HOW TO PLAY 8 BALL … The “Official Rules” of Pool
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- čas přidán 31. 05. 2024
- Dr. Dave discusses and demonstrates the “official rules” of 8-ball pool. It is a much better choice than common “bar rules.”
Contents:
0:00 - Intro
0:15 - Official Rules of Pool
1:00 - 8-Ball Rules
4:50 - Double Hit Fouls
8:33 - Other Common Fouls
9:59 - Wrap Up
CORRECTION:
- at the 1m07s point, I said "1 on the spot" (because the 1 was the top ball in that rack examples), but the top ball does not need to be the 1. Any stripe or solid is allowed.
Supporting Resources:
- previous "bar rules" video: • BAR RULES and DIRTY PO...
- Video Encyclopedia of Eight Ball (VEEB): drdavebilliards.com/videos/8-...
- rules resources page: billiards.colostate.edu/resou...
- league rule differences: billiards.colostate.edu/resou...
- bar rules resource page: billiards.colostate.edu/resou...
- fouls resource page: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/f...
- double hit detection and avoidance: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/f...
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Find Answers to Any Pool Questions:
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Good Luck With Your Game!!! - Sport
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*Contents:*
0:00 - Intro
0:15 - Official Rules of Pool
1:00 - 8-Ball Rules
4:50 - Double Hit Fouls
8:33 - Other Common Fouls
9:59 - Wrap Up
*CORRECTION:*
- at the 1m07s point, I said "1 on the spot" (because the 1 was the top ball in that rack examples), but the top ball does not need to be the 1. Any stripe or solid is allowed.
*Supporting Resources:*
- previous "bar rules" video: czcams.com/video/x8sI73wlyoM/video.html
- Video Encyclopedia of Eight Ball (VEEB): drdavebilliards.com/videos/8-ball/
- rules resources page: billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/
- league rule differences: billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/rule-differences
- bar rules resource page: billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/bar-rules
- fouls resource page: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/foul/
- double hit detection and avoidance: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/foul/double-hit/
*Subscribe to Dr. Dave's CZcams Channel:*
czcams.com/users/DrDaveBilliards
0:27 in 1996, my friend's razzed me for carrying the actual official rules in my pocket. So when we were playing at pool halls, everybody would be on the same page.
So irritating when people try to argue when they're the ones playing by some made up rule
@@Bozemanjustin That’s the main problem with “bar rules:” they are often “made up.” For more info, see:
czcams.com/video/x8sI73wlyoM/video.html
When the table is open, there is a situation when you pocketed both solid and stripes ball in the first shot so how do you decide which ball to shot next?
@@tonberrykingvn The ball you called comes your set. It doesn’t matter if other balls also go in.
I could be wrong but; I was pretty sure the apex ball could be anything. Meaning, it could be a stripe and not necessarily a '1'. I thought it was just common practice, but not an official rule.
Dr. Dave, you’re leading a great cause for humanity, hopefully one day taking bar pool out of the Dark Ages, and into the Age of Enlightenment
Unlikely, but possible.
@@DrDaveBilliards All of the greats started in times of ignorance. Galileo, Newton, etc. Maybe one day your work will finally pay dividends.
I read the rule book when I was a kid and was amazed to learn you got the ball in hand anywhere on the table after a foul. Everybody, even the adults, refused to believe that was the rule and still insisted on the cute ball needing to go in the kitchen after a scratch!
The problem is: most “adults” and “kids” have not read the rules.
@@DrDaveBilliardsOr, at least in the UK, are stuck to the British rules that even the EPA (English Pool Association) consider old and kept on the website for reference).
It's kind of annoying and confusing that there are many rule sets (although I personally try to stick to international rules whenever possible).
@@MaximilianBerkmann Agreed. The world would be a better place if everybody would just play pool under the WPA "official rules of pool."
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/
@@DrDaveBilliards Absolutely! A lot of other hobbies have one single set of rules (like the WCA for Speedcubing, PDGA for Disc Golf, etc.).
I kid you not, you literally provide the best pool videos. They are all so neat, clean, and scientific! No fancy animations, no overdrawn out information. Everything is to-the-point and just so information. Keep this up, please! You are so appreciated!
Thanks. I’m glad you like my style.
Thank you for setting everyone straight. I have debated rules so many times (both correct and incorrectly). But knowing the facts is priceless.
You're welcome. If you want more info for your debates, see the videos, links, and info here:
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/
Thank you, Dr. Dave.
Had a guy at a bar want to play "real" pool, but couldn't tell me which rules he wanted to play under.
He probably meant "bar rules:"
czcams.com/video/x8sI73wlyoM/video.html
😆
“Real” pool to them means any shot they make, no questions get asked, but if it’s your shot, you’d better call every last detail of it like you’re playing a game of H.O.R.S.E. or something 😂
@@johnkraft6053 I like it. HORSE pool.
This taught me more about pool in five minutes than I’ve learned from any “bar rules/house rules“ players in my lifetime.
As someone who plays official rules with pretty much every activity I do, I am very appreciative of this.
Standardized rules make so much more sense to men than to have to remember multiple “house” rules, and/or argue over what rules apply.
Kudos to you 🙏
I'm glad you liked it. Please share it with others, especially those in need of "education."
I plan on it!
I have some questions:
1. For non-kick shots that aren’t made, does the object ball have to be driven to the cushion, or can it be any ball (including the cue ball), so as to avoid a penalty?
