2017 TSSSA 8 Ball Pool Playing Rules
Object of the game is to sink all of your set of balls, either balls 1-7 (unders, solids, smalls) or balls 9-15
(overs, stripes, bigs) then the black; without fouling.
You must play your own ball at all times with the exception of rules 1, 2, 4 and 6a.
The balls are to be racked in any manner as long as the Eight is in the centre of the third row and one ball
of each set is at either end of the fifth row, the front ball is to be placed on the rack spot and the cue ball
must be played from within the “D” for the Break Shot.
1. Break Shot – Three or more object balls (1 through 15) must touch a rail off the break shot.
(Pocketed ball counts as touching a rail) Failure, results in conceding the table and opponent
choosing to accept the table or rerack and break themselves.
1a If a ball or balls of one set are potted off the break shot that is your set and you continue.
1b If balls of each set are potted off the break, you choose your set and concede the table to your
opponent.
1c If the cue ball is potted off the break, turn ends and opponent may play the cue ball from
anywhere within the “D” and no set shall have been established even if multiple balls of one set
have been sunk.
1d Eight ball sunk off the break shot or at any time when not on the eight – loss of frame.
2. Until a set is established, any ball or combination of balls may be played to establish a set. ie a
large ball may be played onto a small ball to be potted.
3. Once set is established the following will result in turn ending
3a failure to contact an object ball
3b hitting an opponent’s ball first or sinking an opponent’s ball
3c hitting the eight ball first when not on the eight
3d any interference with any ball (clothing, cue, hand, rest etc)
3e any time the cue ball leaves the table ie. Is potted or is played off the table see 4a
4. Ball off the table –
4a cue ball off the table, opponent’s turn with cue ball from within the “D”
4b players own ball, gets re-spotted, end of turn
4c opponent’s ball, stays down, end of turn
5. On the eight –
5a If snookered by your opponent (cannot see at least 1/3 of the eight) you may nominate the
snookering ball, which must be hit, but may not sink anything or loss of frame. (In the case of
multiple ball snooker; the closest ball to the cue ball must be the nominated ball). If you choose not
to nominate then 5b applies
5b if snookered by yourself, you must hit the eight first, fouling (see 3a,b,d or e) results in loss of
frame
5c cue ball in off the eight results in loss of frame
5d last object ball of your set and the eight potted in the same shot results in loss of frame.