HOW TO PLAY 8 BALL … The “Official Rules” of Pool

[@DrDaveBilliards]

*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: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmnWempprNGspa8 - 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 KZbin Channel:* kzbin.info

[@Bozemanjustin]

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

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@Bozemanjustin That’s the main problem with “bar rules:” they are often “made up.” For more info, see: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmnWempprNGspa8

[@tonberrykingvn]

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?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@tonberrykingvn The ball you called comes your set. It doesn’t matter if other balls also go in.

[@shadowpledge9515]

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.

[@thetowndrunk988]

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

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Unlikely, but possible.

[@thetowndrunk988]

@@DrDaveBilliards All of the greats started in times of ignorance. Galileo, Newton, etc. Maybe one day your work will finally pay dividends.

[@FrancisSims]

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!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

The problem is: most “adults” and “kids” have not read the rules.

[@MaximilianBerkmann]

​@@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).

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@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/

[@MaximilianBerkmann]

@@DrDaveBilliards Absolutely! A lot of other hobbies have one single set of rules (like the WCA for Speedcubing, PDGA for Disc Golf, etc.).

[@davidcann8788]

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.

[@keyboardkevin5949]

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!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks. I’m glad you like my style.

[@jeremiahshields7827]

You're appreciated. Can't tell you how many people I make put your channel in their subbed section on KZbin, 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.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I'm glad to hear it. You're welcome. Please continue to help spread the good word.

[@michaelgonzales6648]

I couldn't agree more!

[@deadbrother5355]

Thank you for setting everyone straight. I have debated rules so many times (both correct and incorrectly). But knowing the facts is priceless.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You're welcome. If you want more info for your debates, see the videos, links, and info here: billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/

[@redwater4778]

The facts is, there is no ball in hand in my country.

[@dangoodwin8469]

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.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

He probably meant "bar rules:" kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmnWempprNGspa8

[@crondawg101]

😆

[@johnkraft6053]

“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 😂

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@johnkraft6053 I like it. HORSE pool.

[@reedr7142]

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 🙏

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I'm glad you liked it. Please share it with others, especially those in need of "education."

[@reedr7142]

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?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

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/

[@reedr7142]

@@DrDaveBilliards thanks so much for the answers, and the link!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@reedr7142 You're very welcome.

[@Maino_13]

@8:20 "scratch behind the balls" I'm so childish 😅😂

[@sterlingranne2202]

Best explanation I've seen on how to tell the cue has been Double Hit. I always knew what a Double Hit was, but as you said, it happens so quickly. Knowing what to look for in the cue's behavior was wonderful. Thank you.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@sterlingranne2202 I’m glad you found it helpful. FYI, I have several good videos dedicated to this topic here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/foul/double-hit/ Enjoy!

[@leecaldwell6687]

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.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You're welcome. Share away! Thanks.

[@rstarr910]

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.💯

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I'm glad to hear it. Thank you for your kind words.

[@benjamincode6437]

Thank you. So much. Explained these basic rules so often. Nice to have illustration. Might save a portion of my life force

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Please share the video with people who need it. There are many who do.

[@cornerstonefinancialmanagement]

Great job on this video. Got right to point on each rule. Love it.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@cornerstonefinancialmanagement I’m glad you liked it. Thanks for the comment.

[@sweetfancymoses2942]

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.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

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. :)

[@sundakhistan4000]

Yessir. Thanks Dr Dave

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Yep. You're welcome.

[@Victor-rx4kh]

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!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

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.

[@davidcann8788]

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.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@davidcann8788 Understood.

[@Victor-rx4kh]

@@davidcann8788 awesome! Thanks man!

[@JJ-ALT]

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. 🤔

[@DrDaveBilliards]

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.

[@NWNFC]

I had to open this because I had to show my buddy how it’s actually played. Every time I play, I hear different rules. I just play along with whatever it is and still beat them 😂

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@NWNFC Also show your buddy my “Bar Rules” video so he can see how stupid they are: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmnWempprNGspa8

[@robertobrenes5283]

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

[@DrDaveBilliards]

That's a common variation played by some in the US also (especially in the past).

