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9-Ball Pool
American 8-Ball Pool
14:1 (Straight) Pool
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9-BALL
RULES
[Standardized World
Rules 1997]
Except when
clearly contradicted by these additional rules, the General Rules of
Pocket Billiards apply.
1. OBJECT OF THE
GAME. Nine Ball is played with
nine object balls numbered one through nine and a cue ball. On each shot
the first ball the cue ball contacts must be the lowest-numbered ball on
the table, but the balls need not be pocketed in order. If a player
pockets any ball on a legal shot, he remains at the table for another
shot, and continues until he misses, fouls, or wins the game by
pocketing the 9-ball. After a miss, the incoming player must shoot from
the position left by the previous player, but after any foul the
incoming player may start with the cue ball anywhere on the table.
Players are not required to call any shot. a
match ends when one of the players has won the required number of games.
2. RACKING THE
BALLS. The object balls are
racked in a diamond shape, with the one ball at the top of the diamond
and on the foot spot, the nine ball in the
center of the diamond, and the other balls in random order, racked as
tightly as possible. the game begins with cue
ball in hand behind the head string.
3. LEGAL BREAK
SHOT. The rules governing the
break shot are the same as for other shots except:
a. The breaker must
strike the 1-ball first and either pocket a ball or drive at least four
numbered balls to the rail.
b. If the cue ball
is pocketed or driven off the table, or the requirements of the opening
break are not met, it is a foul, and the incoming player has cue ball in
hand anywhere on the table.
c. If on the break
shot, the breaker causes an object ball to jump off the table, it is a
foul and the incoming player has cue ball in hand anywhere on the table.
The object ball is not respotted (exception: if the object ball is the
9-ball, it is respotted).
4. CONTINUING
PLAY. On the shot immediately
following a legal break, the shooter may play a "push out."
(See Rule 5.). If the breaker pockets one or
more balls on a legal break, he continues to shoot until he misses,
fouls, or wins the game. If the player misses or fouls, the other player
begins his inning and shoots until he misses, fouls, or wins.
the game ends when the nine ball is pocketed
on a legal shot, or the game is forfeited for a serious infraction of
the rules.
5. PUSH OUT.
The player who shoots the shot immediately after a legal break may play
a push out in an attempt to move the cue ball into a better position for
the option that follows. On a push out, the cue ball is not required to
contact any object ball nor any rail, but all other foul rules still
apply. The player must announce his intention of playing a push out
before the shot, or the shot is considered to be a normal shot. Any ball
pocketed on a push out does not count and remains pocketed except the
9-ball. Following a legal push out, the incoming player is permitted to
shoot from that position or to pass the shot back to the player who
pushed out. A push out is not considered to be a foul as long as no rule
(except rules 7. and 8.) is violated. An illegal push out is penalized
according to the type of foul committed. After a player scratches on the
break shot, the incoming player cannot play a push out.
6. FOULS.
When a player commits a foul, he must relinquish his run at the table
and no balls pocketed on the foul shot are respotted (exception: if a
pocketed ball is the 9-ball, it is respotted). The incoming player is
awarded ball in hand; prior to his first shot he may place the cue ball
anywhere on the table. If a player commits several fouls on one shot,
they are counted as only one foul.
7. BAD HIT.
If the first object ball contacted by the cue ball is not the lowest-
numbered ball on the table, the shot is foul.
8. NO RAIL.
If no object ball is pocketed, failure to drive the cue ball or any
numbered ball to a rail after the cue ball contacts the object ball on
is a foul.
9. IN HAND.
When the cue ball is in hand, the player may place the cue ball anywhere
on the bed of the table, except in contact with an object ball. He may
continue to adjust the position of the cue ball until he takes a shot.
10. OBJECT BALLS
JUMPED OFF THE TABLE. An
unpocketed ball is considered to be driven off the table if it comes to
rest other than on the bed of the table. It is a foul to drive an object
ball off the table. The jumped object ball(s) is not respotted
(exception: if the object ball is the 9-ball, it is respotted) and play
continues.
11. JUMP AND
MASSE SHOT FOUL. If a match is
not refereed, it will be considered a cue ball foul if during an attempt
to jump, curve or masse the cue ball over or around an impeding numbered
ball, the impeding ball moves (regardless of whether it was moved by a
hand, cue stick follow-through or bridge).
12. THREE
CONSECUTIVE FOULS. If a player
fouls three consecutive times on three successive shots without making
an intervening legal shot, he loses the game. The three fouls must occur
in one game. The warning must be given between the second and third
fouls.
A player's inning
begins when it is legal for him to take a shot and ends at the end of a
shot on which he misses, fouls or wins, or when he fouls between shots.
