The game shall be known as 8 ball pool and referred to in these rules as *the game*. It is intended that players and teams should play 8 ball pool in the true spirit of the game and in sportsmanship manner. It should be clearly understood that the referee is the sole judge of what is fair and unfair play. The referee will take whatever action is necessary to ensure that these rules are observed.
The game is played on a rectangle six pocket table with 15 balls, plus a cue ball. Balls comprise two groups, represented by two different coloured balls plus the 8 ball which is black. Alternately numerical balls may be used numbered 1-7 which are plain coloured balls, 9-15 which are striped coloured balls. Balls in two groups are known as object balls.
The player or team pocketing their group of object balls first in any order then legally pocketing the 8 ball (black), wins the game.
A) The balls are racked as illustrated (below) with the 8 ball (black) on the 8 ball spot which is the
intersection of the centre and corner pockets.
B) Order of play is determined by the flip of a coin. The winner of the flip has the option of breaking or
requesting his/her opponent to do so.
C) The opening player plays at the triangle of the object balls by striking the cue ball from any position
behind the line. He/she must pocket one or cause at least two object balls to hit a cushion. Failure
to do so is a foul break and will result in the balls being re-racked. The opposing player re starts
with one break shot followed by one nominated shot that will denote which colour he/she is on.
D) If the cue ball is pocketed on the break the opponent is awarded two shots which is to be taken from
anywhere behind the line; one shot free table, the second shot must be nominated and will
denote which colour he/she is on.
E) On the break if the player legally pockets an object ball(s), then he/she must then nominate
which colour group they wish to play.
F) If a foul is committed on the break other than in rule 4(G) any balls pocketed are ignored in
determining groups.
G) If the player pockets the 8 ball (black) from the break, the game shall be re-started by the same
player. No penalty will be incurred. The balls to be re-racked. This applies even if the other balls,
including the cue ball, are pocketed as well.
H) If a ball or balls are legally pocketed, as in rule 4(E) this entitles the player to one additional shot
and this continues to the player until:
(i) The player fails to pocket one of his/her set of allocated
balls
(ii) or commits a foul at any time.
I) Combination shots are allowed provided that the player hits one of his/her own group of balls first
(unless rule 6 (B) applies).
J) Once the game has commenced the white may not be removed for cleaning.
Loss of the Game
A) If a player pockets the 8 ball (black) before he/she pockets all balls in his/her own group, except in
rule 4(G), he/she loses the game.
B) A player going in off the 8 ball (black) when the 8 ball (black) is potted, loses the game.
C) A player who clearly fails to make any attempt to play a ball of his/her own will lose the game.
D) If a player seeks to gain advantage by deliberately touching a moving ball or retrieving a ball
dropping into a pocket he/she shall lose the game.