Rules for Blackball

8-Ball Pool Rules as defined by the W.E.P.F. (Official Journal, Association No. 0044/1995) and approved by the F.B.E.B.P.

Billards Toulet takes you through the rules of 8-Ball Pool, also known as Blackball. The game is played on a table (playing surface) measuring a minimum of 6 feet by 3 feet and a maximum of 7 feet by 3.5 feet (dimensions taken between cushion faces), with 6 rounded pockets. Discover the different Toulet 8-Ball Pool table models. The game is played with a 1⅞-inch white cue ball (1 inch = 2.54 cm), 7 red balls, 7 yellow balls, and a 2-inch black ball numbered 8.

I – OBJECT OF THE GAME
The game is won by the player or team who, after legally potting all the balls of their group (colour), legally pots the number 8, whether directly or otherwise, in one of the 6 pockets. A player may pot one or more balls of their own group on the same shot, but the black must be potted on its own.

II – START OF PLAY (“THE BREAK”)
The balls are racked in a triangle so that the black is placed on the intersection of the two diagonals. The player who opens the game is decided by a coin toss (or equivalent draw). The winner of the toss may choose to break or require the opponent to do so. In an individual match played over several frames, the roles are reversed for the following frame. In a team match played as 15 single frames, the allocation of the break is not changed. If a player declines the break, the opposing team’s player will have the option of keeping it for the next match. The breaking player may place the cue ball anywhere behind the line. Once the cue ball has been placed on the cloth, the player may reposition it as they wish, provided there is no contact with the tip.
The break is valid if:
the player pots at least one ball, or
at least 4 coloured balls contact a cushion.
Otherwise:
The balls are re-racked. The other player breaks again (under the same rule) and is awarded two visits. If the black ball is potted on the break, even if a foul is committed elsewhere, the balls are re-racked and the same player breaks again. If the cue ball is potted on the break (break otherwise valid), control passes to the opponent, who must place the cue ball behind the line. They are entitled to only one visit. If the cue ball leaves the playing surface (other than by being potted) and remains off the table (without returning on its own), this is a standard foul. If the cue ball, a coloured ball, or the black comes to rest on top of the cushion (i.e. off the playing surface), this is a standard foul.

Exception under the rules of 8-Ball Pool:
On the break, as in the course of play, if the cue ball, a coloured ball, or the black leaves the playing surface by rising up, rolls along the top edge of the cushion only, then falls back and comes to rest on the playing surface, this is not a foul.
In this case:
On the break: if a coloured ball is potted, or if 3 other balls have contacted a cushion, the break is valid.
If the ball that rose and fell back onto the table is then potted: If it is a coloured ball, the player in control keeps the shot.
If it is the cue ball, control passes to the opponent, who must place the cue ball behind the line and is entitled to only one visit.
If it is the black, the frame is replayed.
If, during the course of play, this ball is potted: If it is a coloured ball, the player in control keeps the shot.
If it is the cue ball, the player commits a standard foul.
If it is the black, the player loses the frame.
III – CHOICE OF BALL COLOURS
Under the rules of 8-Ball Pool, once the first player has taken a valid break without potting any ball, the table is declared “open.” The next player may choose their group and may play any group of balls WITHOUT ANNOUNCING it.
On the break, or after the break where control passes but the table remains “open,” if the player in control commits a foul while potting a coloured ball on that shot, the table remains “open.” The next player has the choice of colour: they may play either group, over 2 visits, WITHOUT ANNOUNCING it.
If, on the break, the player has potted one or more balls from different groups, they must declare their choice of colour. Whatever the outcome of their next shot (ball potted or not), that choice is then final.
If, on the break, or on a shot taken to choose a colour, the player has potted one or more balls from the same group, they must inform the referee:
either of their intention to continue with that group — in which case, whatever the outcome of the next shot, the choice becomes final; or
of their intention to play the other group instead. In that case, the player must pot at least one ball from the newly designated group on that shot. If no ball from that group is potted, the opponent takes control with the table “open.”
Taking a shot without clearly and audibly declaring the choice of colour to the referee constitutes a (standard) foul.

