Rules

The General Rules apply to all pool games and Snooker. Exceptions to these general rules are noted in the Rules for each game.

Players take turns at the table called innings. An inning continues until the player fails to pocket a ball on a valid shot, according to the rules for each game. The player at the table is referred to as the ‘‘shooter’‘.

The Rack is the number and arrangement of the object balls at the start of the game. Racks vary by game, but generally it is a triangle or diamond shape with the front ball on the foot spot.

A Break Shot is the shot that starts the game. Some games require the first shot of each rack to be an ‘‘open break’‘ in which at least four object balls make cushion contact. In matches that consist of several racks, the winner of each rack will break the following rack unless the rules for the game state otherwise.

A Called Shot means the object ball and the pocket as specified for the shot. Most games require the shooter to call the ball and pocket for any shot that isn't obvious. The usual convention is obvious straight-in shots are not explicitly called. Called shots do not require details such as kisses or combinations, only the ball and pocket.

For most games, If extra balls are pocketed on a shot, they usually count for the shooter.

In a ‘‘Low Ball First’‘ game (nine ball, rotation, ten ball, etc.), the first ball the cue ball contacts must be the lowest numbered ball remaining on the table.

Cue Ball in Hand means the player can pick up and place the cue ball anywhere on the table. The break shot begins with ‘‘cue ball in hand behind the head string’‘, meaning that the shooter may place it anywhere in the top quarter of the table. Ball in hand also occurs after the cue ball is pocketed (scratched), hit off the table, and after other fouls in some games. Depending on the game, this may be either behind the head string or anywhere on the table. The area behind the head string is also referred to as the ‘‘Kitchen’‘.

When playing from behind the head string, the first ball struck must be on the other side of the head string. However, a ball behind the head string may struck first if the cue ball crosses the head string before contact, such as banking the cue ball off the foot rail. In case all legal target balls are behind the head string, the one closest to the line is spotted so the shooter is not forced to play an out-and-back shot.

Most pool games spot balls in situations where a rules violation or illegally pocketed balls require balls to be returned to the table. They are usually placed on the foot spot, or as close to the foot spot as possible on a line between the spot and the center of the foot rail. If several balls are spotted, they are spotted in numerical order.

Some game penalize fouls by returning previously pocketed balls to the table. If the shooter fouls without any balls to his credit, he ‘‘owes’‘ a ball to the table, and it is spotted at the end of the next inning in which he scores. Several balls may be owed.

In some games, other balls pocketed along with legal scoring balls are spotted at the end of the shooters turn. If the shooter pockets all balls on the table the delayed balls are spotted so the shooter can continue.

Fouls end a shooter's inning and are penalized according to the rules of each game. The following are fouls:

Ball Off Table - Hit a ball off the table. If a ball jumps onto the rail and returns to the table, there is no penalty.

Bad Hit - In eight ball and the low ball first family of games, the cue ball contacts a non-target ball before a legal target ball. For all games, the cue ball does not contact a ball.

No Rail - If no ball is pocketed, and at least one ball does not contact a cushion after the cue ball contacts an object ball. This usually comes up during safety (defensive) play or when the shot is played too softly.

In some games, if one player fouls on three consecutive shots, there is an additional penalty, usually loss of the game. Games without a three foul rule may have a special rule to prevent stalemates.

On the physical table, there are other rules that do not apply to VP3. For example, VP3 will not let you hit the cue ball twice on one shot or move object balls with your sleeve. It’s OK with VP3 if you have both feet up while shooting, but do not try this at the local pool hall.

Virtual Pool 3 does not require all shots to be called via the call shot dialog except in Honolulu and Bank Pool. As a general rule, players should call shots that are not direct (combos, banks, caroms, billiards, etc.) and any other shots that are not obvious. This is also the accepted method for most situations when playing on a real table. If a shot goes in an unintended pocket and the call shot dialog was not used, the player should use the Miscall selection in the options menu or Ctrl-M.

Nine Ball Rules

Nine ball is a low ball first game, so the balls must be struck in numerical order. The goal is to pocket the nine ball which ends the game; the other balls have no scoring value. This is the most popular game played today among pool players.