2. Does a safety have to drive a ball into a cushion?
3. If the 8 ball is sunk on a break, and the player chooses to replace it, but there’s a ball already on the spot, where does the 8 ball get placed? Or does the player forfeit that option, and must re-break?
4. Can the cue ball make contact with the top of the rail, and come back into play? And if not, and balls are sunk, is it just ball-in-hand, or do you have to replace those sunk balls, and if so, where on the table do you replace them?
5. Can you end the game on a combo, making your final ball first, and then sinking the 8 ball in a pre-called pocket?
1. any ball
2. yes
3. as close as possible to the spot on a line beneath the spot
4. yes
5. no
FYI, these and all rules questions are answered here (especially at the WPA link):
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/
@@DrDaveBilliards thanks so much for the answers, and the link!
@@reedr7142 You're very welcome.
@8:20 "scratch behind the balls" I'm so childish 😅😂
You're appreciated. Can't tell you how many people I make put your channel in their subbed section on CZcams, I literally watch and make them look it up on the spot. At least 50 at this point. The amount of knowledge on this channel is purely unparalleled. Thank you so so much Dave.
I'm glad to hear it. You're welcome. Please continue to help spread the good word.
I couldn't agree more!
I keep finding myself getting into bar fights because when I win the table, I play how my dad taught me. This video just confirmed that I am absolutely correct about how to properly play pool
Pool is not always played "properly" in most bars. If you want to also learn how to play under their rules (and take advantage of their silly rules), see the video and info here:
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/bar-rules
Thank you! You articulated my argument against bar rules in the first 45 seconds. I'm going to watch that next, but this is a must share.
You're welcome. Share away! Thanks.
I literally learn something every time I watch one of your videos. You are a scholar and a gentleman, something this game could always benefit from.💯
I'm glad to hear it. Thank you for your kind words.
Thank you. So much. Explained these basic rules so often. Nice to have illustration. Might save a portion of my life force
Please share the video with people who need it. There are many who do.
Yessir. Thanks Dr Dave
Yep. You're welcome.
This is the best video so far! All the rules are explained! Thank you, it saved me from an argument with friends!
Could you also do the rules of black ball/English pool? I noticed people in bars are messing the rules of the 2 games!
I have never played Black Ball / English Pool, so I'm probably not the best person to do a video on the rules for that game. Sorry.
So the next video needs to be how to convince a bar full of drunk bikers to play real 8 ball rules instead of bar rules.
Sorry, but I can't help with that. They can use whatever version of "bar rules" they want to use, even if it changes mid-game when they are losing. :)
Finally! WPA Rules so that everyone understands! 🙂
By the way, I have 2 questions:
1. What happens when someone pockets their called ball (example solids) but a stripe went in as well? (this is after the break). 🤔
2. Does the 1-ball always go at the front when racking? Because I just put any ball as the head ball, the 8 in the middle and the two corner ball being opposite sets. 🤔
I'm glad you liked the video.
1. If you hit one of your balls first and pocket the called ball, nothing else matters (assuming you don't foul or pocket the 8 by mistake).
2. No. See the "CORRECTION" in the video description or pinned comment.
THANK YOU!
You're welcome. I aim to swerve. :)
@@DrDaveBilliards
and apparently dad joke as well
Hey Dr. Dave, great and a helpful video as always! Did I get it right, that if I call a safety play, the opponent goes next at the table after my shot, even though I may have pocketed my ball(s)?
Yep, just like with the example in the video.
Thank you Dr.Dave .
-What happens if you put a Cue ball into the pocket or if its jump out of the table after the break ?
Do you get a ball in the hand or do you get two shots from behind the baulk line?
Under the “official rules of pool,” a scratch on the break gives your opponent ball in hand in the kitchen, nothing more.
It’s been 4months now since our boss decided to buy a table for the workers… in the first few months I’ve been raining champion 😂… the problem is… they are catching upto me and I don’t want to lose my title of “champion” .. it’s all I got..🤣🤣so here I am learning how to play 9ball so I can teach them😂😂… your video is so clear I luv it.. keep it up
Here’s the 9-Ball video:
czcams.com/video/WAr0maE00qA/video.html
Enjoy!
I stopped playing "bar rules" some 20 odd years ago because the official rules make it more of a gentleman's game, whereas bar rules are quite easily exploitable by people who want to play dirty just to get an advantage.
Too many times I've seen something like this happen: player 1 still has balls to shoot at, player 2 is just down to the 8 ball. 8 ball is deep in the kitchen, player 1 intentionally pockets the cue ball if they don't have an easy shot and tells player 2 that they have to place the cue ball on the head string and can only shoot forward.
Exactly. I do this to people who want to play kitchen to explain to them how fucking stupid it is. Then the worst is when they say "well, you cant INTENTIONALY scratch". well guess what, I didn't intentionally scratch and there is literally no way to prove it, so get better rules chump.
What happens if you make a ball on the break, choose solids and then fail to make your shot? Does your choice stand or is the table still open. Love your videos. Bought your book and a copy for a friend. Also got the aiming with side spin video.
Your choice is not made until somebody pockets a called shot.
@DrDaveBilliards , is it a foul if the object ball does not touch a rail but the cue ball is driven to a rail? (Example: a very sharp cut on object ball that does not quite pocket.) Thanks in advance...
It is not a foul if the CB gets to a rail after contacting the OB.
