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International Speed Pool Challenge Rules

The International Speed Pool Challenge is a pocket billiards tournament held in the United States and televised/promoted by ESPN sports since 2006. It is the most notable and publicized event for the sport for speed pool as well as being the richest speed pool billiard tournament in terms of prize money.

Four players participate in the event which is in single elimination. The international speed pool tournament boasts a winner-take-all prize of $40,000. Previously, a prize of $50,000 was offered. Each speed pool match consists of two sets of twelve racks (six racks for each tournament player) where one of the contestants has to win them both (a short third extra set tooks place if there's a split). A set is won in the event that a player completes all of his or her racks with a shorter total time (the sum for every single rack that he/she plays) than the opponent. Players can pocket balls that are still in motion but may only execute their next shot so long as the cue ball has come to a complete stop.

A penalty of 10 seconds will added to a player's total time in a particular set for every foul made by that player. A bonus, by contrast, removes 10 seconds.

Straight pool is the game played for the first set. It is also played for the third deciding set but only in two racks with one rack for each player. Here, players can strike and pocket any object ball on the table. However, the last one has to be "called" before being pocketed. If it is not called, the player would be assessed a time penalty for the foul. A speed pool bonus is awarded to a player who pockets all balls without any missed shots after the break shot.

Eight ball, which is typically considered a slightly more difficult game, is played in the second speed pool set. After the break shot, the player must choose which group of balls, either 1-7 or 9-15, he or she will pocket first and the other group will be next. After both groups are pocketed, the eight ball is targeted. The eight ball must also be "called" by the shooting player. Pocketing the eight ball on the break is a bonus.

Winners of the International Speed Pool Challenge tournament include Luc Salvas (2006) and Bobby McGrath (2007 & 2008).

International Speed Pool Challenge Rules

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International Speed Pool Challenge Rules History

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The official International Speed Pool Challenge Rules are predominently observed in North America.

How to Play International Speed Pool Challenge

Questions about International Speed Pool Challenge Rules:

  • Title: International Speed Pool Challenge Rules
  • Author: (Billiards Forum)
  • Published: 12/31/2008 3:48:00 PM
  • Source: Internet

International Speed Pool Challenge Rules

The International Speed Pool Challenge Rules article belongs to the Pocket Billiards Rules category. Pocket billiards is a class of cue sport game commonly referred to as pool.

International Speed Pool Challenge Rules Comments

  1. Larry ClancyLarry Clancy from London, ON on 5/16/2009 2:03:46 PM

    How do you enter into the ESPN International Speed Pool Challenge?

    My speed pool times are comparable to the ones I am watching in these tournaments.

  2. Laurie LightfootLaurie Lightfoot from Nassau, Bahamas on 3/30/2010 1:27:02 PM

    This is a very informative version of the International Speed Pool Rules.

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