13. END OF GAME.
A game starts as soon as the cue ball crosses over the head string on
the opening break. The 1-ball must be legally contacted on the break
shot. The game ends at the end of a legal shot which pockets the 9-ball;
or when a player forfeits the game as the result of a foul.
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AMERICAN 8-BALL RULES
Except when
clearly contradicted by these additional rules, the General Rules of Pocket
Billiards apply.
1.
OBJECT OF THE GAME
Eight-Ball is a call shot game played with a cue ball and 15 object balls,
numbered 1 through 15. One player must pocket balls of the group numbered 1
through 7 (solid colors), while the other player has 9 through 15 (stripes).
The player pocketing either group first, and then legally pocketing the
8-ball wins the game.
2.
CALL SHOT
In Call Shot, obvious balls and pockets do not have to be indicated. It is
the opponent's right to ask which ball and pocket if he is unsure of the
shot. Bank shots and combination shots are not considered obvious, and care
should be taken in calling both the object ball and the intended pocket.
When calling the shot, it is never necessary to indicate details such as the
number of cushions, banks, kisses, caroms, etc. Any balls pocketed on a foul
remain pocketed, regardless of whether they belong to the shooter or the
opponent. The opening break is not a "called shot." Any player performing a
break shot in 8-Ball may continue to shoot so long as any object ball is
legally pocketed on the break.
3.
RACKING THE BALLS
The balls are racked in a triangle at the foot of the table with the 8-ball
in the center of the triangle, the first ball of the rack on the foot spot,
a stripe ball in one corner of the rack and a solid ball in the other
corner.
4.
ORDER OF THE BREAK
Winner of the lag has the option to break. In 8-Ball the winner of each game
breaks in the next unless otherwise specified by the tournament organizer.
The following are common options that may be designated by tournament
officials in advance:
(a) Players alternate break.
(b) Loser breaks.
(c) Player trailing in game count breaks the next game.
5.
LEGAL BREAK SHOT
(Defined) To execute a legal break, the breaker (with the cue ball behind
the head string) must either (1) pocket a ball, or (2) drive at least four
numbered balls to the rail. When the breaker fails to make a legal break, it
is a foul, and the incoming player has the option of (1) accepting the table
in position and shooting, or (2) having the balls reracked and having the
option of shooting the opening break or allowing the offending player to
rebreak.
6.
SCRATCH ON A LEGAL BREAK
If a player scratches on a legal break shot, (1) all balls pocketed remain
pocketed (exception, the 8-ball: see rule 4.9), (2) it is a foul, (3) the
table is open. Please Note: The incoming player has cue ball in hand behind
the head string and may not shoot an object ball that is behind the head
string, unless he first shoots the cue ball past the head string and causes
the cue ball to come back behind the head string and hit the object ball.
7.
OBJECT BALLS JUMPED OFF TABLE ON THE BREAK
If a player jumps an object ball off the table on the break shot, it is a
foul and the incoming player has the option of (1) accepting the table in
position and shooting, or (2) taking cue ball in hand behind the head string
and shooting.
8.
8-BALL POCKETED ON THE BREAK
If the 8-ball is pocketed on the break, breaker may ask for a rerack or have
the 8-ball spotted and continue shooting. If the breaker scratches while
pocketing the 8-ball on the break, the incoming player has the option of a
rerack or having the 8-ball spotted and begin shooting with ball in hand
behind the head string.
9.
OPEN TABLE
(Defined) The table is "open" when the choice of groups (stripes or solids)
has not yet been determined. When the table is open, it is legal to hit a
solid first to make a stripe or vice-versa. Note: The table is always open
immediately after the break shot. When the table is open, it is legal to hit
any solid or stripe first in the process of pocketing the called stripe or
solid. However, when the table is open and the 8-ball is the first ball
contacted, it is a foul and no stripe or solid may be scored in favor of the
shooter. The shooter loses his turn; the incoming player is awarded cue ball
in hand; any balls pocketed remain pocketed; and the incoming player
addresses the balls with the table still open. On an open table, all
illegally pocketed balls remain pocketed.
10. CHOICE OF GROUP
The choice of stripes or solids is not determined on the break even if balls
are made from only one or both groups, because the table is always open
immediately after the break shot. The choice of group is determined only
when a player legally pockets a called object ball after the break shot.
11. LEGAL SHOT
(Defined) On all shots (except on the break and when the table is open), the
shooter must hit one of his group of balls first and (1) pocket a numbered
ball, or (2) cause the cue ball or any numbered ball to contact a rail.
Please Note: It is permissible for the shooter to bank the cue ball off a
rail before contacting the object ball; however, after contact with the
object ball, an object ball must be pocketed, or the cue ball or any
numbered ball must contact a rail. Failure to meet these requirements is a
foul.