I like how the title is in quotation marks because no one goes behind the kitchen no more after scratch on the break they just put it anywhere to run or break the balls. The last known tournament I saw using behind the kitchen rules was that 1994 9 ball tournament match between Mike Siegel and Nick Varner but even then and before that the behind the kitchen rule for ball in hand wasn't in effect
In 8-ball, only CSI rules allows BIH anywhere on the table after the break. This video is not about 9-ball.
Here in Costa Rica we play a variant of 8 ball where you have to pocket the 1 ball in a designated side pocket if you have solids, the opponent must pocket the 15 ball in the opposite side pocket
You must restore your opponent 1 or 15 ball position if you move it while playing and if you shoot the 1 or 15 you don't have to hit a rail since you may want to just leave it near it's pocket
It's a pretty challenging game since you not only have to pocket all of your balls to hit the 8, some play it with more restrictions like you can't carom or make a combination while pocketing the 1 and 15 and you can only touch the 8 ball when you play it, even if you pocket the 8 and then touch another ball you loose the game since you are using that ball to stop the cue ball
It's like you have to make the 8 ball as clean as possible
That rule often applies to the 1 and 15 ball
That makes the game more challenging and fun if you play with a good opponent
Also it means you get more than one shot at the table and that's nice
That's a common variation played by some in the US also (especially in the past).
@@DrDaveBilliards ohh nice, I guess it came down here from the US
Great video
Thanks.
Thank you very much! Could you also do a rules video on straight pool?❤️🙏🏼
I’ve done one straight pool video:
STRAIGHT POOL Strategy and “Run Your Age” Challenges
czcams.com/video/BgBiT4yVeJw/video.html
I don’t have plans to do more, but “Shortstop on Pool” has lots of good straight pool content.
One day I’ll be able to convince my friends scratching on the 8 ball isn’t a loss unless you also pocket the 8
That’s easy. The opponent always gets ball in hand after a scratch (on any shot), and the game is always over only when the 8 is pocketed (intentionally or not).
Thx for this.
Yw
Hey quick help! So if I make a ball on the break, can I elect then and there either stripes or solids. If I pick one it becomes “mine” for the rest of the game (even if I don’t make a follow up shot after the break)?
The table is open after the break. Stripes or solids are claimed only after somebody pockets a called ball. FYI, all rules are covered in detail here:
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/
too many rules, I'm going to the bar...
… just be ready for the “whims” of “bar rules:”
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/bar-rules
Does the solid have to be on the left bottom corner and stripes be on the right bottom corner? Or can it be vice versa?
It doesn't matter.
nice job!
Thanks. I’m glad you liked it.
Very well done; informative and concise. When I read George Fels 'Mastering Pool' in '84 weren't the BCA rules headstring(kichen) on all fouls in 8? Maybe it was Martin's 99; had the rules written in the back. Now the difficulties are not simply confusion nor ignorance but how to build a game. For example, someone whom shoots @ everthing, am going to negotiate call pocket in 9, and if someone gives me the breaks, will try and legislate 2-foul roll-out w/ break scratches in kitchen. Will not play 8 on a bar-box unless they play 'open' after; and try to get the breaks, or one can be relegated to some twisted form of break-out. Finally, America has fallen to a vulgar state of League Bangerism, thusly rules are the least of ones worries. Thank you for the refresher, I needed it.
Thank you, and you’re welcome.
Great video! I'd say most of this makes sense from a casual perspective, like I play at bars and at my parents house but not in leagues and we've been trying to play more closely to the official rules. However, I think that the double hit foul doesn't make sense for casual. I feel like it would be difficult to watch every shot to see how the cue ball follows and determine on the fly if it didn't follow exactly like it should have. Plus we aren't good enough to not accidentally double hit some games. Just my 2 cents, but that's also official rules so not like I fault you for including it and advocating for it.
Agreed. That's why "anything goes" in "bar rules:"
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/bar-rules/
See:
czcams.com/video/x8sI73wlyoM/video.html
Hi Dr Dave, what if when i hit the object ball and it doesnt hit the rail, but the cue ball hit the rail? I believe thtis is not a foul right? And is it the same for 8 ball / 9 ball / 10 ball? Very much thanks
Correct anything (CB or any OB) can hit a rail after ball contact for a shot to be legal, in 8-ball, 9-ball, and 10-ball.
This is awesome Dr Dave it was only 13 days ago I proposed this video! Thanks for the quick response!
You're welcome. I aim to swerve. :)
Instructions unclear now I have glass shards souvenir from a local pub
Next time, play stupid “bar rules” instead:
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/bar-rules
Just be sure to not play “dirty.” :)
thank you for the great video!
im still a little bit unsure about the following though:
what happens when you pocket the called ball in a wrong pocket or you dont pocket it at all, but another ball.. like that is not a foul ?
the way i understand it after watching your video is, that pocketing a called ball gives you the right to continue playing. randomly pocketing balls (yours or the opponents) is not a foul it just ends your streak. is that correct ?
Correct. A miss of a called ball ends your turn.
@@DrDaveBilliards perfect, thanks
Hey dr. Dave. A question here. So if i attempt to make a “two way shot” and i call a safety but also pot my ball… do i lose my turn? And is it better in such situation to just call the shot instead?
If you call a safety, your opponent shoots next regardless of what happens. If you are playing a two-way shot, you should call the shot (to pocket the ball) instead.
Doctor, I have a question. Since in ten ball the pocket must be culled, can I do like what you explained 9:29 in ten ball as well?
