Rotation

Standardized Rules

Rotation requires that the cue ball must contact the lowest numbered object ball first on each shot; any ball pocketed on a legal shot counts. It is not necessary to call balls or pockets. It is a formidable test of a player's imagination, shot making and repertoire. Few games require more exacting position play. Except when clearly contradicted by these additional rules, the General Rules of Pocket Billiards apply.

• The object of the game is to score balls of greater total point value
  opponent(s).
• The player must contact the lowest numbered object ball and make a ball to continue their turn.
• If any ball is pocketed during a legal shot, the player's turn continues until the player misses, fouls or wins the game by pocketing all of the object balls in order and then finally the fifteen ball.
• When a player's turn ends due to a foul, the incoming player has cue ball in hand anywhere on the table.

Racking & Breaking for Rotation

• The object balls are racked in a triangle at the foot of the table, the one ball on the foot spot, two ball on the right rear corner, three ball on the left rear corner, and fifteen ball in the center of the rack (The rack looks like an eight ball rack except the fifteen is in the center and not the eight).
• Breaker has cue ball in hand behind the head string.
• To legally break, the player must pocket an object ball or create an open break. When an illegal break occurs, the opposing player has the option to accept the table and take their turn with cue ball in hand behind the head string or to have the balls re-racked and break.
• All balls that are pocketed on a break remain pocketed.
• If the cue ball is pocketed on the break, the incoming player has ball in hand all over the table.
• It is considered a foul if object balls jump off of the table, as a result all of the object balls are spotted, they also get cue ball in hand.

Legal Shots & Fouls

• All fouls result in ball in hand for the opposing player.
• If object balls are pocketed during the break they stay pocketed.
• If a player fails to contact the lowest numbered object ball or if any ball fails to contact a rail after contacting the object ball, it is considered a foul and the opposing player is given cue ball in hand anywhere on the table.
• At any time during the game, if the opposing player does not call a foul before the next shot is made (cue ball touching the object ball), the foul is dismissed and the player continues shooting.
• A players turn ends when the object ball is not pocketed in a pocket or a foul is committed during the shot.
• A legally pocketed ball entitles a shooter to remain at the table until he fails to pocket a ball on a legal shot. If necessary, a player is permitted only two legal safeties played by hitting that object ball (only) to the near cushion.
• When a player legally pockets a ball, he must shoot again. He may not call a safety and spot a legally pocketed object ball.
• When a player has cue ball in hand behind the head string (as after a scratch) and the legal object ball is also behind the head string, the object ball may be spotted on the foot spot at his request.
• It is a loss of game if a player commits three successive fouls. In more than a two player game, balls pocketed by disqualified players remain off the table.
• Object balls that jump off the table are spotted, the opposing player receives ball in hand, the shooting players turn ends and they receive a foul or in the case of the ten ball it is considered a loss of the game.
• Pocketing or jumping the cue ball off the table results in cue ball in hand behind the head string.
• Each legally pocketed object ball has a point value equal to its number. When a player's point total mathematically eliminates an opponent(s) from outscoring him (61 points in a two player game), the game is ended. If two or more players tie for highest point total after all fifteen object balls have been pocketed, the tied player who legally pocketed the last object ball is credited with an extra tie-breaking point and wins the game.

~Rules adapted from The Billiards Congress of America Official Rules and Records Book~

Seven Ball (7 Ball)

Standardized Rules

Seven ball is played with seven object balls and a cue ball. These object balls are numbered 1 - 7. Except when clearly contradicted by these additional rules, the General Rules of Pocket Billiards apply.

• The object of the game is to pocket all six balls and then legally pocket the seven ball.
• The object balls need to be pocketed in order.
• If any ball is pocketed during a legal shot, the player's turn continues until the player misses, fouls or wins the game by pocketing all of the balls and then finally the seven ball.
• When a player's turn ends due to a foul, the incoming player has cue ball in hand anywhere on the table.