[@robertobrenes5283]

@@DrDaveBilliards ohh nice, I guess it came down here from the US

[@ConnorEverything1997]

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

[@DrDaveBilliards]

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

[@T3n50r]

@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.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

“Bar rules” are far from ideal also. See: billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/bar-rules

[@BG3_WRYGOR]

Love this video. Can you comment on the official ball size for the "official rules"? When do we use the 2" ball size (and smaller cue ball) vs the 2 1/4" size?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@BG3_WRYGOR Under the WPA “official rules of pool,” the CB and OBs are the same size: 2 1/4”. See Section 16 here: wpapool.com/rules/#equipmentspec British variations of the game are different. See: en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eight-ball_pool_(British_variation)

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@BG3_WRYGOR For the effects of different ball sizes, see the videos and info here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/ball/weight/

[@BG3_WRYGOR]

@@DrDaveBilliards Got it, thanks for the quick reply.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@BG3_WRYGOR You’re welcome. I aim to swerve. 🤓

[@LannahNSS]

Lots of things I didn't know. Very nice!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@LannahNSS I’m glad you found the video helpful.

[@gnrlyj]

Instructions unclear now I have glass shards souvenir from a local pub

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Next time, play stupid “bar rules” instead: billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/bar-rules Just be sure to not play “dirty.” :)

[@casey8164]

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.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Good points.

[@OomLenzOfficial]

Hello dr Dave. If the cue ball or an object ball or both balls leave the table during the break, is it also ball in hand in the kitchen? Because in international 8 ball rules I've seen that if the cue ball leaves the table during the break, it is ball in hand over the entire table, but with a scratch it is ball in hand in the kitchen. So I want to know if this is also the case in with WPA rules or only with International rules?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@OomLenzOfficial Under WPA, any foul on the break, including any balls leaving the table, results in CB in hand in the kitchen.

[@OomLenzOfficial]

@@DrDaveBilliards thanks dr Dave. Greetings from Suriname 🇸🇷🇸🇷🇸🇷

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@OomLenzOfficial You’re welcome. Regards from USA.

[@FunBox.]

too many rules, I'm going to the bar...

[@DrDaveBilliards]

… just be ready for the “whims” of “bar rules:” billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/bar-rules

[@-Keith-]

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.

[@ConnorEverything1997]

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.

[@dryclimateutah]

@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.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

See the “CORRECTION” in the video description or pinned comment.

[@giwrgossoiles3536]

Hello there! I have a question. Let’s say I have the first shot after the break. Can I choose solids or stripes using 8ball first ??? For example: cue ball touching 8ball and after potting a solid ??? Or by combination using again 8ball first??? I am almost sure this is a bar rule but I would like your “lights” about this . Thanks ✌️✌️✌️

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Under the WPA official rules, you must hit a solid or stripe first for a legal shot.

[@giwrgossoiles3536]

@@DrDaveBilliards yes you’re right. 8 ball is a solid ball . If there is no exception especially for the 8 ball , am i able to hit it first???

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@giwrgossoiles3536 The 8 is not a "solid" or a "stripe." It is the "game ball." The "solids" are balls 1-7. You are allowed to hit the 8 first only on the last shot of the game.

[@giwrgossoiles3536]

@@DrDaveBilliards You are concrete!!! Thanks a lot!!!💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼🎱🎱🎱

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@giwrgossoiles3536 That's the good thing about the "official rules." If you know them, you are always correct. FYI, all detailed rule information can be found here: billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/

[@grandtheftautocj]

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?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

No. A ball (any ball, including the CB) needs to be driven to a cushion after ball contact.

[@grandtheftautocj]

@@DrDaveBilliards Thank you very much, Dr. Dave. Your videos are very helpful.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@grandtheftautocj You're welcome. I'm glad to hear it.

[@sir.asylum]

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.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@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/

[@IceCreamMan444]

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.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

That is allowed under VNEA rules, but not under the official rules of pool.

