignored. (Except if a Serious Foul or breech of the Spirit of the Game occurs).
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G Legal Shot
(1) On all shots the player must:
(a) Cause the cue ball’s initial contact with a ball to be with a Ball On, and then,
(b) Pot a Ball On or cause the Cue Ball or any Object Ball to contact a cushion.
(2) Failure to play a Legal Shot is a Standard Foul
(3) Exceptions:
(a) On the Break, the conditions of a Legal Shot do not apply (see (F) The Break)
(b) When playing out of Total Snooker a player is only obliged to meet the conditions of (1)(a) above.
(i) Definition: A player is in a Total Snooker when it is impossible to play any part of any of the player's own coloour by the way of a 'straight line shot'. leaving an opponent in a Total Snooker is not a foul.
(ii) If a player believes that a Total Snooker exists, the player may ask the referre for a ruling.
(iii) If the referee rules that a Total Snooker exists, the player's obligations under the Legal Shot rule are relaxed as follows:- The player need only cause the Cue Ball initial contact to be with a Ball On . The requirment to pot a ball and / or cause a ball to strike a cushion is waived.
(iv) In a Total Snooker, the straight sections of the cushions Do come into consideration. If a player has to strike a cushion prior to impact with a Ball On, then a Total Snooker does exist.
(4) Interpretations:
(a) If the Cue Ball’s initial contact is with an Object Ball that is touching a cushion, simply forcing that Object Ball into the same cushion does not constitute a Legal Shot.
(b) If the Cue Ball and an Object Ball are touching the same cushion simply forcing the Cue Ball and or the Object Ball into the same cushion does not constitute a Legal Shot.
H Deciding Colours
(1) General:
(a) When Colours have not been decided the table is deemed to be Open. When the table is Open a player may play at either group of Colours.
(b) Colours can never be decided on a foul shot.
(c) Once Colours are decided, the player remains on that coloured group for the duration of the frame. The opponent remains on the opposite coloured group.
(d) Playing a shot after neglecting to nominate a choice of Colours is a Standard Foul. Any balls potted on such a shot are left in the pocket and ignored for the purpose of deciding colours
(2) On the Break.
(a) If no colours are potted on the break the table is Open.
(b) If one or more Colours are potted on the break the player then has a right and obligation to verbally advise the referee of a choice of colour before proceeding. Failure to do so is a Standard Foul. If a player is fouled under this rule the opponent faces an Open Table.
(c)(i) If the player nominates a colour that was potted on the break, the player is on that \par colour no matter what happens next.
(ii) If the player nominates a colour that was not potted on the Break, to be on that colour the player must pot a ball of that colour on the next shot.
(3) After the break.
(a) If a player pots one or more balls of the same colour, the player is then on that colour.
(b) If a player pots one or more balls of different colours, the player then has a right and obligation to verbally advise the Referee of a choice of Colour before proceeding. Once a Colour is nominated in these circumstances, the player is on that colour no matter what happens next. Failure to nominate is a Standard Foul. If a player is fouled under this rule the opponent faces an open table.
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I Time Allowed
(1) A player has a maximum of sixty seconds to play each shot.
(2) The Referee will start timing when all balls have come to rest from the previous shot.
(3) If the first 30 seconds elapses before a shot is played, the Referee will call Thirty Seconds as a warning to the player. This call must be made the instant the thirty seconds has expired. A Referee should not postpone the call because it appears that the player is about to play a shot.
(4) If a shot is not played within sixty seconds it is a Non-Standard Foul. The incoming player is awarded two visits from:
(a) where the Cue ball lies, or if the player wishes
or, if the player wishes
(b) from baulk.
(5) The Referee may decide to grant Time Out, being a period when timing ceases:
(a) at the request of the player, (For example something is obstructing the player or the player needs to leave the playing area) and/or,
(b) Because the Referee deems that it is warranted, (For example the Referee may call time out when making a close Foul Snooker decision or when searching for a piece of equipment requested by the player).
(6) When the referee has racked the balls, the referee will call 'Time Running'. The oncomining player must then play the Break Shot within 60 seconds.
J Fouls
There are four types of foul. Standard Fouls, Non-Standard Fouls, Serious Fouls and Loss of Frame Fouls. A player can only be penalised for one Foul at a time. If two or more fouls are committed during a shot, the foul that carries the most severe penalty will apply.
Exceptions:
1. In the case of a Serious Foul and a Time Foul, where the incoming player has the right to 'Ball in Hand'. The penalty for Time foul still applies, even though a Serious Fouls has been called and applied.
2. In the case of a Serious Foul and a Foul Break, the incoming player has the right to 'Ball in hand'. The penalty for a Foul Break still applies, even though a Serious Foul has been called and applied.
K Standard Fouls
Standard Fouls are to called by the Referee as soon as they occur and the fouled player is in control, until all balls from that shot come to rest. the Referee then awards two visits to the opponent.
(1) Potting the Cue Ball - In Off (except on a Fair Break - see (F) The Break (4)(c)(1)) The incoming player plays from Baulk (see Playing from Baulk (2)(d)(1)).
(2) Playing from outside Baulk when obliged to play from Baulk. (See Playing from Baulk (2)(a)).
(3) Potting an opponent’s ball (except where it is the properly nominated ball following a Foul Snooker or a Foul Jaw Snooker).
(4) Failing to cause the Cue Ball’s initial contact with a ball, to be with a Ball On.
(5) Accidentally striking the Cue Ball with any part of the cue other than the tip.
(6) Accidentally striking the an Object Ball with any part of the cue.
(7) Playing a shot before the balls have come to rest from the previous shot.
(8) Playing a shot before any balls that required spotting, have been spotted.
(9) (a) Touching the table while having a cigarette (lit or unlit) in hand or mouth.
(b) Causing a cigarette (lit or unlit) to touch the table or enter the space directly above the table.
(c) Touching the table while having a beverage container in hand.
(d) Causing a beverage container or beverage to touch the table or enter the space directly above the table.
(10) Touching the table when not in control of the frame (see Definitions (9) Player in Control). Exception - When a player’s turn is finished that player has a maximum of 10 seconds to move away from the table. (See (11)below).
(11) Not moving away from the table within 10 seconds of the time that all the balls stopped moving from the final shot of a turn at the table.
(12) Coaching - During a frame, a player is required to play without receiving any advice from other persons, relating to the playing of the frame. Should a team member or bona fide supporter of a player offer advice, the Referee will issue a first and Final Warning to that person that a repetition will result in the player being penalised via a Standard Foul. Because it may not always be possible for the Referee to hear if a statement made to a player is advice, the Referee may issue the First and Final Warning on the grounds that any statement made to a player, other than general barracking, is deemed to be coaching. In a tournament setting, a first and Final Warning may be given once only, before the commencement of the days play, as a block warning to all players and spectators.
(13) Leaving the playing area without permission. If a player needs to leave the playing area during a frame or match, Time Out must firstly be granted by the Referee, (see Time Allowed (5)).
(14) Playing a shot after neglecting to nominate a choice of Colour when the obligation and right to do so existed. (See Deciding Colours(1)(b)).
(15) Playing a Push Shot or Double Hit of a type defined in Push Shots and Double Hits.
(16) Failing to perform a (see Legal Shot).
(17) After being awarded a Foul Snooker or Foul Jaw Snooker - Playing an opponents ball or the Eight Ball without firstly nominating that ball.
(18) Playing a shot while not having at least one foot touching the floor.
(19) Failing to Play Away from a Touching Ball (see Touching Balls (1)).
(20) Causing a ball to remain off the playing surface. (See Balls Off the Table)).
(21) Players body or clothing touching any ball.
(22) Accidental Jump Shot, miscue, or when forcing the Cue Ball to a cushion and the rebound jumps a ball. (If the Cue Ball leaves the bed of the table and misses an Object Ball that would have been struck had the Cue Ball not left the table on an otherwise identical shot, the Cue Ball is deemed to have jumped over that Object Ball). A break shot that results in the pack being jumped will be deemed to be Not a Fair Break (see 4b). Also note M5 Serious Fouls.
