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8 Ball Rules

  1. The Game

    2. The game shall be known as 8 Ball Pool and referred to in these rules as "The Game". It is intended that players and teams should play 8 Ball Pool in the true spirit of the game and in a sportsmanlike manner. It should be clearly understood that the referee is sole judge of what is fair and unfair play. The referee will take whatever action is necessary to ensure that these rules are observed
  2. Requirements of the Game

    3. The game is played on a rectangular 6-pocket table with 15 balls plus a cue ball. Balls comprise of two numbered groups, 1-7 which are solid coloured balls, 9-15 are striped coloured balls, the 8 ball is a solid colour black. Alternatively, the numerical groups 1-7 and 9-15 may be represented by two different sets of 7 coloured balls. Usually red replaces stripes (9-15), yellow replace solid (1-7). Balls in the two groups are known as object balls.
  3. Object of the Game

    4. The player or team pocketing all their group of object balls in any order, and then legally pocketing the 8 ball, wins the game.
  4. Commencement of the game (or Re-start)
    1. The balls are racked as illustrated with the 8 ball (black) on the 8 ball spot, which is at the intersection of the centre and corner pockets.
      2. Rack Setup
    2. Order of play is determined by the flip of a coin. The winner of the flip has the option of breaking, or requesting their opponent to do so.
    3. The opening player plays at the triangle of object balls by striking the cue ball from any position on, or behind, the baulk line and in the D. An object ball must be pocketed, or at least TWO object balls hit any cushion. Failure to do so is a foul break and will result in the balls be re-racked as per rule sheet. The opposing player then starts the game with two visits.
    4. If the 8 ball (black) is pocketed from the break shot, the balls will be re-racked and the game will be restarted by the same player. No penalty will be incurred. This applies even if other balls, including the cue ball, are pocketed, or leave the playing surface ("off the table").
    5. If a ball(s) is potted legally from the break off shot, the player can choose either reds or yellows regardless of colour potted. The Player MUST nominate which colour he has chosen before playing the next shot. Failure to do so is a foul Shot.
    6. If no object ball is pocketed from a legal break, then the players continue alternatively playing at either group until such a time as a legal pot is made, which denotes the player's group, unless one or more of both groups are pocketed, the player MUST then nominate a group before play continues.
    7. If a foul is committed, (other than as in rule 4(d)), and one or more object balls are pocketed before playing groups are decided, then those balls are ignored in determining the groups to be played. The oncoming player may play at any ball on the table, including the 8 ball (black) for the first shot, the first legal pot to determine the group as in rule 4(e).
    8. If a ball, or balls, are legally pocketed, this entitles the player to one additional shot and this continues until the player either:
      1. Fails to pocket one of their own set of allocated balls, or;
      2. Commits a foul at any time.
      3. I. Combination shots are allowed, providing the player hits one of their own group first, or any ball with the first shot following any foul (see rule 6(c)).
  5. Fouls
    1. In off (cue ball pocketed).
    2. Hitting an opponents ball(s) with the cue ball on first impact of the cue ball, except with the first shot following any foul.
    3. Failing to hit any ball with the cue ball, except where rule 8(c) applies.
    4. Jump shot - defined as when the cue ball jumps over any part of any ball before making contact with any ball.
    5. Hitting the 8 ball (black) with the cue ball on first impact of the cue ball before all their own group are pocketed, except with the first shot following any foul.
    6. Potting any opponent's ball, except with the first shot following any foul.
    7. Ball off the table. A ball shall be deemed "off the table" if it comes to rest anywhere other than on the bed of the table.
      1. Any object ball or the 8 ball (black), shall be returned to the 8 ball spot (see rule 4(a)), or as near as possible to that spot without touching any other ball, in direct line between that spot and the centre of the baulk line.
      2. If the cue ball, then the cue ball played from in hand (see rule 8(b) general).