[@drewsalvigsen6171]

​@@DrDaveBilliardsI'm having trouble figuring out if APA rules would allow it or not.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@drewsalvigsen6171 All league rule differences, and links to all official league rules, can be found here: billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/rule-differences/

[@drewsalvigsen6171]

@@DrDaveBilliards thanks!

[@canerkesen921]

Thank you very much! Could you also do a rules video on straight pool?❤️🙏🏼

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I’ve done one straight pool video: STRAIGHT POOL Strategy and “Run Your Age” Challenges kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJilmodqrruYgNk I don’t have plans to do more, but “Shortstop on Pool” has lots of good straight pool content.

[@crondawg101]

THANK YOU!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You're welcome. I aim to swerve. :)

[@crondawg101]

@@DrDaveBilliards and apparently dad joke as well

[@fecitim8807]

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?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@fecitim8807 No. The 8 must be pocketed on a dedicated final called shot.

[@Robert-n9d2r]

hi Dave something is not clear about ball in hand,when I pocket my ball and the cue ball too does my opponent place the cue ball behind the line or anywhere on the table? secondly on a normal foul where whitie is pocketed can I play the balls behind the strings?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@Robert-n9d2r Under the WPA “official rules of pool,” you have ball in hand anywhere on the table after any foul (scratch included) and you can shoot at any ball on the table (except after the break). For more info, see the videos, info, and links here: billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/

[@dsipaia]

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

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Here’s the 9-Ball video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jXLVYaCXepVjp6M Enjoy!

[@avulonanderson2372]

Raining? don't nyou meain Reigning?

[@keyboardkevin5949]

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?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

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/

[@lucydog3376]

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?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

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.

[@lucydog3376]

@@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.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@lucydog3376 You’re welcome. FYU, all rule details can be found here: billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/

[@playbub1]

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 ?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Correct. A miss of a called ball ends your turn.

[@playbub1]

@@DrDaveBilliards perfect, thanks

[@keyboardkevin5949]

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?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

It doesn't matter.

[@justaname2422]

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.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Agreed. That's why "anything goes" in "bar rules:" billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/bar-rules/ See: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmnWempprNGspa8

[@CollinMiller-sq6tx]

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

[@DrDaveBilliards]

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).

[@tylertkelley6779]

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.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thank you, and you’re welcome.

[@Oldiesyoungies]

do 14.1 continuous next please :)

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Good idea. I'll add it to my list.

[@sherrymelvin25]

You should always tighten the rack that makes it harder for the breaker to get good shots

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@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/

[@BrianPapocchia]

Question: Wasn't Efron's Z-shot a product of his pocketing a ball on a safety? Why did he have to take the next shot?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

In 9-ball, any ball pocketed continues your turn, even slop. Efren’s Z-shot was in a 9-ball match.

[@BrianPapocchia]

@@DrDaveBilliards In your video, you have an example where a safety is called. You say that even though your ball went down, because you called safety, your turn is over. Did I mishear?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@BrianPapocchia Slop counts only in 9-ball. Under official 8-ball rules, you are allowed to call a safety before a shot, in which case your opponent shoots next (regardless of what happens on your shot).

[@OomLenzOfficial]

Hello dr dave Suppose you still have 5 balls left and they are very difficult for you to pocket. and your opponent only has 1 ball left, which is very easy to pot. Suppose at that moment I choose to play the 8 ball and roll it towards the opponent's last ball to block him. Is this a normal foul (ball in hand) or is it a serious foul or unsportsmanlike conduct???

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@OomLenzOfficial “Intentional fouls” like this are perfectly legal. They are considered “smart,” not “unsportsmanlike.” The only unsportsmanlike fouls are intentional miscues, scoops, or pushes. See: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/foul/miscue/ billiards.colostate.edu/faq/foul/scoop/ billiards.colostate.edu/faq/foul/push/

[@OomLenzOfficial]

@@DrDaveBilliards thank you.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@OomLenzOfficial You're welcome.