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L Non - Standard Fouls
Non-Standard fouls are to be called by the Referee as soon as they occur and the fouled player is in control, until all balls from that shot come to rest. The Referee will then impose the relevant penalty. Non-Standard Fouls are so called because the penalty and/or options of the incoming player may vary.
(1) Failure to perform a Fair Break (see The Break (4)(a) & (b)).
(2) Failure to play a shot within sixty seconds of the time that the balls came to rest from the previous shot. (see Time Allowed (4)).
(3) Potting the Cue Ball on a Fair Break (see The Break (4)(c)(1)).
M Serious Standard Fouls
Serious Fouls are to be called by the Referee as soon as they occur and the fouled player is in control, until all balls from that shot come to rest. The Referee will replace the balls as near as possible to the position they were in before the Serious Foul was committed and award two visits to the opponent.
(1) Playing a shot out of turn (accidentally or deliberately).
(a) A player who plays a shot at any time during a frame when the right to do so does not exist has played out of turn. (For example a player who plays a shot immediately after playing a foul or immediately after the Referee has called a foul on that player, has played out of turn).
(b) Exception- a shot played out of turn accidentally, that disrupts the balls to such an extentthat the Referee deems it impossible to replace them, the Referee will give the opponent the choice of either playing the balls from where they lie or replaying the frame. If the frame is replayed the same player is to break again).
(2) Deliberately striking a ball other than the Cue Ball with the tip of the cue.
(3) Deliberately causing any ball or balls to be moved in a manner other than that which may result from playing a normal shot.
(4) Deliberately striking the Cue Ball with other than the tip of the cue.
(5) Deliberate Jump Shot caused by elevating the cue on the shot, and forcing the Cue Ball to rebound from the bed of the table and causing the Cue Ball to Jump over any ball. (If the Cue Ball leaves the bed of the table and misses an Object ball that would have been struck had the cue Ball not left the table on an otherwise identical shot, the Cue Ball is deemed to have jumped over that object ball). Also note K22 Standard Fouls
(6) Deliberately interfering, by word or action, so as to disrupt an opponents play.
N Loss of Frame Fouls
(1) Committing a foul in the same shot that the Eight Ball is potted (except on the The Break).
(2) Potting the Eight Ball when a ball or balls of the players own Colour are still on the table (except on The Break).
(3) Potting the Eight Ball and the last ball, or balls, of the players own Colour in the same shot.
(4) Committing two Serious Fouls in the one frame.
(5) Committing a Serious Foul that disrupts the table to such an extent that the Referee deems it impossible to return the balls as close as possible to their original positions.
(6) Any deliberate attempt to prevent the opponent from potting the Eight Ball, when the opponent is on the Eight Ball, by way of a Serious Foul or other unsporting manoeuvre.
(7) If a player breaches the 'Spirit Of The Game' to such an extent that the frame (or match) should be awarded to the opponent.
O Push Shots and Double Hits
(1) Definitions:- Most shots commonly known as Push Shots in the game of Snooker are allowed in the game of Eight-Ball. Generally, any shot played with speed will not be deemed to be a Push Shot, regardless of the fact that the cue tip may have come into contact with the cue ball more than once.
(2) Exceptions that are Standard Fouls are:
(a) When, during the playing of a shot, the tip of the cue strikes the Cue Ball twice and the Referee is able to actually see each contact.
(b) When, during the playing of a shot, a player plays the cue so slowly through the Cue Ball that the cue tip remains in contact with the Cue Ball so as to be visibly pushing it along.
(c) When the Cue Ball is played into a touching Object Ball (see Touching Balls (1)(a)).
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P Snookers
(1) Definition:- A player is Snookered when it is impossible to play the finest cut possible on both sides of any of that players own Colour by way of a straight-line shot. Snookering an opponent is not a Foul.
(2) A player cannot be Snookered by a ball of the players own Colour. That is, if one of the players own coloured group is an obstructing ball, it will be ignored for the purposes of determining a Snooker.
(3) A player cannot be Snookered on an Object Ball if the Cue Ball is touching that Object Ball.
(4) A player cannot be Snookered by the straight sections of the cushions. If a straight section of a cushion is preventing the finest possible cut on the side of an Object Ball, that section of cushion will be deemed not to exist for the purposes of determining a Snooker on that Object Ball.
(5) If an Object Ball is partly obscured by a curved section of a cushion (the Jaw) this in itself does not constitute a Snooker.
Q Foul Snookers
(1) Definition:- When an opponent plays a foul shot and this results in the incoming player being snookered, the incoming player is deemed to be Foul Snookered.
(2) If a player believes that a Foul Snooker exists, the player may ask the Referee for a ruling.
(3) If the Referee rules that a Foul Snooker exists, the player initially has the following options:
(a) Play the Cue Ball from where it lies (see (4)(a) below)
OR
(b) Ask the Referee to remove the Cue Ball so as to allow the player to play from Baulk (see (4)(b) below).
(4) (a) (i) If the player chooses to play the Cue Ball from where it lies, the player may, if the player wishes, nominate the Eight Ball, (but see (5) below), or any one of the opponent’s Colour. The player can nominate a particular ball by verbal description of it, or its position, or by pointing at it. The Referee may ask for further information if any doubt exists as to which ball has been nominated.
(ii) Once nominated, a ball is deemed to become one of the players Colour for the first shot of the first visit. The player may then play any of the player’s own Colour, or the nominated ball. If any of the players Colour and/or the nominated ball are potted, the player continues with the first visit.
(b) If the player chooses to play the Cue Ball from Baulk, a Foul Snooker may no longer exist. In this case the procedure under the heading (E) Playing from Baulk (2)(d)(2) and (2)(e) should be followed. If the Referee decides that a Foul Snooker does still exist, the player may nominate a ball and follow the procedure in (4)(a) above.
(5) If the Eight Ball is nominated it may be played, but potting it will mean loss of frame.
(6) If a player is On the Eight Ball and is Foul Snookered, the Player may play a nominated ball or the Eight Ball and pot either, or both, of these balls, directly or \par indirectly, in any pocket or pockets.
Assuming the player does not commit a foul:-
(i) If neither the Eight Ball nor the nominated ball is potted, the players first visit is complete.
(ii) If the nominated ball is potted and the Eight Ball is not, the player continues with the first visit.
(iii) If the nominated ball and the Eight Ball are potted, the player wins the frame.
(iv) If the Eight Ball is potted and the nominated ball is not, the player wins the frame.
(7) If a Foul Snooker exists and the Cue Ball is touching an opponent’s ball or balls, the player may, but is not obligated to, nominate one of those touching balls.
R Foul Jaw Snooker
If an opponent fouls and the Cue Ball comes to rest on, or near, a Jaw, (the curved part of a cushion), and that jaw is preventing the player from playing the finest cut possible on both sides of any of that player’s own Colour by way of a straight-line shot, the player is deemed to be Foul Jaw Snookered and all the rules pertaining to Foul Snookers will apply.
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S Touching Balls
(1) General:-
(a) if the Cue Ball is touching an Object Ball, the player is obliged to Play away from the Object Ball at an angle of more than 90 degrees, (that is, play the shot without causing the Cue Ball to make any initial further contact with that Object Ball).
(b) If, when playing away from a touching ball, the touching ball rocks or moves, without being contacted further, but simply because the Cue Ball is no longer there, no penalty will apply.
(2) When Colours have been decided:-
(a) Playing away from a touching Object Ball of the players own Colour. The instant a player plays away from a touching Object Ball of the player’s own Colour the player is deemed to have played that ball. Therefore, the player needs to then only pot a ball or cause any ball to strike a cushion to fulfil all the requirements of a Legal Shot.
(b) Playing away from a touching Object Ball of the opponent’s Colour. The Player must play away from the touching ball and then meet all the requirements of a Legal Shot.
(c)(i) Playing away from the touching Eight Ball when On the Eight Ball. The Player must play away from the touching Eight Ball and then need only cause any ball to strike a cushion to fulfil the requirements of a Legal Shot.