Nine balls in a diamond with the one ball in front and the nine ball in the middle.

Only the nine ball is spotted. All other balls pocketed on a foul or driven off the table remains off the table.

On the first shot after the break, the shooter may choose to play a ‘‘push out’‘ (Ctrl-P), the ‘‘No Rail’‘ and ‘‘Bad Hit’‘ rules are suspended for that one shot, and no ball pocketed counts. The opponent then chooses to shoot or to pass the shot back to the player who pushed.

If possible, run all the balls off the table from the break. If that seems unlikely, keep an eye out for good safety possibilities. Play to miss and leave the cue ball where it is impossible or very difficult to hit the object ball. If your opponent fails to hit the lowest object ball first, you get ball in hand anywhere.

Look for shots to pocket the nine ball early, but if you play a combination shot on the nine, be sure to hit it firmly enough that the nine is not left as a duck sitting in the jaws of the pocket in case you miss.

If you push out after the break, try to leave a hard shot but not impossible -- make it hard for your opponent to decide whether to pass it back to you.

Eight Ball Rules

Eight Ball rules vary depending on the variant. There are four types of Eight Ball variants in Virtual Pool 3 ), APA Rules(American PoolPlayers Association), Midwest RulesBCA_Rules , UK Rules, and American Bar Rules. APA rules are used for APA sponsored pool leagues and tournaments. UK rules are used by the British Association of Pool Table Operators (BAPTO) and are used for leagues and Pub play in the UK. American Bar rules are to satisfy all the people who haven’t learned the proper rules (APA)and want to play the same game they play in their local bar.

The object of Eight Ball is to pocket all seven stripes or all seven solids (yellows or reds in UK rules), then pocket the eight ball. The table is said to be open at the start of the game and there is no ownership of ball. The first player to legally pocket a stripes or solids is assigned ownership of those balls. After ownership is assigned, you must pocket all your balls before shooting the eight ball.

APA Rules

An open break is required. Failing to do so the shooter must break again. Making the eight ball on the break wins the game. Scratching and pocketing the eight ball on the break loses the game.

On the break, if the shooter pockets only one ball type (stripes or solids), the shooter is assigned ownership of those balls. Otherwise the table is ‘‘open’‘ and the shooter can shoot at either ball type. Upon pocketing just one ball type ownership is assigned.

Knocking object balls off the table is not a foul in APA Eight Ball. Knocking the eight off is loss of game.

All balls knocked off the table are delayed and spotted at the end of the players inning unless all the players balls are pocketed and the player has delayed balls then they are spotted at this time.

Ball in hand anywhere on the table except after the break its ball in hand behind the head string.

the eight ball is pocketed in the called pocket after all owned balls have been pocketed

Determine if running the table is possible. If not plan on playing safe at some point. Never shoot balls without having another shot or safety in mind the next shot. If you clear most of your balls off the table and give your opponent a chance they will probably run the table. Pocket balls until you reach your safety shot and try to snooker your opponent so they have to kick at balls or foul and give you an opportunity to win. The best type of safety is one that snookers your opponent and clears up any balls you have clustered. Which improves your chance of winning on the next turn and puts your opponent in a bad position.

If you are breaking you can win by pocketing the eight ball on the break. Try to break from near the side rail and hit the second ball as full as possible. The eight ball will tend to go in the opposite side.

Midwest Rules

Fifteen balls in a triangle with the eight ball in the middle, a stripe on one corner a solid on the other.

An open break is required. Failure to do so gives opponent choice of accepting table in position or re-racking and breaking or making the shooter break again. If the eight ball is pocketed on the break the shooter has a choice of spotting the eight or re-racking and breaking. If there is also a scratch the opponent has the same option.

The table is always ‘‘open’‘ (any ball can be pocketed except the 8) after the break. Ownership is not assigned until a called shot is made without fouling.

Ball in hand anywhere on the table except after the break its ball in hand behind the head string.

