Official WPA (World Pool-Billiard Association) rules effective from 1 January 2008. Translation: V. & M. Hajdovský. These rules apply to all pool billiard disciplines played on a flat cloth-covered table bounded by rubber cushions.
These rules apply to all disciplines covered by the WPA regulations, except where they directly conflict with specific game rules. Pool billiard disciplines are played on a flat cloth-covered table. The player uses a cue to strike the cue ball, which in turn strikes the object balls. The aim is to pot coloured balls into six pockets.
1.1 Player Responsibility
It is the responsibility of the player to know all rules, guidelines and regulations used in the competition. Although tournament officials will make all reasonable efforts to make such information available to all players, ultimate responsibility lies with the players.
1.2 Lag for Break
The lag is the first shot of the match and determines the order of play. The player who wins the lag decides who breaks first. The referee places a ball on each side of the table in the kitchen near the head string. Players shoot at approximately the same time, striking the back cushion in order to return the ball closer to the head cushion than their opponent.
The lag shot is bad and cannot win if the lagged ball:
- a) crosses the centre line
- b) contacts the back cushion more than once
- c) is pocketed or driven off the table
- d) contacts a side cushion
- e) comes to rest in a corner pocket or crosses the head string line
Players re-lag if: a lagged ball is struck after the other ball has already reached the back cushion; the referee cannot determine which ball stopped closer to the head cushion; or both lags were foul.
1.3 Player Equipment
Equipment must conform to WPA specifications. Generally players may not introduce unusual equipment into the game. The following uses are considered normal:
- a) Cue — players may switch cues during a match (break, jump, playing cues). Built-in and add-on extensions are permitted.
- b) Chalk — may be used on the cue tip to prevent miscues; personal chalk must match the cloth colour.
- c) Mechanical bridges (rests) — a maximum of two rests may be used to support the cue during a shot.
- d) Gloves — to improve grip and/or bridge hand function.
- e) Talc/powder — in reasonable quantity as determined by the referee.
1.4 Spotting Balls
Balls are spotted on the long string as close as possible to the foot spot, between the foot spot and the back cushion, without moving obstructing balls. If a ball cannot be spotted on the foot spot, it is spotted in contact with the obstructing ball. If the cue ball is adjacent to the spotted ball, a small gap must be maintained. If the entire long string is blocked, the ball is spotted as close as possible in front of the foot spot.
1.5 Cue Ball in Hand
When shooting with cue ball in hand, the player may place the cue ball anywhere on the playing surface and may continue to adjust its position until the shot is made. Any part of the cue may be used to move the ball, including the tip, without a forward stroke. In some games and for most breaks, placement may be restricted to the kitchen.
1.6 Legal Called Shot
In games requiring called shots, the intended ball and pocket must be designated before each shot unless obvious. Details of the shot (cushion contacts, other balls touched) are irrelevant. Only one ball may be called per shot. A player may also call a "safety" instead of a ball and pocket, after which play passes to the opponent.
1.7 Settling Balls
A ball may settle slightly after it appears to have stopped, probably due to small imperfections in the ball or table. If this does not cause a ball to fall into a pocket, it is considered a normal risk of the game and the ball is not moved back. If a ball falls into a pocket due to such settling, it is returned as closely as possible to its original position.
1.8 Restoring Position
Where it is necessary to restore the position of balls or to clean them, the referee will place displaced balls in their original positions to the best of their ability. Players must accept the referee's decision on ball placement.
1.9 Outside Interference
If outside interference occurs during a shot that affects the outcome, the referee will restore the ball positions and the shot will be replayed. If the interference did not affect the shot, the referee will respot the disturbed balls and play continues.
1.10 Appeal and Protest Rules
If a player believes the referee has made an error, they may ask the referee to reconsider, but referee decisions are final. A player may request a ruling from the designated appeals authority — the referee will suspend play during the appeal. Fouls must be called immediately.
1.11 Concession
When a player concedes, they forfeit the match. For example, if a player unscrews their jointed cue while the opponent is at the table during the opponent's deciding rack, this is considered a concession of the match.
