A. Balls and Racking

• Game uses 1 cue ball + 15 object balls.

• Balls racked in a triangle: 8-ball in center, one stripe and one solid in corners.

• Objective: legally pocket all of your group (stripes or solids), then the 8-ball to win.

B. Break Shot

• Home team breaks 1st & 3rd rounds; visitors break 2nd & 4th. Break can be passed.

• Legal break: 4+ balls to cushion or 1+ balls pocketed.

• Illegal break options for opponent: shoot table as-is, re-rack & break, or force original breaker to rebreak.

• Cue ball deflection before hitting rack = foul; loss of turn.

• Scratch on break: balls stay down (except 8), cue ball behind headstring, table open.

• Improper cue ball placement must be pointed out by opponent before shot.

• 8-ball on break: rerack or spot & continue. Cannot win or lose on break.

• No balls made on legal break: opponent shoots on open table.

• Jumped ball off table on break = foul; opponent chooses cue ball in hand or table as-is. Jumped balls are spotted.

C. Open Table

• Table is “open” until group (stripes/solids) is chosen.

• Legal to hit any ball first while table is open.

• Group is determined only after a called object ball is legally pocketed.

D. Game / Calling Shots

• Call banks & combos; obvious balls/pockets don’t need calling.

• Balls pocketed on fouls remain down.

• Opening break is not a “call.”

• When shooting the 8-ball, clearly indicate pocket verbally or physically.

E. Play

• Pocket opponent’s balls by accident: stays down; loss of turn only if called ball not pocketed.

• Continue shooting while legally pocketing own balls (except on safety).

• Failing to hit 8-ball = foul, opponent gets ball in hand.

• Balls falling due to interference: replaced to near original position.

• Jumped object balls = foul & loss of turn (8-ball = loss of game).

• Slow play: >1 min/shot after warning = foul; 3rd = loss of game.

• Stalemate: 3 consecutive fouls per player, mutual agreement → re-rack & breaker repeats.

• 1 min coaching allowed per game if requested.

F. Loss of Game

• Pocketing 8-ball illegally (wrong order, wrong pocket, jumped off table, slow play).

• Failing to clearly designate pocket for 8-ball.

• Pocketing cue ball while shooting 8-ball = ball in hand for opponent.

G. Legal Shots

• Must hit your group first; then:

  • Pocket a group ball or

  • Cue ball/any other ball hits rail.

• Kick shots allowed.

• Safety: declare before shot; balls stay down.

H. Fouls

• Called by opponent before next shot (except scratch).

• Fouls include:

  • Illegal shot, scratching, deflecting cue ball before break

  • Cue ball in pocket/off table, double hits, slow play >1 min

  • Jumped balls off table (8-ball = loss)

  • Touching/moving balls illegally

  • Cue tip touches ball illegally

  • Coaching violations

• Frozen ball rules: must meet 1 of 4 conditions or foul; must be agreed as frozen.

I. Penalty for Fouling

• Opponent gets cue ball in hand anywhere (except after break).

• Stop shooting immediately when foul called.

• Three consecutive time fouls = loss of game.

Pool Table Etiquette

Play fair. Be respectful. Keep the game fun.

• Treat opponents the way you’d like to be treated

• Wish your opponent good luck before the match

• Stay clear of the table and your opponent’s line of sight while they shoot

• Avoid talking to opponents during their shot

• Call your own fouls and show good sportsmanship

• Pay attention to your match and be ready when it’s your turn

• Keep your cue assembled until the match is finished

• Respect your opponent, win or lose

• Cheer for teammates—without rooting against opponents

Respect the venue and equipment (ANAF Unit #5):

• Be courteous and polite to staff

• Take care of tables, balls, cues, and equipment

• No jump shots

• Avoid digging your cue tip when breaking

• Do not slam balls or bang cues

• Keep drinks off the tables

• Do not sit on the rails; keep one foot on the floor when shooting

• Be aware of your surroundings and politely ask others to move if needed

Following these guidelines helps ensure a smooth, enjoyable, and competitive night for everyone.