Oh maybe my opponent can get me back to the table
See Section 9.6 here:
wpapool.com/rules-of-play/#Ten-Ball
These are the rules I try to get everyone to play by at the bar when I can (so far so good) with a couple modifications - I like to play the 8 on the break as a win (and of course the 8 + scratch being a loss). But I've also been playing ball in hand anywhere on the table after a scratch on the break so I had a couple questions:
What is the WPA ruling for 8-ball + Foul on the break?
Where did I get this ball in hand rule from? I thought it came from my time playing BCA - but it seems like BCA has the same rule as WPA. Was there a temporary change in BCA rules that switched back or did I maybe play a stray season at a place with this as a house rule?
A foul on the break gives the spot/re-rack option to the opponent.
BIH anywhere on the table after the break is in CSI/BCAPL/USAPL leagues only.
TIL - I would have never realized that there were two separate entities: BCA and BCAPL! I must have played BCA in one place and BCAPL in another and thought I was playing the same format with a sudden rule change! Thanks for the clarification! That was wild to look into. Explains why the guy that agreed to play by BCA rules was correcting me when I took the BIH mid table, and I was confused as heck. @@DrDaveBilliards
From the UK, a few questions.
Is 8 ball only ever played on (what appears in this video to be) a 9 ball table in the US? In the UK we do have those larger tables in pool/snooker bars but we would only really play 9 ball on them. For 8 ball we play on 6x3ft tables with far smaller pockets. In other words, the object ball would never go into the pocket if it makes contact with the rail first, it would have to at least bounce off of the curve of the pocket... even then it might not go in!
Is 8 ball only ever played with solid and stiped balls? In the UK we pretty much exclusively use red and yellow balls (the 8 ball is identical to the ball in the video though).
What are the small white hoop like marks on the baize of the table in the video?
In the US, most 8-ball is played on 7' "bar boxes" (small tables found mostly in bars and some pool halls).
Concerning the "little white donuts," see:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/training/teaching/
@@DrDaveBilliardsCheers!
Exemplary uploads as always for billiards, no one does it quite like you DrDave.
Thanks. I'm glad you think so.
Hi Dr Dave, question. If your object ball accidentally kisses a ball before it goes in its obvious pocket, do you continue or is it the next players turn. As it may not be obvious if you intended on combo or clean shot.
If you call the shot (which you should if there is any possible doubt) or if the chosen ball and pocket are obvious, it doesn’t matter how the ball enters the pocket.
@@DrDaveBilliards I appreciate the response!
@@anthonysgroi7056 You're welcome. I aim to swerve. :)
My Friend and I had a discussion, maybe u can help us out here? If you hit a stripe on to a solids ball, and you pocket first the stripe, then the solid ball, Which ball do I need to take, the ball that I first pocket, or is the rule the ball that I needed to call (in this situation the solid ball)?
You need to call the ball and pocket. If the called ball goes, nothing else matters.
Dr. Dave,
1) What happens if during a shot the cue ball goes up on the edge of the billiard table and returns to the playing table pocketing a regularly declared ball?
2) What happens if during a shot the declared ball goes up on the edge of the billiard table and returns to the playing table and goes into a pocket?
3 What happens if I declare a ball in a pocket and instead the ball goes into another pocket?
Thanks
1 and 2) Legal shot, unless the ball hits something on the rail like a piece of chalk.
3) loss of turn, ball stays down.
I also wanted to know:
Stripe player's turn, his last ball is at the edge of a pocket, surrounding by solid balls, if he touches the solids, it's a foul right? Even if he is kinda "forced" to it
He is not forced to hit into the stripes. He can play an intentional foul away from the balls and let his opponent (solids) address the problem. If neither player wants to address the problems, a stalemate can be called for a re-break.
8:00 wouldn't top spin allow you to pot both balls as the white starts rolling on its own?
That is possible theoretically, but it would be extremely difficult. Try it (without a double hit).
Dr. Dave, I have a question, when you mention at 3:00 that for a shot to be legal, if nothing is pocketed, a ball must be driven to a cushion after object ball contact. If after a shot, an object ball is not driven to a cushion but the cue ball is, is that considered a foul?
No. A ball (any ball, including the CB) needs to be driven to a cushion after ball contact.
@@DrDaveBilliards Thank you very much, Dr. Dave. Your videos are very helpful.
@@grandtheftautocj You're welcome. I'm glad to hear it.
I have a question Sir, can you enlighten me about 6.16"Ball Rack Template Foul" in WPA Rules?
If a racking template (thin piece of plastic or paper with holes, placed under the racked balls to ensure a tight rack) is removed from the table after a break, it should not be placed on a rail hanging over the playing surface, where it could interfere with a moving ball. For. Ore info, see:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/racking/tight/
thank you Sir
@@harunalean7615 You're welcome.
Another rule that came up in a league match i attended recently:
A player hit the 8 into the 3 for a combo on an open table. He asumed you can use the 8 for combos on an open table but thats a foul! hitting the 8 first while there are still balls of both categories on the table is a foul even if the table is still open.
That is allowed under VNEA rules, but not under the official rules of pool.
@@DrDaveBilliardsI'm having trouble figuring out if APA rules would allow it or not.
@@drewsalvigsen6171 All league rule differences, and links to all official league rules, can be found here:
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/rule-differences/
@@DrDaveBilliards thanks!
Question: On the break, 2 solids and 1 stripe drop in the pocket, but when I call my next shot it doesn't go in the pocket. Can I call my group at that point or is the table open for my opponent to call a pocket and select a group?
The table is “open” until somebody pockets a called ball without a foul.