Racking & Breaking for Seven Ball

• The object balls can be racked in a special circular rack or typically you can use a triangular rack at the foot of the table. The one ball is the apex and the balls increase numerically 1 - 6 (clockwise in a circle) with the seven ball in the middle of the circle.
• Breaker has cue ball in hand behind the head string.
• To legally break, the player must pocket an object ball or make an open break or a break where the balls are spread fairly well and many touch the rails. When an illegal break occurs, the opposing player has the option of either fouling their opponent or having the balls re-racked and playing the opening break shot.
• If the cue ball is pocketed on the break, the incoming player has ball in hand behind the head string and if the lowest numbered object ball is behind the head string then the ball must be spotted.
• It is considered a foul if an object ball jumps off of the table, therefore, the object ball is spotted.
• If the seven ball is pocketed on the break the breaking player wins the game. If the seven ball jumps off the table it is spotted and it is considered a foul.

Legal Shots & Fouls

• All fouls result in ball in hand for the opposing player.
• If a player fails to contact the lowest numbered object ball or any ball fails to contact a rail after contacting the object ball, it is considered a foul and the opposing player is given cue ball in hand anywhere on the table.
• At any time during the game, if the opposing player does not call a foul before the next shot is made (cue ball touching the object ball), the foul is dismissed and the player turn continues.
• A players turn ends when the object ball is not pocketed or a foul is committed during the shot.
• Object balls that jump off the table are spotted and the shooting players turn ends.
• Pocketing or fouling the cue ball when the 7 ball is legal object ball is not a loss of game. In this case, the incoming player is given cue ball in hand.
• Pocketing or fouling the cue ball when the 7 ball is pocketed or driven off of the table is a loss of game.
• The first player to pocket all object balls in the player's designated group of pockets and legally pocket the seven ball wins the game.
• Missing the 7 ball when it is the legal object ball is a loss of game.

~Rules adapted from The Billiards Congress of America Official Rules and Records Book~

Straight Pool Rules

Straight Pool is more properly called 14.1 Continuous.

6.1 OBJECT OF THE GAME
14.1 is a nomination game. The player must nominate a ball and a pocket. The player is awarded one point for every correctly nominated and pocketed ball on a legal stroke, and is allowed to continue a turn until failure to pocket a nominated ball or commits a foul. The player can pocket the first 14 balls, but before continuing a turn by shooting at the 15th (and last remaining) ball on the table, the 14 pocketed balls are racked as before, except with the apex space vacant. The player then attempts to pocket the 15th ball in a manner so that the racked balls are disturbed and he can continue the run. The player who scores the predetermined point total for a game (usually 150 in major tournament play or any agreed upon total in casual play) prior to the opponent, wins the game.

6.2 PLAYERS
2, or 2 teams.

6.3 BALLS USED
Standard set of object balls numbered 1-15, plus the cue ball.

6.4 THE RACK
Standard triangle rack with the apex ball on the foot spot, 1-ball on the rackerís right corner, 5-ball on left corner. Other balls are placed at random and must touch their neighbors.

6.5 SCORING
Any ball legally pocketed counts one point for the shooter.

6.6 OPENING BREAK
Starting player must either (1) designate a ball and a pocket into which that ball will be pocketed and accomplish the shot, or (2) cause the cue ball to contact a ball and then a cushion, plus cause two object balls to contact a cushion. Failure to meet at least one of the above requirements is a breaking violation. Offenderís score is assessed a 2-point penalty for each breaking violation. In addition, the opponent has the choice of (1) accepting the table in position, or (2) having the balls re-racked and requiring the offending player to repeat the opening break. That choice continues until the opening break is not a breaking violation, or until the opponent accepts the table in position. The three successive fouls rule does not apply to breaking violations. If the starting player scratches on a legal opening break, he is charged with a foul and assessed a one point penalty, which applies toward the ìSuccessive Fouls Penalties.î The incoming player is awarded cue ball in hand behind the head string, with object balls in position.

6.7 RULES OF PLAY

1. A legally pocketed ball entitles a shooter to continue at the table until he fails to legally pocket a called ball on a shot. A player may shoot any ball, but before the shot, must designate the called ball and called pocket. Details such as kisses, caroms, combinations or cushions (all of which are legal) need not be indicated. Any additionally pocketed ball(s) on a legal stroke is scored as one point for the shooter.