    8. If a player's body or clothing should touch any ball. Except the cue ball after the referee calls a "foul", when the player is entitled to the cue ball in hand (see rule 6(B)).
    9. Player not having at least part of one foot on the floor.
    10. Playing or touching with the cue any ball other than the cue ball.
    11. Striking the cue ball with any part of the cue other than the tip.
    12. Playing out of turn.
    13. Playing before all balls have come to rest.
    14. Playing before any ball(s) require re-spotting.
    15. Striking the cue ball with the cue more than once.
    16. Failing to nominate when balls of both groups are pocketed with the first legal pot.
    17. Failing to Nominate a Colour after legally potting any ball following the Break Off
    18. Foul break, failing to pot an object ball or drive at least two object balls to hit any cushions.
  6. Penalty after any foul.
    1. Following any foul the offending player loses their next visit to the table, giving their opponent two consecutive visits to the table
    2. If the cue ball has come to rest on the playing surface, then the player having two visits may proceed to play from where the cue ball lies, or, if snookered, (see guidance C) the cue ball may be played from any position on or behind the baulk line in the D. Moving the cue ball in this manner does not count as a shot, or visit. (Players are advised to ask the referee to hand them the cue ball).
    3. On the first shot only of the first visit, the oncoming player may, without nomination, play the cue ball on to any ball without penalty, including any opponent's ball(s), or 8 ball (black). If any object ball(s) is pocketed directly, or by combination, the player is deemed to have pocketed a legal ball(s), and continues with the first visit. However, the player must not pot the 8 ball (black), which would mean loss of game. Except if the player is on the 8 ball (black), then the game would be won. When the player fails to pot a ball on the first or subsequent shot of the first visit, play then continues with the second visit. The second visit is deemed to have started when the cue ball is struck on the first shot of the second visit.
  7. Loss of Game
    1. If a player pockets the 8 ball (black) before all the balls in their own group, except on the break (see rule 4(D)), the player loses the game.
    2. A player going in off the 8 ball (black) when the 8 ball (black) is pocketed, loses the game.
    3. A player pocketing the 8 ball (black) and any other ball on the same shot will lose the game. Except following a foul when only the 8 ball (black) and ball(s) of the opponents group are on the table, then with the first shot of the first visit, the player may legally pocket the 8 ball (black) as well as ball(s) of the opponent's group by any combination and in any order.
    4. A player who clearly fails to make any attempt to play a ball of their own group will lose the game.
    5. If a player 'breaks down' his cue before any of the above has occurred, then by doing so the player has conceded the game to his opponent.
  8. General
    1. Touching ball.
      1. Touching opponent's ball or 8 ball (black), the player MUST play a ball of their own group. Except on the first shot of the first visit following any foul, this entitles the player to any ball.
      2. Touching any ball the player is legally entitled to play. The player may choose either;
        1. Play away from the touching ball, and be deemed to have played that ball. Should the cue ball fail to make contact with any ball, or strike the opponents ball, or 8 ball (black), then the shot is fair, no foul.
        2. Play to move the touching ball, but great care should be taken not to contact the cue ball twice, (rule 5(0)). (Moving the object ball is not automatically a foul).
      3. Cue ball in hand. When a player has the cue ball in hand, the ball is played from any position on, or behind, the baulk line from the D, and in any direction.
      4. Player in control. A player is said to be in control of the table from the time their body, cue, or clothing touches the table prior to their shot, throughout the visit, and up until the opponent does likewise prior to their visit. Any ball(s) which fall into pockets during this period, (including the 8 ball (black) are deemed to have been potted by player in control.
      5. Completion of game. The game is completed when the 8 ball (black) is pocketed legally in any pocket, and all the remaining balls have come to rest, except on the break (see rule 4(d) ).
    2. Stalemate

