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Before reading these, you should consult the General Rules of Pocket Billiards. Except when clearly contradicted by these additional rules, the General Rules of Pocket Billiards apply when playing 8 Ball.
This page contains references to some material that is copyrighted by the Billiard Congress of America. Any modification or sale of such information herein is strictly prohibited by the laws governing that copyright. Please direct questions regarding interpretation of the following, or information on how to receive the current BCA "Billiards - The Official Rules and Records book" to the Billiard Congress of America.
If there are any terms throughout the 8 ball Billiards rules that you do not understand, you can search our billiard terms glossary in the search box near the top left of the page, or search the billiard terms glossary directly. I have also included the Billiard Congress of America's reference numbers, so that readers can reference each rule back to the specific rule text on the Billiard Congress of America website.
8 Ball is played with a cue ball, an 8-ball, and fifteen object balls, numbered 1 through 15. Balls 1-7 are solid colors, and balls 9-15 are striped. One player must pocket balls of solid colors, while the other player the striped ones. The player pocketing their entire group first and then legally pocketing the 8-ball wins the game.
In 8 Ball, eight solid-colored billiard balls numbered 1 through 8, and seven striped billiard balls numbered 9 through 15 are used, along with one solid white cue ball. The solid balls are often known as "Low" balls (1-9) and the striped balls are often known as "high" balls. (1-9)
The balls are normally colored as follows:
You may also observe that the 7 and 15 balls are sometimes colored tan or magenta.
There are four general phases to the billiard game of 8 Ball. These include setup, breaking, taking turns, and pocketing the 8 ball.
To begin the game of 8 ball, the colored balls are placed in a triangle, called a "rack". The base of the rack is parallel to the short end of the pool table and is positioned so the ball in the tip of the rack is located on the foot spot. The balls in the rack are pressed into contact with the foot ball, and remain in contact after the rack is removed. Within the rack, the 8-ball is centered while the two corners are each spotted with one solid ball and one stripe ball. The game begins with the cue ball in hand anywhere behind the head string. (That is, the quarter of the billiard table farthest from the rack), an area also known in slang terms as the "kitchen".
The pool table is divided into two equal halves lengthwise by an imaginary line named the "long string". Two lines, the "head string" and "foot string" run perpendicular to the long string and are placed 1/4 length away from each end of the table. The intersection of the long and head strings is called the "head spot", and the intersection of the long and foot strings is called the "foot spot".
One player is chosen to shoot first ("break" the balls apart; note that this definition of the word "break" is different than it may be in other billiard games, notably snooker) by any number of methods. These include, but are not limited to: the flip of a coin, loser of last game breaks, winner of last game breaks, "lag", etc. Lag is a contest for determining who will break, and is the preferred method as specified by the Billiard Congress of America. In the Lag, each player shoots a solid ball (other than the cue ball) from behind the head string to the foot of the table. The player whose ball returns closest to the head rail wins the lag and has the option to break. The winner of the lag may elect to pass the break to his or her opponent. The winner of each game breaks in the next. The following are common options that may be designated by tournament officials, or decided upon by each player, in advance: Players alternate break, Loser breaks, and Player trailing in game count breaks the next game. For casual play, or as a part of various house rules, there are several variations of ways to determine which player shoots first. These include alternating players each game, winner breaks, and winner chooses who is to break.
For the break shot to be legal, the breaker, with the cue ball behind the head string, must either pocket a ball, or drive at least four numbered balls to the rail. When the breaker fails to make a legal break, it is a foul. When a foul occurs, the incoming player has the option of accepting the table in position and shooting, or having the balls re-racked and exercising the option of shooting the opening break or allowing the offending player to re-break. If the breaker pockets a ball, it is still the same player's inning. This area of 8 Ball has two possible variations.
groups are potted, a common rule is for the player to nominate which group they will shoot for, but for their inning to end.
If a player scratches on a legal break shot, all balls pocketed remain pocketed (exception, the 8-ball: see "8-Ball Pocketed on the Break" below), it is a foul or, the table is open. Note here that 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.
If a player jumps an object ball off the table on the break shot, it is considered a foul and the incoming player has the option of accepting the table in position and shooting, or taking cue ball in hand behind the head string and shooting.
If the 8-ball is pocketed on the break, breaker may ask for a re-rack 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 re-rack or of having the 8-ball spotted and begins shooting with ball in hand behind the head string.
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. If the groups have been determined and the player mistakenly shoots at and pockets a ball of the group, the opponent must call a foul on that player before they take their next shot. If the opponent fails to do so, the player automatically takes over the group of balls (solids or stripes) at which he or she has been shooting during this inning.
A player will continue to shoot until he/she makes a fault or fails to pocket one of the object balls. At this point, the player's inning is over, and then, the other player takes his/her turn. Play alternates like this for the remainder of the game.