Players may explicitly call a safety. On a called safety, pocketed balls are spotted and the turn changes.

the eight ball is pocketed in the called pocket after all owned balls have been pocketed

Determine if a running the table is possible. If not plan on playing safe at some point. Never shoot balls without having another shot or safety in mind the next shot. If you clear most of your balls off the table and give your opponent a chance they will probably run the table. Pocket balls until you reach your safety shot and try to snooker your opponent so they have to kick at balls or foul and give you an opportunity to win. The best type of safety is one that snookers your opponent and clears up any balls you have clustered. This improves your chance of winning on the next turn and puts your opponent in a bad position.

UK Rules

Fifteen balls in a triangle with the eight ball in the middle and the yellow an red balls alternating across the rows of the rack.

As in Snooker, there is a semi-circle called the D located at one end of the table with the flat side of the D running down head string. The D is the area where the cue is placed when the player has ball in hand. There are no restrictions on crossing the D or head string when shooting with ball in hand.

A free shot is awarded after fouling and the shooter can legally hit any ball. Balls pocketed are counted except for the eight ball which is a loss. The player then continues to shoot regardless whether or not a ball was pocketed. The free shot must contact a ball or it is a foul. Scratching on the free shot is a foul.

At least two balls must hit a rail or a ball must be pocketed. Failure to do so gives opponent a re-rack and break is a free shot with the shooter continuing at the table after the break. If the eight ball is pocketed the shooter re-breaks.

On the break, if the shooter pockets only one ball type (stripes or solids), the shooter is assigned ownership of those balls. Otherwise the table is ‘‘open’‘ and the shooter can choose shoot at either ball type. Upon pocketing just one ball type ownership is assigned.

There is no requirement to hit a rail after the cue ball has hit an object ball.

Scratching is or cue ball off the table is ball in hand in the D. For all other fouls, opponent has choice of the table in position or ball in hand in the D. On all fouls the next shot is a free shot.

Unlike the other Eight Ball variants, the eight does not have to be called in UK Rules Eight Ball.

pocketing your opponents ball when playing the eight except when it’s a free shot

the eight ball is pocketed in the called pocket after all owned balls have been pocketed

When you have a free shot look to use it to clear up clusters or knock opponents balls that block yours out of the way. Trying to make a ball on a free shot is not always the best play.

American Bar Rules

The American Bar rules are those most often observed played by an unnamed person at Celeris Inc. (the developer of Virtual Pool). You may not play by these exact rules at your bar, but this was the best we could do. These rules were only supplied because lots of people don’t know the real rules. If you want to play the right way, use the APA or BCA rules.

No requirement. Making the eight ball on the break wins the game unless the shooter scratches in which case the game is lost.

If the table is open, the shooter may pocket any ball except the eight. If ownership has been assigned, the shooter must hit an owned ball first and pocket an owned ball to continue at the table. Combinations are valid with any ball if the table is open. If ownership has been assigned, an owned ball must be hit first. It is a foul to strike a non-owned ball first. This includes the eight ball unless all owned balls have been pocketed. The eight ball shot must be a called shot. The call shot rule varies depending on your local Bar rule. Virtual Pool 2 only requires you to call the eight ball. But, you can call any shot by using the Call Shot dialog (it is enabled for this game), or using the Miscall (Ctrl-M) key. Some bars say you must call any kiss, carom, etc. We feel this is a ridiculous rule that is ridiculously hard to implement and therefore do not. The computer opponent does not call shot in American Bar eight ball.

It is not a foul to knock object balls off the table. Cue ball off the table ball in hand behind the head string.

There is no requirement to hit a rail after the cue ball has hit an object ball.

the eight ball is pocketed in the called pocket after all owned balls have been pocketed

Determine if a running the table is possible. If not plan on moving balls around and improving the table. Playing safe is ok, but is not as important as the other Eight Ball games because there is no ball in hand if your opponent fouls. The main reason to play safe is to prevent you opponent from running the table. Of course it is considered bad etiquette in American bars to play safe so you might want to disguise it as a shot.

Straight Pool Rules

Players score one point for each pocketed ball. First player to reach the point goal wins. When the 14^th ball of the rack is pocketed, the 14 balls are re-racked, leaving the 15^th ball in position on the table.

Fifteen balls in a triangle in no particular order. Fourteen balls on re-racks with the foot spot empty.