@@DrDaveBilliards - Thanks Dave. A follow-on question. Let's say the opponent pockets a called ball without a foul, so then does that person have to select that ball's group (e.g. solid) or can the opposite group be selected?
@@gregkisinger9142 There is no choice. Legally pocketing the first called ball determines the group (the group pocketed). FYI, all detailed rules can be found here:
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/
In my attempt to make a fair rack, I settled on this. Starting at the 1, in latitude order:
1 9,2 3,8,10 11,4,12,5 13,6,14,15,7
If you saw a rack like that, would it bother you?
The bottom right corner does have a 4 pack of stripes, but solids has a similar pack as well.
It seems to me the optimal way to rack them; but am I missing something?
Actually, you are not allowed to "pattern rack." The balls must be placed randomly (except for the 8 in the middle and the solid and stripe on the bottom corners). For more info, see:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/pattern/
Having said that, it wouldn't bother me unless you were getting some sort of advantage from the pattern.
Thank you sir, I didn't look at it that way.
My additional reasoning to do it, was to try and recognize where the balls end up off break from repeated play, knowing where they started, and the understanding of just how the physics work.
That's what keeps me coming back, the table, and the physics.
Being 8 ball, unless you stipulate to pocket the balls in order, it doesn't matter what the number is, but what suit it is.
Even then, stripes, solids, they're set the same.
@3:16, this rule I'm happy isn't included in bar rules. Trying to explain this one to a drunk person not used to it sounds like it could be a challenge in itself.
“Bar rules” are far from ideal also. See:
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/bar-rules
I LOVE your full videos. Keep up the great work. I've learned tons from them. But I also want to take this opportunity to say I don't like the shorts you've been making: they look like they were done with a cell phone so the field of view is smaller, they don't display right in a laptop browser only in a cell phone, and since they're short they don't give you the in depth knowledge the full videos do. Just trying to be constructive here. Again, I LOVE the full videos.
Honestly, I don’t like the “shorts” either. I’m all about “long.” But many people (especially young people) view videos only on their phone, and many of those people have short attention spans. The shorts are for them.
Thank u for this. I live in a small town where we just started a weekly tournament and some players that know the rules have already claimed they are never coming back. I'm gonna show the person running the tournament this video. Thanks again...
I hope the video helps convince they to "modernize."
In my league, which closely follows ISPA rules, if you move a ball it is not a foul unless it inferes with the "path of the game"... 🤷🏽♂️ any thoughts on that?
That’s a common league rule variation called “CB fouls only.” I think it is appropriate for many leagues, but it is not the official rules of pool.
Yep, CB fouls only. Love your vids, easily communicated knowledge!
@@human_3978 I’m glad you like my stuff. Please help spread the word.
I love playing pool with friends, but by god, I hate it when they try to soften the rules for themselves or tell me "This rule is dumb!" because they don't understand its purpose. The "You have to hit your ball first" and the "One ball has to hit the rail after contacting the object ball" rules seem particularly hard to understand.
Hitting one of your balls first is hard to understand?!
@@DrDaveBilliards Oh wait, that sounded completely wrong 🤣. I meant that the purpose of certain rules like these often elude beginners. So they would often say stuff like: "Why shouldn't I be able to use the opponent's balls for an easy combination shot? This rule is dumb!" And that's when they come up with their own simplified rule set which becomes a complete mess and kills the game.
@Elite7555 But under official rules, you are allowed to use opponent balls in combos and kisses. I agree that made-up “bar rules” are “a mess:”
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/bar-rules
I have a question, this situation came up the other night while playin 8-ball. We play WPA rules for context. My friend shot his ball and the ball stopped right on the edge of the corner pocket. it was my shot which I had to shoot from the rail. I went down on the table to aim and then his ball fell into the pocket. I would say atleast 5-10 seconds passed until I went down for my shot. he claimed that it was still his turn and I said it wasnt. We went back and fourth and I just let him shoot haha. My question is this, if that ball falls in from me getting down on the table to aim, does he shoot again? or is it still my turn since the ball fell in after I went down on the table to shoot? Would that ball be spotted back in its original spot on the edge, or would it be spotted on the dot? Thanks!
See Section 8.3 here:
wpapool.com/rules-of-play/
@@DrDaveBilliards Thank you sir! This helped alot!
@@aleks83542 You're welcome.
Is it a foul when you hit an object ball off table ? Thankss
Yes, or the cue ball. Ball in hand for the opponent.
Dr. Dave Again you don't understand my wording... If you can stop one bar fight with your video, You are doing a good thing... Rules...
I hope my video helps save the world. :)
Yes, keep up the good work, Please...
Hello there! I have a question.
Let’s say I have the first shot after the break. Can I choose solids or stripes using 8ball first ???
For example: cue ball touching 8ball and after potting a solid ??? Or by combination using again 8ball first???
I am almost sure this is a bar rule but I would like your “lights” about this . Thanks ✌️✌️✌️
Under the WPA official rules, you must hit a solid or stripe first for a legal shot.
@@DrDaveBilliards yes you’re right.
8 ball is a solid ball . If there is no exception especially for the 8 ball , am i able to hit it first???
@@giwrgossoiles3536 The 8 is not a "solid" or a "stripe." It is the "game ball." The "solids" are balls 1-7. You are allowed to hit the 8 first only on the last shot of the game.
