8 Ball Pool Rules

The object of the game is to pot the 8 ball, after a player’s designated group have been potted (i.e. spots or stripes)

Rack balls in a triangle at the foot of the table, with the 8 ball in the centre and a spot and stripe at each corner

A legal break is made when a ball is potted or 4 balls are driven to the cushion

If the 8 Ball is potted from the break, the breaker has the option of re-racking or re-spotting the 8 ball and continuing play

Select a group - spots or stripes- following a legal shot, but not immediately after the break

Nominate the object ball and pocket on all shots

Continue shooting until a ball is not potted or played illegally

Pot the 8 Ball legally and the game is won

Fouls

Shooting the cue ball into a pocket or off the table

Shooting the object ball off the table or into a non-designated pocket

Failing to make a legal break

Shooting without one foot on the floor

Failing to strike the cushion with either the cue ball or object ball

After a foul the cue ball may be placed anywhere on the table, except after an illegal break

Loss of Game

Making a foul shot when pocketing the 8 ball

Jumping the 8 ball off the table

Pocketing the 8 ball in non-designated pocket

Pocketing the 8 ball when not the legal object ball

9–Ball Pool Rules

The object of the game is to pot the 9 ball

Only balls numbered 1-9 are used

Rack the balls in a diamond shape with the 1-ball at the front and the 9-ball in the middle

After the break you must shoot the lowest ball on the table. You may pot any other ball with the same shot

Continue potting 1 through to the 8 ball until the 9 ball is left. Once the 9 ball is potted, the game is over

You may pot the 9 ball during the game by planting the lowest ball and 9 ball, or by making a cannon off the lowest ball. If the 9 ball is potted you win the game

Fouls

Shooting the cue ball into a pocket or off the table

Shooting without one foot on the floor

Accidentally touching a ball is not a foul, unless it is the cue ball. If a ball is moved, the opponent may replace the ball to its original place

Not making a ball hit a cushion after making contact with the cue ball

Penalty is “Ball in Hand“


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