tournament rules
object of the game
- Eight-Ball is a call shot game played with a cue ball and 15 object balls, numbered 1 through 15.
- One player must pocket balls of the group numbered 1 through 7 (solid colors), while the other player has 9 through 15 (stripes).
- The player pocketing either group first and then legally pocketing the 8-ball wins the game.
order of the break
Player’s in position 1 lag for break - winner of the lag has the option to break – following players 2, 3, and 4 alternate break’s in each match.
racking the balls
The balls are racked in a triangle at the foot of the table with the 8-ball in the center of the triangle, the first ball of the rack on the foot spot, a stripe ball in one corner of the rack and a solid ball in the other corner.
scratch on a legal break
If a player scratches on a legal break shot, (1) all balls pocketed remain pocketed (exception, the 8-ball: see rule 4.8), (2) it is a foul, (3) the table is open. Please Note: The incoming player has cue ball in hand behind the head string and may not shoot an object ball that is behind the head string, unless he first shoots the cue ball past the head string and causes the cue ball to come back behind the head string and hit the object ball.
8-ball pocketed on the break
If the 8-ball is pocketed on the break, breaker may ask for a rerack or have the 8-ball spotted and continue shooting. If the breaker scratches while pocketing the 8-ball on the break, the incoming player has the option of a rerack or having the 8-ball spotted and begin shooting with ball in hand behind the head string.
call shot
In Call Shot, obvious balls and pockets do not have to be indicated. It is the opponent's right to ask which ball and pocket if he is unsure of the shot. Bank shots and combination shots are not considered obvious, and care should be taken in calling both the object ball and the intended pocket. When calling the shot, it is never necessary to indicate details such as the number of cushions, banks, kisses, caroms, etc. Any balls pocketed on a foul remain pocketed, regardless of whether they belong to the shooter or the opponent. The opening break is not a "called shot." Any player performing a break shot in 8-Ball may continue to shoot so long as any object ball is legally pocketed on the break.
scoring
A player is entitled to continue shooting until failing to legally pocket a ball of his group. Each player will have 7 balls to pocket - each ball pocketed is worth 1 point, black ball is worth 3 points. The winner of a match receives a total of 10 points; to determine the loser’s points count the remaining balls on the table and subtract from 7. (IE. If a player has two balls left on the table after the game has been won, the player would receive a score of 7 – 2 = 5. Therefore, the score would be 5.)
time outs
Each player will be permitted one time out per game. During a time out, the individual playing the game can consult with 1 other team member as to their next shot. A time out should not last more than 2 minutes.
stalemated game
If, after
3 consecutive turns
at the table by each
player (6 turns total),
the referee judges that attempting to pocket
or move an object ball will result in loss
of game, the balls will be reracked with
the original breaker of the stalemated game
breaking again. The stalemate rule may be
applied regardless of the number of balls
on the table.
penalties
All team player’s must be at their assigned tables at the appropriate time. If a player is not present for their match, a 3 minute grace period will be provided – if the player does not arrive on time a zero (0) count will be given and the player’s in the following match will resume play.
loss of game
A player loses the game by committing any of the following infractions:
- Fouls when pocketing the 8-ball (exception: see 8-Ball Pocketed On The Break).
- Pockets the 8-ball on the same stroke as the last of his group of balls.
- Pockets the 8-ball in a pocket other than the one designated.
- Pockets the 8-ball when it is not the legal object ball.
Note: All infractions must be called before another shot is taken, or else it will be deemed that no infraction occurred.
determining the winning team at the end of all 4 games
The winning team is determined after all 4 games are played. The winning team is the team with the highest total score.
determining the winning team if a tie should occur
If a tie should occur, each team will select one player to play a tie-breaking game. This game will be a regular game, played until the 8 ball is sunk.