@@DrDaveBilliards You are concrete!!! Thanks a lot!!!💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼🎱🎱🎱
@@giwrgossoiles3536 That's the good thing about the "official rules." If you know them, you are always correct. FYI, all detailed rule information can be found here:
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/
Let's say I pot something on the break, but also scratch. It is now my opponent's turn with ball in hand in the kitchen, table still open. He pots a solid but also scratches. It is now my turn with ball in hand, but is the table still open at that point, or is he solids even though his solid was an illegal pot?
The table is open until somebody pockets a called ball with a legal shot (no scratch or other foul).
That's what I thought, thank you. So in theory, could you end up in a situation where the table is still open but only the 8 ball remains, if every single pot made til then was also a foul? @@DrDaveBilliards
@@AlbinKukkolaSettervik It is possible, but not very likely. But the first legal shot of the game could be the 8 for the win (if all of one group is already gone).
Question: if you pocket the 8 ball in a different pocket from the one called, what happens?
@DrDaveBilliards Can you clarify? I'm on the 8 ball. I call the side pocket. It ends up in the other side pocket. Do I lose? Does the 8 ball get spotted and my opponent shoots next? Something else?
@@BrianPapocchia Sorry for the confusion. I deleted my previous inaccurate post. If you pocket the 8 in the wrong pocket, it is loss of game. FYI, all detailed rules can be found here:
wpapool.com/rules-of-play/
My house rules are exactly the official rules except the accidental hit. For novice players or intoxicated players.
What happened to ball in hand after scratch on break?
That official rule has not changed in a long time. A scratch on the break gives the opponent ball in hand in the kitchen. In CSI leagues and tournaments, the opponent gets ball in hand anywhere on the entire table. See:
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/rule-differences
What happens if opponent,
makes the cue ball fly off the table and land on the floor?
Makes any ball, his or his opponent's, fly off the table and land on the floor?
Thanks.
Under the "official rules" of pool, it is a foul if any ball is driven off the table. Opponent gets ball in hand. Object balls are treated as if they were pocketed.
@DrDaveBilliards hold on...if you scratch on the break it's ball in hand in the kitchen?? I thought it was ball in hand anywhere on the table. All the tournaments that play BCA rules around here it's ball in hand anywhere, and Iveseen matches on TV put it anywhere. Can you account for this discrepancy? Thank you, absolutely love your videos!
Only CSI/BCAPL/USAPL leagues and tournaments allow ball in hand anywhere on the table after a scratch on the break.
See:
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/rule-differences/
What is the rule if I use my ball to pocket my opponent's ball? Is it his turn or mine?
Can you do a video on how to legally perform a safety. This not a request for the safety strategy or how to cleverly use it (those vids exist) but what are the rules for it? For example, do I have to drive a ball to a cushion or even hit my own ball first if I call safety?
If you don’t pocket one of your balls (that you call), you lose your turn. The rules for a safety are the same as with any other shot. You need to contact one of your balls first, and something (CB or any OB) must be driven to a cushion after ball contact. Lots of examples can be found here:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/safety/examples/
On the topic of official rules, is there any difference between 9 ball and 10 ball officially? I can't seem to think of a difference in how it's played when I play it with my grandfather, other than the additional ball
They are different. See:
wpapool.com/rules-of-play/#Ten-Ball
See the rules that Dave linked in his answer. But the short version is that 10-ball is call shot, ball and pocket, whereas 9-ball is not. Which means you can fluke balls in 9-ball but it's extremely rare in 10-ball, since you have to fluke the called ball in the called pocket - so not impossible.
@@jonasbygden It took me a long time to notice it, but I did eventually catch on that part, though I couldn't see if there was more to it. That's pretty nifty, I actually thought 9 ball was also a call shot game, but I was wrong
I think 'which rules are better' is entirely dependent on the context of the game being played.
If I'm drinking at the corner bar and playing a casual game with one of the regulars, and they call a foul for an inadvertent, inconsequential ball touch, I'm probably going to just lose the game on my next shot, decline another game and never play pool with that person again. If it's a crowded bar with a 45-minute wait list for the table, then yeah, I get it. I still hate it, but I get it.
I think a lot of it comes down to my interpretation of sportsmanship. I think bar rules are quite suited for casual games, but not suited or balanced for higher level of pool; I think that the 'official rules' are necessary for competitive play, but can come off as poor taste in casual games. I like bar rules, but if I felt like my opponent is being exploitive to the point that I feel that 'the official rules' are necessary, I'd rather just not play that opponent any more. If I were playing in a league, well, that is a different story.
Good points.
When friends come over, I’m going to make them watch this 😂.
I hope it helps. :)
I think the only ones where there's confusion (and I recently "lost" a game cause this girl insisted scratch on 8 is a loss)... is rules surrounding the 8 ball: Hit 8 in early-- Loss. Scratch on 8-- NOT a loss unless the 8 goes in. Seems like most people these days play ball in hand. And call your shot. Maybe just make it clear you only have to call ball and pocket. (And no one really should be calling double hits in friendly pool. At times it's very hard to know if it was a double hit or not, and trying to explain to people the physics of what the cue ball should have done would be impossible with casual pool players. I also probably would call if their sleeve touched the ball, etc. Just move the ball back two inches.. it was an accident)
@@urwholefamilydied “CB fouls only” is a common rules variation in American league systems, where if you bump a ball by accident, your opponent has the right to restore any moved balls (assuming the over balls didn’t interfere with a shot).
Hey, Dave! Nice breakdown. But, you forgot to mention combinations on 8 ball... e.g. combinations using 8 ball is legal, but not on open table...