2. On all shots, a player must cause the cue ball to contact an object ball and then (1) pocket a numbered ball, or (2) cause the cue ball or any numbered ball to contact a cushion. Failure to meet these requirements is a foul.

3. When the 14th ball of a rack is pocketed, play stops momentarily with the 15th ball remaining in position on the table; the 14 pocketed balls are then racked (with the space at the foot spot vacant in the triangle). Player then continues, normally pocketing the 15th (or ìbreakî ball) in such a manner as to have the cue ball carom into the rack and spread the balls to facilitate the continuance of his run. However, player is not compelled to shoot the 15th ball; he may shoot any ball he desires. See Diagram 22 if the 15th ball is pocketed on the same stroke as the 14th ball.

 

	Cue ball lies
15th ball lies	In the Rack	Not in the Rack and not on the Head Spot*	On The Head Spot*
In The Rack	15th ball: foot spot Cue Ball: in kitchen	15th ball: head spot Cue Ball: in position	15th ball: center spot Cue Ball: in position
Pocketed	15th ball: foot spot Cue Ball: in kitchen	15th ball: foot spot Cue Ball: in position	15th ball: foot spot Cue Ball: in position
Behind Head String, But not on Head Spot	15th ball: in position Cue Ball: head spot
Not behind Head String, and not in the Rack	15th ball: in position Cue Ball: in kitchen
On Head Spot	15th ball: in position Cue Ball: center spot		*on spot means to interfere with spotting a ball on the head spot

 

4. A player may call a safety rather than an object ball (for defensive purposes). Safety play is legal, but must comply with all applicable rules. The playerís inning ends when a safety is played, and pocketed balls are not scored. Any object ball pocketed on a called safety is spotted.

5. A player may not catch, touch or in any way interfere with a ball as it travels toward a pocket or the rack area on a shot (to include catching a ball as it enters a pocket by having a hand in the ball as it enters a pocket by having a hand in the pocket). Doing so is a special ìdeliberate foulî and is penalized one point for the foul and an additional 15 point penalty, for a total of 16 points. The incoming player then has choice of (1) accepting the table in position with the cue ball in hand behind the head string, or (2) having all 15 balls re-racked and requiring the offending player to shoot under the requirements of the opening break.

6. If the 15th (un-pocketed) ball of a rack and/or the cue ball interferes with the triangle being lowered straight down into position for racking, refer to the diagram, which indicates the proper manner of relocating balls. (The gray boxes are those situations in which there is no interference, both balls remain in position.)

7. When a player has the cue ball in hand behind the head string (as after a scratch) and all the object balls are behind the head string, the object ball nearest the head string may be spotted upon request. If two or more balls are an equal distance from the head string, the player may designate which of the equidistant balls is to be spotted.

6.8 ILLEGALLY POCKETED BALLS
All spotted. No penalty.

6.9 OBJECT BALLS JUMPED OFF THE TABLE
The stroke is a foul. Any jumped ball(s) is spotted after the balls come to rest.

6.10 CUE BALL AFTER JUMPING OFF TABLE/SCRATCH
Incoming player has cue ball in hand behind the head string, unless the provision of Rule of Play 6.7.2, 6.7.5 or 6.12 (below) apply to the offenderís foul and dictate alternate choices or procedures.

6.11 PENALTIES FOR FOULS
One point deducted for each foul. Note: penalties are more severe for deliberate fouls (Rule of Play 6.7.5) and third ìSuccessive Foulsî (6.12 below). Incoming player accepts cue ball in position unless foul was a jumped cue ball, pocket scratch, deliberate foul (Rule of Play 6.7.5) or third successive foul.