      3. Should any situation arise whereby a legal shot is IMPOSSIBLE to play, then the game shall be restarted by the player who started that frame, whether this situation has been arrived at by accident or design.
      If in the opinion of the referee neither player is allowing the game to progress, or a stalemate situation has arisen, then the game shall be restarted by the player who started that frame. The referee shall not allow numerous visits with neither player making any attempt to make the opening pot which decides the playing groups (unless it is felt that progress is being made). If the player who started that frame did so by virtue of their opponent making a foul break, that player will break on any restart, not the opponent who made the foul break.
    3. Guidance
      • The term "SHOT" means striking the cue ball once.
      • The term "VISIT" refers to the one turn at the table comprising of one or a series of shots.
      • The term SNOOKER means the centre of the cue ball cannot strike the centre of the object ball.
      • The term "BREAK" refers to the first shot of a game, or the first shot of a game being restarted.
      • Coaching is deemed unsportsmanlike behaviour. (see rule 1).
      • A referee may, only if requested, advise on the rules of the game.

    League Rules.


    1. The league shall be known as the Venue Wells and District Pool league and is open to teams within an eight-mile radius of Wells who pay the applicable league fee.
    2. league entrance fee to be paid on the night of the AGM. Notification of the amount will be told in advance of the meeting.
    3. League matches will be played on a Monday night and knock out matches on a Wednesday night unless stated otherwise on the fixtures list.
    4. Matches start at 20.30. If a team is not ready to start at 20.35 (either home or away team) one frame may be claimed and for every 1/4 hour due to late arrival from then. The match may be claimed at 21.05.
    5. League matches will consist of six singles frames and three doubles frames. A minimum of FOUR players must be present for any match.
    6. The home team captain is to put the names on the score card first and hand the card to the away team captain, (only one name at a time need be put down).
    7. The rules to be followed are issued by the league. Any other rules that may be played in the area are not applicable.
    8. Any team / player wishing to postpone matches may do so only with the agreement of the opposing team. The team that has agreed to the postponed game can give two dates to the opposition on which to play the match. All postponed games must be played within 4 weeks of the original fixture. The rescheduled date must be given to the secretary in all cases.
    9. The home team must appoint a referee for every match. If a referee is not appointed, decisions will be given in favour of the away team.
    10. Match results must be Texted (07718 511351), E-mailed (secretary@wellspoolleague.net) no later than 10am the morning following the match by the WINNING TEAM and  the result card received by the Friday of the same week. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN THE REDUCTION OF TWO POINTS FROM THE WINNING TEAM. Results Should not be Telephoned through due to work commitments.
    11. All players must be registered. Any team playing an unregistered player will lose all points from any frame involving that player.
    12. The table is the responsibility of the home team. Any complaints about the condition of a table must be made to the secretary. If a table is found to be of an unacceptable standard, points will be deducted at the digression of the committee.
    13. A player may not play for a team if he/she has played for another team in the same season unless agreed by the committee.
    14. Any team playing in a pub/club with more than one table must nominate a table at the start of the season and stick with that table.
    15. No coaching is allowed in the singles matches. Doubles partners may confer before approaching the table but once the player has started his / her visit there must be no more conferring until
    16. If a team has a player arriving late which will result in needing to re-arrange the match running order it is up to the team captains to agree if this is acceptable or not before the start of the match.
    17. Where the the league has been structured so that each team plays each other 3 times in a season, the third group of matches is a repeat of the first group of matches. When the teams play for a third time, the captains toss toss a coin to decide who puts the players name down first on the card, Regardless as to who is the home team.
    18. All protests must be made in writing to the secretary; disputes will be settled by the committee; any dispute that cannot be settled by the committee will be settled by the chairman and secretary. The decision will be final.

    Knock Out Competition Rules.


    1. Team knockout will be played as per normal league matches. The team drawn first will be deemed the home team, until the semi-final, when team captains must nominate a player before each game (blind of the other captain). These names will be given simultaneously to the referee to put on the score card.
    2. All registered players may enter the singles knock out. Singles matches to be best of three frames for the first round then best of five frames. The final will be the best of seven.
    3. All registered players may enter the doubles knock out (players must be from the same team). Doubles knock out follows same format as singles. Normal league rules apply concerning coaching. No substitutes are allowed in the doubles under any circumstances.
    4. All registered players may enter triples knock out. All players must be from the same team. A coin will be tossed for the first break and then alternate until the final frame when a coin will be tossed again. Normal league rules apply to the frames. On substitute is allowed to be used in the triples. Once the substitute has played he must then play the remainder of the tournament and the player substituted can play no further part.
    5. Running order for the triples is as follows:
    Match Opponent v Opponent Match Opponent v Opponent Match Opponent v Opponent
    1 Player A v Player X 4 Player A v Player Y 7 Player A v Player Z
    2 Player B v Player Y 5 Player B v Player Z 8 Player B v Player X
    3 Player C v Player Z 6 Player C v Player X 9 Player C v Player Y
    1. Ladies knockout is open to any woman player wishing to enter and does not have to play in the league.
    2. Entry to the mixed doubles is open to everyone on the condition that one player is a registered league player.
    3. Any team / player wishing to postpone matches may do so only with the agreement of the opponent. The team that has agreed to the postponed game can give two dates to the opposition on which to play the match. All postponed games must be played before the next round or both players / teams will be eliminated.

      If a Match Needs to be postponed, the player(s) postponing must contact his opponent to rearrange the match. Please note a neutral venue is forfeited if the match is postponed. If your unable to contact your opponent, then you should contact the opposing team captain.

      The rescheduled date must be given to the secretary in all cases.
    4. All knockout competitions will be played at a neutral venue, where possible, until the finals matches, which will be played, again where possible, at the venue chosen for finals night. Venues and start times issued by the league.