1.12 Stalemate
If the referee determines that no progress is being made toward a conclusion, they will notify both players and each player will have three more innings. If the referee determines there is still no progress, a stalemate is declared. If both players agree, a stalemate may be declared without playing the three additional innings.
Nine-ball is played with nine balls numbered 1 through 9 and the cue ball. Balls are played in ascending numerical order. The player who legally pots ball number 9 wins the game.
2.1 Determining the Break
The player who won the lag determines who will break for the first game (see 1.2). The standard format is alternating breaks.
2.2 Racking for Nine Ball
The balls are racked as tightly as possible in a diamond shape — ball no. 1 at the top on the foot spot, ball no. 9 in the centre of the diamond. All other balls are placed randomly.
2.3 Legal Break
- a) The break is played with the cue ball in hand in the kitchen.
- b) If no ball is pocketed, at least four object balls must contact one or more cushions — otherwise the break is a foul.
2.4 Push Out
If the break was not a foul, the shooter may play a push out as their next shot — they must announce this to the referee. Rules 6.2 and 6.3 do not apply to a push out. If the push out is not a foul, the opponent decides who will continue play.
2.5 Continuing Play
A player who legally pots any ball (except on a push out) continues with the next shot. Legally potting ball no. 9 on any shot wins the game. Potting the 9 on a push out does not win the game.
2.6 Spotting Balls
If ball no. 9 is pocketed or driven off the table on a foul or push out, it is returned to the foot spot. No other object ball is returned to the table.
2.7 Standard Fouls
After a standard foul, the opponent plays with the cue ball in hand anywhere on the playing surface. Standard fouls in nine-ball:
6.1 Potopení nebo vyražení bílé ze stolu
6.2 Chybná první koule — bílá musí zasáhnout kouli s nejnižším číslem
6.3 Bez mantinelu po kontaktu
6.4 Bez doteku nohy s podlahou
6.5 Vyražená koule ze stolu — vrací se jen č. 9
6.6 Dotek koule
6.7 Dvojdotek / spící koule
6.8 Prostrk
6.9 Koule v pohybu
6.10 Vadné umístění bílé
6.12 Tágo na stole
6.13 Hra mimo pořadí
6.15 Pomalá hra
2.8 Serious Fouls
Three consecutive fouls (6.14): penalty is loss of the current game. Unsportsmanlike conduct (6.16): penalty at referee's discretion based on the nature of the offence.
2.9 Stalemate
In the event of a stalemate, the player who broke originally re-breaks.
Eight-ball is played with fifteen numbered object balls and one cue ball. A group of seven balls belonging to the shooter (1–7 or 9–15) must be completely cleared from the table before attempting to win by pocketing ball no. 8. All shots are called shots.
3.1 Determining the Break
The player who won the lag decides who breaks first. The standard format is alternating breaks.
3.2 Racking for Eight Ball
Fifteen object balls are racked as tightly as possible in a triangle — the apex ball on the foot spot, ball no. 8 directly behind the apex. One ball from each group of seven occupies the two rear corners. All other balls are placed without intentional arrangement.
3.3 Break Shot
- a) The cue ball is played from hand in the kitchen.
- b) No ball is called and the cue ball need not contact any specific ball first.
- c) If the breaker pots a ball without fouling, they continue — the table remains open.
- d) If no ball is pocketed, at least four must contact a cushion — otherwise an illegal break. The incoming player may: accept the table in position, re-rack and re-break, or allow the offending player to re-break.
- e) Potting the 8-ball on a legal break is not a foul — player's choice: return ball 8 to the foot spot, or re-rack and re-break.
- f) Potting both the 8-ball and cue ball: opponent chooses from the options per the rules.
- g) Driving an object ball off the table on the break is a foul — those balls remain off the table (except ball 8).
3.4 Open Table / Choosing Groups
Before a group is chosen the table is open. The shooter must call their intended ball before each shot. If they legally pot it, that group is theirs and the opponent gets the other group. On an open table any object ball may be contacted first except ball 8.
3.5 Continuing Play
The player continues at the table as long as they keep legally potting called balls or until they win by potting ball no. 8.