(ii) Playing away from the touching Eight Ball when not on the Eight Ball. The player must play away from the touching Eight Ball and then meet all the requirements of a Legal Shot.
(d) Playing away from two or more touching Object Balls:-
(i) If any of the touching Object Balls are of the players Colour, the player will be deemed to have played away if the player plays away from any one of the touching balls of the players Colour. That is, the player may play into any of the other touching balls. The player needs then to only pot a ball or cause any ball to strike a cushion to fulfil the requirements of a Legal Shot.
(ii). If none of the touching Object Balls are of the players coloured group, the player must play away from all the touching balls and then meet all the requirements of a Legal Shot.
3. When Colours have yet to be decided:-
(a) Playing away from a touching Coloured Ball. The instant a player plays away from a touching coloured ball the player is deemed to have played that ball. Therefore, the player needs to then only pot a ball or cause any ball to strike a cushion to fulfil all the requirements of a Legal Shot.
(b) Playing away from a touching Eight Ball. The player must play away from the touching Eight Ball and then meet all the requirements of a Legal Shot.
(c) Playing away from two or more touching Object Balls. If the player plays away from any of the touching coloured balls the player is deemed to have played that ball. That is, the player may play into any of the other touching Object balls. The player needs then to only pot a ball or cause any ball to strike a cushion to fulfil the requirements of a Legal Shot.
T Balls Off the Table
(1) It is a Standard Foul if a ball leaves the playing surface, (other than being potted) and remains off the playing surface, or doesn’t return by its own means.
(2) Definitions/Examples:-
(a) Playing Surface:- The Playing surface of the table is the flat part of the table between the cushions.
(b) By its Own Means:-
(i) It is not a foul if a ball leaves the playing surface, runs along the top of a cushion, drops back on to the playing surface and comes to rest there, or falls into a pocket.
(ii) It is a Standard Foul if a ball leaves the playing surface, comes into contact with a person or object that is not a part of the table and then returns to the playing surface.
(c) Off the Table:- It is a Standard Foul if a ball leaves the playing surface and comes to rest on other than the playing surface, (eg. on the floor or on the top of a cushion).
(d) Spotted:- A ball is spotted when its centre point is placed on the spot or, if this is not possible, as near as possible to the spot in a direct line between the spot and the centre point of the cushion that lies the greatest distance from the Baulk Line. If this is not possible, as near as is possible to the spot, in a direct line between the spot and the centre point of the baulk line, if any of the following balls require spotting, they are spotted in the following order:-
(i) Eight Ball, then
(ii) Red Balls in any order (or balls numbered 1 to 7 in numerical order from lowest to highest), and then
(iii) Yellow Balls in any order (or numbered balls 9 to 15 in numerical order from lowest to highest). Spotted balls should be placed as close to each other and any intervening balls as possible, without touching.
3. If a ball leaves the playing surface and remains off the playing surface, it shall be returned to the table:-
(a) If it is the Cue Ball it is to be played from baulk.
(b) If it is an Object Ball (or Balls) it is to be spotted.
U Balls Falling Without Being Hit
(1) Any ball that falls into a pocket at any time, without being struck, shall be replaced by the referee to its original position, no penalty. Time will be re-started and the player in control continues with the visit.
(2) Should any ball fall into the pocket after a shot is played and before balls come to rest, providing the fallen ball played no part in the shot, once all other balls have stopped moving, it shall be replaced as described above.
a) If a legal pot was made, play continues with same visit.
b) If no pot was made, play continues with the next visit.
c) If a foul was made, then the oncoming player will continue with the appropriate penalty.
(3) Should any ball fall into the pocket after a shot is played, but before balls come to rest, and the fallen ball would have been struck, then the Referee will replace the balls to their original positions.
a) If no infringement of the rules were committed during the shot, or if the Cue Ball is potted as a result of a ball falling that the Cue Ball would otherwise hit, the player who played will replay the shot or may play a different shot.
b) If any foul was committed (other than as defined in a) above), then the next player will continue with the appropriate penalty.
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V Interference
(1). If any balls are moved during a frame:-
(a) By a person other than the players taking part in the frame, or
(b) as a direct result on one of the players being bumped, or
(c) due to any other event deemed outside the players control such as:-
(i) An Act of God, such as an earthquake etc., or
(ii) Tip falling off the cue, or end falling off a spider etc., the Referee will replace the balls as near as possible to the positions they were in before the incident occurred. No penalty shall be imposed on either of the players, and the frame shall continue.
(2) (a) The Referee will prevent any unauthorised marking of the table. If a player causes a block of billiard chalk or other foreign matter to be on any part of the table it is not a foul. However the Referee will ensure that the item is removed.
(b) If a player repeatedly causes a block of billiard chalk, or other foreign matter to be on any part of the table the Referee may deem that the player has breeched the Spirit of the Game and award the frame to the opponent.
(c) Exceptions to (a) above:- A cigarette or beverage container (see Standard Fouls(9)).
W Impossible Shot
A situation may arise during a frame where it is impossible for a player to play a shot without fouling. In such a situation the player has no other option but to commit a foul.
X Stalemate
The Referee shall declare a Stalemate if both the player and the opponent have three turns in succession where the Cue Ball fails to make contact with an Object Ball. In such a case the frame will be replayed with the same player breaking.
Y Referees Guidelines and Duties
The Referee’s Guidelines and Duties listed below supplement those directions contained in various other sections of these rules.
(1) The Referee’s decision is final except where players have been advised that it is possible to appeal to a Head Referee or other Higher authority.
(2) Information to be disclosed/not disclosed by a Referee:-
(a) (i) A player is responsible for knowing the rules of the game. It is not the Referee’s duty to explain or quote the rules to a player.
(ii) A Referee, if asked by a player, may divulge certain information pertaining to the frame in question under the guidelines of the Past, Present and Future rule. A Referee may divulge information relating to any Past event, or Present situation in the frame, (eg. "Who’s Turn is it" - Present, "Was that a Foul" - Past, Which colour am I on - Present) However, "If I play this shot will it be a Foul"is a question regarding the Future and the Referee should advise the player that the Referee cannot answer this type of question.
(3) The Referee shall either toss a coin, or the players shall lag, to determine the break. The winer of the toss or lag shall decide who will break first and the Referee shall announce the decision.
(4) If an Object Ball (or balls) is potted on the break the Referee will advise both players of this fact by announcing the Ball, (or Balls) potted. When Colours are decided for the first time the Referee will announce Player ‘A’ on Red (or Yellow) Balls. When that players turn is complete the Referee will advise the incoming player of the situation by announcing Player ‘B’ on Yellow (or Red) balls.
(5) (a) The Referee will call fouls as soon as they occur and the fouled player loses control of the table.
(i) The call for a Standard Foul is Foul, Two Visits.
(ii) The call for a Non-Standard Foul is Foul,(and announce the relevant penalty).
(iii) The call for a Serious Foul is Serious Foul, Two Visits.
(iv) The call for a Loss of Frame Foul is Loss of Frame.
(b) After a player has been awarded two visits the Referee will make no call until the player fails to pot a Ball On (except for 30 seconds time warnings and for any fouls that may occur). The referee will then call Second Visit to advise the player that the First Visit is complete and the Second Visit is about to begin.
(6) The Referee will call any instance when the Cue Ball is touching a Ball On.
(7) In the absence of any competition/tournament rules to the contrary, two Referees will Referee each frame. One Referee will make the standard calls, such as Second Visit and Player A on Red (or Yellow) Balls, while the other Referee will keep the time. Both Referees will be involved in the refereeing of the frame and either can call fouls. If one Referee calls a foul, the other Referee can not overrule the call. That is the two Referees have equal authority.
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World Eightball Pool Federation Rules
The Governing Body for Eightball Pool
Established 1992
Copywright 2008
Including amendements approved by the Annual General Meetings up to 2008
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- Written by: cueSports
- Parent Category: Rules
- Category: 8 Ball Rules
How did APPA come into existence?
American pool in Australia is a growing market. After running many successful tournaments for all levels of play over the past 10 years I was personally approached in late 2019 by the current President of the Australian Pool Players Federation to discuss the future of the APPF.
