*Contents:* 0:00 - Intro 0:15 - Official Rules of Pool 1:00 - 8-Ball Rules 4:50 - Double Hit Fouls 8:33 - Other Common Fouls 9:59 - Wrap Up *CORRECTION:* - at the 1m07s point, I said "1 on the spot" (because the 1 was the top ball in that rack examples), but the top ball does not need to be the 1. Any stripe or solid is allowed; although, putting the 1 at the top is customary. *Supporting Resources:* - previous "bar rules" video: th-cam.com/video/x8sI73wlyoM/w-d-xo.html - Video Encyclopedia of Eight Ball (VEEB): drdavebilliards.com/videos/8-ball/ - rules resources page: billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/ - league rule differences: billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/rule-differences - bar rules resource page: billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/bar-rules - fouls resource page: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/foul/ - double hit detection and avoidance: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/foul/double-hit/ *Subscribe to Dr. Dave's TH-cam Channel:* th-cam.com/users/DrDaveBilliards
0:27 in 1996, my friend's razzed me for carrying the actual official rules in my pocket. So when we were playing at pool halls, everybody would be on the same page. So irritating when people try to argue when they're the ones playing by some made up rule
When the table is open, there is a situation when you pocketed both solid and stripes ball in the first shot so how do you decide which ball to shot next?
I could be wrong but; I was pretty sure the apex ball could be anything. Meaning, it could be a stripe and not necessarily a '1'. I thought it was just common practice, but not an official rule.
I read the rule book when I was a kid and was amazed to learn you got the ball in hand anywhere on the table after a foul. Everybody, even the adults, refused to believe that was the rule and still insisted on the cute ball needing to go in the kitchen after a scratch!
@@DrDaveBilliardsOr, at least in the UK, are stuck to the British rules that even the EPA (English Pool Association) consider old and kept on the website for reference). It's kind of annoying and confusing that there are many rule sets (although I personally try to stick to international rules whenever possible).
@@MaximilianBerkmann Agreed. The world would be a better place if everybody would just play pool under the WPA "official rules of pool." billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/
I'm confused by the rules you present here compared with the other "international rules", as used in Ultimate Pool. Here, the rack only requires the 8 in position and the corner balls to be different. International rules required alternating colours, with a tick pattern. Where does the 8 get spotted? And in international rules, you can't hit a solid to cannon a stripe into a pocket. Why can't there be one single definitive set of international rules? Apparently the Chinese put the 1 on the black spot.
I kid you not, you literally provide the best pool videos. They are all so neat, clean, and scientific! No fancy animations, no overdrawn out information. Everything is to-the-point and just so information. Keep this up, please! You are so appreciated!
“Real” pool to them means any shot they make, no questions get asked, but if it’s your shot, you’d better call every last detail of it like you’re playing a game of H.O.R.S.E. or something 😂
This taught me more about pool in five minutes than I’ve learned from any “bar rules/house rules“ players in my lifetime. As someone who plays official rules with pretty much every activity I do, I am very appreciative of this. Standardized rules make so much more sense to men than to have to remember multiple “house” rules, and/or argue over what rules apply. Kudos to you 🙏
I plan on it! I have some questions: 1. For non-kick shots that aren’t made, does the object ball have to be driven to the cushion, or can it be any ball (including the cue ball), so as to avoid a penalty? 2. Does a safety have to drive a ball into a cushion? 3. If the 8 ball is sunk on a break, and the player chooses to replace it, but there’s a ball already on the spot, where does the 8 ball get placed? Or does the player forfeit that option, and must re-break? 4. Can the cue ball make contact with the top of the rail, and come back into play? And if not, and balls are sunk, is it just ball-in-hand, or do you have to replace those sunk balls, and if so, where on the table do you replace them? 5. Can you end the game on a combo, making your final ball first, and then sinking the 8 ball in a pre-called pocket?
1. any ball 2. yes 3. as close as possible to the spot on a line beneath the spot 4. yes 5. no FYI, these and all rules questions are answered here (especially at the WPA link): billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/
You're appreciated. Can't tell you how many people I make put your channel in their subbed section on TH-cam, I literally watch and make them look it up on the spot. At least 50 at this point. The amount of knowledge on this channel is purely unparalleled. Thank you so so much Dave.
It’s been 4months now since our boss decided to buy a table for the workers… in the first few months I’ve been raining champion 😂… the problem is… they are catching upto me and I don’t want to lose my title of “champion” .. it’s all I got..🤣🤣so here I am learning how to play 9ball so I can teach them😂😂… your video is so clear I luv it.. keep it up
Finally! WPA Rules so that everyone understands! 🙂 By the way, I have 2 questions: 1. What happens when someone pockets their called ball (example solids) but a stripe went in as well? (this is after the break). 🤔 2. Does the 1-ball always go at the front when racking? Because I just put any ball as the head ball, the 8 in the middle and the two corner ball being opposite sets. 🤔
I'm glad you liked the video. 1. If you hit one of your balls first and pocket the called ball, nothing else matters (assuming you don't foul or pocket the 8 by mistake). 2. No. See the "CORRECTION" in the video description or pinned comment.
I keep finding myself getting into bar fights because when I win the table, I play how my dad taught me. This video just confirmed that I am absolutely correct about how to properly play pool
Pool is not always played "properly" in most bars. If you want to also learn how to play under their rules (and take advantage of their silly rules), see the video and info here: billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/bar-rules
I stopped playing "bar rules" some 20 odd years ago because the official rules make it more of a gentleman's game, whereas bar rules are quite easily exploitable by people who want to play dirty just to get an advantage. Too many times I've seen something like this happen: player 1 still has balls to shoot at, player 2 is just down to the 8 ball. 8 ball is deep in the kitchen, player 1 intentionally pockets the cue ball if they don't have an easy shot and tells player 2 that they have to place the cue ball on the head string and can only shoot forward.
Exactly. I do this to people who want to play kitchen to explain to them how fucking stupid it is. Then the worst is when they say "well, you cant INTENTIONALY scratch". well guess what, I didn't intentionally scratch and there is literally no way to prove it, so get better rules chump.
Here in Costa Rica we play a variant of 8 ball where you have to pocket the 1 ball in a designated side pocket if you have solids, the opponent must pocket the 15 ball in the opposite side pocket You must restore your opponent 1 or 15 ball position if you move it while playing and if you shoot the 1 or 15 you don't have to hit a rail since you may want to just leave it near it's pocket It's a pretty challenging game since you not only have to pocket all of your balls to hit the 8, some play it with more restrictions like you can't carom or make a combination while pocketing the 1 and 15 and you can only touch the 8 ball when you play it, even if you pocket the 8 and then touch another ball you loose the game since you are using that ball to stop the cue ball It's like you have to make the 8 ball as clean as possible That rule often applies to the 1 and 15 ball That makes the game more challenging and fun if you play with a good opponent Also it means you get more than one shot at the table and that's nice
I think 'which rules are better' is entirely dependent on the context of the game being played. If I'm drinking at the corner bar and playing a casual game with one of the regulars, and they call a foul for an inadvertent, inconsequential ball touch, I'm probably going to just lose the game on my next shot, decline another game and never play pool with that person again. If it's a crowded bar with a 45-minute wait list for the table, then yeah, I get it. I still hate it, but I get it. I think a lot of it comes down to my interpretation of sportsmanship. I think bar rules are quite suited for casual games, but not suited or balanced for higher level of pool; I think that the 'official rules' are necessary for competitive play, but can come off as poor taste in casual games. I like bar rules, but if I felt like my opponent is being exploitive to the point that I feel that 'the official rules' are necessary, I'd rather just not play that opponent any more. If I were playing in a league, well, that is a different story.
Thank u for this. I live in a small town where we just started a weekly tournament and some players that know the rules have already claimed they are never coming back. I'm gonna show the person running the tournament this video. Thanks again...
This is the best video so far! All the rules are explained! Thank you, it saved me from an argument with friends! Could you also do the rules of black ball/English pool? I noticed people in bars are messing the rules of the 2 games!
The link to WPA rules includes a section on Black Ball. It sure is frustrating that many people try to apply Black Ball rules to Eight Ball. There are quite a few differences, especially the rack and what happens in a snooker situation.
Another rule that came up in a league match i attended recently: A player hit the 8 into the 3 for a combo on an open table. He asumed you can use the 8 for combos on an open table but thats a foul! hitting the 8 first while there are still balls of both categories on the table is a foul even if the table is still open.
@@drewsalvigsen6171 All league rule differences, and links to all official league rules, can be found here: billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/rule-differences/
I like how the title is in quotation marks because no one goes behind the kitchen no more after scratch on the break they just put it anywhere to run or break the balls. The last known tournament I saw using behind the kitchen rules was that 1994 9 ball tournament match between Mike Siegel and Nick Varner but even then and before that the behind the kitchen rule for ball in hand wasn't in effect
Wow ive been playing more right than i honestly thought. Only things ive ever heard that were wrong was "ball in hand" is always behind the kitchen and pocketing 8 on break was a win because we were crap players so it was just a fun luck mechanic for the kids that werent as good 🤣🤣 Im just to blind or slow to be calling double hits on people 😅 of all the examples you showed they looked clean to me even when slowed down (not argueing, just pointing out im just not that quick) lol so i never call doubles hits unless its just blatantly obvious.
@@sir.asylum Double hits can rarely been seen directly, but the indirect CB motion evidence is usually obvious. For more info, see the videos here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/foul/double-hit/
In my attempt to make a fair rack, I settled on this. Starting at the 1, in latitude order: 1 9,2 3,8,10 11,4,12,5 13,6,14,15,7 If you saw a rack like that, would it bother you? The bottom right corner does have a 4 pack of stripes, but solids has a similar pack as well. It seems to me the optimal way to rack them; but am I missing something?