They are lots of things I didn't mention. That's what the rules documents linked in the video description are for. As long as you hit one of your balls first (or a stripe or solid first when the table is open), nothing else matters. So the 8 can be used in the middle of combos and kisses.
Does the 1-ball really have to be at the peak of the triangle?
In the official WPA-rules it only says that "the apex ball on the footspot" and that the lower corners has to be one of each...
Good catch. That was a mistake. I should have said "the top ball" instead of the "1 ball" (which happened to be at the top).
@@DrDaveBilliards we all make mistakes, this was rather benign - since many actually believe that what you said is what the rules say as well.
Love your videos, keep up the good work!
@@jonasbygden Even people who know the rules usually out the 1 in front. It is just customary (and habit).
The ball at the top can be a solid or a stripe as evidenced in the World 8 ball final 2023 with Shane vs Sanjin
@@buffclops The only “evidence” we need is the rule. See 3.2 here:
wpapool.com/rules/
Hi Dr. Dave! What happens if I call the 8 ball and I miss it? Do I loose? The other player continues playing his balls? The other player takes ball in hand?
A miss on the 8 is just like any other miss. Your just lose your turn.
@@DrDaveBilliards Thank you very much!
Could you please explain why the "safety" shot at 9:20 would not be ruled a foul? No numbered balls made contact with a cushion. Are you allowed to foul in such a way if you call for a "safety" without the opponent getting ball in hand?
The CB hit the rail after hitting the OB, so the shot is legal. The only requirement is that something (the CB or any OB) must be driven to a cushion after legal OB contact.
@@DrDaveBilliards Oh ok. I for some reason thought it had to be only an object ball that touched the cushion, I didn't know the cue ball counted. Good to know, thank you.
@@lucydog3376 You’re welcome. FYU, all rule details can be found here:
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/
After the break, if the table is open and I pocket a solid and a stripe, does that mean the table is still open for my next shot?
If you pocket a called ball, the table is no longer open. It doesn’t matter what else you might pocket on a called shot (unless it is the 8, in which case you would lose).
Double hit fouls are a little confusing. Is it a foul because you intentionally or unintentionally touch the cue ball twice? I’ve noticed that on some of the shots I make, the cue ball reacts in the ways that he said were signs of a double hit but I never felt like my cue touched the ball twice. If that makes sense.
It is impossible to feel or hear most double hit fouls, but the motion of the CB is a dead giveaway. Maybe watch that section of the video again (starting at 4:50). I also have much more info and many more videos on this topic here:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/foul/double-hit/
@1:11 you state that the 1-ball has to be on the spot. I've never read any rules that require any specific ball to be on the spot in 8-ball. As far as I'm aware, the 1-ball is only required on the spot in rotation games. You don't even have to have a solid ball on the spot in 8-ball. It can be a stripe, because it doesn't affect anything regarding how the game is played. (8-ball in the center of the rack and one stripe and one solid on the bottom corners... it doesn't matter which side is which). Though I haven' read the WPA rules, I have read the CSI/BCA rules and the APA rules. If the WPA rules state that the one has to be racked on the spot, I would be very surprised as it shouldn't matter. The only ball that cannot be the head ball in 8-ball is the 8-ball itself because it has to be in the center of the rack.
See the “CORRECTION” in the video description or pinned comment.
What if i pocket black in the same move as i pocket the last color and the black pockets last? Is this a lost game?
Yes. Under the WPA official rules of pool, the 8-ball must be pocketed on the shot after the last stripe or solid is pocketed.
What is exactly the foul for inadvertent touch on a shot… I assume it’s loss of turn and ball in hand but if I pocketed a ball it stays down?
It is the same as with any other foul. Loss of turn and BIH to opponent.
Do you replace moved balls or leave them in their new positions
Once I learned BCA rules, I couldn't go back to bar rules. I hate playing with them now, and I'm not even that good yet!
After most people learn the official rules of pool, “bar rules” seem ridiculous:
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/bar-rules
One more question...if you have only the 8ball you pot it and also the cue ball is poted it's a foul or a loss of game?
Also if again you have only the 8ball and the cue ball is poted it is a foul or you loose?
@@kostastsingistras6699 If you scratch when shooting the 8-ball, you lose. FYI, all detailed rules can be found via the links here:
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/
@@DrDaveBilliards thanks a lot!
@@kostastsingistras6699 You're welcome. I aim to swerve. :)
Well, now I know. Last time I jumped into the pool and got thrown out of the bar.
That must be a nice bar if it has a pool. :)
I am not sure what rules we play here in Africa but for a foul we have 2 shots but ball is optional in hand and also if we choose ball in hand the white has to be place anywhere in the kitchen.
Also, the rule for white contacting your balls means you can't hit the same ball first even if you don't double hit, if the white ball causes movement of the contacted ball its a foul, therefore 2 options you could either hit just the cution/target a different ball. If white is in contact with openent ball we usually say you need to find or hit your ball and your oponent ball should not move/be touch in the process of doing so.
Lastly, we dont call bank shots, and safety shots
What you describe is definitely WPA rules, which are the international standard for pool.
Great official rules style.
Just to reinerate....
Also a foul if a double hit or triple hit of the cue ball happens from a back spin recontact once the cue ball is double hit or more.
Thanks so much for those terms.🎱
Also calling 8ball in off the break is automatic win.😎
Actually, scooping under the ball (often resulting in secondary hits) is not a foul if it is unintentional. See:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/foul/scoop/
@@jonathansantos2271 Under the WPA official rules, pocketing the 8 on the break is not a win. See that section of the video again. Things are different under “bar rules:”
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/bar-rules
@@jonathansantos2271 FYI, more videos dealing with rules and fouls can be found here:
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/foul/
Enjoy!