At least two object balls and the cue ball must hit a rail or make a called shot. Failure to do so is a breaking violation and incurs a 2 point penalty. On a breaking violation, the opponent can take the table in position or have the shooter re-break.

All balls pocketed on a foul shot and balls off table are spotted.

All balls pocketed on a foul shot are spotted. In addition, the fouler loses one point. Scratch or cue ball off table is ball in hand behind the head string.

Three consecutive fouls is a 15 point penalty. The balls are then racked and the fouler must break with the same requirements as the start of the game.

Players may explicitly call a safety. On a called safety, pocketed balls are spotted and the turn changes.

The 15^th ball and cue ball positions are normally left as is for re-racks except in situations such as interfering with the rack. The following table details these situations:

The idea is to string runs of racks together. Leave a shot on the last ball that will allow pocketing the last ball and breaking the rack apart with the cue ball. The most common place to leave the last ball is to the side or underneath the rack.

Try to clear balls in front of pockets first. Look for opportunities to break clusters apart. Having an alternate shot to shoot if you get out of line can keep a run going.

If you don’t have a good shot play safe and leave your opponent a difficult situation. Don’t ever give your opponent an easy shot, it could turn into a big run.

Examine the rack for shot opportunities. Many combos, caroms and billiards can be played with balls clustered in a partially broken rack.

Rotation Rules

Rotation is a low ball first game, so the balls must be struck in numerical order. The goal is to reach 61 points (which numerically eliminates your opponent). This is a good game for intermediate to advanced players. Beginners should try Fifteen Ball.

Fifteen balls in a triangle with the one ball in front, the two and three balls in the corners and the fifteen ball in the middle.

Open break required. Failure to do so gives opponent choice of accepting table in position or re-racking and breaking.

The point value on the ball is scored. All balls pocketed without a foul are counted. If the score is tied when the last ball is pocketed the current shooter is awarded an extra tie breaking point.

All balls pocketed on a foul shot and balls off table are spotted.

Opponent has choice of the table in position or requiring the shooter to shoot again with the table in position.

Play for the big points. Early in the game look for combinations or billiards on the high numbered balls.

It is much easier to win Rotation by the three foul rule than most other games. Look for opportunities to hook your opponent early in the rack.

Six Ball Rules

Six ball is basically Nine Ball with only six balls. The goal is to pocket the six ball which ends the game; the other balls have no scoring value. Six Ball racks can be strung together quite easily by better players. Players that are not skilled enough to run nine ball rack may get more enjoyment from Six Ball.

Six balls in a triangle with the one ball in front and the six ball in the middle of the back row.

Only the six ball spots. Any other ball pocketed on a foul or driven off the table remains off the table.

The ideal is to run all the balls off the table from the break. If that seems unlikely, keep an eye out for good safety possibilities. Play to miss and leave the cue ball where it is impossible or very difficult to hit the object ball. If your opponent fails to hit the lowest object ball first, you get ball in hand anywhere, and that can often win the game for you. Look for shots to pocket the six ball early, but if you play a combination shot on the ten, be sure to hit it firmly enough that the six is not left as a duck sitting in the jaws of the pocket in case you miss.

If you push out after the break, try to leave a hard shot but not impossible -- make it hard for your opponent to decide whether to pass it back to you.

Ten Ball Rules

Ten Ball is basically Nine Ball with one more ball. The goal is to pocket the ten ball which ends the game; the other balls have no scoring value. Although there is only one more ball on the table than nine ball, it is significantly harder to run ten ball rack. The tenth ball increases the odds of clusters and other problem situation.

Ten balls in a triangle with the one ball in front and the ten ball in the middle.

Only the ten ball spots. Any other ball pocketed on a foul or driven off the table remains off the table.

On the first shot after the break, the shooter may choose to play a ‘‘push out’‘ and the ‘‘No Rail’‘ and ‘‘Bad Hit’‘ rules are suspended for that one shot, and no ball pocketed counts. The opponent then chooses to shoot or to pass the shot back to the player who pushed.