Actually, you are not allowed to "pattern rack." The balls must be placed randomly (except for the 8 in the middle and the solid and stripe on the bottom corners). For more info, see: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/pattern/ Having said that, it wouldn't bother me unless you were getting some sort of advantage from the pattern.
My additional reasoning to do it, was to try and recognize where the balls end up off break from repeated play, knowing where they started, and the understanding of just how the physics work. That's what keeps me coming back, the table, and the physics. Being 8 ball, unless you stipulate to pocket the balls in order, it doesn't matter what the number is, but what suit it is. Even then, stripes, solids, they're set the same.
Very well done; informative and concise. When I read George Fels 'Mastering Pool' in '84 weren't the BCA rules headstring(kichen) on all fouls in 8? Maybe it was Martin's 99; had the rules written in the back. Now the difficulties are not simply confusion nor ignorance but how to build a game. For example, someone whom shoots @ everthing, am going to negotiate call pocket in 9, and if someone gives me the breaks, will try and legislate 2-foul roll-out w/ break scratches in kitchen. Will not play 8 on a bar-box unless they play 'open' after; and try to get the breaks, or one can be relegated to some twisted form of break-out. Finally, America has fallen to a vulgar state of League Bangerism, thusly rules are the least of ones worries. Thank you for the refresher, I needed it.
Great video! I'd say most of this makes sense from a casual perspective, like I play at bars and at my parents house but not in leagues and we've been trying to play more closely to the official rules. However, I think that the double hit foul doesn't make sense for casual. I feel like it would be difficult to watch every shot to see how the cue ball follows and determine on the fly if it didn't follow exactly like it should have. Plus we aren't good enough to not accidentally double hit some games. Just my 2 cents, but that's also official rules so not like I fault you for including it and advocating for it.
thank you for the great video! im still a little bit unsure about the following though: what happens when you pocket the called ball in a wrong pocket or you dont pocket it at all, but another ball.. like that is not a foul ? the way i understand it after watching your video is, that pocketing a called ball gives you the right to continue playing. randomly pocketing balls (yours or the opponents) is not a foul it just ends your streak. is that correct ?
Dr. Dave, 1) What happens if during a shot the cue ball goes up on the edge of the billiard table and returns to the playing table pocketing a regularly declared ball? 2) What happens if during a shot the declared ball goes up on the edge of the billiard table and returns to the playing table and goes into a pocket? 3 What happens if I declare a ball in a pocket and instead the ball goes into another pocket? Thanks
I love playing pool with friends, but by god, I hate it when they try to soften the rules for themselves or tell me "This rule is dumb!" because they don't understand its purpose. The "You have to hit your ball first" and the "One ball has to hit the rail after contacting the object ball" rules seem particularly hard to understand.
@@DrDaveBilliards Oh wait, that sounded completely wrong 🤣. I meant that the purpose of certain rules like these often elude beginners. So they would often say stuff like: "Why shouldn't I be able to use the opponent's balls for an easy combination shot? This rule is dumb!" And that's when they come up with their own simplified rule set which becomes a complete mess and kills the game.
@Elite7555 But under official rules, you are allowed to use opponent balls in combos and kisses. I agree that made-up “bar rules” are “a mess:” billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/bar-rules
Thank you for the video. Although the information was clear in the video, I’d appreciate a straightforward answer to share with my fellow players and avoid any further arguments. If I legally hit my ball and it pots in a corner pocket, but the opponent’s ball is sitting on the edge and sinks first, do I lose my turn?
@@burimskenderi1904 If you pocket a called ball in a called pocket, nothing else matters, so the shot you describe is legal. For more info, see the info and links here: billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/
Double hit fouls are a little confusing. Is it a foul because you intentionally or unintentionally touch the cue ball twice? I’ve noticed that on some of the shots I make, the cue ball reacts in the ways that he said were signs of a double hit but I never felt like my cue touched the ball twice. If that makes sense.
It is impossible to feel or hear most double hit fouls, but the motion of the CB is a dead giveaway. Maybe watch that section of the video again (starting at 4:50). I also have much more info and many more videos on this topic here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/foul/double-hit/
Great video, especially for beginners. I want to add that I think all types of jump shots and masse shots must be declared. Also, the positions where the object ball can easily be sent towards different (2 or more) pockets must be declared, because noone (referee, opponent etc.) can know the real purpose of the shot before the shot is made, except the shooter. With these type of shots, shooters often fall to the misconception that the shot is obvious, since it is obvious for them, but only the shooter have the position to see the true angles of the shot and all other people can only guess.
@@sherrymelvin25 With a tight rack and an accurate hit, it is very easy to pocket balls on the break. See the videos and info here billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/8-ball/
I am not sure what rules we play here in Africa but for a foul we have 2 shots but ball is optional in hand and also if we choose ball in hand the white has to be place anywhere in the kitchen. Also, the rule for white contacting your balls means you can't hit the same ball first even if you don't double hit, if the white ball causes movement of the contacted ball its a foul, therefore 2 options you could either hit just the cution/target a different ball. If white is in contact with openent ball we usually say you need to find or hit your ball and your oponent ball should not move/be touch in the process of doing so. Lastly, we dont call bank shots, and safety shots
@3:16, this rule I'm happy isn't included in bar rules. Trying to explain this one to a drunk person not used to it sounds like it could be a challenge in itself.
Interesting. Our local league here plays with a mix of bar rules and official rules then. - The balls are racked with a full ball in all 3 corners. The "1" needs to be at the top. - Stating the ball and the pocket is enough, like in the official rules - You only ever get ball in hand as a result of a foul. A foul only happens if you intentionally directly play the white into a pocket without other ball contact, or if you play another ball by hitting the "8" first. Which also means that whenever the white falls by accident or in another similar situation, it is never ball in hand for the opponent; he only gets to place it somewhere on the 2nd diamond line, not freely on the table. - You always have to nominate a pocket and ball you're playing, even if you're intending to play a safety. Any safety needs to at least _look like_ an effort to pot a ball, making actual safeties much harder. They're also shunned to some degree. - At the start of the game, the first ball needs to be played by either hitting it directly or playing a combo through another ball of its type. You're only allowed to play an opponent's ball by hitting a cushion or one of your own balls first. And there's a few more differences. The whole "it's a foul if no ball moves towards a cushion" is a weird official rule that any bar player would tell you is complete nonsense. I'm glad that bar rules don't have that. I'm playing in a small German city that has produced an unproportionally high number of German and European champions and still have never once heard any of them advocate for rule changes along these lines.
ok so by your rules I can just easily tap the que ball into an extremely defensive position that would cause a scratch. now THAT is nonsense. if you are going to play a safety shot, you need to have a little more skill than that.
They are lots of things I didn't mention. That's what the rules documents linked in the video description are for. As long as you hit one of your balls first (or a stripe or solid first when the table is open), nothing else matters. So the 8 can be used in the middle of combos and kisses.
Thanks for answer below. Another question: Sinking the 8 in wrong pocket (ex tried for cross bank and instead sank double cross bank). Is this foul or loss of game? If foul then presume 8 gets spotted. TIA
@@RussellWardman Pocketing the 8-ball in the wrong pocket is loss of game. FYI, all detailed rules can be found here: billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/
@1:11 you state that the 1-ball has to be on the spot. I've never read any rules that require any specific ball to be on the spot in 8-ball. As far as I'm aware, the 1-ball is only required on the spot in rotation games. You don't even have to have a solid ball on the spot in 8-ball. It can be a stripe, because it doesn't affect anything regarding how the game is played. (8-ball in the center of the rack and one stripe and one solid on the bottom corners... it doesn't matter which side is which). Though I haven' read the WPA rules, I have read the CSI/BCA rules and the APA rules. If the WPA rules state that the one has to be racked on the spot, I would be very surprised as it shouldn't matter. The only ball that cannot be the head ball in 8-ball is the 8-ball itself because it has to be in the center of the rack.
I’ve done one straight pool video: STRAIGHT POOL Strategy and “Run Your Age” Challenges th-cam.com/video/BgBiT4yVeJw/w-d-xo.html I don’t have plans to do more, but “Shortstop on Pool” has lots of good straight pool content.
I know there are different rules under different federations. For instance, some people say it's a instant loss of you scratch on your attempt to pocket the 8 ball, you automatically lose. Others would say, it's simply ball in hand for your opponent. What is this? And what the do top, high-end pros usually play under? WPA rules?
Under the “official rules” of pool (the WPA rules) which are used in most leagues and tournaments, especially at the pro level, a scratch on a missed 8 gives your opponent ball in hand. This is not the case under “bar rules:” billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/bar-rules For more info concerning other rule sets, see the links and info here: billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/
What happens if opponent, makes the cue ball fly off the table and land on the floor? Makes any ball, his or his opponent's, fly off the table and land on the floor? Thanks.
Under the "official rules" of pool, it is a foul if any ball is driven off the table. Opponent gets ball in hand. Object balls are treated as if they were pocketed.
Great official rules style. Just to reinerate.... Also a foul if a double hit or triple hit of the cue ball happens from a back spin recontact once the cue ball is double hit or more. Thanks so much for those terms.🎱
Actually, scooping under the ball (often resulting in secondary hits) is not a foul if it is unintentional. See: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/foul/scoop/
@@jonathansantos2271 Under the WPA official rules, pocketing the 8 on the break is not a win. See that section of the video again. Things are different under “bar rules:” billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/bar-rules
@@jonathansantos2271 FYI, more videos dealing with rules and fouls can be found here: billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/ billiards.colostate.edu/faq/foul/ Enjoy!