12. "SAFETY" SHOT
For tactical reasons, a player may choose to pocket an obvious object ball
and also discontinue a turn at the table by declaring "safety" in advance. A
safety shot is defined as a legal shot. If the shooting player intends to
play safe by pocketing an obvious object ball, then prior to the shot, the
shooter must declare a "safety" to the opponent. It is the shooter's
responsibility to make the opponent aware of the intended safety shot. If
this is not done, and one of the shooter's object balls is pocketed, the
shooter will be required to shoot again. Any ball pocketed on a safety shot
remains pocketed.
13. SCORING
A player is entitled to continue shooting until failing to legally pocket a
ball of his group. After a player has legally pocketed all of his group of
balls, he shoots to pocket the 8-ball.
14. FOUL PENALTY
Opposing player gets cue ball in hand. This means that the player can place
the cue ball anywhere on the table (does not have to be behind the
headstring except on opening break). This rule prevents a player from making
intentional fouls which would put an opponent at a disadvantage. With "cue
ball in hand," the player may use a hand or any part of a cue (including the
tip) to position the cue ball. When placing the cue ball in position, any
forward stroke motion contacting the cue ball will be a foul, if not a legal
shot.
15. COMBINATION SHOTS
Combination shots are allowed; however, the 8-ball can't be used as a first
ball in the combination. Should such contact occur on the 8-ball, it is a
foul.
16. ILLEGALLY POCKETED BALLS
An object ball is considered to be illegally pocketed when (1) that object
ball is pocketed on the same shot a foul is committed, or (2) the called
ball did not go in the designated pocket, or (3) a safety is called prior to
the shot. Illegally pocketed balls remain pocketed and are scored in favor
of the shooter controlling that specific group of balls, solids or stripes.
17. OBJECT BALLS JUMPED OFF THE TABLE
If any object ball is jumped off the table, it is a foul and loss of turn,
unless it is the 8-ball, which is a loss of game. Any jumped object balls
are not respotted.
18. JUMP AND MASSE SHOT FOUL
While "cue ball fouls only" is the rule of play when a match is not presided
over by a referee, a player should be aware that it will be considered a cue
ball foul if during an attempt to jump, curve or masse the cue ball over or
around an impeding numbered ball that is not a legal object ball, the
impeding ball moves (regardless of whether it was moved by a hand, cue stick
follow-through or bridge).
19. PLAYING THE 8-BALL
When the 8-ball is the legal object ball, a scratch or foul is not loss of
game if the 8-ball is not pocketed or jumped from the table. Incoming player
has cue ball in hand. Note: A combination shot can never be used to legally
pocket the 8-ball, except when the 8-ball is the first ball contacted in the
shot sequence.
20. LOSS OF GAME
A player loses the game by committing any of the following infractions:
(a) Fouls when pocketing the 8-ball (exception: see "8-Ball Pocketed On The
Break").
(b) Pockets the 8-ball on the same stroke as the last of his group of balls.
(c) Jumps the 8-ball off the table at any time.
(d) Pockets the 8-ball in a pocket other than the one designated.
(e) Pockets the 8-ball when it is not the legal object ball.
Note: All
infractions must be called before another shot is taken, or else it will be
deemed that no infraction occurred.
21. STALEMATED GAME
If, after 3 consecutive turns at the table by each player (6 turns total),
the referee judges (or if no referee, both players agree) that attempting to
pocket or move an object ball will result in loss of game, the balls will be
reracked with the original breaker of the stalemated game breaking again.
The stalemate rule may be applied regardless of the number of balls on the
table. Please Note: Three consecutive fouls by one player in 8-ball is not a
loss of game.
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STRAIGHT POOL RULES
(aka "14.1 CONTINUOUS")
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.
2.
PLAYERS
2 players or 2 teams.
3.
BALLS USED
Standard set of object balls numbered 1-15, plus the cue ball.
4. THE
RACK
Standard triangle rack with the apex ball on the foot spot, 1-ball on the
racker's right corner, 5-ball on left corner. Other balls are placed at random
and must touch their neighbors.
5.
SCORING
Any ball legally pocketed counts one point for the shooter.
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. Offender's 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 reracked and requiring the offending player
to repeat the opening break. That choice continues until the opening break is
not a breaking violation, or until the opponent accepts the table in position.
The three successive fouls rule does not apply to breaking violations. If the
starting player scratches on a legal opening break, he is charged with a foul
and assessed a one point penalty, which applies toward the "Successive Fouls
Penalties." The incoming player is awarded cue ball in hand behind the head
string, with object balls in position.
7.
RULES OF PLAY
(a) 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.