The APPF organisation had various challenges with only a small number of people who could dedicate the time to govern and improve the sport at a national level.
I was asked to assemble a team that would be able to modernize the brand, events, provide national governance, produce appropriate documentation and policies with a view to Sports Australia recognition.
It has been an absolute mammoth task with countless hours of working on weekends, late nights and Thursday evening team meetings. On June 30, 2020, the APPA was officially incorporated with the NSW Department of Fair Trading and recognized as the National Sporting Organisation for American pool in Australia.
I would like to personally acknowledge the APPA team for their personal efforts and ask that all the players to join their new association with a view to an exciting and transparent future with great opportunities for our cue sport community.
Stuart Rogers
Chairman, APPA
Australian Pool Players Association
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- Parent Category: Rules
- Category: 9 Ball Rules
2. Nine Ball
2.1 Determining the Break
2.2 Nine Ball Rack
2.3 Legal Break Shot
2.4 Second Shot of the Rack ?? Push Out
2.5 Continuing Play
2.6 Spotting Balls
2.7 Standard Fouls
2.8 Serious Fouls
2.9 Stalemate
2. Nine 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 legally pocketing the nine ball wins the rack.
2.1 Determining the Break
The player who wins the lag chooses who will break the first rack. (See 1.2 Lagging to Determine Order of Play.) The standard format is to alternate the break, but see Regulation 15, Subsequent Break Shots.
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2.2 Nine Ball Rack
The object balls are racked as tightly as possible in a diamond shape, with the one ball at the apex of the diamond and on the foot spot and the nine ball in the middle of the diamond. The other balls will be placed in the diamond without purposeful or intentional pattern. (See Regulation 4, Racking / Tapping of Balls.)
Nine Ball Rack
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2.3 Legal Break Shot
The following rules apply to the break shot:
(a) the cue ball begins in hand behind the head string; and
(b) if no ball is pocketed, at least four object balls must be driven to one or more rails, or the shot is a foul. (See Regulation 17, Open Break Requirements.)
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2.4 Second Shot of the Rack ?? Push Out
If no foul is committed on the break shot, the shooter may choose to play a ??push out” as his shot. He must make his intention known to the referee, and then rules 6.2 Wrong Ball First and 6.3 No Rail after Contact are suspended for the shot. If no foul is committed on a push out, the other player chooses who will shoot next.
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2.5 Continuing Play
If the shooter legally pockets any ball on a shot (except a push out, see 2.4 Second Shot of the Rack ?? Push Out), he continues at the table for the next shot. If he legally pockets the nine ball on any shot (except a push out), he wins the rack. If the shooter fails to pocket a ball or fouls, play passes to the other player, and if no foul was committed, the incoming player must play the cue ball from the position left by the other player.
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2.6 Spotting Balls
If the nine ball is pocketed on a foul or push out, or driven off the table, it is spotted. (See 1.4 Spotting Balls.) No other object ball is ever spotted.
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2.7 Standard Fouls
If the shooter commits a standard foul, play passes to his opponent. The cue ball is in hand, and the incoming player may place it anywhere on the playing surface. (See 1.5 Cue Ball in Hand)
The following are standard fouls at nine ball:
6.1 Cue Ball Scratch or off the Table
6.2 Wrong Ball First The first object ball contacted by the cue ball on each shot must be the lowest-numbered ball remaining on the table.
6.3 No Rail after Contact
6.4 No Foot on Floor
6.5 Ball Driven off the Table The only jumped object ball that is spotted is the nine.
6.6 Touched Ball
6.7 Double Hit / Frozen Balls
6.8 Push Shot
6.9 Balls Still Moving
6.10 Bad Cue Ball Placement
6.12 Cue Stick on the Table
6.13 Playing out of Turn
6.15 Slow Play
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2.8 Serious Fouls
For 6.14 Three Consecutive Fouls, the penalty is loss of the current rack. For 6.16 Unsportsmanlike Conduct, the referee will choose a penalty appropriate given the nature of the offense.
2.9 Stalemate
If a stalemate occurs the original breaker of the rack will break again. (See 1.12 Stalemate.)
https://www.wpapool.com
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- Written by: cueSports
- Parent Category: Rules
- Category: 9 Ball Rules
This is a new group aiming to promote the 8 ball game that is known as Blackball and is the recognised version of rules by the WPBA. Blackball is big in England and across Europe and is growing year by year as the preferred set of rules played by the players. In England there is a main tour event called the IPA this has been running now for many years and has over 128 players playing on the tour with more joining up every year.
Add County pool that is played in England to Blackball rules the game has a following of more than 1000 players in just England playing. In Europe they have 2 International events each year called the European Championships and the Nations Cup.
The Nations cup is a competition that Australia are aloud to enter and it is held at a different venue every year. These competitions are held in venues that can hold 40 tables plus at a time. Every two years the World Championships are held and again the venue is different for every event and countries can tender to hold the event, this is something that Australia Blackball would like to do in the coming years.
In the coming years we wish to grow Blackball in Australia by holding competitions and an annual Australian Championships. In 2014 Australia sent over a select 6 man team to the World Championships which that year were held in Perth Scotland. For many of the team it was there first big event, put this to representing there country it made for a very enjoyable event for all and one they can feel very proud of their achievements.
In 2016 the World Championships are to be held in Killarney, Southern Ireland at the Gleneagle hotel. It is hoped to send as many Australian teams as possible to this event in Men's, Seniors (over 40s), Masters ( over 50s), women's, under 18 & 23 events. If you wish to know more about Blackball pool as a game and would like to get involved then please do contact us for more information.
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- Parent Category: Rules
- Category: Blackball Rules
The following is a visual guide to blackball pool rules as sanctioned by the World Pool-Billiards Association (WPA) and administered by Blackball International.
This content was first compiled with the help of a senior WPA official* upon the introduction of blackball in 2005.
It has subsequently been updated to show minor rule changes.
From the opening break to the completion of a frame, here’s an explanation of general play, legal and illegal shots, play resulting in fouls or loss of frame, combination shots and more.
1. Setting Up Balls And Breaking Off
Rack the balls with the black ball positioned at the intersection of the two imaginary diagonal lines positioned as shown in the diagram.
The lag winner decides who breaks. Opposing players break alternately in successive frames.
Place the cue ball anywhere within baulk before breaking.
2. Legal And Illegal Breaks
To achieve a legal break at least two object balls (red, yellow or black) must cross an imaginary line joining the middle pockets. Alternatively, at least one ball must be potted.
If no balls are potted and two object balls do not pass over this line, then this is a standard foul and the oncoming player is awarded ??one free shot and one visit’.
The cue ball may then be played from where it lies or from baulk. Alternatively, the oncoming player may request a re-rack.
It is also a foul if the cue ball is potted on the break. The retrieved white must be played from baulk. If the black is potted the table is set up again and the same player breaks.
On a break shot, no matter the outcome, the table remains ??open’. Groups are never decided on the break.
There is no nomination of groups with blackball pool rules.
3. Open Table And Determining Groups
With an ??open table’ the designated group (that is whether a player continues on red or yellow balls) is NOT determined in the following situations…
- On the break shot.
- When a foul is played on a shot.
- When taking a free shot after a foul.
- Where a combination shot is played in which balls from both groups are potted.
With the exception of those aforementioned situations, if a player pots a ball or balls from a single group the player is described as being ??on’ that group for the duration of the frame.
So above, with an open table, potting only the red ball in the middle pocket would determine reds as that player’s group; but pot both red and yellow in a combination shot and the table remains open.
4. Play Either Group On Open Table
If an open table (that is groups have not been decided) players may play the cue ball to strike a ball from either group (reds or yellows).
In the above scenario, with an open table, a yellow ball has been played directly onto a red which in turn drops into the pocket.
That player’s group then becomes reds.
A number of exceptions are described at ‘3’ above in which an open table situation could continue.
Also note above, if the red had fallen short of the pocket and no balls struck a cushion the shot would not be ??legal’ and a standard foul would be called (see further examples of legal and illegal shots, below.)