That’s easy. The opponent always gets ball in hand after a scratch (on any shot), and the game is always over only when the 8 is pocketed (intentionally or not).
Nope. All that matters if that you hit one of your balls first and pocket the called ball. Nothing else matters (unless you foul or pocket the 8 by mistake). You might be thinking of "bar rules:" th-cam.com/video/x8sI73wlyoM/w-d-xo.html
@@DrDaveBilliards on this note.. I would like to say thank you to you .. thanks to your videos, my game improved a lot ..specially your strategy videos are amazing ..
Question for calling a shot. If you call for 13 in the corner, and miss it, but ball 15 gets in the middle hole. Do you continue? Or it's considered miss call, and it's your opponent turn? If the opponent gets the turn, does he get freeball? Or just continue like normal?
@@ruuka13 If you don’t pocket the called ball in the called pocket, it is your opponent’s turn. Nothing else matters, unless you scratch or pocket the 8 by mistake or commit a foul.
Dr. Dave, I have a question, when you mention at 3:00 that for a shot to be legal, if nothing is pocketed, a ball must be driven to a cushion after object ball contact. If after a shot, an object ball is not driven to a cushion but the cue ball is, is that considered a foul?
I'm sorry. I got here from something random. If you want to play the official rules you are going to have to go to official places. At pool halls, you play by house rules, or you don't play. The double hit would be hard to see to the on train eye and if you don't have an agree upon refee you are going to have trouble.
As with “bar rules,” “house rules” are often up for debate. See my “bar rules” video: BAR RULES and DIRTY POOL - Why Official Rules are Important th-cam.com/video/x8sI73wlyoM/w-d-xo.html
Hey quick help! So if I make a ball on the break, can I elect then and there either stripes or solids. If I pick one it becomes “mine” for the rest of the game (even if I don’t make a follow up shot after the break)?
The table is open after the break. Stripes or solids are claimed only after somebody pockets a called ball. FYI, all rules are covered in detail here: billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/
I LOVE your full videos. Keep up the great work. I've learned tons from them. But I also want to take this opportunity to say I don't like the shorts you've been making: they look like they were done with a cell phone so the field of view is smaller, they don't display right in a laptop browser only in a cell phone, and since they're short they don't give you the in depth knowledge the full videos do. Just trying to be constructive here. Again, I LOVE the full videos.
Honestly, I don’t like the “shorts” either. I’m all about “long.” But many people (especially young people) view videos only on their phone, and many of those people have short attention spans. The shorts are for them.
There are many details, situations, and rules are not covered in the video. That’s what the complete published rules are for: billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/
Done: How to Play One Pocket - with the “Official Rules” th-cam.com/video/S99VkMOa4ow/w-d-xo.html And more 1P strategy and shot-example videos can be found here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/game/one-pocket/
It's not new, however it doesn't apply to 9 ball. Because shots aren't called, if you pocket any ball on a legal you must keep shooting. Push out is an exception.
I think the only ones where there's confusion (and I recently "lost" a game cause this girl insisted scratch on 8 is a loss)... is rules surrounding the 8 ball: Hit 8 in early-- Loss. Scratch on 8-- NOT a loss unless the 8 goes in. Seems like most people these days play ball in hand. And call your shot. Maybe just make it clear you only have to call ball and pocket. (And no one really should be calling double hits in friendly pool. At times it's very hard to know if it was a double hit or not, and trying to explain to people the physics of what the cue ball should have done would be impossible with casual pool players. I also probably would call if their sleeve touched the ball, etc. Just move the ball back two inches.. it was an accident)
@@urwholefamilydied “CB fouls only” is a common rules variation in American league systems, where if you bump a ball by accident, your opponent has the right to restore any moved balls (assuming the over balls didn’t interfere with a shot).
Dr. Dave question, after u pocket your last stripe or solid ball and the white ball rolled on and sunk the 8 ball as well, is that a win for the shooter?
What is the rule if I use my ball to pocket my opponent's ball? Is it his turn or mine? Can you do a video on how to legally perform a safety. This not a request for the safety strategy or how to cleverly use it (those vids exist) but what are the rules for it? For example, do I have to drive a ball to a cushion or even hit my own ball first if I call safety?
If you don’t pocket one of your balls (that you call), you lose your turn. The rules for a safety are the same as with any other shot. You need to contact one of your balls first, and something (CB or any OB) must be driven to a cushion after ball contact. Lots of examples can be found here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/safety/examples/
What happens if you make a ball on the break, choose solids and then fail to make your shot? Does your choice stand or is the table still open. Love your videos. Bought your book and a copy for a friend. Also got the aiming with side spin video.
I know people that live in my area that feed off the bar league rules idk if I’m gonna play league this winter people get too serious for nonsense I been playing tap at my local club that goes by the original rules like this and it’s more fun
Does the 1-ball really have to be at the peak of the triangle? In the official WPA-rules it only says that "the apex ball on the footspot" and that the lower corners has to be one of each...
@@DrDaveBilliards we all make mistakes, this was rather benign - since many actually believe that what you said is what the rules say as well. Love your videos, keep up the good work!
I also wanted to know: Stripe player's turn, his last ball is at the edge of a pocket, surrounding by solid balls, if he touches the solids, it's a foul right? Even if he is kinda "forced" to it
He is not forced to hit into the stripes. He can play an intentional foul away from the balls and let his opponent (solids) address the problem. If neither player wants to address the problems, a stalemate can be called for a re-break.
@DrDaveBilliards , is it a foul if the object ball does not touch a rail but the cue ball is driven to a rail? (Example: a very sharp cut on object ball that does not quite pocket.) Thanks in advance...
You know, I’ve seen inexperienced pool hall customers play 8-ball Pool without following the rules like placing the 8-ball on a foot spot and placing two opposite corners have the same kind(solid and/or strips pool balls), placing the cue ball outside the kitchen and then pocketing the ball outside the head string, and/or pocketing the balls behind the head string after the scratch on the break. Oh, and I see you’re now playing with a different playing cue, is it a new Predator Cue?
Could you please explain why the "safety" shot at 9:20 would not be ruled a foul? No numbered balls made contact with a cushion. Are you allowed to foul in such a way if you call for a "safety" without the opponent getting ball in hand?
The CB hit the rail after hitting the OB, so the shot is legal. The only requirement is that something (the CB or any OB) must be driven to a cushion after legal OB contact.
@@DrDaveBilliards Oh ok. I for some reason thought it had to be only an object ball that touched the cushion, I didn't know the cue ball counted. Good to know, thank you.
I really dislike these rules and am surprised you think they are best. I prefer to play call shot, no slop, kitchen scratches, and table scratch on the 8 is not loss of game (but pocket scratch is). You do not need to call a bank if it is adjacent to the pocket. I do not enforce the one rail rule (cruel result for a short shot that is otherwise on target). And a hand/cue foul that does not interfere with play simply gives the opponent the option to return the ball or leave it (gentleman return it). Many people prefer these rules to APA or WPA. My concerns with these rules: 1- why does the 1 ball need to be first in the rack? Numbers are arbitrary, only suit matters. 2- why call only the pocket, but enforce the much stricter all foul and one rail rules? Seems incongruous. If you play that strictly, at the very least you should only shoot again if you make the exact shot you intend. The above rules accomplish this without punishing inconsequential fouls, whereas WPA allows a shooter to benefit from an awful shot that happens to drop the ball in the right pocket while simultaneously rewarding an opponent for a foul that doesn’t impact play. Why? 3- you should never be able to involve an opponent’s ball in a combo (or the 8). This is part of “no slop” to me. 4- this is just preference, but ball in hand is too much of an advantage in 8 ball, IMO. Kitchen scratches (with option to play it where it lies for table scratch) keep it challenging. Aside from that, I agree table should be open after break with all balls except the 8 in play until suit is established (by making a call shot). Also agree that “calling” doesn’t require calling obvious shots.
It sounds like you prefer “bar rules:” th-cam.com/video/x8sI73wlyoM/w-d-xo.html BTW, the 1 doesn’t need to be in front under the official rules. See the “CORRECTION” in the video description or pinned comment.
Agree with you. I can play these rules in Tournament or League play. On my table....it's combo off your balls only. Call all pockets. No slop. No BIH. BIH is played to speed up the game in Tournaments and League play. So a scratch or don't put a ball to a rail and the other player get an easy path to win? And if they are shooting the 8 a definite win. No thanks. I prefer a more challenging game.
@@DrDaveBilliardsNoted re 1 ball. Still, point 2 is my biggest issue. That just makes no sense to me. Yes, I prefer my version of “ball rules.” Your video on that with the many variations was very good. I understand the benefit of uniformity from using WPA or APA rules. I just don’t think that outweighs the issues in non-tournament or non-league settings. I feel my version of bar rules does a much better job of ensuring merit based wins in light of the nuances surrounding point 2. You should only shoot again if you make the “shot” you intend (not the “result”). Otherwise, you don’t deserve it.
@@jwkoreaguy I think the current 9-on-the-spot break-from-the-spot requirements are sufficient. It is challenging and requires lots of skill to pocket the 1 every time and control the CB, without scratching.
I will add it to my list. But 9-ball rules are very simple. You just need to hit the lowest number ball first; and if anything goes in anywhere, you keep shooting. Anytime the 9 drops, you win. Any foul results in BIH anywhere on the table (even after the break). And you have the option ot "push out" after the break. For more info, see the videos, handouts, links, and other info here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/game/9-ball/ billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/ billiards.colostate.edu/faq/foul/ billiards.colostate.edu/resource_files/rules_summary.pdf
@@Kat-zj5kd The numbers are helpful for calling shots and for doing commentary. For examples: “He plans to kiss the 10 off the 13 to pocket the 11 in the side.”