IV – A LEGAL SHOT
After the break, on every shot the cue ball must first contact a ball from the group of the player in control, and the player must then either:
pot a ball from their own group, or
cause a ball (red, yellow, or black) or the cue ball to contact a cushion.
If a player strikes a ball from their own group, the black, or a designated ball following a snooker foul, while that ball is touching a cushion (“frozen”), and after the shot no ball (neither the struck ball, the cue ball, the black, nor any ball from either group) contacts a cushion, the shot is not legal.
If, after the shot, a ball that was frozen against the cushion moves slightly away and returns to touch the cushion again at the same point without any other ball having contacted a cushion, the shot is not legal.
If, before the shot, the cue ball and the object ball are both touching the same cushion, a shot that merely pins one or both balls against that same cushion is not legal.
If a player plays an illegal shot, this is a foul. The opponent regains control of the table and is awarded two visits.
However, in the cases described above, if the ball is potted without the cue ball or any other ball making cushion contact, the shot is legal. The player retains control until such time as they fail to pot a ball from their own group or commit a foul.

V – SNOOKERED
A player is snookered:
if they cannot play any ball of their own group in a straight line, from both the right-hand side and the left-hand side of that ball, however fine the possible contact.
if the cue ball is positioned at the mouth of a pocket, and the curved section of that pocket prevents a direct (straight-line) shot, from both the right and the left, however fine the contact, on any ball of their own group.
Such a player is therefore “snookered” but is still required to play a legal shot (except when snookered as a result of the opponent’s foul — see Chapter X, Snooker Fouls).
However, a player cannot be considered snookered by the straight sections of the cushions (a cushion is disregarded when assessing a snooker), nor if a ball of their own group is only partially hidden by the curved section of a cushion (pocket mouth) or by another ball of their own group. Neither of these situations constitutes being “snookered.”

VI – TOTAL SNOOKER
A player is in a state of “total snooker” when every remaining ball of their own group is ENTIRELY blocked from view by one or more balls of the other group and/or the black. If only the black remains for the player and it is ENTIRELY hidden by an opponent’s ball, the player is likewise in “total snooker.”
If a player believes they are in total snooker, they must ask the referee to confirm this. If the referee confirms it, the player is exempt from playing a legal shot. It is then sufficient for them to make contact between the cue ball and a ball of their own group, or the black if that is all that remains, whether via a cushion first or by means of a massé shot.
If, however, the player does not ask the referee to confirm total snooker, they remain obliged to play a legal shot. In that case (the referee not having confirmed total snooker), if the player settles for mere contact, this is a foul and the opponent is awarded two visits.

VII – FOULS IN 8-BALL POOL
There are 5 categories of foul under the rules of 8-Ball Pool:
Standard foul
Non-standard foul
Snooker foul
Serious foul
Loss-of-frame foul
A player can only be penalised for one foul at a time. If two or more fouls are committed on the same shot, the foul carrying the greater penalty is applied.