In Call Shot, players need not call obvious balls and pockets, however, it is the opponent's right to ask which ball and pocket are to be used in the shot if they are unsure of the shot. Bank shots and combination shots are not considered obvious, and appropriate care should be taken in calling both the object ball and the intended pocket. When calling the anticipated shot, it is not necessary to indicate details such as the number of cushions, banks, kisses, caroms, etc that will be used in the shot. Any balls pocketed as the result of a foul are to remain pocketed, regardless of whether they belong to the shooter or the opponent. The opening break is not considered 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.
Once all the player's object balls are pocketed, he/she can now attempt to sink the 8 ball and win. To win, he/she must specify the pocket it will land in, and make it in that pocket. If it is shot in to the wrong pocket, if the cue ball is potted, or if there is a fault (see below), he/she loses. If neither the cue ball nor the eight ball is potted, the player's inning is over.
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.
On all shots (except on the break and when the table is open), the shooter must hit one of their group of balls first and either pocket a numbered ball, or 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 results in a foul.
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.
A player is entitled to continue shooting until failing to legally pocket a ball of his group. After a player has legally pocketed their entire group of balls, they now shoot to pocket the 8-ball.
Combination shots are allowed; however, the 8-ball can't be used as a first ball in the combination unless it is the shooter's only remaining legal object ball on the table. Otherwise, should such contact occur on the 8-ball, it is a foul.
When one player commits a fault, the other player gets "ball in hand", that is, they may place the cue ball anywhere on the table before playing their next shot. This is one area of substantial disagreement in 8-ball rules: some (including those of the BCA) play that (after the break) the cue ball may be placed anywhere, and shoot at anything. Other rule sets suggest that the player with "ball in hand" may only place the cue ball in the "kitchen", and must shoot out of the "kitchen" before hitting any ball. This means that they may not shoot at a ball inside the "kitchen" directly. However, if all their balls are inside the "kitchen", they can request that the one closest to the head string be placed on the head spot. Under BCA rules, if the cue ball is pocketed on the break, the cue ball must be placed in the "kitchen" and shot out. If he/she sinks the cue ball while playing on the black, it will be an immediate foul and the opposite player will receive two shots whether or not he or she is on the black. If he or she sinks the black and the cue ball he or she will automatically lose the game.
An object ball is considered to be illegally pocketed when that object ball is pocketed on the same shot that a foul is committed, or when the called ball did not go in the designated pocket, or when 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.
Generally "cue ball fouls only" is the rule of play when a match is not presided over by a referee. However, a player should recognize 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 position. This is regardless of whether it was moved by a hand, cue stick follow-through, or bridge.
If any object ball is leaves the table, it is considered a foul and loss of turn, unless it is the 8-ball, which results in a loss of game. Any jumped object balls are not re-spotted.
If after three consecutive turns at the table by each player (six turns total), the referee judges that attempting to pocket or move an object ball will result in loss of game, the balls will be re-racked with the original breaker of the stalemated game breaking again. The stalemate rule may be applied regardless of the number of balls remaining on the table. Please Note: Three consecutive fouls by one player in 8-ball is not a loss of game.
A player loses the game of 8 Ball by committing any of the following infractions:
All infractions must be called by the opposing player before another shot is taken. Otherwise it will be deemed that no infraction occurred.
The rules for this game may be the most debated and contested rules of any billiard game; thus, it is imperative that you and your opponent agree on the rules before playing. Many players and leagues in the USA use the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) rules as their standard. The billiard hall at which you are playing may also have their own house rules, though you should still consult your opponent on whether to play by them.
A standardized version of pool rules for professional competitions have been established. These are the rules played in most 8-ball tournaments on television. These rules are often played in amateur leagues as well. World Rules creates differences to encourage quick play and promote skill by making playing a snooker (hook) more difficult and making covering pockets less advantageous.
Some examples of these differences would be:
On all shots, the player must cause the Cue Ball's initial contact with a ball to be with a ball "On" and then pot a ball "On" or cause the Cue Ball or any Object Ball to contact a cushion.This means that an easy snooker cannot always be played.Also:
In some versions of 8 ball purposefully committing a foul (by sinking an opponents ball) is not allowed. World 8 ball rules permits this. Furthermore, the cue ball cannot be moved after a foul is committed. This means that pocketing an opponents ball sometimes means that no significant advantage is given to the opposing player. This depends on where the cue ball lies after the shot is played. Care must be taken though as playing a foul shot resulting in a snooker results in a "foul snooker". The opposing player can then play a free ball from the baulk.
On January 1, 2006, "Blackball" rules were introduced world-wide. They are being introduced in the UK and other countries playing "small table, English pool". The idea is that blackball should unify the various existing rule-sets. Blackball takes the best parts of the all the main types of rules. These rules are sanctioned by the World Pool Association. A guide to these rules can be found at www.blackball.info. The governing body for blackball in Europe is the European Blackball Association.