If you pocket a called ball, the table is no longer open. It doesn’t matter what else you might pocket on a called shot (unless it is the 8, in which case you would lose).
ive always played bar rules with 8 ball. Never did ball in hand ever before. Only on scratches do we get the ball in hand behind the line. Also, if u drop the 8 ball on a break its an automatic win.
@@DrDaveBilliards To be honest, i dont even know the proper bar rules. I just know what i was taught from friends playing pool in bar and grills and places like that. I never played with a team, or know anyone on a team to ask questions to...or been in a leauge, I dont own a pool stick. Im just a causl pool player with friends whenever the situation arises.
@@markherring3513 if you talk to other pool friends and play in enough bars and grills and places like that, you will see that there are almost endless variations to “bar rules.” See my video on this topic: th-cam.com/video/x8sI73wlyoM/w-d-xo.html
My Friend and I had a discussion, maybe u can help us out here? If you hit a stripe on to a solids ball, and you pocket first the stripe, then the solid ball, Which ball do I need to take, the ball that I first pocket, or is the rule the ball that I needed to call (in this situation the solid ball)?
These are the rules I try to get everyone to play by at the bar when I can (so far so good) with a couple modifications - I like to play the 8 on the break as a win (and of course the 8 + scratch being a loss). But I've also been playing ball in hand anywhere on the table after a scratch on the break so I had a couple questions: What is the WPA ruling for 8-ball + Foul on the break? Where did I get this ball in hand rule from? I thought it came from my time playing BCA - but it seems like BCA has the same rule as WPA. Was there a temporary change in BCA rules that switched back or did I maybe play a stray season at a place with this as a house rule?
TIL - I would have never realized that there were two separate entities: BCA and BCAPL! I must have played BCA in one place and BCAPL in another and thought I was playing the same format with a sudden rule change! Thanks for the clarification! That was wild to look into. Explains why the guy that agreed to play by BCA rules was correcting me when I took the BIH mid table, and I was confused as heck. @@DrDaveBilliards
From the UK, a few questions. Is 8 ball only ever played on (what appears in this video to be) a 9 ball table in the US? In the UK we do have those larger tables in pool/snooker bars but we would only really play 9 ball on them. For 8 ball we play on 6x3ft tables with far smaller pockets. In other words, the object ball would never go into the pocket if it makes contact with the rail first, it would have to at least bounce off of the curve of the pocket... even then it might not go in! Is 8 ball only ever played with solid and stiped balls? In the UK we pretty much exclusively use red and yellow balls (the 8 ball is identical to the ball in the video though). What are the small white hoop like marks on the baize of the table in the video?
In the US, most 8-ball is played on 7' "bar boxes" (small tables found mostly in bars and some pool halls). Concerning the "little white donuts," see: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/training/teaching/
In my league, which closely follows ISPA rules, if you move a ball it is not a foul unless it inferes with the "path of the game"... 🤷🏽♂️ any thoughts on that?
On the topic of official rules, is there any difference between 9 ball and 10 ball officially? I can't seem to think of a difference in how it's played when I play it with my grandfather, other than the additional ball
See the rules that Dave linked in his answer. But the short version is that 10-ball is call shot, ball and pocket, whereas 9-ball is not. Which means you can fluke balls in 9-ball but it's extremely rare in 10-ball, since you have to fluke the called ball in the called pocket - so not impossible.
@@jonasbygden It took me a long time to notice it, but I did eventually catch on that part, though I couldn't see if there was more to it. That's pretty nifty, I actually thought 9 ball was also a call shot game, but I was wrong
Hey dr. Dave. A question here. So if i attempt to make a “two way shot” and i call a safety but also pot my ball… do i lose my turn? And is it better in such situation to just call the shot instead?
If you call a safety, your opponent shoots next regardless of what happens. If you are playing a two-way shot, you should call the shot (to pocket the ball) instead.
Hey Dr. Dave, great and a helpful video as always! Did I get it right, that if I call a safety play, the opponent goes next at the table after my shot, even though I may have pocketed my ball(s)?
![[TH] JFT vs RLF - VCT Ascension Pacific - Day 2](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/PuIH7w_jO6c/mqdefault.jpg)
![[TH] RNT vs SPG - VCT Ascension Pacific - Day 1](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/RUTkf8Detj8/mqdefault.jpg)
*Contents:*
0:00 - Intro
0:15 - Official Rules of Pool
1:00 - 8-Ball Rules
4:50 - Double Hit Fouls
8:33 - Other Common Fouls
9:59 - Wrap Up
*CORRECTION:*
- at the 1m07s point, I said "1 on the spot" (because the 1 was the top ball in that rack examples), but the top ball does not need to be the 1. Any stripe or solid is allowed; although, putting the 1 at the top is customary.
*Supporting Resources:*
- previous "bar rules" video: th-cam.com/video/x8sI73wlyoM/w-d-xo.html
- Video Encyclopedia of Eight Ball (VEEB): drdavebilliards.com/videos/8-ball/
- rules resources page: billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/
- league rule differences: billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/rule-differences
- bar rules resource page: billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/bar-rules
- fouls resource page: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/foul/
- double hit detection and avoidance: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/foul/double-hit/
*Subscribe to Dr. Dave's TH-cam Channel:*
th-cam.com/users/DrDaveBilliards
0:27 in 1996, my friend's razzed me for carrying the actual official rules in my pocket. So when we were playing at pool halls, everybody would be on the same page.
So irritating when people try to argue when they're the ones playing by some made up rule
@@Bozemanjustin That’s the main problem with “bar rules:” they are often “made up.” For more info, see:
th-cam.com/video/x8sI73wlyoM/w-d-xo.html
When the table is open, there is a situation when you pocketed both solid and stripes ball in the first shot so how do you decide which ball to shot next?
@@tonberrykingvn The ball you called comes your set. It doesn’t matter if other balls also go in.
I could be wrong but; I was pretty sure the apex ball could be anything. Meaning, it could be a stripe and not necessarily a '1'. I thought it was just common practice, but not an official rule.
Dr. Dave, you’re leading a great cause for humanity, hopefully one day taking bar pool out of the Dark Ages, and into the Age of Enlightenment
Unlikely, but possible.
@@DrDaveBilliards All of the greats started in times of ignorance. Galileo, Newton, etc. Maybe one day your work will finally pay dividends.
I read the rule book when I was a kid and was amazed to learn you got the ball in hand anywhere on the table after a foul. Everybody, even the adults, refused to believe that was the rule and still insisted on the cute ball needing to go in the kitchen after a scratch!
The problem is: most “adults” and “kids” have not read the rules.
@@DrDaveBilliardsOr, at least in the UK, are stuck to the British rules that even the EPA (English Pool Association) consider old and kept on the website for reference).
It's kind of annoying and confusing that there are many rule sets (although I personally try to stick to international rules whenever possible).
@@MaximilianBerkmann Agreed. The world would be a better place if everybody would just play pool under the WPA "official rules of pool."
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/
@@DrDaveBilliards Absolutely! A lot of other hobbies have one single set of rules (like the WCA for Speedcubing, PDGA for Disc Golf, etc.).
I'm confused by the rules you present here compared with the other "international rules", as used in Ultimate Pool. Here, the rack only requires the 8 in position and the corner balls to be different. International rules required alternating colours, with a tick pattern. Where does the 8 get spotted? And in international rules, you can't hit a solid to cannon a stripe into a pocket. Why can't there be one single definitive set of international rules? Apparently the Chinese put the 1 on the black spot.
I kid you not, you literally provide the best pool videos. They are all so neat, clean, and scientific! No fancy animations, no overdrawn out information. Everything is to-the-point and just so information. Keep this up, please! You are so appreciated!
Thanks. I’m glad you like my style.
Thank you, Dr. Dave.
Had a guy at a bar want to play "real" pool, but couldn't tell me which rules he wanted to play under.
He probably meant "bar rules:"
th-cam.com/video/x8sI73wlyoM/w-d-xo.html
😆
“Real” pool to them means any shot they make, no questions get asked, but if it’s your shot, you’d better call every last detail of it like you’re playing a game of H.O.R.S.E. or something 😂
@@johnkraft6053 I like it. HORSE pool.
This taught me more about pool in five minutes than I’ve learned from any “bar rules/house rules“ players in my lifetime.
As someone who plays official rules with pretty much every activity I do, I am very appreciative of this.
Standardized rules make so much more sense to men than to have to remember multiple “house” rules, and/or argue over what rules apply.
Kudos to you 🙏
I'm glad you liked it. Please share it with others, especially those in need of "education."
I plan on it!
I have some questions:
1. For non-kick shots that aren’t made, does the object ball have to be driven to the cushion, or can it be any ball (including the cue ball), so as to avoid a penalty?
2. Does a safety have to drive a ball into a cushion?
3. If the 8 ball is sunk on a break, and the player chooses to replace it, but there’s a ball already on the spot, where does the 8 ball get placed? Or does the player forfeit that option, and must re-break?
4. Can the cue ball make contact with the top of the rail, and come back into play? And if not, and balls are sunk, is it just ball-in-hand, or do you have to replace those sunk balls, and if so, where on the table do you replace them?
5. Can you end the game on a combo, making your final ball first, and then sinking the 8 ball in a pre-called pocket?
1. any ball
2. yes
3. as close as possible to the spot on a line beneath the spot
4. yes
5. no
FYI, these and all rules questions are answered here (especially at the WPA link):
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/
@@DrDaveBilliards thanks so much for the answers, and the link!
@@reedr7142 You're very welcome.