VIII – STANDARD FOULS IN 8-BALL POOL
Fouls must be called as soon as they are committed; the offending player immediately loses control of the table, and the opponent is awarded two visits.
Failing to make a legal break.
Potting the cue ball (except on the break — see Chapter II, Start of Play, “The Break”).
Striking, with the cue ball, a ball from the other group before having struck a ball from one’s own group.
Failing to play a legal shot.
Potting a ball belonging to the opponent.
Failing to make contact between the cue ball and a ball of one’s own group.
Making first contact with the black while balls from one’s own group remain on the table.
Playing the cue ball and failing to contact any ball.
Touching the cue ball with the tip, while it is positioned behind the line, before taking the shot.
Touching a ball with the body or clothing.
Playing before all the balls have come to rest, or before a ball that has left the table has been put back into play.
Sending any ball off the playing surface (the playing surface being the area of the table bounded by the cushions — see the exception in Chapter II, Start of Play, “The Break”).
If the cue ball leaves and remains off the playing surface, it is placed back behind the line.
If a ball (red, yellow, or black) leaves and remains off the playing surface, it is placed back on, or as close as possible to, the spot (or, if the spot is covered by another ball, as close as possible to that spot along the line running from the spot to the nearest short cushion).
Playing a shot without at least one foot (or part of a foot) on the floor.
Touching the table while not oneself in control.
On the break, or after a foul, if the axis of the cue ball, as placed by the player in control, does not lie behind the line.
Failing to step away from the table within 10 seconds of the end of the visit. A visit ends once all the balls have come to rest.
Failing to announce the choice of group after one or more balls have been potted on the break, or when in a colour-choice situation. (In that case the table remains “open,” and the opponent, taking control, does not have to announce a group either.)
Failing to play away from a frozen ball in the required direction.
Double-hitting the cue ball.
On a “free shot” (see definition), if the player in control, being snookered as a result of the opponent’s foul, fails to nominate the ball (coloured ball or black) they intend to play.
Leaving the playing area without permission. A player who must leave the playing area for reasons beyond their control must request a time-out from the referee.
Talking to a teammate or club member during the match (see Chapter XIV, Assistance).
Any lit or unlit cigarette, or any drink (other than water), present in the playing area.

IX – NON-STANDARD FOULS UNDER THE RULES OF 8-BALL POOL
Non-standard fouls are announced by the referee as “non-standard foul.”
A non-standard foul occurs when the penalty for the player in control and/or the options available to the next player may vary.
Potting the cue ball on a valid break: control passes and the opponent is entitled to only one shot.
Potting, without contact and unintentionally, an opponent’s ball that was balanced on the edge of a pocket: control passes and the opponent is entitled to only one shot.
Should the black be potted under these same circumstances, it is respotted as close as possible to its original position and play continues.
Failing to play within 60 seconds of the balls from the previous shot coming to rest, or within 60 seconds of taking control of the table: control passes and the opponent is awarded two visits, with the option of repositioning the cue ball behind the line.

However, the referee may decide to pause the 60-second count. The count is paused:
at the request of the player in control (if, for example, something is bothering them), or if either player needs to step away from the table;
if the referee has to fetch an accessory requested by the player in control. The count resumes at the referee’s discretion.
The 60-second rule applies in international competition. For practical reasons (suitable equipment and adequately trained match officials), the 60-second rule is not yet mandatory in national events.

However, when a player shows excessive slowness beyond one minute, the referee is entitled to give a first warning. Should the player persist, the referee, after consulting the tournament referee or match director, may call “foul” and award two visits to the opponent. Should it happen a third time, the referee may award the frame to the opponent.

X – SNOOKER FOULS: DEFINITION
Under the rules of 8-Ball Pool, when a player commits a foul on their shot and the following player is left snookered, that player benefits from the “snooker foul” conditions.
If the player believes they qualify for the snooker foul conditions, they must ask the referee for a ruling.
If the referee agrees that a snooker foul applies, the player is awarded two visits, with the following options: play the cue ball from where it came to rest; or
ask the referee to move the cue ball so they may play from behind the line.
If the player chooses the first option — playing from where the cue ball came to rest — they are awarded two visits, the first of which is a free shot, but they must nominate the ball they intend to play: the black (if they wish) or any ball from the opponent’s group. The player must nominate the ball verbally or by gesture. In case of doubt, the referee may ask for further clarification.
If, on that shot, the player pots one or more balls from their own group and/or the nominated ball (other than the black), they continue on their first visit.