Of course if you make the 8 ball off the break from calling it going in on any pocket. Should be a automatic win.
Thanks for the official rules ways.
When you called safety the first time no ball hit a cushion yet you said it was a foul but you did not call it so which is it please
If nothing is driven to a cushion after contact, it doesn’t matter what you called. It is still a foul. Please post the MM:SS time at the shots in question so I can look at them and respond better.
Great, thanks. Can make the same video for 9-ball?
I will add it to my list. But 9-ball rules are very simple. You just need to hit the lowest number ball first; and if anything goes in anywhere, you keep shooting. Anytime the 9 drops, you win. Any foul results in BIH anywhere on the table (even after the break). And you have the option ot "push out" after the break. For more info, see the videos, handouts, links, and other info here:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/game/9-ball/
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/foul/
billiards.colostate.edu/resource_files/rules_summary.pdf
@@DrDaveBilliards Thanks, you delivered!
@@DanielBlomqvist You’re welcome. I’m glad you and others suggested it.
For those interested,
HOW TO PLAY 9-BALL - The “Official Rules” of Pool:
czcams.com/video/WAr0maE00qA/video.html
Question: Wasn't Efron's Z-shot a product of his pocketing a ball on a safety? Why did he have to take the next shot?
In 9-ball, any ball pocketed continues your turn, even slop. Efren’s Z-shot was in a 9-ball match.
@@DrDaveBilliards In your video, you have an example where a safety is called. You say that even though your ball went down, because you called safety, your turn is over. Did I mishear?
@@BrianPapocchia Slop counts only in 9-ball. Under official 8-ball rules, you are allowed to call a safety before a shot, in which case your opponent shoots next (regardless of what happens on your shot).
Could you tell me what the size of this table is please?
9’
Ivan Simonis 920 cloth , my favorite
The cloth in the video is 860HR.
@@DrDaveBilliards I went with the 9 ball cloth , slightly faster
Dr. Dave, what happen if my opponent pocket his last ball, but also make black ball after that?
The 8 must be pocketed on its own as the final shot of the game.
Dr. Dave I just watched shane make the 1 on the break 10 times in a row in 9 ball and preceeded to run out every rack in a race to 10.
Do you feel the ability to pocket the 1 every single time needs fixed?
@@jwkoreaguy I think the current 9-on-the-spot break-from-the-spot requirements are sufficient. It is challenging and requires lots of skill to pocket the 1 every time and control the CB, without scratching.
Great video, especially for beginners.
I want to add that I think all types of jump shots and masse shots must be declared. Also, the positions where the object ball can easily be sent towards different (2 or more) pockets must be declared, because noone (referee, opponent etc.) can know the real purpose of the shot before the shot is made, except the shooter.
With these type of shots, shooters often fall to the misconception that the shot is obvious, since it is obvious for them, but only the shooter have the position to see the true angles of the shot and all other people can only guess.
Good points.
Is the ‘calling safety’ rule new? If not, the scenario for Efren’s Z shot would've never happened right?
It's not new, however it doesn't apply to 9 ball. Because shots aren't called, if you pocket any ball on a legal you must keep shooting. Push out is an exception.
@@fullonbatshit9428 Good answer.
Interesting. Our local league here plays with a mix of bar rules and official rules then.
- The balls are racked with a full ball in all 3 corners. The "1" needs to be at the top.
- Stating the ball and the pocket is enough, like in the official rules
- You only ever get ball in hand as a result of a foul. A foul only happens if you intentionally directly play the white into a pocket without other ball contact, or if you play another ball by hitting the "8" first. Which also means that whenever the white falls by accident or in another similar situation, it is never ball in hand for the opponent; he only gets to place it somewhere on the 2nd diamond line, not freely on the table.
- You always have to nominate a pocket and ball you're playing, even if you're intending to play a safety. Any safety needs to at least _look like_ an effort to pot a ball, making actual safeties much harder. They're also shunned to some degree.
- At the start of the game, the first ball needs to be played by either hitting it directly or playing a combo through another ball of its type. You're only allowed to play an opponent's ball by hitting a cushion or one of your own balls first.
And there's a few more differences. The whole "it's a foul if no ball moves towards a cushion" is a weird official rule that any bar player would tell you is complete nonsense. I'm glad that bar rules don't have that. I'm playing in a small German city that has produced an unproportionally high number of German and European champions and still have never once heard any of them advocate for rule changes along these lines.
ok so by your rules I can just easily tap the que ball into an extremely defensive position that would cause a scratch. now THAT is nonsense. if you are going to play a safety shot, you need to have a little more skill than that.
so I hit my ball first, I get that ..but I also get opponent ball .. in this case, I dont have give up my turn to opponent?
Nope. All that matters if that you hit one of your balls first and pocket the called ball. Nothing else matters (unless you foul or pocket the 8 by mistake). You might be thinking of "bar rules:"
czcams.com/video/x8sI73wlyoM/video.html
@@DrDaveBilliards on this note.. I would like to say thank you to you .. thanks to your videos, my game improved a lot ..specially your strategy videos are amazing ..
I'm glad to hear it. You're welcome.
What happen's if you misspocket the 8ball?
If the 8-ball is pocketed at the wrong time or in the wrong pocket, you lose the game.