6.12 SUCCESSIVE FOUL PENALTIES
When a player commits a foul, penalization is one point (or more as appropriate) and a notation is made and posted by the scorer that the player is ìon a foul.î The player remains ìon a foulî until the next shot attempt, at which time the foul may be removed by successfully pocketing a called ball, or completing a legal safety. If failing to meet these requirements on the next turn at the table, the player is penalized one point. The notation is changed to ìon two fouls.î If he fails to meet the requirements of successfully pocketing a called ball or completing a legal safety on the third consecutive turn at the table, penalization is one point and an additional penalty of 15 points is assessed (a total of 18 points for three consecutive fouls equals -18 points). The commission of a third successive foul automatically clears the offenderís record of fouls. ìThe incoming player has the choice of 1). accepting the balls in position, or 2). having all 15 balls re-racked and requiring the offending player to shoot under the requirements of the opening break. Rules for the opening break apply.î It should be emphasized that successive fouls must be committed in successive turns (or playing attempts), not merely in successive innings. For example, if a player ends inning six with a foul, steps to the table for inning seven and fouls (he is ìon two foulsî), and then starts inning eight with a legally pocketed ball before scratching on his second shot attempt of the inning, he has not committed three successive fouls, even though there were fouls in three successive innings. As soon as he legally pocketed the ball to start inning eight, he cleared the two fouls. He is, of course, ìon one foulî when he plays the first stroke attempt of inning nine.

6.13 SCORING NOTE
The deduction of penalty points can result in negative scores. A running score can read ìminus one,î ìminus two,î ìminus 15,î etc. (A player can win a game with a score of 150 while the opponent has scored but two fouls. The final score would read 150 to -2.) If a player fouls on a shot that has not pocketed a ball, the point penalty is deducted from his score at the end of the previous inning. If a player fouls and pockets a ball on the same shot, that ball is spotted (not scored) and the point penalty is deducted from his score at the end of the previous inning.

6.14 STALEMATE
If the referee decides that neither player is attempting to win from the current position, he will announce his decision, and each player will have three more turns at the table. Then, if the referee still feels that there is no progress towards a conclusion, he will declare a stalemate and the original breaker at the start of the game must execute a new break shot.

 

 

 

10-Ball Rules

Ten ball is a call shot game played with ten object balls numbered one through ten and the cue ball. The balls are played in ascending numerical order and the lowest numbered ball must be contacted by the cue ball in order to establish a legal hit. If the ten ball is pocketed on a legal break shot, it will be spotted and the player continues with his inning. Only one ball may be called on each shot, except on the break shot where no ball may be called.

Determining the Break: The player who wins the lag chooses who will break the first rack. The standard format is to alternate the break.

Ten Ball Rack: The object balls are racked as tightly as possible in a triangular shape, with the one ball at the apex of
the triangle and on the foot spot and the ten ball in the middle of the triangle. The other balls will be
placed in the triangle without purposeful or intentional pattern.

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.

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 but he must make his intention known to the opponent. If no foul is committed on a push out, the other player chooses who will shoot next. The ten ball pocketed during a Push Out is spotted, without penalty.

Call Shots & Pocketing Balls: Whenever the shooter is attempting to pocket a ball (except the break) he is required to call shots, the intended ball and pocket must be indicated for each shot if they are not obvious. Details of the shot, such as cushions struck or other balls contacted or pocketed are irrelevant. For a called shot to count, the opponent must be satisfied that the intended shot was made, so if there is any chance of confusion, e.g. with bank, combination and similar shots, the shooter should indicate the ball and pocket. If the opponent is unsure of the shot to be played, he may ask for a call.

Safety: The shooter, after the break at anytime may call “safety” which permits him/her to make contact with the legal object ball without pocketing a ball and end his inning. However, if the shooter pockets the legal object ball the incoming player has the option to play the shot as left, or hand it back to his opponent.

Wrongfully Pocketed Balls: If a player misses his intended ball and pocket, and either makes the nominated ball in the wrong pocket or pockets another ball, his inning has finished and the incoming player has the option to take the shot as is, or hand it back to his opponent.

Continuing Play: If the shooter legally pockets a called/nominated ball on a shot (except a push out), any additional balls pocketed remain pocketed (except the ten ball), and he continues at the table for the next shot. If he legally pockets the called ten ball on any shot (except a push out), he wins the rack. If the shooter fails to pocket the called 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.

Spotting Balls: If the ten ball is pocketed on a foul a push out or during the break shot, or without calling it, or accidentally in the wrong pocket, or driven off the table, it is spotted. No other object ball is ever spotted.