The ideal is to run all the balls off the table from the break. If that seems unlikely, keep an eye out for good safety possibilities. Play to miss and leave the cue ball where it is impossible or very difficult to hit the object ball. If your opponent fails to hit the lowest object ball first, you get ball in hand anywhere, and that can often win the game for you. Look for shots to pocket the ten ball early, but if you play a combination shot on the ten, be sure to hit it firmly enough that the ten is not left as a duck sitting in the jaws of the pocket in case you miss.

If you push out after the break, try to leave a hard shot but not impossible -- make it hard for your opponent to decide whether to pass it back to you.

Three Ball Rules

Three ball is a rotation game where you have to pocket all balls on the table to win. Unlike nine ball there is no winning ball. This is a fast paced aggressive game.

No balls are spotted except when fouling on a winning shot, then all balls pocketed or hit off the table are spotted.

The ideal is to run all the balls off the table from the break Don’t look for safeties unless you are in a really poor position.

Bank Pool Rules

Players must bank all shots. The goal is to pocket eight balls. This is a good game for players of all levels. Beginners may want to try it out on the bar table.

Open break required. Failure to do so gives opponent choice of accepting table in position or re-racking and breaking.

Pocket any called shot with a clean bank shot to continue at the table. A clean bank shot can’t kiss or carom off any other ball and must hit a non-adjacent rail to the made pocket.

All balls pocketed on a foul shot and balls off table are spotted.

All balls pocketed on a foul shot are spotted. In addition, the fouler spots one of his previously pocketed balls or owes a ball to the table. Scratch or cue ball off table is ball in hand behind the head string. For all other fouls opponent takes the table in position.

If the table is cleared without the shooter having won, due to owed balls from earlier penalties or delayed balls pocketed, all of the owed and delayed balls are spotted and the shooter continues at the table.

Go ahead and shoot difficult bank shots just try not to leave your opponent an easy bank. Play safe before leaving easy banks. On banks where confidence is high, play shape for an easy bank next shot. You can play banks that are both offensive and defensive when the shot is difficult by leaving the cue ball in a poor position. If the bank is made you can attempt another difficult shot or play safe and if the bank is missed you haven’t left an easy bank for your opponent. This strategy works very well on multi-rail banks. Don’t be afraid to try two or more rail bank shots.

One Pocket Rules

Each player is assigned one of the two corner pockets at the foot (rack end) of the table. The goal is to pocket any eight balls in your pocket first. This is the ‘‘chess’‘ of pool games. Shooting skills are secondary behind knowledge.

A object ball or the cue ball must hit a rail after the cue hits the rack or it is a foul.

Balls pocketed in your opponent's pocket count for him unless the cue scratches or jump off the table. Balls pocketed in the side or head pockets are delayed, and are spotted at the end of the inning.

All balls pocketed on a foul shot and balls off table are spotted.

Never leave your opponent a direct shot at his pocket unless it is very difficult and a miss will lose the game. A good place to leave the cue ball is in the jaws of your opponent's pocket. Be careful not to leave an easy bank shot, as these are often the start of game-winning runs. On the break, shoot from your opponent's side to hit a little of the head ball and then the second ball to come off the end rail and to put the cue ball on the second diamond. This leaves the nearly-full rack between the cue ball and any balls

Fifteen Ball Rules

Fifteen Ball is similar to Rotation except any ball can be shot. The goal is to numerically eliminate your opponent (61 points minus penalty points). Fifteen Ball is a great game for beginners. Intermediate and advanced players can enjoy Fifteen Ball by playing on a Snooker table.

Fifteen balls in a triangle with the fifteen ball in front and higher balls near the front of the rack.

At least two object balls and the cue ball must hit a rail or make a ball. Failure to do so gives opponent choice of accepting table in position or re-racking and breaking or making the shooter break again.

The point value on the ball is scored. All balls pocketed without a foul are counted. If the score is tied when the last ball is pocketed the current shooter is awarded an extra tie breaking point.

All balls pocketed on a foul shot and balls off table are spotted.

Three points are deducted from the shooters score. Scratch or cue ball off table is ball in hand behind the head string For all other fouls opponent takes the table in position.

Try to run the table. Pick off big points whenever the opportunity presents itself.