Thank you for setting everyone straight. I have debated rules so many times (both correct and incorrectly). But knowing the facts is priceless.
You're welcome. If you want more info for your debates, see the videos, links, and info here:
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/
You're appreciated. Can't tell you how many people I make put your channel in their subbed section on TH-cam, I literally watch and make them look it up on the spot. At least 50 at this point. The amount of knowledge on this channel is purely unparalleled. Thank you so so much Dave.
I'm glad to hear it. You're welcome. Please continue to help spread the good word.
I couldn't agree more!
@8:20 "scratch behind the balls" I'm so childish 😅😂
So the next video needs to be how to convince a bar full of drunk bikers to play real 8 ball rules instead of bar rules.
Sorry, but I can't help with that. They can use whatever version of "bar rules" they want to use, even if it changes mid-game when they are losing. :)
Thank you! You articulated my argument against bar rules in the first 45 seconds. I'm going to watch that next, but this is a must share.
You're welcome. Share away! Thanks.
I literally learn something every time I watch one of your videos. You are a scholar and a gentleman, something this game could always benefit from.💯
I'm glad to hear it. Thank you for your kind words.
Thank you. So much. Explained these basic rules so often. Nice to have illustration. Might save a portion of my life force
Please share the video with people who need it. There are many who do.
It’s been 4months now since our boss decided to buy a table for the workers… in the first few months I’ve been raining champion 😂… the problem is… they are catching upto me and I don’t want to lose my title of “champion” .. it’s all I got..🤣🤣so here I am learning how to play 9ball so I can teach them😂😂… your video is so clear I luv it.. keep it up
Here’s the 9-Ball video:
th-cam.com/video/WAr0maE00qA/w-d-xo.html
Enjoy!
too many rules, I'm going to the bar...
… just be ready for the “whims” of “bar rules:”
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/bar-rules
Lots of things I didn't know. Very nice!
@@LannahNSS I’m glad you found the video helpful.
Yessir. Thanks Dr Dave
Yep. You're welcome.
Finally! WPA Rules so that everyone understands! 🙂
By the way, I have 2 questions:
1. What happens when someone pockets their called ball (example solids) but a stripe went in as well? (this is after the break). 🤔
2. Does the 1-ball always go at the front when racking? Because I just put any ball as the head ball, the 8 in the middle and the two corner ball being opposite sets. 🤔
I'm glad you liked the video.
1. If you hit one of your balls first and pocket the called ball, nothing else matters (assuming you don't foul or pocket the 8 by mistake).
2. No. See the "CORRECTION" in the video description or pinned comment.
I keep finding myself getting into bar fights because when I win the table, I play how my dad taught me. This video just confirmed that I am absolutely correct about how to properly play pool
Pool is not always played "properly" in most bars. If you want to also learn how to play under their rules (and take advantage of their silly rules), see the video and info here:
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/bar-rules
I stopped playing "bar rules" some 20 odd years ago because the official rules make it more of a gentleman's game, whereas bar rules are quite easily exploitable by people who want to play dirty just to get an advantage.
Too many times I've seen something like this happen: player 1 still has balls to shoot at, player 2 is just down to the 8 ball. 8 ball is deep in the kitchen, player 1 intentionally pockets the cue ball if they don't have an easy shot and tells player 2 that they have to place the cue ball on the head string and can only shoot forward.
Exactly. I do this to people who want to play kitchen to explain to them how fucking stupid it is. Then the worst is when they say "well, you cant INTENTIONALY scratch". well guess what, I didn't intentionally scratch and there is literally no way to prove it, so get better rules chump.
Here in Costa Rica we play a variant of 8 ball where you have to pocket the 1 ball in a designated side pocket if you have solids, the opponent must pocket the 15 ball in the opposite side pocket
You must restore your opponent 1 or 15 ball position if you move it while playing and if you shoot the 1 or 15 you don't have to hit a rail since you may want to just leave it near it's pocket
It's a pretty challenging game since you not only have to pocket all of your balls to hit the 8, some play it with more restrictions like you can't carom or make a combination while pocketing the 1 and 15 and you can only touch the 8 ball when you play it, even if you pocket the 8 and then touch another ball you loose the game since you are using that ball to stop the cue ball
It's like you have to make the 8 ball as clean as possible
That rule often applies to the 1 and 15 ball
That makes the game more challenging and fun if you play with a good opponent
Also it means you get more than one shot at the table and that's nice
That's a common variation played by some in the US also (especially in the past).
@@DrDaveBilliards ohh nice, I guess it came down here from the US
I think 'which rules are better' is entirely dependent on the context of the game being played.
If I'm drinking at the corner bar and playing a casual game with one of the regulars, and they call a foul for an inadvertent, inconsequential ball touch, I'm probably going to just lose the game on my next shot, decline another game and never play pool with that person again. If it's a crowded bar with a 45-minute wait list for the table, then yeah, I get it. I still hate it, but I get it.
I think a lot of it comes down to my interpretation of sportsmanship. I think bar rules are quite suited for casual games, but not suited or balanced for higher level of pool; I think that the 'official rules' are necessary for competitive play, but can come off as poor taste in casual games. I like bar rules, but if I felt like my opponent is being exploitive to the point that I feel that 'the official rules' are necessary, I'd rather just not play that opponent any more. If I were playing in a league, well, that is a different story.
Good points.
This is awesome Dr Dave it was only 13 days ago I proposed this video! Thanks for the quick response!
You're welcome. I aim to swerve. :)
Thank u for this. I live in a small town where we just started a weekly tournament and some players that know the rules have already claimed they are never coming back. I'm gonna show the person running the tournament this video. Thanks again...
I hope the video helps convince they to "modernize."
This is the best video so far! All the rules are explained! Thank you, it saved me from an argument with friends!
Could you also do the rules of black ball/English pool? I noticed people in bars are messing the rules of the 2 games!
I have never played Black Ball / English Pool, so I'm probably not the best person to do a video on the rules for that game. Sorry.
The link to WPA rules includes a section on Black Ball. It sure is frustrating that many people try to apply Black Ball rules to Eight Ball. There are quite a few differences, especially the rack and what happens in a snooker situation.
@@davidcann8788 Understood.
@@davidcann8788 awesome! Thanks man!
Instructions unclear now I have glass shards souvenir from a local pub
Next time, play stupid “bar rules” instead:
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/bar-rules
Just be sure to not play “dirty.” :)
Another rule that came up in a league match i attended recently:
A player hit the 8 into the 3 for a combo on an open table. He asumed you can use the 8 for combos on an open table but thats a foul! hitting the 8 first while there are still balls of both categories on the table is a foul even if the table is still open.
That is allowed under VNEA rules, but not under the official rules of pool.
@@DrDaveBilliardsI'm having trouble figuring out if APA rules would allow it or not.
@@drewsalvigsen6171 All league rule differences, and links to all official league rules, can be found here:
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/rule-differences/
@@DrDaveBilliards thanks!
Exemplary uploads as always for billiards, no one does it quite like you DrDave.
Thanks. I'm glad you think so.
I like how the title is in quotation marks because no one goes behind the kitchen no more after scratch on the break they just put it anywhere to run or break the balls. The last known tournament I saw using behind the kitchen rules was that 1994 9 ball tournament match between Mike Siegel and Nick Varner but even then and before that the behind the kitchen rule for ball in hand wasn't in effect
In 8-ball, only CSI rules allows BIH anywhere on the table after the break. This video is not about 9-ball.
Wow ive been playing more right than i honestly thought. Only things ive ever heard that were wrong was "ball in hand" is always behind the kitchen and pocketing 8 on break was a win because we were crap players so it was just a fun luck mechanic for the kids that werent as good 🤣🤣
Im just to blind or slow to be calling double hits on people 😅 of all the examples you showed they looked clean to me even when slowed down (not argueing, just pointing out im just not that quick) lol so i never call doubles hits unless its just blatantly obvious.
@@sir.asylum Double hits can rarely been seen directly, but the indirect CB motion evidence is usually obvious. For more info, see the videos here:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/foul/double-hit/
In my attempt to make a fair rack, I settled on this. Starting at the 1, in latitude order:
1 9,2 3,8,10 11,4,12,5 13,6,14,15,7
If you saw a rack like that, would it bother you?
The bottom right corner does have a 4 pack of stripes, but solids has a similar pack as well.
It seems to me the optimal way to rack them; but am I missing something?
Actually, you are not allowed to "pattern rack." The balls must be placed randomly (except for the 8 in the middle and the solid and stripe on the bottom corners). For more info, see:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/pattern/
Having said that, it wouldn't bother me unless you were getting some sort of advantage from the pattern.
Thank you sir, I didn't look at it that way.
My additional reasoning to do it, was to try and recognize where the balls end up off break from repeated play, knowing where they started, and the understanding of just how the physics work.
That's what keeps me coming back, the table, and the physics.
Being 8 ball, unless you stipulate to pocket the balls in order, it doesn't matter what the number is, but what suit it is.
Even then, stripes, solids, they're set the same.
Very well done; informative and concise. When I read George Fels 'Mastering Pool' in '84 weren't the BCA rules headstring(kichen) on all fouls in 8? Maybe it was Martin's 99; had the rules written in the back. Now the difficulties are not simply confusion nor ignorance but how to build a game. For example, someone whom shoots @ everthing, am going to negotiate call pocket in 9, and if someone gives me the breaks, will try and legislate 2-foul roll-out w/ break scratches in kitchen. Will not play 8 on a bar-box unless they play 'open' after; and try to get the breaks, or one can be relegated to some twisted form of break-out. Finally, America has fallen to a vulgar state of League Bangerism, thusly rules are the least of ones worries. Thank you for the refresher, I needed it.