Remember that the black cannot be used as a ball to pot another object ball unless a foul has been committed and an initial ??free shot’ has been awarded to the oncoming player.
5. Legal Shot Defined
To play a legal shot a player must cause the cue balls initial contact to be with an ??on’ ball and THEN….
(a) Pot any ??on’ ball or balls, OR…
(b) Cause the cue ball or any other ball to contact a cushion.
An ??on’ ball might include balls from either group or the black if a player has a ??free shot’.
In the situation above, if the red ball falls short of the pocket and no ball strikes a cushion after the cue ball hits the red, then the referee calls a foul.
There is one exception to this definition…. escaping from a snooker, which is described below.
6. Snooker Defined
A player is ??snookered’ when it is deemed impossible to strike any part of an ??on’ ball by way of a straight line shot. That is the case in the the above diagram.
Players should seek confirmation that it is a ??total snooker” from an opposing player, referee or other official before attempting to play out of a snooker.
7. Legal Shots And Laying Snookers
A direct consequence of the need for a ball to strike a cushion after contact with an ??on’ ball is that it is not possible to simple tap up behind a ball to lay a snooker.
Here, in the upper shot, to lay a snooker on the black ball, either the cue ball or the red must touch a cushion after the red after has first been been struck by the cue ball.
Similarly, in the second scenario, the white gently glances against a red ball before it hits the cushion. This results in a snooker behind two reds. In this case, because it initially touched a red ball, the cue ball need not necessarily reach the two reds before it comes to rest behind them off the cushion.
8. Legal Shots And Escaping Snookers
There’s an exception to the requirements of a legal shot as defined previously at ‘5’ above.
When successfully escaping a snooker, as in the diagram immediately above, it is not necessary for a ball to touch a cushion after the object ball has been struck.
It is sufficient for the cue ball to simply make contact with an ??on’ ball.
It follows that in escaping a full snooker by way of a ??swerve’ on the cue ball, it is not necessary for any balls to strike a cushion during the successful execution of such a shot.
9. Balls Leaving The Table
At any stage in the game, balls which leave the table are returned to the playing surface.
If the cue ball, then it’s played from baulk.
Balls are always ??re-spotted’ on, or as close as possible to, the black spot in a direct line between the spot and the end cushion which is closest to that spot.
Above, three object balls (red, yellow and black) had left the table on the break.
In this case, with an ??open table’, object balls are replaced in order of black, red and yellow.
Return balls to the playing surface in a straight line, as close as possible, without touching.
When not an open table (ie groups have been determined) a black ball is again always returned first but is immediately followed by any ball or balls from the group of the player just about to play.
10. Combination Shots Explained
Two or more object balls can be potted without penalty in a single shot. These may be balls from both groups and could include the black ball.
In such shots the balls can drop into pockets in any order.
The object ball with which the cue ball makes initial contact must be a ball which can be legally struck, that is an ??on’ ball.
A combination shot might be used to clear an opponent’s ball which is ??blocking’ a pocket.
In the situation depicted the player on reds plays a combination. Sinking both the red and yellow creates an opportunity for the player on red balls to clear the table.
11. Frame Winning Combination Shot
Players may sink their last remaining group ball (or balls) and the black in the same shot and so win a frame.
Initial contact, as always, must be with an ??on’ ball.
In this instance the player on yellows pots the final yellow ball and in the same combination shot wins the frame by potting the black ball.
12. Same Pocket Combination
There will be occasions when a combination shot is played in which two balls are potted into the same pocket.
In this example the red ball is struck and directed in such a way as to pot the black and then to follow through to drop into the same bag and clinch the frame.
13. Combination On A Free Shot
After a standard foul the oncoming player has a ??free shot’ and may play onto any object ball on the table.
Here, the player on reds may legally strike and pot the black ball and then, in a combination shot, sink the last remaining group ball to win.
Potting the black without sinking the red, that is with one or more of a player’s group balls remaining on the table, would of course result in loss of frame.
14. Play Away From Touching Ball
It is necessary to play away from any object ball declared to be touching the cue ball.
If, in doing so, the touched object ball moves then it is a foul.
If the cue ball is touching a ball from your own group (or indeed any ??on’ ball) then that object ball is regarded as having been ??struck’.
When playing away from a touching ball it is necessary to meet the requirements of a legal shot. That is an object ball must be potted or a ball strike a cushion.
Above the player is on reds. The cue ball is deemed to have struck the touching red. The player takes advantage of this opportunity by playing the cue ball onto the cushion and laying a snooker.
If playing away from a touching ball ??not on’ the requirements of a legal shot must be met plus the initial contact of the cue ball, on playing the shot, must be with an ??on’ ball.
15. Another Touching Ball Situation
In this scenario the cue ball is touching a red ball. The player is ??on’ reds and is considered to have struck the touching ball when playing the shot.
By striking the yellow it’s possible to sink the red over the pocket. The player then has an excellent opportunity of winning the frame.
16. Free Shot After A Foul
Following a foul the table is declared ??open’ and the oncoming player takes a ??free’ shot.
In doing so it is permissible to play onto any object ball. Any ball may be potted, including the black if it is ??on’.
In each of the three situations above, the player taking the free shot is ??on’ reds.
To the top left, a shot is legally played on to a yellow to sink a red ball.
Bottom right, an opponent’s yellow ball is played to clear the way to pot the black later in the frame.
Finally, bottom left, the player uses a free shot to bring two red balls into play.
17. Loss Of Frame Shots
A player who clearly fails to attempt to play an ??on’ ball OR deliberately plays a ball which is ??not on’ will lose the frame.
The player’s group is red in this image.
Only the black remains to be potted but the player is snookered. There is a possible shot, up and down the table, to escape the snooker.
If in playing up and down the player is considered to have made little attempt to make the shot (for example by leaving the cue ball well short) there is a risk of losing the frame for playing a deliberate foul. The decision is with the referee.
The alternative call would be a ??standard foul’ giving a free shot.
The player could (unwisely) decide to strike the nearest yellow and in doing so might open up access to the black. This is undoubtedly a deliberate foul and results in loss of frame.
18. Foul But Not Loss Of Frame
Here the player ??on’ yellows intentionally plays a yellow ball onto a red which is potted.
The player was NOT on a ??free’ shot.
In striking a ball from his own group first the player has fulfilled the requirements of a legal shot described above.
It is however a standard foul for potting an opponent’s ball, but it is not loss of frame.
This may be regarded as a tactical option.
The player on yellows pots a red in the expectation that, despite the award of a free shot to the opposing player, that player will not finish the frame. The hope is the red balls are so badly positioned the player on yellows is the most likely frame winner.
19. Stalemate Defined
Where no legal shot is playable, whether this be by accident or design, the frame will be re-started.
Top right, the black and two reds remain on the table.
The player is ??on’ the black.
The cue ball cannot pass beyond the reds to strike the black. This is a ??stalemate’ and there is a re-rack.
Moving clockwise, the cue ball is touching the black and must be played away from that ball.
The player is on reds. However, regardless of the direction in which the cue ball can be played, what matters is the space between black and yellow.
If the cue ball is able to pass through that gap then it is theoretically possible to play a legal shot and the player must attempt to do so.
In the final example a legal shot can be attempted, although it’s unlikely to be successful.
There are two pathways to the black ball between the reds, so it’s NOT a stalemate.
* The above guide and accompanying images were created with the assistance of the late Peter Hawley and first published online in 2005.
Peter was Vice-President and Treasurer of the World Pool-Billiard Association and pioneered the introduction of blackball pool.
A great ambassador and tireless worker for the sport of blackball pool, Peter was also President of the All Africa Pool Association.
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- Written by: cueSports
- Parent Category: Rules
- Category: Blackball Rules
Blackball Pool Rules Poster
Black ball is played with 15 colored object balls and the cue ball. The object balls are two groups of seven and the black ball. The player or team pocketing their group of object balls and legally pocketing the black ball wins the game. Shots are not called.