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. The following are standard fouls at ten ball: (a) cue ball scratch or off the table (b) wrong ball first (c) no rail after contact (d) no foot on the floor (e) ball driven off the table (f) double hit (g) push through (h) shooting while balls are still moving (i) bad cue ball placement (j) cue stick on table (k) playing out of turn (l) slow play.

Serious Fouls: For three consecutive fouls, the penalty is loss of the current rack. For unsportsmanlike conduct, the tournament director will choose a penalty appropriate given the nature of the offense.

Stalemate: If the tournament director observes that no progress is being made towards a conclusion, he will announce his decision, and each player will have three more turns at the table. Then, if the tournament director determines that there is still no progress, he will declare a stalemate. If both players agree, they may accept the stalemate without taking their three additional turns. If a stalemate occurs the original breaker of the rack will break again.

8 BALL POOL RULES

Eight-ball (often spelled 8-ball or eightball, and sometimes called spots and stripes, stripes and solids or, more rarely, bigs and littles or highs and lows) is a pool (pocket billiards) game popular in much of the world, and the subject of international professional and amateur competition. Played on a pool  with six pockets, the game is so universally known in some countries that beginners are often unaware of other pool games and believe the word "pool" itself refers to eight-ball. The game has numerous variations, including Alabama eight-ball, crazy eight, last pocket, misery, Missouri, 1 and 15 in the sides, rotation eight ball, soft eight, and others. Standard eight-ball is the second most competitive professional pool game, after nine-ball and for the last several decades ahead of straight pool
Eight-ball is played with sixteen balls: a cue ball, and fifteen object balls consisting of seven striped balls, seven solid-colored balls and the black 8 ball. After the balls are scattered with a break shot, the players are assigned either the group of solid balls or the stripes once a ball from a particular group is legally pocketed. The ultimate object of the game is to legally pocket the eight ball in a called pocket, which can only be done after all of the balls from a player's assigned group have been cleared from the table.

9 Ball Pool Rules

Object Of The Game

Pot the 9 ball! It's that simple.

Racking The Balls

9 balls are used - each has a different colour, and they are numbered 1 to 9.
The balls are set up in a diamond formation - the 1 Ball sits at the front of the rack, on the spot nearest the back cushion.
The 9 ball goes in the middle of the diamond - the rest of the balls can be placed anywhere in the rack.

The Break

The game starts with the break-off shot. The cue ball is placed anywhere behind the headstring ('the line' if you're used to snooker or pub pool!), and the player who is breaking shoots the cue ball into the rack of balls.
The breaking player must ensure he hits the 1 ball first, and that at least 4 balls hit a cushion.

The Push-Out

On the first shot after a legal break, regardless of whether any balls were potted off the break or who is at the table, a player can opt to play a push-out shot. This means for that one shot only he does not need to hit another ball or cushion, but he does not get to play another shot in that turn even if a ball goes in.
His opponent then has the choice of playing from where the cue ball has landed, or putting the other player back in to take the shot.
The game then continues as normal.
The push-out shot is extremely useful if you are snookered after the break.

Continuing Play

When a player takes a shot, he must always hit the lowest numbered ball that is still on the table. Any other ball can be legally potted, so long as the lowest numbered ball is the first one the cue ball makes contact with.
In addition, if a ball is not potted during a shot, then at least one ball (any object ball or the cue ball) must make contact with a cushion for the shot to be legal. This must happen after the cue ball has made contact with the object ball.
A player continues until he fails to pot a ball, or until he legally pots the 9 ball and wins the frame.

Fouls

A foul is committed if:

• The first ball the cue ball makes contect with is not the lowest numbered ball on the table
• The cue ball is potted or leaves the table
• A ball fails to hit a cushion after the cue ball has made contact with the object ball (doesn't apply if a ball is potted during the shot)

When a player commits a foul, his opponent then has 'ball in hand', meaning he may place the cue ball anywhere on the table and continue playing.
If a player commits three consecutive fouls, he loses the frame, but only if his opponent warns him after the second foul. If his opponent is not alert enough to mention it, this rule doesn't apply.
If the 9 Ball is potted during a foul shot it is then respotted.

End Of Game

 

The game is over when a legal shot results in the 9 ball being pocketed, or if a player loses by conceding 3 consecutive fouls.