Definition — free shot:
The right to play, having announced it to the referee:
a ball from the opponent’s group, which may even be potted; or
the black, without potting it.
If the player chooses the second option — repositioning the cue ball behind the line — they are awarded two visits, but must position the cue ball so as not to be left snookered. If this is not possible, the referee will intervene to require it. If neither the player nor the referee can find a position that avoids a snooker, the player is awarded a free shot on their first visit (as above).
If the player nominates the black and pots it, they lose the frame.
If only the black remains for the player in control and they are snookered on it, they may nominate a ball from the other group. In that case, if both the opponent’s ball and the black are potted, they win the frame; if only the black is potted, they still win the frame.
If, on a snooker foul, the cue ball is in contact with one or more of the opponent’s balls, the player may nominate that ball as the ball of contact.

XI – SERIOUS FOULS IN 8-BALL POOL
Serious fouls under the rules of 8-Ball Pool are announced by the referee as soon as they are committed, declared as “serious foul.”
A serious foul causes the offending player to lose control of the table immediately.
The referee replaces the ball or balls as close as possible to their position before the serious foul and awards the opponent two visits.
Playing, accidentally or deliberately, out of turn: when a player takes a shot when their previous shot did not entitle them to do so.
Touching, deliberately or not, a ball other than the cue ball with the cue or with anything else (any part of the cue, part of the body, or another object).
Touching the cue ball with anything other than the tip (except when repositioning it behind the line).
Causing the cue ball, intentionally or not, to jump over a ball before any contact has been made.
Disrupting play by any verbal comment or gesture.

XII – FOULS RESULTING IN LOSS OF THE FRAME
Committing a foul during, or after, a shot on the black when it is the last ball remaining and it is potted on that shot.
Potting the black while one or more balls of one’s own group remain on the table (except on the break).
Potting the black together with the last ball(s) of one’s own group on the same shot.
Committing two serious fouls in the same frame.
Behaving in an unsportsmanlike manner in the playing area: abusing an opponent, the referee, the tournament referee, organisers, or spectators;
making an angry gesture that causes the balls on the table to move;
throwing or deliberately breaking a cue or any other object.

XIII – PENALTIES FOR FOULS
As a general rule, after a foul by the player in control, the opponent takes control and is awarded two visits, with the cue ball played from where it came to rest.
Special cases under the rules of 8-Ball Pool:
Cue ball potted on the break.
Opponent’s ball, balanced at the mouth of a pocket, potted unintentionally (without contact).
The black, balanced at the mouth of a pocket, potted unintentionally (without contact).
Time fouls.
Snooker fouls.
Serious fouls.
For each special case, refer to the relevant chapter of these rules of 8-Ball Pool.

XIV – ASSISTANCE
During a frame, players must not receive advice from any other person on how to play. If a teammate or supporter offers advice to a player, the referee will issue a first and final warning.
Should this occur again during the frame or during the tournament, the player(s) concerned will be disqualified outright.

XV – CONTROL
A player is “in control” from the moment they take the break, or once their opponent has left the table (10 seconds after the balls from the opponent’s last shot have come to rest).
At least one player is always in control from the moment the frame has begun.

XVI – CONTACTS (FROZEN BALLS)
If the cue ball is in contact with a ball from the player’s own group, the player must play away from it (at an angle greater than 90°), while still ensuring cushion contact.
If the cue ball is in contact with an opponent’s ball, the player must play away from it (at an angle greater than 90°) and make contact with a ball from their own group (see Chapter IV, A Legal Shot).
There is no foul if the referee judges that the player played away from the ball as required, and the frozen ball moves without being struck, provided cushion contact was made.
If the cue ball is in contact with several balls, the player must play away from one of those balls (they may play towards another ball in contact).
Important: before taking the shot, if the player in control believes there is a “contact” situation, they must ask the referee to confirm it.

XVII – INTERFERENCE
“Interference” occurs when one or more balls are moved during a frame:
by someone other than the players or the referee;
as a result of a player or the referee being bumped or jostled;
by an external event (a draught, a tremor, a falling light fitting, cue, or other object, a large insect, etc.).
The referee will replace the ball or balls as close as possible to their position before the event. No player is penalised, and play continues.