5.1 Definitions
In addition to definitions defined in 8. Definitions Used in the Rules, the following definitions apply to blackball:
Free shot
After a foul has been committed the incoming player is awarded a free shot. On a free shot Rule 6.2 Wrong Ball First is suspended and the player may take the cue ball in position or in hand in baulk.
Baulk
Baulk is the rectangular area of the table that is bordered by the baulk line and the three cushions at the head of the table. The baulk line is parallel to the head rail and one fifth of the length of the playing surface away from the head cushion. For the applicable general rules, “behind the head string” should be read as “in baulk.”
Snookered
A player is said to be snookered when the cue ball has no straight, direct path to hit at least part of a legal target ball. The snooker must be declared by the referee for it to be in effect.
Ball On
An object ball is said to be “on” when it is a legal target for the shooter.
5.2 Equipment
The fifteen object balls include two groups of seven balls distinguished by two solid colors or by the usual pattern of numbered solids and stripes. (One through seven and nine through fifteen are the two groups.) In addition, there is a black ball or a black eight ball. The foot spot and the baulk line should be marked.
5.3 Determining First Break
The player winning the lag has the option to determine who has to execute the first break shot. (See 1.2 Lagging to Determine Order of Play ) The standard format is alternate break (see Regulations)
5.4 Black Ball Rack
The balls are racked as illustrated with the black ball on the foot spot.
2020 https://cuesports.com.au/images/rules/blackball/blackball-rules-poster.pdf
2021 https://cuesports.com.au/images/rules/blackball/blackball-pool-rules-poster.pdf
- Details
- Written by: cueSports
- Parent Category: Rules
- Category: Blackball Rules
1 SPIRIT OF THE GAME
The game shall be known as International 8-Ball Pool with rules that must be played in a sporting manner at all times.
2 EQUIPMENT & TABLE LAYOUT
All equipment that is generally accepted throughout the industry is permitted. No other equipment is allowed unless ratified by the Tournament Director. However, using any equipment in a non-customary manner is never allowed and constitutes a foul. International 8-Ball Pool is played on a six pocket rectangular table with six cushions. Equipment permitted:
(a) A spotted white called a cue ball
(b) Two groups of object balls consisting of seven reds and seven yellows
(c) A striped eight ball
(d) Spider, rest, gooseneck rest, cross rest
(e) Prescribed cues
The playing surface is the flat part of the table bordered by the cushions.
The surface must be marked with an eight ball spot at the intersection of two imaginary diagonal lines joining the centre and corner pockets. The surface must be marked with a ‘rack line’. The rack line must be a 280mm vertical line going down through the eight ball spot towards the top cushion (See Rule 5 for an illustration of the rack line). On the rack line must be two marker points, one for the head ball and the other for the black ball. The cloth is marked with a break line parallel to the bottom cushion 1/5th of the length of the table away from baulk cushion.
3 THE OBJECT OF THE GAME
International 8-Ball pool is played with a spotted cue ball and fifteen object balls, seven red, seven yellow and a striped eight ball. One player must pocket all balls of one group, while the other player must pocket the alternate coloured balls. The player who pockets their entire group and THEN legally pockets the eight ball wins the game. The eight ball must be potted in a separate shot.
4 THE BREAK
4a – A “Lag for Break” shall determine who breaks first with an alternating break format taking place thereafter. The winner of lag is the player whose ball is closest to baulk cushion. The winner of the lag is given the choice to break or not.
4b – Lagging Procedure:
(1) Balls shall be of equal size and weight
(2) To start the lag the referee will count the players in by counting back from 3 to 1.
(3) The players must simultaneously strike balls on the referee’s indication towards the top cushion.
4c – It is automatic loss of lag if a ball:
(1) Crosses into the opponent’s half of the table OR
(2) Fails to contact the top cushion OR
(3) Drops into a pocket OR
(4) Hits a side cushion OR
(5) Jumps from the table OR
(6) Comes to rest on the playing surface within the area of the corner pocket OR
(7) Player commits any standard foul.
4d – Players will lag again if:
(1) Both players foul OR
(2) The referee cannot decide on which is closest to the bottom cushion OR (3) One player’s ball strikes the top cushion before the other player’s ball is hit.
4e – The Break will be deemed a ‘Legal Break’ if the player breaking, obtains a minimum of three cumulative points. 1 point for each object ball potted (eight ball included, so thus does count). 1 point for each ball that has passed an imaginary line between the two centre pockets, that is not potted. A ball is deemed as having ‘passed’ the centre line if the whole ball is over the imaginary line.
4f – Failure to perform a legal break MUST result in a re-rack. The opponent has the option to break or to choose to give the break back to the original breaker.
4g – Groups are not decided on the break. The table remains open after the break. If the player in control of the table does not make a legal pot, the table is still deemed open for the incoming player.
4h – If the eight ball is potted off the break, it is always re-spotted after all balls have come to rest on the table. To respot the eight ball, the centre point of the eight ball is placed on the eight ball spot or if this is not available as near as possible to the spot in a direct line between the spot and the centre of the top cushion. If there is no space available on this line, place the eight ball as near as possible to its spot in a direct line between the spot and the bottom cushion. If the eight ball is the ‘only ball potted on a legal break’ then control of table goes to incoming player. If it’s potted with other groups and the criteria of a legal break has been fulfilled, the breaker continues.
4i – If the cue ball, on a legal break:
(1) Goes “in-off”, a loss of turn occurs and the incoming player is awarded one visit with cue ball in hand, to be played from behind the break line, in any direction.
(2) Leaves the playing surface, a standard foul will be called against the breaker, with the incoming player receiving one visit, played from anywhere on the table. (See 6l (1))
5 THE RACK
Arrange as shown with the eight ball on the eight ball spot. Top apex ball on the head marker of the rack line. (See the diagram to the right for an illustration of where the balls are racked in relation to the rack line).
6 IN PLAY
6a Deciding groups
(1) Groups are decided on the first ball legally potted (See 6e(12)). The referee will call first group in play.
(2) The table is considered an “open” table when the choice of groups (red or yellow) has not yet been determined. The table is always open immediately after the break shot. Balls potted from the break are disregarded. The player’s designated group (red or yellow) will not be determined until a player legally pockets an object ball. Once groups are determined, object balls from a player’s group are referred to as ‘on’ ball(s).
(3) Failure to make a legal pot result in the table remaining open.
(4) If one of each group is potted in one shot, the player will be ‘on’ the group struck by the cue ball first unless a foul has occurred, in which case the table remains open.
(5) Where the choice of group is not obvious. (e.g. player cues up to a group of object balls / object balls of both groups sitting close to each other / player is snookered behind the eight ball / the lay of the table is such no object ball is a clear target).
(a) The player MUST indicate to the referee and/or the opponent the intended group.
(b) Failure to call a group, after potting a ball, whilst the table is open, is loss of turn (See 6d), table remains open.
(c) Failure to strike called group is loss of turn (See 6d), table remains open.
(d) Striking called group but potting other group is loss of turn (See 6d), table remains open.
(e) Potting called group is a legal pot and group is assigned to striker.
(f) The onus is on the player in control of the table to make the call in order for the groups to be decided in a fair and sporting manner.
(6) Simultaneous contact is allowed so in the case of a 50/50 ball the player will be deemed to be ‘on’ the called group.
(7) Groups are not decided on a foul shot.
6b Continuing a frame In the course of play, if a legal shot is played and the balls(s) from the player’s own group are potted, play continues and the player is entitled to an additional shot. The player will lose their turn and return control of the table to the opponent if they: (a) Fail to pot one or more of their own group AND / OR (b) Commits a standard foul.
6c Combination shots Object balls from both groups can be potted without penalty in a single ‘combination’ shot. The potted balls may drop into the pockets in any order but ‘on’ ball must be struck legally first. Attempting to complete a combination shot that results in only potting ball not ‘on’ is LOSS OF TURN. Combination shots do not have to be called.
6d
Loss of turn As long as the player strikes an ‘on’ ball first, should an opponent’s ball be potted without also potting an ‘on’ ball, it will be loss of turn. Control of the table returns to the opponent; cue ball is played from where it lies. The only exception to this is during an open table where choice of groups has yet to be decided, see point (4) below. For example:
(1) Potting an opponent’s ball accidently.