[@keyboardkevin5949]

When racking, does the 1 ball have to be on the top always or just any solid ball?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

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.

[@DanielBlomqvist]

Great, thanks. Can make the same video for 9-ball?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

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

[@DanielBlomqvist]

@@DrDaveBilliards Thanks, you delivered!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@DanielBlomqvist You’re welcome. I’m glad you and others suggested it.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

For those interested, HOW TO PLAY 9-BALL - The “Official Rules” of Pool: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jXLVYaCXepVjp6M

[@Halfgig57]

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.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

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.

[@joemeza2832]

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...

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I hope the video helps convince they to "modernize."

[@BrinnerDang]

@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...

[@DrDaveBilliards]

It is not a foul if the CB gets to a rail after contacting the OB.

[@TamNguyen-tj8hc]

Dr. Dave, what happen if my opponent pocket his last ball, but also make black ball after that?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

The 8 must be pocketed on its own as the final shot of the game.

[@booni5114]

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)?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

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/

[@markherring3513]

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]

"Bar Rules" has many problems. See: billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/bar-rules

[@markherring3513]

@@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.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@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: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmnWempprNGspa8

[@markherring3513]

@@DrDaveBilliards thanks..i’ll check it out

[@Victor-rx4kh]

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

[@DrDaveBilliards]

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.

[@gregostrom6256]

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.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Your choice is not made until somebody pockets a called shot.

[@gregkisinger9142]

Question: On the break, 2 solids and 1 stripe drop in the pocket, but when I call my next shot it doesn't go in the pocket. Can I call my group at that point or is the table open for my opponent to call a pocket and select a group?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

The table is “open” until somebody pockets a called ball without a foul.

[@gregkisinger9142]

@@DrDaveBilliards - Thanks Dave. A follow-on question. Let's say the opponent pockets a called ball without a foul, so then does that person have to select that ball's group (e.g. solid) or can the opposite group be selected?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@gregkisinger9142 There is no choice. Legally pocketing the first called ball determines the group (the group pocketed). FYI, all detailed rules can be found here: billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/

[@Mhmd_Amin33]

Doctor, I have a question. Since in ten ball the pocket must be culled, can I do like what you explained 9:29 in ten ball as well?

[@Mhmd_Amin33]

Oh maybe my opponent can get me back to the table

[@DrDaveBilliards]

See Section 9.6 here: wpapool.com/rules-of-play/#Ten-Ball

[@jonasbygden]

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]

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).

[@jonasbygden]

@@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!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@jonasbygden Even people who know the rules usually out the 1 in front. It is just customary (and habit).

[@buffclops]

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

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@buffclops The only “evidence” we need is the rule. See 3.2 here: wpapool.com/rules/

[@ruuka13]

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?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@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.

[@humanperson8418]

8:00 wouldn't top spin allow you to pot both balls as the white starts rolling on its own?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

That is possible theoretically, but it would be extremely difficult. Try it (without a double hit).

[@Elite7555]

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]

Hitting one of your balls first is hard to understand?!

[@Elite7555]

@@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.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@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

[@5taycool]

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...

[@DrDaveBilliards]

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.

[@sylencer8887]

This is awesome Dr Dave it was only 13 days ago I proposed this video! Thanks for the quick response!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You're welcome. I aim to swerve. :)

[@МилосављевићПетар]

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)?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Yep, just like with the example in the video.

[@DUCKSWAYBOBWEAVE]

Exemplary uploads as always for billiards, no one does it quite like you DrDave.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks. I'm glad you think so.

[@dilligafmofoker]

Thx for this.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Yw

[@zgrywusbat471]

What if i pocket black in the same move as i pocket the last color and the black pockets last? Is this a lost game?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Yes. Under the WPA official rules of pool, the 8-ball must be pocketed on the shot after the last stripe or solid is pocketed.

[@mikelhernandez2965]

I was once told you could call a tie if none made winning or pocketing shots, just safeties, is this possible?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Yes. It is called a stalemate. Both players must agree to it. The balls are re-racked and the breaker of the game breaks again.