XVIII – MARKING THE TABLE
Before the start of the frame, the referee will ensure that no “marker” mark exists on the table.
If a player makes a mark with chalk or any other substance or method on any part of the table, this will not, on the first occasion, constitute a foul. However, the referee will remove the mark and warn the player.
Should a player repeatedly make such marks, during the frame or over the course of the tournament, the referee may consider this “anti-game” conduct and award the frame to the opponent.

XIX – IMPOSSIBLE SHOT
Under the rules of 8-Ball Pool, a player may find themselves unable to avoid committing a foul. In that case, they have no choice but to commit the foul, though they may play it to their best tactical advantage.

XX – STALEMATE (“PAT”)
The referee may declare a stalemate if the player and their opponent, over 3 rounds of play (i.e. a total of 6 consecutive shots), fail to make contact with any coloured ball or the black with the cue ball. In that case, the frame is replayed, with the same player retaking the break.

English Pool – AFEBAS Rules
General note:
The game shall be known as “English 8-Ball Pool.” Players and teams shall play “English 8-Ball Pool” in the true spirit of the game and shall adopt sporting conduct at all times. It shall be clearly understood that the referee is the sole judge of fair play, and that their decisions may under no circumstances be disputed.

Equipment required:
The game is played on a rectangular table with 6 pockets, using 14 coloured balls, a black ball numbered 8, and a cue ball. The 14 coloured balls are divided into 2 groups: a group of 7 red balls and a group of 7 yellow balls.
COURSE OF PLAY
The frame is won by the player or team who, having potted all 7 balls of their colour, then legally pots the black number 8, directly or otherwise, in one of the 6 pockets.

Start of play (or re-start):
a. The balls are racked in a triangle so that the black is placed on the intersection of the two diagonals. b. The player to open the frame is decided by a draw. The winner of the draw may choose to open the frame themselves or require their opponent to do so. In the following frame, the player who did not break will break in turn. c. The player opening play, or “breaking,” may place the cue ball anywhere within the “D” marked on the cloth. d. The breaking player must pot a ball, or ensure that at least two balls other than the cue ball contact a cushion. Should they fail to do so (invalid break), the triangle is re-racked and the opponent takes control, benefiting from a free shot, after which they must announce their colour, followed by a visit. e. The player who has broken must declare the colour they choose before play continues, including: (1) where no ball is potted on the break; (2) where one or more balls (of either colour) are potted on the break; (3) where a foul is committed on the break (other than an invalid break), before passing control to the opponent. f. In every case, the colour declared by the player remains theirs for the rest of the frame. g. If a player pots the black number 8 while breaking, even where they are entitled to a free shot following the opponent’s foul, the frame is replayed immediately by the same player. No penalty is applied even if a foul is committed on that shot. h. If a player legally pots one or more balls, they may continue to play until such time, on a shot, as they either: (1) fail to pot a ball of their own group; or (2) commit a foul. i. A combination shot is only valid if the cue ball first strikes a ball belonging to the player’s own colour group (except in case 6b). j. At any time, a player is entitled to pot one or more balls from the opponent’s group provided both of the following conditions are met on the same shot: (1) the cue ball first strikes a ball of their own group; and (2) one or more balls of their own group are potted.

N.B. — Alternative break method: each opponent places a ball on the “D” line, and both players strike simultaneously toward the top cushion. The winner of the break is whoever finishes closest to the top cushion (they may touch it and rebound). A player who touches one of the top corner pockets, or pots their own ball, automatically loses the break.
FOULS