(2) Failing to complete a legal combination shot.
(3) A tactical shot e.g. playing designated group legally to pot an opponent’s ball.
(4) Failure to call a group, after potting a ball, whilst the table is open, if the group was not obvious.
6e
Standard fouls Standard fouls are to be called by the referee as soon as they occur, the fouling player is in control, until all balls from that shot come to rest. The referee awards cue ball in hand, which can be placed anywhere on the playing surface with one visit to the opponent.
(1) Potting the Cue Ball – “In Off” (Except off the break See 4i)
(2) Playing from outside Baulk when obliged to play from Baulk. The break line is considered to be part of the baulk. The base of the cue ball must be on or behind the break line.
(3) A player who plays a shot immediately after playing a foul or immediately after the referee has called a foul on that player, has played out of turn. This also covers breaking out of turn.
(4) Striking the cue ball with any part of the cue other than the tip in general play. Positioning the cue ball with the cue is allowed as long as the tip of the cue is not used.
(5) Striking any ball other than the cue ball with any part of the cue or cue tip.
(6) Playing a shot before all balls have come to rest from the previous shot.
(7) Playing a shot before any balls that require re-spotting or replacing, have been re-spotted or replaced. (See 6m).
(8) Coaching: During a frame, a player is required to play without receiving any advice from other persons relating to the playing of the frame. If a team member or bone-fide supporter of a player offers advice, the referee will issue a “First and final warning” to that person that a repetition will result in the player being penalised via a Standard Foul. Because it may not always be possible for the Referee to hear if a statement made to a player is advice, the referee may issue the first and final warning on the grounds that any statement made to a player, other than general barracking, is deemed to be coaching. In a tournament setting, a First and Final warning may be given once only, before the commencement of the day’s play as a block warning to all players and spectators.
(9) Leaving the playing area without permission. If a player needs to leave the playing area during a frame or match, “Time Out” must firstly be granted by the referee. Timeout may be called for:
(a) Player requests a rest or bridge OR
(b) Something or someone is obstructing the player OR
(c) The referee has to make a decision OR
(d) The referee has to replace or re-spot a ball.
(10) Playing a “Push Shot” (defined as when the tip of the cue remaining in contact with the cue ball once it has commenced a forward motion).
(11) Double hitting the cue ball.
(12) Failing to perform a “Legal Shot”. DEFINITION OF A LEGAL SHOT – To play a legal shot the player must cause the cue balls initial contact to be with a ball ‘on’ and THEN must either: (a) Pot any ball or balls OR (b) Cause the cue ball or any object ball to contact a cushion.
(13) Playing a shot while not having at least one foot touching the floor.
(14) Failing to “Play Away” from a touching ball(s).
(15) A ball remaining off the table.
(16) A player’s body, clothing, jewellery or accessory, or part of a cue (with the exception of the tip in a legal shot), comes into contact with any ball. A tip falling off a cue or chalk dropped, is the player’s responsibility. Should any of these contact a ball on the table, it is deemed a foul. A player is responsible for their ‘own’ equipment brought to the table but not that which is ‘supplied’ by the competition itself. For example, If the end falls off a rest that has been ’supplied’ by the competition which contacts a ball, this is deemed not a foul.
(17) Jump shot: If the cue ball leaves the bed of the table and does not strike an object ball that it would have struck had the cue ball not left the table on an otherwise identical shot, then the cue ball is deemed to have jumped over that ball.
(18) Marking the table to assist a shot.
(19) Time foul.
6f
Loss of frame fouls
(1) Deliberately not playing a ball from his/her own group first, or an “on” ball after a foul.
(2) Unsporting behaviour / bringing the game into disrepute. Including but not exclusive to:
(a) Foul language OR
(b) Throwing a cue around / unscrewing as if to concede OR
(c) Continually arguing with the referee or opponent OR
(d) Interfering when the opponent is on the shot either verbally or physically.
(3) Committing a foul in the same shot that the eight ball is potted. (Except on the break)
(4) Potting the eight ball when a ball or balls of the player’s own group are still on the table. (Except on the Break) Including potting last group ball and eight ball in same shot. (5) A player who clearly and intentionally fails to make an attempt to play a ball(s) of his/her own group.
(6) Intentionally positioning the cue ball in hand after a foul to create a re-rack situation.
6g
Stalemate situation If any situation arises whereby a legal shot cannot be played, Rule 6e(12), the frame shall be restarted with a re-rack. The player who originally broke will restart the re-racked frame. NB: After an illegal break, if a stalemate occurs in the following rerack, the break shall also always return to the player who originally broke to commence the original frame i.e. the illegal break.
6h Frozen balls
(1) An object ball is deemed frozen whilst touching a cushion. It is a standard foul if the cue ball initially contacts a frozen ball first and the shot does not result in:
(a) A ball being potted OR
(b) The cue ball contacting a cushion OR
(c) The frozen ball contacting a cushion attached to a different rail OR
(d) Any other object ball contacting a cushion with which it was not already in contact with before the shot is played.
(2) A ball is only deemed frozen if announced by the referee or player, prior to the shot being taken.
6i Outside Interference
(1) There is no penalty if balls are moved in these circumstances:
(a) By persons other than players taking part in the frame OR
(b) As a result of players being bumped OR
(c) Events deemed not within a players control.
(2) The referee will return the balls as close as possible to their original positions whenever possible. Re-racks will only be granted in extreme circumstances. The referee’s decision is final.
(3) The referee can reset the shot clock if they consider situation warrants. The decision is at referee’s discretion.
6j Shot clock Each player is allotted 45 seconds for each shot. The tip of the cue must have made contact with the cue ball within this time or a standard foul shall be granted to the opponent. The 45 second shot clock will commence once all balls come to rest. The time keeper will verbally announce a warning at 10 seconds, then count down from 5 seconds. One extension per frame is permitted per player, whereby the referee will add 45 seconds to the remaining time at the request of the player.
6k Balls falling into a pocket without being hit If any ball hangs in a pocket and drops in 5 seconds or less after coming to complete rest by the hole, the ball is considered to be pocketed.
If any ball drops in the pocket after being at rest for more than 5 seconds, the ball is returned to the original position, and the incoming player may begin their visit. The referee’s decision is final. If any ball falls into a pocket without playing a part of any shot in progress, it shall be replaced and play continues.
If any ball falls into a pocket without being hit during a shot, but would have been hit by another ball had the fallen ball still been there, all balls are to be replaced to their original positions before the shot was taken, so the player then may replay the shot or choose a different shot if they so wish, with no penalty.
6l Balls off the table
It is a ‘standard foul’ if a ball leaves the playing surface at any point during the frame AND does not return by its own means and remains off the playing surface (other than being potted)
(1) If it is the cue ball, then it is ball in hand, to be played anywhere on the table.
(2) Object balls are re-spotted.
6m
Returning object balls to the table which leave the playing surface An object ball is re-spotted with its centre point on the eight ball spot or as near as possible to that spot in a direct line between the spot and the centre point of the top cushion.
Object balls are re-spotted in the following order:
(a) Eight ball
(b) Red
(c) Yellow Return balls as close as possible to other balls without touching.
6n Player responsibility It is the responsibility of each player to be aware of all rules. However, a referee on request may advise on the rules of the game but must not provide any subjective opinion that would affect the result of the frame. Tournament officials will make every reasonable effort to make the information readily available to all players. However, the ultimate responsibility rests with each individual player. There is no recourse if a player does not obtain correct or complete information. Players may always call for rule(s) clarification during play. However, this is not considered a “Time Out”.
7 COMPLETION OF A FRAME
A frame is over when the eight ball is potted on a legal shot and all the balls have come to rest or in a loss of frame situation. The referee waits for all the balls to stop moving and announces FRAME. If the referee has not made this announcement, then a player will be penalized by LOSS OF FRAME if a further shot is played or the player interferes with the remaining balls.