Basic Pocket Billiards Rules

The goal is to pocket eight balls. This is a good game for beginners on a pool table or better players on a Snooker Table.

An object balls must hit a rail or a called ball must be pocketed. Failure to do so gives opponent choice of accepting table in position or making the shooter break again.

All balls not pocketed by a valid shot and all balls knocked off the table.

If the table is cleared without the shooter having won, due to owed balls from earlier penalties, all of the owed are spotted and the shooter continues at the table.

Try to run eight balls. If you don’t have a good shot play safe and leave your opponent a difficult situation. Don’t ever give your opponent an easy shot because running eight balls is not difficult

Cowboy Rules

Cowboy is an unusual game that combines carom and pocket billiard skills. The goal is to score 101 points. This is a good game for beginner to intermediate on a pool table and advanced players on a Snooker table.

The balls are not racked. The three ball goes on the foot spot, the five ball on the center spot, and the one ball on the head spot.

Shooter must hit the three ball first and then either the cue or an object ball must hit a rail. Failure to do so gives opponent choice of re-racking and breaking or making the shooter break again.

A valid shot allows the shooter to continue. Any shot that scores points is a valid shot and does not require a rail hit. E.I. A carom is played, and no balls hit the rail, it is a valid shot. Valid shot definition is affected by the players score as follows:

For the first 90 points:

Pocketing any object ball or carom the cue off two or three balls. Point number 90 must be reached exactly. Overrunning 90 is a foul.

Carom the cue off the one into a called pocket. It is a foul if the one is pocketed in the incorrect pocket or if the cue hits any other ball.

Object balls pocketed score the point value on the ball. A two ball carom scores one point and a three ball carom scores two points. All combinations of scoring count. So the shooter can score up to eleven points in a shot (1, 3, and 5 are pocketed with a three ball carom). When the shooter has 100 points caroming the cue off the one into a called pocket scores one point.

All balls pocketed balls are spotted after each shot at the start of game position. If the position is occupied the ball remains off the table until the position is vacant. If the one ball is held out because of its position is occupied, and the shooter has 100 points, the balls are placed in the start of game position and the shooter has ball in hand behind the head string.

All points made this inning are forfeit. Scratch or cue ball off table is ball in hand behind the head string. For all other fouls opponent takes the table in position.

For the first 90 points it is easiest to score by pocketing balls using caroms when pocketing a ball is difficult or to break up a ball cluster. When pocketing balls, beware of attempting risky caroms for extra points. It’s not worth scratching to pick up an extra point. Remember a foul costs you all the points scored in the current inning.

For points 91-100, think about the object ball positions after the carom and try to get shape on the next carom. Remember making an object ball is a foul.

For point 101, don’t worry about where the one ball is going focus on pocketing the cue ball.

Cribbage Rules

This game is named after the card game cribbage because of a scoring similarity. A cribbage is made by pocketing two balls that add up to 15. The goal is to score five cribagges. There are a total of eight cribbages (1-14, 2-13, 3-12, 4-11, 5-10, 6-9, 7-8, 15). This is a great game for all skill levels.

Fifteen balls in a triangle with the 15 ball in the center. No two corner balls shall add up to 15.

Open break required. Failure to do so gives opponent choice of re-racking and breaking or making the shooter break again.

A cribbage is scored by consecutively pocketing two balls that add up to 15 in the same inning. The fifteen ball is a cribbage by itself but only when all other balls have been pocketed. When a player pockets the first ball of a cribbage he is said to be ‘on a cribbage’ and then shoots at the companion ball that adds up to 15. If multiple balls are made when not ‘‘on a cribbage’‘ the shooter is ‘‘on a cribbage’‘ but can choose any of the companion balls but must continue to pocket companion balls until all have been pocketed. If while pocketing companion balls additional balls are pocketed, these balls are added to the companion ball list. It is a foul to fail to pocket a companion ball when ‘‘on a cribbage’‘. If only the fifteen ball is left on the table it is considered to be ‘‘on a cribbage’‘. If the score is tied at 4 to 4, the fifteen ball is spotted for the tie breaking cribbage.