a. Potting the cue ball. b. Striking, with the cue ball, a ball from the opponent’s group before striking a ball of one’s own colour group (except in case 6b). c. Playing the cue ball without contacting any ball. d. Causing the cue ball to jump over a ball, or part of a ball, before making contact with any ball. e. Striking the black number 8 with the cue ball on first contact while the player has not yet potted all the balls of their own group (except in case 6b). f. Potting a ball from the opponent’s group (except in cases 6b and 4j). g. Sending a ball off the playing surface: (1) if the black number 8 or a coloured ball leaves the playing surface, it is replaced on the original spot of the black (see 4a), or as close as possible without touching another ball, along the axis running from that spot toward the centre of the “D”; (2) if the cue ball leaves the playing surface, it is replaced within the “D” marked on the cloth; (3) any ball resting anywhere other than on the slate bed covered by the cloth is considered out of play (a ball may roll along the cushion without being out of play). h. Touching a ball with clothing or a part of the body. i. Failing to have at least one foot in contact with the floor. j. Playing or touching, with the cue, a ball other than the cue ball. k. Playing out of turn. l. Playing before all the balls have come to rest. m. Playing before one or more balls have been repositioned. n. Striking the cue ball with a part of the cue other than the tip. o. Striking the cue ball more than once with the cue. p. Failing to clearly announce the chosen colour (see 4d and 4e). q. Committing a foul on the break (see 4e). r. Pushing (“push shot”) (see 8a). s. Causing a coloured ball or the black number 8 to move while it is frozen to the cue ball.

PENALTIES FOR ALL FOULS
a. Following any foul described in paragraph 5, the next player may play the cue ball from where it lies, or reposition it in the “D” (see 8b) and apply point 6b. Repositioning the cue ball in the “D” does not count as a shot or a visit.
b. Following a foul committed during play or on the break (see 4d and 4e), the next player is awarded a “free shot,” during which, playing the cue ball, they may: (1) touch or pot one or more red or yellow balls; (2) touch the black number 8; (3) pot the black number 8, if they have already potted all the balls of their own group.
c. Having played the “free shot,” and provided no foul has been committed (see 6a and 6b), the player is then awarded a visit.
LOSS OF FRAME
A player loses the frame if they:
pot the black number 8 before potting all the balls of their own group (except case 4g);
pot the cue ball and the black on the same shot;
clearly attempt not to make contact between the cue ball and a ball of their own group (except case 6b);
commit a foul while potting the black;
deliberately touch one or more balls that are in motion.

GENERAL PROVISIONS

PUSH SHOT: a “push shot” occurs when the tip of the cue remains in contact with the cue ball after the cue ball has begun to move (a following shot).

CUE BALL IN HAND: a player with the cue ball in hand places it wherever they wish within the “D” and plays in whatever direction they judge best.

PLAYER IN CONTROL: a player is in control of the table from the moment any part of their body, clothing, or cue makes contact with the table before their shot, and remains in control until their opponent, in turn, makes contact with the table before playing. The player in control is then responsible for everything that happens on the playing surface, and any ball potted (including the black) during that period is credited or counted against them according to its colour (rule 5c applies).

The frame ends as soon as the black number 8 is potted in one of the 6 pockets and all remaining balls, including the cue ball, have come to rest.
Before a shot, when the cue ball is in contact with another ball: (1st case) if that ball belongs to the player’s own group, the point stands as already scored, and the player may simply play away from the cue ball without it touching any other ball; they may also strike an opponent’s ball (see 5s). (2nd case) if it is not a ball of their own group, the player must play the cue ball so that it strikes one of their own balls (see 5s).
STALEMATE

A very rare situation in which the remaining ball(s) for one of the players is (are) no longer legally accessible by a direct or indirect shot, the cue ball no longer having a clear enough path to reach the ball(s) in question. In this case, the frame is replayed with no penalty applied.

Likewise, after several shots, if the referee considers that play is no longer progressing the frame, they may, after warning the players, have the frame replayed with no penalty applied.
Lack of progress in play: from the start of the frame, and until its conclusion, the time a player takes to think between shots must not exceed 1 minute. In the event of significant and repeated exceeding of this limit, the referee may sanction the offending player by awarding a foul in favour of the opponent.