- Details
- Written by: cueSports
- Parent Category: Rules
- Category: International Rules
Subcategories
8 Ball Rules Article Count: 3
World Eight-Ball Pool Federation (WEPF)
A The Spirit of the Game
The Game is known as Eight-Ball Pool. It is expected that players will always play the game in the true spirit and in a sporting manner. The Referee will take whatever action is necessary to ensure that the spirit and rules of the game are observed.
B Equipment
The Game of Eight-Ball Pool is played with:-
(1) A "Cue Ball" - being a white ball.
(2) Fifteen "Object Balls" - consisting of:-
(a) "Colours" - being a group of seven red balls, (or balls numbered 1 to 7) and a group of seven yellow balls (or balls numbered 9 to 15).
(b) The "Eight-Ball" - being a black ball marked with a number "8".
(3) A six pocket rectangular Pool Table with general characteristics as follows:-
(a) The cloth will be marked with a "Spot" at the position where a straight line drawn diagonally from the centre of a side pocket to the centre of a corner pocket would intersect with a straight line drawn diagonally from the centre of the opposite side pocket to the centre of the other corner pocket.
(b) The cloth will be marked with a "Baulk Line", being a straight line, drawn from cushion to cushion, parallel to, and one fifth of the length of the table from, the face of the cushion that lies the greatest distance from the Spot.
9 Ball Rules Article Count: 2
The World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA)
1.1 Player’s Responsibility
It is the player’s responsibility to be aware of all rules, regulations and schedules applying to competition. While tournament officials will make every reasonable effort to have such information readily available to all players as appropriate, the ultimate responsibility rests with the player.
1.2 Lagging to Determine Order of Play
The lag is the first shot of the match and determines order of play. The player who wins the lag chooses who will shoot first.
The referee will place a ball on each side of the table behind the head string and near the head string. The players will shoot at about the same time to make each ball contact the foot cushion with the goal of returning the ball closer to the head cushion than the opponent.
A lag shot is bad and cannot win if the shooter’s ball:
(a) crosses the long string;
(b) contacts the foot cushion other than once;
(c) is pocketed or driven off the table;
(d) touches the side cushion; or
(e) the ball rests within the corner pocket and past the nose of the head cushion.
In addition, a lag will be bad if any non-object-ball foul occurs other than 6.9 Balls Still Moving.
The players will lag again if:
(a) a player’s ball is struck after the other ball has touched the foot cushion;
(b) the referee cannot determine which ball has stopped closer to the head cushion; or
(c) both lags are bad.
Blackball Rules Article Count: 3
World Pool-Billiards Association (WPA)
1. Setting Up Balls And Breaking Off
Rack the balls with the black ball positioned at the intersection of two imaginary diagonal lines as shown in the diagram.
The lag winner decides who breaks. Opposing players break alternately in successive frames.
Position the cue ball anywhere within baulk before breaking.
2. Legal And Illegal Breaks
To achieve a legal break at least two object balls (reds, yellows or black) must completely cross an imaginary line joining the middle pockets. Alternatively, at least one ball must be potted.
If no balls are potted and two object balls do not pass over this line, then the oncoming player is awarded 'one free shot and one visit'.
The cue ball may then be played from where it lies or from baulk. Alternatively, the oncoming player may request a re-rack.
It is also a foul if the cue ball is potted on the break. The retrieved white must be played from baulk. If the black is potted the table is set up again and the same player breaks.
On a break shot, no matter the outcome, the table remains 'open'. Groups are never decided on the break.
There is no 'nomination' of groups with blackball pool rules.
3. Open Tables And Determining Groups
With an 'open table' the designated group (that is whether a player continues on red or yellow balls) is NOT determined in the following situations...
On the break shot.
When a foul is played on a shot.
When taking a free shot after a foul.
Where a combination shot is played in which balls from both groups are potted.
With the exception of those aforementioned situations, if a player pots a ball or balls from a single group the player is then 'on' that group for the duration of the frame.
So, above, potting only the red in the middle pocket would determine 'reds' as that player's group; but pot both red and yellow in a combination shot and the table remains open.
International Rules Article Count: 2
International Pool Rules
International 8-Ball Pool Rules
Pool Rules Article Count: 2
Rules for Pub Pool
1. THE GAME
The game shall be known as “8 Ball Pool”, “Pool” or “Pub Pool” and referred to in these rules as "The Game". It is intended that the game be played in good spirit and in a sportsmanlike manner.
The game is played on a pub pool table with 16 balls
2. OBJECT OF THE GAME
The player or team pocketing all their group of object balls in any order, and then legally pocketing the black ball, wins the game.
3. COMMENCEMENT OF THE GAME (OR RE-START)
a. The balls are racked as illustrated with the black on the black spot.
b. Order of play is determined by the flip of a coin.
c. The opening player plays at the object balls from baulk. An object ball must be pocketed, or at least TWO object balls pass the middle line of the table to be classed as a “fair break”.
i. Failure to do so is a foul break and will result in the balls being re-racked.
ii. The opposing player then starts the game with two visits.
d. If the black is pocketed from the break shot, the balls will be reracked and the same player will restart the game. No penalty will be incurred. This applies even if a foul shot is played.
e. If the Cue Ball is potted on a fair break it is a Non-Standard Foul that is penalised by the turn passing to the opponent
f. Colours are determined by the first legally potted object ball. If one or more balls of both sets of object balls are potted then that
player must nominate his group of object balls
g. If a foul is committed, before groups are decided, then those balls are ignored in determining the groups to be played.
h. If a ball, or balls, are legally pocketed, this entitles the player to one additional shot and this continues until the player either:
i. Fails to pocket one of their own set of allocated balls, or;
ii. Commits a foul at any time.
Snooker Rules Article Count: 4
World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA)
1 Equipment
Measurements displayed in brackets state the metric equivalent to the nearest millimetre.
1. The Standard Table
(a) The Playing Area
The playing area is within the cushion faces and shall measure 11 ft 8½ in x 5 ft 10 in (3569 mm x 1778 mm) with a tolerance on both dimensions of +/- ½ in (13 mm).
(b) Height
The height of the table from the floor to the top of the cushion rail shall be 2 ft 10 in (864 mm) with a tolerance of
+/- ½ in (13 mm).
(c) Bottom Cushion and Top Cushion
The two shorter sides of the table are defined as the Bottom (also known as Baulk) and Top Cushions of the table. Where a cloth with a nap is fitted to the table, the smooth grain of the nap runs from the Bottom Cushion to the Top Cushion.
(d) Baulk-line and Baulk
A straight line drawn 29 in (737 mm) from the face of the Bottom Cushion, and parallel to it, running from side cushion to side cushion is called the Baulk-line. That line and the intervening space is termed Baulk.
(e) The “D”
The “D” is a semi-circle marked in Baulk with the centre of its straight section in the middle of the Baulk-line and with a radius of 11½ in (292 mm).
(f) Spots
Marked at each corner of the “D”, viewed from the Baulk end, the one on the right is known as the Yellow Spot and the one on the left as the Green Spot.
Four spots are marked on the centre longitudinal line of the table:
(i) one in the middle of the Baulk-line, known as the
Brown Spot;
(ii) one located midway between the points perpendicularly below the faces of the Top and Bottom Cushions, known as the Blue Spot;
(iii) one located midway between the Blue Spot and a point perpendicularly below the face of the Top Cushion, known as the Pink Spot; and
(iv) one 12¾ in (324 mm) from a point perpendicularly below the face of the Top Cushion, known as the Black Spot.
(g) Pocket Openings
There shall be a pocket at each of the four corners of the table and one each at the middle of the longer sides.
2. Balls
(a) A set of balls comprises of 15 Red balls, and one each of the following coloured balls: Yellow, Green, Brown, Blue, Pink, Black and a White.
(b) The balls shall be of an approved composition and shall each have a diameter of 52.5 mm with a tolerance of +/-
0.05 mm.
(c) The balls shall be of equal weight where possible but the tolerance between the heaviest ball and the lightest ball in a set should be no more than 3 g.
(d) A ball or set of balls may be changed by agreement between the players or on a decision by the referee.