Thank you, and you’re welcome.
You know what I'm not gonna remember this ima just play 8ball pool by miniclip ruled
Great video! I'd say most of this makes sense from a casual perspective, like I play at bars and at my parents house but not in leagues and we've been trying to play more closely to the official rules. However, I think that the double hit foul doesn't make sense for casual. I feel like it would be difficult to watch every shot to see how the cue ball follows and determine on the fly if it didn't follow exactly like it should have. Plus we aren't good enough to not accidentally double hit some games. Just my 2 cents, but that's also official rules so not like I fault you for including it and advocating for it.
Agreed. That's why "anything goes" in "bar rules:"
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/bar-rules/
See:
th-cam.com/video/x8sI73wlyoM/w-d-xo.html
thank you for the great video!
im still a little bit unsure about the following though:
what happens when you pocket the called ball in a wrong pocket or you dont pocket it at all, but another ball.. like that is not a foul ?
the way i understand it after watching your video is, that pocketing a called ball gives you the right to continue playing. randomly pocketing balls (yours or the opponents) is not a foul it just ends your streak. is that correct ?
Correct. A miss of a called ball ends your turn.
@@DrDaveBilliards perfect, thanks
THANK YOU!
You're welcome. I aim to swerve. :)
@@DrDaveBilliards
and apparently dad joke as well
Dr. Dave,
1) What happens if during a shot the cue ball goes up on the edge of the billiard table and returns to the playing table pocketing a regularly declared ball?
2) What happens if during a shot the declared ball goes up on the edge of the billiard table and returns to the playing table and goes into a pocket?
3 What happens if I declare a ball in a pocket and instead the ball goes into another pocket?
Thanks
1 and 2) Legal shot, unless the ball hits something on the rail like a piece of chalk.
3) loss of turn, ball stays down.
I love playing pool with friends, but by god, I hate it when they try to soften the rules for themselves or tell me "This rule is dumb!" because they don't understand its purpose. The "You have to hit your ball first" and the "One ball has to hit the rail after contacting the object ball" rules seem particularly hard to understand.
Hitting one of your balls first is hard to understand?!
@@DrDaveBilliards Oh wait, that sounded completely wrong 🤣. I meant that the purpose of certain rules like these often elude beginners. So they would often say stuff like: "Why shouldn't I be able to use the opponent's balls for an easy combination shot? This rule is dumb!" And that's when they come up with their own simplified rule set which becomes a complete mess and kills the game.
@Elite7555 But under official rules, you are allowed to use opponent balls in combos and kisses. I agree that made-up “bar rules” are “a mess:”
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/bar-rules
Thank you for the video. Although the information was clear in the video, I’d appreciate a straightforward answer to share with my fellow players and avoid any further arguments. If I legally hit my ball and it pots in a corner pocket, but the opponent’s ball is sitting on the edge and sinks first, do I lose my turn?
@@burimskenderi1904 If you pocket a called ball in a called pocket, nothing else matters, so the shot you describe is legal. For more info, see the info and links here:
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/
Double hit fouls are a little confusing. Is it a foul because you intentionally or unintentionally touch the cue ball twice? I’ve noticed that on some of the shots I make, the cue ball reacts in the ways that he said were signs of a double hit but I never felt like my cue touched the ball twice. If that makes sense.
It is impossible to feel or hear most double hit fouls, but the motion of the CB is a dead giveaway. Maybe watch that section of the video again (starting at 4:50). I also have much more info and many more videos on this topic here:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/foul/double-hit/
Great video, especially for beginners.
I want to add that I think all types of jump shots and masse shots must be declared. Also, the positions where the object ball can easily be sent towards different (2 or more) pockets must be declared, because noone (referee, opponent etc.) can know the real purpose of the shot before the shot is made, except the shooter.
With these type of shots, shooters often fall to the misconception that the shot is obvious, since it is obvious for them, but only the shooter have the position to see the true angles of the shot and all other people can only guess.
Good points.
You should always tighten the rack that makes it harder for the breaker to get good shots
@@sherrymelvin25 With a tight rack and an accurate hit, it is very easy to pocket balls on the break. See the videos and info here
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/8-ball/
I am not sure what rules we play here in Africa but for a foul we have 2 shots but ball is optional in hand and also if we choose ball in hand the white has to be place anywhere in the kitchen.
Also, the rule for white contacting your balls means you can't hit the same ball first even if you don't double hit, if the white ball causes movement of the contacted ball its a foul, therefore 2 options you could either hit just the cution/target a different ball. If white is in contact with openent ball we usually say you need to find or hit your ball and your oponent ball should not move/be touch in the process of doing so.
Lastly, we dont call bank shots, and safety shots
What you describe is definitely WPA rules, which are the international standard for pool.
@3:16, this rule I'm happy isn't included in bar rules. Trying to explain this one to a drunk person not used to it sounds like it could be a challenge in itself.
“Bar rules” are far from ideal also. See:
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/bar-rules
Interesting. Our local league here plays with a mix of bar rules and official rules then.
- The balls are racked with a full ball in all 3 corners. The "1" needs to be at the top.
- Stating the ball and the pocket is enough, like in the official rules
- You only ever get ball in hand as a result of a foul. A foul only happens if you intentionally directly play the white into a pocket without other ball contact, or if you play another ball by hitting the "8" first. Which also means that whenever the white falls by accident or in another similar situation, it is never ball in hand for the opponent; he only gets to place it somewhere on the 2nd diamond line, not freely on the table.
- You always have to nominate a pocket and ball you're playing, even if you're intending to play a safety. Any safety needs to at least _look like_ an effort to pot a ball, making actual safeties much harder. They're also shunned to some degree.
- At the start of the game, the first ball needs to be played by either hitting it directly or playing a combo through another ball of its type. You're only allowed to play an opponent's ball by hitting a cushion or one of your own balls first.
And there's a few more differences. The whole "it's a foul if no ball moves towards a cushion" is a weird official rule that any bar player would tell you is complete nonsense. I'm glad that bar rules don't have that. I'm playing in a small German city that has produced an unproportionally high number of German and European champions and still have never once heard any of them advocate for rule changes along these lines.
ok so by your rules I can just easily tap the que ball into an extremely defensive position that would cause a scratch. now THAT is nonsense. if you are going to play a safety shot, you need to have a little more skill than that.
Hey, Dave! Nice breakdown. But, you forgot to mention combinations on 8 ball... e.g. combinations using 8 ball is legal, but not on open table...
They are lots of things I didn't mention. That's what the rules documents linked in the video description are for. As long as you hit one of your balls first (or a stripe or solid first when the table is open), nothing else matters. So the 8 can be used in the middle of combos and kisses.
Thanks bro for all the rules. Now all ignorants about them pretending to know won't be able to argue
Ignorance is no excuse under the law. :)
Thanks for answer below.
Another question: Sinking the 8 in wrong pocket (ex tried for cross bank and instead sank double cross
bank). Is this foul or loss of game? If foul then presume 8 gets spotted.
TIA
@@RussellWardman Pocketing the 8-ball in the wrong pocket is loss of game. FYI, all detailed rules can be found here:
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/
@1:11 you state that the 1-ball has to be on the spot. I've never read any rules that require any specific ball to be on the spot in 8-ball. As far as I'm aware, the 1-ball is only required on the spot in rotation games. You don't even have to have a solid ball on the spot in 8-ball. It can be a stripe, because it doesn't affect anything regarding how the game is played. (8-ball in the center of the rack and one stripe and one solid on the bottom corners... it doesn't matter which side is which). Though I haven' read the WPA rules, I have read the CSI/BCA rules and the APA rules. If the WPA rules state that the one has to be racked on the spot, I would be very surprised as it shouldn't matter. The only ball that cannot be the head ball in 8-ball is the 8-ball itself because it has to be in the center of the rack.
See the “CORRECTION” in the video description or pinned comment.
Thank you very much! Could you also do a rules video on straight pool?❤️🙏🏼
I’ve done one straight pool video:
STRAIGHT POOL Strategy and “Run Your Age” Challenges
th-cam.com/video/BgBiT4yVeJw/w-d-xo.html
I don’t have plans to do more, but “Shortstop on Pool” has lots of good straight pool content.
I know there are different rules under different federations. For instance, some people say it's a instant loss of you scratch on your attempt to pocket the 8 ball, you automatically lose. Others would say, it's simply ball in hand for your opponent. What is this? And what the do top, high-end pros usually play under? WPA rules?
Under the “official rules” of pool (the WPA rules) which are used in most leagues and tournaments, especially at the pro level, a scratch on a missed 8 gives your opponent ball in hand. This is not the case under “bar rules:”
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/bar-rules
For more info concerning other rule sets, see the links and info here:
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/
What happens if opponent,
makes the cue ball fly off the table and land on the floor?
Makes any ball, his or his opponent's, fly off the table and land on the floor?
Thanks.
Under the "official rules" of pool, it is a foul if any ball is driven off the table. Opponent gets ball in hand. Object balls are treated as if they were pocketed.
Great official rules style.
Just to reinerate....
Also a foul if a double hit or triple hit of the cue ball happens from a back spin recontact once the cue ball is double hit or more.
Thanks so much for those terms.🎱
Also calling 8ball in off the break is automatic win.😎
Actually, scooping under the ball (often resulting in secondary hits) is not a foul if it is unintentional. See:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/foul/scoop/
@@jonathansantos2271 Under the WPA official rules, pocketing the 8 on the break is not a win. See that section of the video again. Things are different under “bar rules:”
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/bar-rules
@@jonathansantos2271 FYI, more videos dealing with rules and fouls can be found here:
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/foul/
Enjoy!
Of course if you make the 8 ball off the break from calling it going in on any pocket. Should be a automatic win.