3.6 Mandatory Called Shots
Every shot except the break must be called. Ball no. 8 may only be called after the shooter's entire group has been cleared. A player may call "safety" — play then passes to the opponent and any pocketed balls stay in the pockets.
3.7 Spotting Balls
If ball 8 is pocketed or driven off the table on the break, it is returned to the foot spot or a re-rack occurs. No other balls are returned to the table.
3.8 Loss of Game
The shooter loses the game when they:
- a) foul while potting ball no. 8
- b) pot ball no. 8 before their entire group is cleared
- c) pot ball no. 8 into an uncalled pocket
- d) drive ball no. 8 off the table
These cases do not apply on the break shot.
3.9 Standard Fouls
After a foul, the opponent plays with cue ball in hand anywhere on the playing surface. Standard fouls in eight-ball:
6.1 Potopení nebo vyražení bílé ze stolu
6.2 Chybná první koule — musí patřit do skupiny hráče
6.3 Bez mantinelu po kontaktu
6.4 Bez doteku nohy s podlahou
6.5 Vyražená koule ze stolu
6.6 Dotek koule
6.7 Dvojdotek / spící koule
6.8 Prostrk
6.9 Koule v pohybu
6.10 Vadné umístění bílé
6.11 Vadná hra ze záhlaví
6.12 Tágo na stole
6.13 Hra mimo pořadí
6.15 Pomalá hra
3.10 Serious Fouls & 3.11 Stalemate
Fauly dle 3.8 Loss of Game jsou trestány ztrátou rozehrané hry. Nesportovní chování (6.16): trest rozhodne rozhodčí. Pat: rozstřel zopakuje hráč, který rozstřeloval původně.
Straight pool (14.1 Continuous Pool) is played with fifteen object balls and the cue ball. Each ball legally pocketed on a called shot counts as one point. The first player to reach the required score wins. After fourteen balls have been pocketed, they are re-racked and play continues.
4.1–4.3 Break Shot
For the opening break, fifteen balls are racked in a triangle with the apex ball on the foot spot. On re-racks, the apex position is left empty (only 14 balls are racked).
For the opening break: cue ball is played from hand in the kitchen. If no called ball is pocketed, the cue ball and two object balls must contact a cushion — otherwise a break foul (penalty: two points deducted). The opponent may accept the position or require the shooter to re-break.
4.4 Continuing Play and Winning
The player continues at the table as long as they keep legally potting called balls or until they win by reaching the required score. When the fourteenth ball of a rack is pocketed, play is suspended while the balls are re-racked.
4.5 Mandatory Called Shots
All shots must be called. A player may call "safety" — play passes to the opponent and any balls pocketed on the safety are returned to the foot spot.
4.7 Scoring
One point for each legally pocketed called ball. Each additional ball pocketed on such a shot also counts as one point. Fouls are penalised by deducting points — the score may become negative.
4.9 Standard Fouls
Standard foul: loss of one point. Fouls include: 6.1, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 6.10, 6.11, 6.12, 6.13, 6.15.
4.11 Serious Fouls
For a third foul, one point is deducted as normal, then an additional fifteen-point penalty is applied and the foul counter is reset. All fifteen balls are re-racked and the offending player shoots the opening break.
Black ball is played with fifteen object balls (two groups of seven plus the black no. 8) and one cue ball. The player who clears their group and legally pots the black wins the game. Shots are not called.
5.1 Specific Definitions
Free shot — after an opponent's foul, the incoming player receives a free shot. Rule 6.2 does not apply and the player may play from position or from hand in the baulk area.
Baulk area — a rectangular zone bounded by the baulk line and three cushions at the head of the table; one-fifth of the playing surface length from the head cushion.
Snookered — a player is snookered when the cue ball has no direct unobstructed path to any part of the legal target ball. Snooker must be declared by the referee to be active.
5.5 Break Shot
- a) The cue ball is played from hand in the baulk area.
- b) At least one ball must be pocketed or at least two object balls must cross the centre line — otherwise a foul.
- c) If the black ball is pocketed on the break, all balls are re-racked and the same player breaks again.