The 8 ball rules article was posted on 1/1/2006 10:42:44 PM and updated on 3/5/2008 8:08:00 PM. The 8 ball rules article was edited by Billiards Forum Editor.
The information for the 8 ball rules article was sourced from Internet.
Eight Ball rules, or 8 Ball Rules informally, was created around 1900 with the earliest known recorded set of 8 ball rules originating around 1906. At this time, it was not named Eight Ball rules, but rather it was named "B.B.C. Co. Pool" which is a name that stuck and was used as late as 1925. Eight ball was originally played with seven yellow balls and seven red balls, and a black ball, which is a ball set that is still used in the British style UK 8 ball. Eight ball rules didn't vary as much as they do today. In fact, it was not until 1940 that 8 ball rules ever made it in to any official billiard rule book.
The 8 ball rules are predominently observed in North America.
The governing body for 8 ball rules is the World Pool-Billiard Association.
8 Ball Rules belong to the pocket billiards category of cue sports. Pocket billiards is a class of cue sport game commonly referred to as pool.
The entire cue sport rules listing is available via RSS/XML. Click to view the pool rules rss feeds.
I have a question about 8 ball. If you are on your last ball before the 8 ball and you make the shot then scratch do you lose the match? Technically wouldn't it be a scratch on the 8 ball?
I do not read any thing that tells me if it is a loss or a win if the 8 ball goes in on the break?
Eight ball in on the break, opens a can of worms, and varies by where you are playing, generally speaking: ie. (these are general rules and may be changed by a league or establishment, so always check with the locals.)
1. Standardized World Rules (1997).... is.... 8-BALL POCKETED ON THE BREAK. If the 8-ball is pocketed on the break, the breaker may ask for a re-rack 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 re-rack or having the 8-ball spotted and begin shooting with ball in hand behind the headstring
2. Billiard Congress of America (BCA)....is....8-BALL POCKETED ON THE BREAK If the 8-ball is pocketed on the break, breaker may ask for a re-rack 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 re-rack or having the 8-ball spotted and begin shooting with ball in hand behind the head string. (some local leagues, such as The Denver Pool Players Association (DPPA) give a 3rd option in each case....The player with the options may also rack the balls and give the opponent the break )
3. Valley National 8-Ball Association (VNEA)....is....( You have 2 options here) 1. During League play, making the 8-Ball on the break is an automatic win for the player breaking. However, if the cue ball is scratched when making the 8-Ball on the break, the opponent wins the game. 2. During International Championships, with an 8-Ball pocketed on the break, the breaker may ask for a re-rack or have the 8-Ball spotted and continue shooting. Should the breaker pocket the 8-Ball and scratch, the incoming player has the option of spotting the 8 or re-racking and assuming the break. Should the incoming player decide to spot the 8, he must shoot from behind the headstring. A game cannot be won or lost with an 8 on the break, regardless of what is pocketed on the same shot. Local leagues may also adopt the spotting of the 8-Ball option.
4. American Pool Players Association (APA)....is....8-ball pocketed on the break is an automatic win for the player breaking. However, if the cue ball is scratched when making the 8-Ball on the break, the opponent wins the game
5. American Cue Sports Alliance (ACA)....is....same as BCA.
6. The Association for Pool (TAP)....is....8-Ball on the break wins the game. Eight ball on the break and a scratch is loss of game.
7. Worlds Pool-Billiard Association (WPA)....BLACKBALL BREAKSHOT (international) This is also standard UK rules where you play with 7 red and 7 yellow balls and of course the Black ball. (usually with the #8 on it.)
If the blackball is potted on any break including a re-rack break, all the balls are re-racked and the same player breaks again. No penalty will be incurred, this applies even if other balls including the cue ball, are pocketed, or leave the playing surface - off the bed of the table.
8. Finally for now...you have the LOCAL BAR RULES (LBR)... is...(always ask first...unless you are the World Ultimate Fighting Champ and are packing) In MOST local bars across the USA the game is call shot and pocketing the 8-Ball on the break is a win as long as all other balls are either pocketed or stay on the table. (in many bars where there is a long list of challengers on a blackboard or such....the player who lost to the 8-Ball break gets to immediately rack and try again instead of putting his name on the bottom of the list, due to the fact, as we all know, that bar pool is a gentleman's sport....LOL)
THIS SHOULD ANSWER YOUR QUESTION (Silvestor from Texas)...Now go out, after telling the wife/husband, as the case may be, that you need to practice some new rules....HAVE FUN!
I ran across a situation not clarified by your rules. if an opponents ball is setting in front of a pocket when you are shooting the eight ball can you legally call the eight off of the opponents ball making both balls in the pocket (with the opponents ball falling in first).
On breaking a rack, what ball(s) should be struck first?
Is it a foul if the cue ball strikes the object ball and the opponent's ball simultaneously?
Everyone, Please post your questions about RULES in the 8 ball forum. You'll get must faster answers there. This is meant for general comments.
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