Thanks for the official rules ways.
Hello Dr Dave I'm in Botswana we in Botswana we still playing old rules of 8 ball
If you want to play under current official rules instead, they can be found here:
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/
One day I’ll be able to convince my friends scratching on the 8 ball isn’t a loss unless you also pocket the 8
That’s easy. The opponent always gets ball in hand after a scratch (on any shot), and the game is always over only when the 8 is pocketed (intentionally or not).
so I hit my ball first, I get that ..but I also get opponent ball .. in this case, I dont have give up my turn to opponent?
Nope. All that matters if that you hit one of your balls first and pocket the called ball. Nothing else matters (unless you foul or pocket the 8 by mistake). You might be thinking of "bar rules:"
th-cam.com/video/x8sI73wlyoM/w-d-xo.html
@@DrDaveBilliards on this note.. I would like to say thank you to you .. thanks to your videos, my game improved a lot ..specially your strategy videos are amazing ..
I'm glad to hear it. You're welcome.
Question for calling a shot.
If you call for 13 in the corner, and miss it, but ball 15 gets in the middle hole. Do you continue? Or it's considered miss call, and it's your opponent turn? If the opponent gets the turn, does he get freeball? Or just continue like normal?
@@ruuka13 If you don’t pocket the called ball in the called pocket, it is your opponent’s turn. Nothing else matters, unless you scratch or pocket the 8 by mistake or commit a foul.
Once I learned BCA rules, I couldn't go back to bar rules. I hate playing with them now, and I'm not even that good yet!
After most people learn the official rules of pool, “bar rules” seem ridiculous:
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/bar-rules
Dr. Dave Again you don't understand my wording... If you can stop one bar fight with your video, You are doing a good thing... Rules...
I hope my video helps save the world. :)
Yes, keep up the good work, Please...
Dr. Dave, I have a question, when you mention at 3:00 that for a shot to be legal, if nothing is pocketed, a ball must be driven to a cushion after object ball contact. If after a shot, an object ball is not driven to a cushion but the cue ball is, is that considered a foul?
No. A ball (any ball, including the CB) needs to be driven to a cushion after ball contact.
@@DrDaveBilliards Thank you very much, Dr. Dave. Your videos are very helpful.
@@grandtheftautocj You're welcome. I'm glad to hear it.
I'm sorry. I got here from something random. If you want to play the official rules you are going to have to go to official places. At pool halls, you play by house rules, or you don't play. The double hit would be hard to see to the on train eye and if you don't have an agree upon refee you are going to have trouble.
As with “bar rules,” “house rules” are often up for debate. See my “bar rules” video:
BAR RULES and DIRTY POOL - Why Official Rules are Important
th-cam.com/video/x8sI73wlyoM/w-d-xo.html
Does the solid have to be on the left bottom corner and stripes be on the right bottom corner? Or can it be vice versa?
It doesn't matter.
Hey quick help! So if I make a ball on the break, can I elect then and there either stripes or solids. If I pick one it becomes “mine” for the rest of the game (even if I don’t make a follow up shot after the break)?
The table is open after the break. Stripes or solids are claimed only after somebody pockets a called ball. FYI, all rules are covered in detail here:
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/
I LOVE your full videos. Keep up the great work. I've learned tons from them. But I also want to take this opportunity to say I don't like the shorts you've been making: they look like they were done with a cell phone so the field of view is smaller, they don't display right in a laptop browser only in a cell phone, and since they're short they don't give you the in depth knowledge the full videos do. Just trying to be constructive here. Again, I LOVE the full videos.
Honestly, I don’t like the “shorts” either. I’m all about “long.” But many people (especially young people) view videos only on their phone, and many of those people have short attention spans. The shorts are for them.
how about the legal or illegal break. what is it and what's the consequences? I think this is important to be covered, Dr Dave
There are many details, situations, and rules are not covered in the video. That’s what the complete published rules are for:
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/
I’d like to see this same type of video for 1 pocket. 👍
Done:
How to Play One Pocket - with the “Official Rules”
th-cam.com/video/S99VkMOa4ow/w-d-xo.html
And more 1P strategy and shot-example videos can be found here:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/game/one-pocket/
@@DrDaveBilliards Sweet! I missed it. Love the content!
Is the ‘calling safety’ rule new? If not, the scenario for Efren’s Z shot would've never happened right?
It's not new, however it doesn't apply to 9 ball. Because shots aren't called, if you pocket any ball on a legal you must keep shooting. Push out is an exception.
@@fullonbatshit9428 Good answer.
Interesting. I was always taught that any scratch on the 8ball was a loss.
That's not an official rule, but it is common in "bar rules:"
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/bar-rules
Ivan Simonis 920 cloth , my favorite
The cloth in the video is 860HR.
@@DrDaveBilliards I went with the 9 ball cloth , slightly faster
When friends come over, I’m going to make them watch this 😂.
I hope it helps. :)
I think the only ones where there's confusion (and I recently "lost" a game cause this girl insisted scratch on 8 is a loss)... is rules surrounding the 8 ball: Hit 8 in early-- Loss. Scratch on 8-- NOT a loss unless the 8 goes in. Seems like most people these days play ball in hand. And call your shot. Maybe just make it clear you only have to call ball and pocket. (And no one really should be calling double hits in friendly pool. At times it's very hard to know if it was a double hit or not, and trying to explain to people the physics of what the cue ball should have done would be impossible with casual pool players. I also probably would call if their sleeve touched the ball, etc. Just move the ball back two inches.. it was an accident)
@@urwholefamilydied “CB fouls only” is a common rules variation in American league systems, where if you bump a ball by accident, your opponent has the right to restore any moved balls (assuming the over balls didn’t interfere with a shot).
Dr. Dave question, after u pocket your last stripe or solid ball and the white ball rolled on and sunk the 8 ball as well, is that a win for the shooter?
@@fecitim8807 No. The 8 must be pocketed on a dedicated final called shot.
What is the rule if I use my ball to pocket my opponent's ball? Is it his turn or mine?
Can you do a video on how to legally perform a safety. This not a request for the safety strategy or how to cleverly use it (those vids exist) but what are the rules for it? For example, do I have to drive a ball to a cushion or even hit my own ball first if I call safety?
If you don’t pocket one of your balls (that you call), you lose your turn. The rules for a safety are the same as with any other shot. You need to contact one of your balls first, and something (CB or any OB) must be driven to a cushion after ball contact. Lots of examples can be found here:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/safety/examples/
What happens if you make a ball on the break, choose solids and then fail to make your shot? Does your choice stand or is the table still open. Love your videos. Bought your book and a copy for a friend. Also got the aiming with side spin video.
Your choice is not made until somebody pockets a called shot.
I know people that live in my area that feed off the bar league rules idk if I’m gonna play league this winter people get too serious for nonsense I been playing tap at my local club that goes by the original rules like this and it’s more fun
Does the 1-ball really have to be at the peak of the triangle?
In the official WPA-rules it only says that "the apex ball on the footspot" and that the lower corners has to be one of each...
Good catch. That was a mistake. I should have said "the top ball" instead of the "1 ball" (which happened to be at the top).
@@DrDaveBilliards we all make mistakes, this was rather benign - since many actually believe that what you said is what the rules say as well.
Love your videos, keep up the good work!
@@jonasbygden Even people who know the rules usually out the 1 in front. It is just customary (and habit).
The ball at the top can be a solid or a stripe as evidenced in the World 8 ball final 2023 with Shane vs Sanjin
@@buffclops The only “evidence” we need is the rule. See 3.2 here:
wpapool.com/rules/
do 14.1 continuous next please :)
Good idea. I'll add it to my list.
I also wanted to know:
Stripe player's turn, his last ball is at the edge of a pocket, surrounding by solid balls, if he touches the solids, it's a foul right? Even if he is kinda "forced" to it
He is not forced to hit into the stripes. He can play an intentional foul away from the balls and let his opponent (solids) address the problem. If neither player wants to address the problems, a stalemate can be called for a re-break.
What does "spotting the 8" mean if you pocket it on the break? Put it anywhere you want? or back in the center of the table?
Spotting means putting it on the “foot spot,” where the top ball is placed when racking the triangle of balls.
@DrDaveBilliards , is it a foul if the object ball does not touch a rail but the cue ball is driven to a rail? (Example: a very sharp cut on object ball that does not quite pocket.) Thanks in advance...
It is not a foul if the CB gets to a rail after contacting the OB.
You know, I’ve seen inexperienced pool hall customers play 8-ball Pool without following the rules like placing the 8-ball on a foot spot and placing two opposite corners have the same kind(solid and/or strips pool balls), placing the cue ball outside the kitchen and then pocketing the ball outside the head string, and/or pocketing the balls behind the head string after the scratch on the break. Oh, and I see you’re now playing with a different playing cue, is it a new Predator Cue?
I changed the butt from a P3 to a 9K. I like the black color. FYI, all my equipment is list here:
billiards.colostate.edu/dr-dave/interview/#Case
Could you please explain why the "safety" shot at 9:20 would not be ruled a foul? No numbered balls made contact with a cushion. Are you allowed to foul in such a way if you call for a "safety" without the opponent getting ball in hand?
The CB hit the rail after hitting the OB, so the shot is legal. The only requirement is that something (the CB or any OB) must be driven to a cushion after legal OB contact.
@@DrDaveBilliards Oh ok. I for some reason thought it had to be only an object ball that touched the cushion, I didn't know the cue ball counted. Good to know, thank you.
@@lucydog3376 You’re welcome. FYU, all rule details can be found here:
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/
I really dislike these rules and am surprised you think they are best.
