Guide to Billiard Game Rules

Billiard game rules vary significantly, and depend upon the version in play. Some basic rules extend to most variations, but it's always important to agree on the rules that will be used before you begin playing.

Different Organizations Have Different Rules
There is no one standard organization that designates billiard game rules in the United States or worldwide. In fact, there are several organizations in the United States, and even more governing bodies internationally. When you’re thinking about billiard game rules, figure out which organization's rule set you’re using.

In the event of a tournament or house rules, find out which group the organization uses. The two most common billiard organizations are the Billiards Congress of America and the American Pool players Association.

Rules Vary by Game
In addition to different rules for different organizations, billiards rules vary depending on the game. The most popular pool games are eight-ball, nine-ball and straight pool. When you’re looking at pool rules, the first thing you need to determine is which game you’re playing. If you’re not sure about the rules, don’t be afraid to ask; better to clarify the rules than to lose because you’re unaware of a technicality or which variation you’re playing.

The most common set of rules for these three games includes the following:

• A player who pockets a ball on a break gets to continue shooting
• A player's turn continues until he fails to pocket a ball or commits a foul
• Turns alternate between players or teams
• The break alternates between teams or players from one game to the next
• All balls on the table must be motionless before a shot can be taken

In nine-ball, the player must always strike the lowest-numbered ball on the table first or the shot is a foul. In eight-ball, players cannot pocket the black eight ball until after all of their object balls (stripes or solids) have been cleared from the table.

Understanding Fouls
In most pool games, fouls play a major part in gameplay. In score-based pool games, fouls help to determine the score by adding or subtracting points. In all games, fouls often end a turn, and may allow your opponent to spot the ball or take it in hand.

The most common fouls are the following:

• The cue ball leaves the table. Your opponent can take the ball in hand and spot it anywhere on the table.
• You pocket the cue ball. This is called a scratch. Your turn ends and your opponent takes the ball in hand, spotting it anywhere on the table. If you scratch on the break, your opponent must spot the ball behind the head string, which is the second set of diamonds on the table from the end opposite the rack.
• You fail to hit any balls. This is a table scratch. Your turn ends and your opponent plays the cue ball from its final position.
• You miss a called shot. In called shot games, you must make the first shot that you call or your turn ends. Additional balls can be pocketed as long as your called shot is completed first. Your opponent plays the cue ball from its final position.
• You sink certain balls out of sequence. In eight-ball, sinking the eight ball before you clear your seven object balls ends the game and gives the win to your opponent in tournament play. In nine-ball, sinking the nine without first hitting the lowest-numbered ball on the table awards a win to your opponent.

When you’re playing pool, understand your variant’s rules about fouls; both what constitutes fouls, and what the penalty is for fouls. Foul penalties vary, but they’re never good. Try to avoid fouling, if possible, and find out whether the house rules agree with the standard on foul types and penalties.

Beginner-Friendly Venues Often Change the Rules
Beginner-friendly venues and informal groups of friends playing together often don’t use standard pool rules. It can be very difficult for beginners to practice pool and learn the more technical aspects of the game if they’re playing with all the rules, because they’ll get to make very few shots and are likely to lose frequently.

In games where the object is simply playing for fun, groups may bend or break some rules entirely so that beginners can get more gameplay. Make sure you establish any house rules that deviate from the standard before beginning a game.

In informal settings when playing with friends, you may also be responsible for enforcing the rules, if your friends are unaware of a particular rule. However, be sure to find a middle ground if you’re often calling your friends on technical points; you don’t want to be the player no one likes because you always point out that everyone else is playing wrong.