Players:  2 Players; 1 one each team.

Coaching:  Outside help or influence is not allowed.

Balls used:  Standard set of object balls numbered 1-15, plus the cue ball.

The rack:  Standard triangle rack with the apex ball on the foot spot.  Racked balls are placed at random and must touch their neighbors.

Scoring:  Any ball legally pocketed counts one point for the shooter.

Opening break:  Starting player must either (1) designate a ball and a pocket into which that ball will be pocketed and accomplish the shot, or (2) cause the cue ball to contact a ball and then a cushion, plus cause two object balls to contact a cushion.  Failure to meet at least one of the above requirements is a breaking violation; including a scratch.  Offender’s score is assessed a 2 point penalty for a breaking violation.  In addition, the opponent has the choice of (1) accepting the table in position, or (2) having the balls re-racked and requiring the offending player to repeat the opening break.  In the case of a scratch, opponent may choose to accept the balls in position with cue ball behind the head string, or re-rack and requiring offending player to repeat the opening break.  That choice continues until the opening break is not a breaking violation, or until the opponent accepts the table in position.

Note: A foul on an opening break cost the offender two points, but is counted as only one foul towards the three foul in succession rule.

Rules of play:  1.   A legally pocketed ball entitles a shooter to continue at the table until he fails to legally pocket a called ball on a shot.  A player may shoot any ball, but before the shot, must designate the called ball and called pocket (see note 1a below).  Details such as kisses, caroms, combinations or cushions (all of which are legal) need not be indicated.  Any additionally pocketed ball(s) on a legal stroke is scored as one point for the shooter.

1a.  If your shot is obvious, it is not necessary to say it aloud.  If your shot is anything other than obvious, make sure your opponent knows what you are shooting before you shoot.  Please remember this is a friendly competition between friends.

2.  A Legal Shot requires a player to cause the cue ball to contact an object ball and then (1) pocket a numbered ball, or (2) cause the cue ball or any numbered ball to contact a cushion.  Failure to meet either of these requirements is a foul and cost the player a 1 point penalty.

2a. Three Foul Rule is in effect.  If a player commits a foul three times in a row, that player is assessed a 1 point penalty for each foul, and a 12 point penalty in addition.  For the additional 12 point penalty to be assessed, the opponent must advise the offending player when they are “on two” after the second foul.  Failure to advise the offending player as stated eliminates the 12 point penalty from being assessed.

2b. Forced Jump Shots are not allowed. Forcing the cue ball to leave the playing surface for the purpose of avoiding an interfering ball is a foul, cost the offender 1 point, and loss of shot. Opponent may accept cue ball in position (after all balls stop rolling) or take cue ball in hand behind the head string.

3. Racking. When the 14th ball of a rack is pocketed, play stops momentarily with cue & 15th ball remaining in position.  The 14 pocketed balls are then racked (with the space at the foot spot vacant in the triangle).  Player then continues, normally pocketing the 15th (or “break” ball) in such a manner as to have the cue ball carom into the rack and spread the balls to facilitate the continuance of the run.  However, player is not compelled to shoot the 15th ball, and may shoot any desired ball. See Racking Chart if the 15th ball is pocketed on the same stroke as the 14th ball.

5. A player may not catch, touch or in any way interfere with a ball as it travels toward a pocket or the rack area on a shot (to include catching a ball as it enters a pocket by having a hand in the pocket).  Doing so is a “deliberate foul” and offender is penalized one point for the foul and an additional 12 point penalty, for a total of 13 points.  The incoming player then has choice of (1) accepting the table in position with the cue ball in hand behind the head string, or (2) having all 15 balls re-racked and requiring the offending player to shoot under the requirements of the opening break.

6. If the 15th ball of a rack and/or the cue ball interferes with the triangle being lowered straight down into position for racking, refer to the Racking Chart which indicates the proper manner of relocating balls.

7. When a player has cue ball in hand behind the head string and all the object balls are behind the head string, the object ball nearest the head string may be spotted upon request by the shooter.  If two or more balls are an equal distance from the head string, the player may designate which of the equidistant balls is to be spotted. Shooter is not compelled to shoot the spotted ball.

Illegally pocketed balls:  All spotted.  No penalty.

Foul on all balls:  We do not count fouls on all balls. If you accidentally touch or move an object ball, you must advise your opponent, who has the option of leave it as is, or return it to the position before being touched. If you accidentally touch a ball with the cue ball or with the hand placing the cue ball, THIS IS A FOUL and opponent now has posession of cue ball in hand behind the headstring.

Cue ball after jumping off table/scratch:  Incoming player has cue ball in hand behind the head string, unless the provision of Rule of Play #2 or #5 apply to the offender’s foul and dictate alternate choices or procedures.

Penalties for fouls:  One point deducted for each foul.  Note: penalties are more severe for deliberate fouls (Rule of Play #2 or #5).  Incoming player accepts cue ball in position unless foul was a jumped cue ball, pocket scratch, deliberate foul (Rule of Play #5) or third successive foul.

Table Courtesy:  At the request of either player, the non-shooting opponent is to stay completely out of the table area. This includes walking up to the table for retrieving or replacing the chalk, talking to the shooter, or anything else within reason the shooter deems to be a distraction. Exception: If opponent has a question about a shot, they are allowed to request clarification before the shot.

The maximum points that can be scored in a rack is 14 unless the final shot of the rack pockets all remaining object balls, in which case total points for that rack would be 15. In this case the cue ball remains in position where it stops unless it stops in the rack in which case the Racking Chart will explain where the cue ball goes.

In a double round robin competition, home player breaks to start the game.  In a single round robin, flip a coin with winner of the flip having the choice to break.

This score sheet may seem a little confusing, but it is very easy once you are familiar with it. If you have questions, ask and one of us will be happy to assist.