I prefer to play call shot, no slop, kitchen scratches, and table scratch on the 8 is not loss of game (but pocket scratch is). You do not need to call a bank if it is adjacent to the pocket. I do not enforce the one rail rule (cruel result for a short shot that is otherwise on target). And a hand/cue foul that does not interfere with play simply gives the opponent the option to return the ball or leave it (gentleman return it). Many people prefer these rules to APA or WPA.
My concerns with these rules:
1- why does the 1 ball need to be first in the rack? Numbers are arbitrary, only suit matters.
2- why call only the pocket, but enforce the much stricter all foul and one rail rules? Seems incongruous. If you play that strictly, at the very least you should only shoot again if you make the exact shot you intend. The above rules accomplish this without punishing inconsequential fouls, whereas WPA allows a shooter to benefit from an awful shot that happens to drop the ball in the right pocket while simultaneously rewarding an opponent for a foul that doesn’t impact play. Why?
3- you should never be able to involve an opponent’s ball in a combo (or the 8). This is part of “no slop” to me.
4- this is just preference, but ball in hand is too much of an advantage in 8 ball, IMO. Kitchen scratches (with option to play it where it lies for table scratch) keep it challenging.
Aside from that, I agree table should be open after break with all balls except the 8 in play until suit is established (by making a call shot). Also agree that “calling” doesn’t require calling obvious shots.
It sounds like you prefer “bar rules:”
th-cam.com/video/x8sI73wlyoM/w-d-xo.html
BTW, the 1 doesn’t need to be in front under the official rules. See the “CORRECTION” in the video description or pinned comment.
You’re surprised that he thinks the official rules are the best? 🤔🤣
Agree with you. I can play these rules in Tournament or League play. On my table....it's combo off your balls only. Call all pockets. No slop. No BIH. BIH is played to speed up the game in Tournaments and League play. So a scratch or don't put a ball to a rail and the other player get an easy path to win? And if they are shooting the 8 a definite win. No thanks. I prefer a more challenging game.
@@DrDaveBilliardsNoted re 1 ball.
Still, point 2 is my biggest issue. That just makes no sense to me.
Yes, I prefer my version of “ball rules.” Your video on that with the many variations was very good.
I understand the benefit of uniformity from using WPA or APA rules. I just don’t think that outweighs the issues in non-tournament or non-league settings. I feel my version of bar rules does a much better job of ensuring merit based wins in light of the nuances surrounding point 2.
You should only shoot again if you make the “shot” you intend (not the “result”). Otherwise, you don’t deserve it.
*bar rules
please print this out 948,000 times and post it in every pool table room that you see around North America
It probably wouldn’t make much difference, but I like the way you think.
Dr. Dave I just watched shane make the 1 on the break 10 times in a row in 9 ball and preceeded to run out every rack in a race to 10.
Do you feel the ability to pocket the 1 every single time needs fixed?
@@jwkoreaguy I think the current 9-on-the-spot break-from-the-spot requirements are sufficient. It is challenging and requires lots of skill to pocket the 1 every time and control the CB, without scratching.
Great, thanks. Can make the same video for 9-ball?
I will add it to my list. But 9-ball rules are very simple. You just need to hit the lowest number ball first; and if anything goes in anywhere, you keep shooting. Anytime the 9 drops, you win. Any foul results in BIH anywhere on the table (even after the break). And you have the option ot "push out" after the break. For more info, see the videos, handouts, links, and other info here:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/game/9-ball/
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/foul/
billiards.colostate.edu/resource_files/rules_summary.pdf
@@DrDaveBilliards Thanks, you delivered!
@@DanielBlomqvist You’re welcome. I’m glad you and others suggested it.
For those interested,
HOW TO PLAY 9-BALL - The “Official Rules” of Pool:
th-cam.com/video/WAr0maE00qA/w-d-xo.html
Thx for this.
Yw
novice - this might sound stupid but i have a question - why not colour the balls red and yellow and one black. what is the need to number them
@@Kat-zj5kd The numbers are helpful for calling shots and for doing commentary. For examples: “He plans to kiss the 10 off the 13 to pocket the 11 in the side.”
After the break, if the table is open and I pocket a solid and a stripe, does that mean the table is still open for my next shot?
If you pocket a called ball, the table is no longer open. It doesn’t matter what else you might pocket on a called shot (unless it is the 8, in which case you would lose).
ive always played bar rules with 8 ball. Never did ball in hand ever before. Only on scratches do we get the ball in hand behind the line. Also, if u drop the 8 ball on a break its an automatic win.
"Bar Rules" has many problems. See:
billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/bar-rules
@@DrDaveBilliards To be honest, i dont even know the proper bar rules. I just know what i was taught from friends playing pool in bar and grills and places like that. I never played with a team, or know anyone on a team to ask questions to...or been in a leauge, I dont own a pool stick. Im just a causl pool player with friends whenever the situation arises.
@@markherring3513 if you talk to other pool friends and play in enough bars and grills and places like that, you will see that there are almost endless variations to “bar rules.” See my video on this topic:
th-cam.com/video/x8sI73wlyoM/w-d-xo.html
@@DrDaveBilliards thanks..i’ll check it out
My Friend and I had a discussion, maybe u can help us out here? If you hit a stripe on to a solids ball, and you pocket first the stripe, then the solid ball, Which ball do I need to take, the ball that I first pocket, or is the rule the ball that I needed to call (in this situation the solid ball)?
You need to call the ball and pocket. If the called ball goes, nothing else matters.
These are the rules I try to get everyone to play by at the bar when I can (so far so good) with a couple modifications - I like to play the 8 on the break as a win (and of course the 8 + scratch being a loss). But I've also been playing ball in hand anywhere on the table after a scratch on the break so I had a couple questions:
What is the WPA ruling for 8-ball + Foul on the break?
Where did I get this ball in hand rule from? I thought it came from my time playing BCA - but it seems like BCA has the same rule as WPA. Was there a temporary change in BCA rules that switched back or did I maybe play a stray season at a place with this as a house rule?
A foul on the break gives the spot/re-rack option to the opponent.
BIH anywhere on the table after the break is in CSI/BCAPL/USAPL leagues only.
TIL - I would have never realized that there were two separate entities: BCA and BCAPL! I must have played BCA in one place and BCAPL in another and thought I was playing the same format with a sudden rule change! Thanks for the clarification! That was wild to look into. Explains why the guy that agreed to play by BCA rules was correcting me when I took the BIH mid table, and I was confused as heck. @@DrDaveBilliards
From the UK, a few questions.
Is 8 ball only ever played on (what appears in this video to be) a 9 ball table in the US? In the UK we do have those larger tables in pool/snooker bars but we would only really play 9 ball on them. For 8 ball we play on 6x3ft tables with far smaller pockets. In other words, the object ball would never go into the pocket if it makes contact with the rail first, it would have to at least bounce off of the curve of the pocket... even then it might not go in!
Is 8 ball only ever played with solid and stiped balls? In the UK we pretty much exclusively use red and yellow balls (the 8 ball is identical to the ball in the video though).
What are the small white hoop like marks on the baize of the table in the video?
In the US, most 8-ball is played on 7' "bar boxes" (small tables found mostly in bars and some pool halls).
Concerning the "little white donuts," see:
billiards.colostate.edu/faq/training/teaching/
@@DrDaveBilliardsCheers!
Dr. Dave, can you do a video about how to play Chinese 8 ball?
Sorry, but I don't play the game, nor do I have access to a table.
In my league, which closely follows ISPA rules, if you move a ball it is not a foul unless it inferes with the "path of the game"... 🤷🏽♂️ any thoughts on that?
That’s a common league rule variation called “CB fouls only.” I think it is appropriate for many leagues, but it is not the official rules of pool.
Yep, CB fouls only. Love your vids, easily communicated knowledge!
@@human_3978 I’m glad you like my stuff. Please help spread the word.
When racking, does the 1 ball have to be on the top always or just any solid ball?
The 1 on the spot is customary, but it can be any stripe or solid. See the “CORRECTION” in the video description or pinned comment.
On the topic of official rules, is there any difference between 9 ball and 10 ball officially? I can't seem to think of a difference in how it's played when I play it with my grandfather, other than the additional ball
They are different. See:
wpapool.com/rules-of-play/#Ten-Ball
See the rules that Dave linked in his answer. But the short version is that 10-ball is call shot, ball and pocket, whereas 9-ball is not. Which means you can fluke balls in 9-ball but it's extremely rare in 10-ball, since you have to fluke the called ball in the called pocket - so not impossible.
@@jonasbygden It took me a long time to notice it, but I did eventually catch on that part, though I couldn't see if there was more to it. That's pretty nifty, I actually thought 9 ball was also a call shot game, but I was wrong
Hey dr. Dave. A question here. So if i attempt to make a “two way shot” and i call a safety but also pot my ball… do i lose my turn? And is it better in such situation to just call the shot instead?
If you call a safety, your opponent shoots next regardless of what happens. If you are playing a two-way shot, you should call the shot (to pocket the ball) instead.
What is exactly the foul for inadvertent touch on a shot… I assume it’s loss of turn and ball in hand but if I pocketed a ball it stays down?
It is the same as with any other foul. Loss of turn and BIH to opponent.
Do you replace moved balls or leave them in their new positions
DrDave I need to spread the gospel of official pool rules. Here in argentina everyone uses the british 2-turns instead of ball in hand
Spread the good word for world peace. :)
That 2 turns thing seems to be a southern hemisphere concept, Aussies and Kiwis do that as well.
Hey Dr. Dave, great and a helpful video as always! Did I get it right, that if I call a safety play, the opponent goes next at the table after my shot, even though I may have pocketed my ball(s)?
Yep, just like with the example in the video.