5.6–5.7 Group Selection and Continuing Play
The table is open after the break and remains open until a player pots balls from only one group on a legal shot (not the break or a free shot). The shooter stays at the table as long as they continue legally potting balls or until the game is over.
5.13 Fouls
After a foul, the incoming player has one free shot. Fouls include: 6.1, 6.2 (not applicable on free shot), 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 6.10, 6.12, 6.13, 6.15.
Additional fouls specific to black ball:
- ▸ Potting the opponent's ball without simultaneously potting one of your own
- ▸ Playing before all balls due to be spotted have been spotted (foul table)
- ▸ Jump shot — causing the cue ball to jump over another ball
5.14 Loss of Game Fouls
- a) Potting the black on an illegal shot
- b) Potting the black while a ball from your own group remains on the table
- c) Deliberately violating rule 6.2
- d) Failing to attempt to hit a ball on
If multiple fouls occur on a single shot, only the most severe applies. If a foul is not called before the next shot begins, it is assumed no foul occurred.
6.1 Pocketing or driving the cue ball off the table
If the cue ball is pocketed or driven off the table, a foul has occurred.
6.2 Wrong First Ball
In disciplines requiring a specific ball or group to be hit first, it is a foul if the cue ball contacts another ball first.
6.3 No cushion contact after the hit
If no ball is pocketed on a shot, the cue ball must contact an object ball and after that contact at least one ball (cue or any object ball) must reach a cushion — otherwise a foul.
6.4 Foot off the floor
If the shooter does not have at least one foot touching the floor at the moment the cue tip contacts the cue ball, a foul occurs.
6.5 Ball Driven off the Table
Driving a ball off the table is a foul. Whether such a ball is returned to the table depends on the game's specific rules.
6.6 Touching a ball
Touching, moving or deflecting any ball other than through normal shot contact is a foul. An unintentional touch is a standard foul — an intentional touch is unsportsmanlike conduct (6.16).
6.7 Double hit / frozen ball
If the cue contacts the cue ball more than once on a shot, it is a foul. If the cue ball is near an object ball and the tip is still on the cue ball when it contacts the object ball — foul. Exception: if the cue ball is in contact with an object ball at the start of the shot, the player may play fully or partially into that ball if it is a legal target.
6.8 Push shot
A foul occurs if the contact of the cue tip with the cue ball lasts longer than in normal shots.
6.9 Ball in motion
A foul occurs when a shot is played while any ball in play is still moving or spinning.
6.10 Faulty cue ball placement
When playing with cue ball in hand restricted to the kitchen, it is a foul to play the cue ball from the head string or from outside the kitchen. (The head string is not part of the kitchen.)
6.11 Faulty play from kitchen
When playing the cue ball from hand in the kitchen, if the first ball contacted also lies in the kitchen, it is a foul — unless the cue ball first crosses the head string. Intentionally playing such a foul is unsportsmanlike conduct.
6.12 Cue on the table
If the shooter uses their cue to aim by resting it on the table without touching it, a foul occurs.
6.13 Playing out of turn
Unintentionally playing out of turn is a standard foul — play continues from the position after the incorrect shot. Intentionally playing out of turn is unsportsmanlike conduct (6.16).
6.14 Three consecutive fouls
If a player commits three consecutive fouls without a legal shot in between, a serious foul occurs. In nine-ball, the fouls must occur in the same game. The referee must warn a player approaching the table with two fouls already committed.
6.15 Slow play
If the referee considers a player to be playing too slowly, they may advise the player to speed up. If the player does not do so, the referee may impose a shot-clock on both players. Exceeding the time limit constitutes a standard foul.
6.16 Unsportsmanlike conduct
The standard penalty is the same as for serious fouls, but the referee may impose a penalty at their own discretion: warning, standard foul, serious foul, loss of game/set/match, disqualification from the event. Unsportsmanlike conduct is any intentional behaviour that brings the sport into disrepute:
- a) disturbing the opponent
- b) altering the position of balls other than by a legal shot
- c) deliberate miscue
- d) continuing to play after a foul or stoppage has been called
- e) practising during a match
- f) marking the table
- g) delaying the game
- h) inappropriate use of equipment