(b) 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. When an object ball is
not frozen to a cushion, but is within a ball's width of a cushion (referee to
determine by measurement if necessary), a player is permitted only two
consecutive legal safeties on that ball using only the near rail. If such safety
play is employed, that object ball is then considered frozen to the rail on the
player's next inning. The General Rules of Pocket Billiards "Frozen Balls"
requirements apply if the player chooses to make the first cue ball contact with
that object ball on the third shot. (Note: If a player has committed a foul on
the shot immediately before or the shot immediately after playing this ball,
then he must immediately meet the requirements of the "Frozen Ball" rule when
playing this object ball. Also, if he has committed two consecutive fouls, he
must immediately meet the requirements of the Frozen Ball rule when playing this
object ball. If such player fails to meet the requirements of the Frozen Ball
rule, he is considered to have committed a third successive foul and the
appropriate point penalty is assessed as well as one point for each of the
previous fouls. All 15 balls are then reracked and the player committing the
infraction is required to break, as at the beginning of the game.)
(c) When the 14th
ball of a rack is pocketed, play stops momentarily with the 15th ball remaining
in position on the table; the 14 pocketed balls are then racked (with the space
at the foot spot vacant in the triangle). Player then continues, normally
pocketing the 15th (or "break" ball) in such 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 below if the 15th ball is pocketed on the same
stroke as the 14th ball.
Cue Ball lies
15th Ball
lies
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In The Rack
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Not in the
Rack and not on the Head Spot*
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On The Head
Spot*
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| In the Rack |
15th ball: foot spot
Cue Ball: in kitchen
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15th ball: head spot
Cue Ball: in position
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15th ball: center spot
Cue Ball: in position
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| Pocketed |
15th ball: foot spot
Cue Ball: in kitchen
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15th ball: foot spot
Cue Ball: in position
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15th ball: foot spot
Cue Ball: in position
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Behind Head
String,
but not on the Head Spot |
15th ball: in position
Cue Ball: head spot
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*On the spot means to
interfere with spotting a ball on the spot.
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Not behind
Head String,
and not in the Rack |
15th ball: in position
Cue Ball: in kitchen
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| On the Head
Spot |
15th ball: in position
Cue Ball: center spot
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(d) 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 player's inning ends
when a safety is played, and pocketed balls are not scored. Any object ball
pocketed on a called safety is spotted.
(e) 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 pocket). Doing so is a special "deliberate foul"
and is penalized one point for the foul and an additional 15 point penalty, for
a total of 16 points. The incoming player then has choice of (1) accepting the
table in position with the cue ball in hand behind the head string, or (2)
having all 15 balls reracked and requiring the offending player to shoot under
the requirements of the opening break.
(f) If the 15th
(unpocketed) 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.)
(g) When a player
has the cue ball in hand behind the head string (as after a scratch) and all
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.
8.
ILLEAGALLY POCKETED BALLS
All spotted. No penalty.
9.
OBJECT BALLS JUMPED OFF THE TABLE
The stroke is a foul. Any jumped ball(s) is spotted after the balls come to
rest.
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 7(b), 7(e) or Rule 12 (below) apply to the offender's
foul and dictate alternate choices or procedures.
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 "Successive Fouls" (Rule 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.
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 "on a foul."
The player remains "on a foul" until the next shot attempt, at which time the
foul may be removed by successfully pocketing a called ball, or completing a
legal safety. If failing to meet these requirements on the next turn at the
table, the player is penalized one point. The notation is changed to "on two
fouls." If he fails to meet the requirements of successfully pocketing a called
ball or completing a legal safety on the third consecutive turn at the table,
penalization is one point and an additional penalty of 15 points is assessed (a
total of 18 points for three consecutive fouls equals -18 points). The
commission of a third successive foul automatically clears the offender's record
of fouls. The incoming player then has choice of (1) accepting the table in
position, or (2) having all 15 balls reracked and requiring the offending player
to shoot under the requirements of the opening break. Rules for the opening
break apply. It should be emphasized that successive fouls must be committed in
successive turns (or playing attempts), not merely in successive innings. For
example, if a player ends inning six with a foul, steps to the table for inning
seven and fouls (he is "on two fouls"), and then starts inning eight with a
legally pocketed ball before scratching on his second shot attempt of the
inning, he has not committed three successive fouls, even though there were
fouls in three successive innings. As soon as he legally pocketed the ball to
start inning eight, he cleared the two fouls. He is, of course, "on one foul"
when he plays the first stroke attempt of inning nine.
13.
SCORING NOTE
The deduction of penalty points can result in negative scores. A running score
can read "minus one," "minus two," "minus 15," etc. (A player can win a game
with a score of 150 while the opponent has scored but two fouls. The final score
would read 150 to -2.) If a player fouls on a shot that has not pocketed a ball,
the point penalty is deducted from his score at the end of the previous inning.
If a player fouls and pockets a ball on the same shot, that ball is spotted (not
scored) and the point penalty is deducted from his score at the end of the
previous inning.
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