[@BrianPapocchia]

Question: if you pocket the 8 ball in a different pocket from the one called, what happens?

[@BrianPapocchia]

@DrDaveBilliards Can you clarify? I'm on the 8 ball. I call the side pocket. It ends up in the other side pocket. Do I lose? Does the 8 ball get spotted and my opponent shoots next? Something else?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@BrianPapocchia Sorry for the confusion. I deleted my previous inaccurate post. If you pocket the 8 in the wrong pocket, it is loss of game. FYI, all detailed rules can be found here: wpapool.com/rules-of-play/

[@Kat-zj5kd]

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

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@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.”

[@leogoku13]

What happened to ball in hand after scratch on break?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

That official rule has not changed in a long time. A scratch on the break gives the opponent ball in hand in the kitchen. In CSI leagues and tournaments, the opponent gets ball in hand anywhere on the entire table. See: billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/rule-differences

[@grahamsmith6210]

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!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

After most people learn the official rules of pool, “bar rules” seem ridiculous: billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/bar-rules

[@twambilireghambi-c2p]

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

[@DrDaveBilliards]

What you describe is definitely WPA rules, which are the international standard for pool.

[@quangnguyen-ee3sw]

Is it a foul when you hit an object ball off table ? Thankss

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Yes, or the cue ball. Ball in hand for the opponent.

[@burimskenderi1904]

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?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@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/

[@saifonlawrence2044]

Great video

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks.

[@Bradman1978]

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.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

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 kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmnWempprNGspa8

[@PsychedeliKompot]

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.

[@ConnorEverything1997]

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.

[@Islam4all-0]

Thank you Dr.Dave . -What happens if you put a Cue ball into the pocket or if its jump out of the table after the break ? Do you get a ball in the hand or do you get two shots from behind the baulk line?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Under the “official rules of pool,” a scratch on the break gives your opponent ball in hand in the kitchen, nothing more.

[@bingbongdingdongthethird]

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.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

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/

[@khalydoscope]

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?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

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.

[@carlhartwell7978]

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?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

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/

[@carlhartwell7978]

@@DrDaveBilliardsCheers!

[@seoulting28]

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.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

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.

[@L2SCoop]

What if no balls are pocketed and only the cue ball makes it to a rail? Is that a foul?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

No, as long as the CB hits a legal ball before the rail.

[@RussellWardman]

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

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@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/

[@jeffb321]

What if you bank the que off the cushion to hit your object ball, but the object ball never touches the cushion? Still a foul? An object ball must always hit a cushion? Even if your que hits 1 or 2 rails before hitting the object ball?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@jeffb321 Something (CB or any OB) must be driven to a cushion (or an OB must be pocketed) after the CB makes contact with a legal OB. A kick shot (off any number of rails) is a foul if nothing is driven to a cushion after ball contact. FYI, all official rules are covered in detail here: billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/

[@omrishko9596]

any ball on the table need to touch the cushion after cue ball contacts object ball. no matter how much cue ball touches cushions, you need to have contact with rail after cue ball contacts with object ball

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@jeffb321 Something (CB or any OB) must be driven to a cushion after CB-OB contact. What happens before CB-OB contact makes no difference.

[@s4h4]

@@DrDaveBilliards I see, I was confused at 9:22 because I thought one of your balls (stripes or solids) MUST hit the cushion, I didn't realize that it's also ok if the cue ball hits the cusion after initial impact. For the shot at 9:22, do you have to call safety? If you don't call safety, what happens?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@s4h4 The only time you need to call a safety is if you intend to pocket one of your OBs and you want your opponent to shoot next. With any miss (safe or not), your opponent always shoots next.

[@Dustin_the_wind]

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?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

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.

[@Dustin_the_wind]

Thank you sir, I didn't look at it that way.

[@Dustin_the_wind]

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.

[@TomasUjhelyi]

The official rules are whatever is posted on that specific pubs walls

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I hope they have a lot posted; otherwise, different people at the pub will still have different versions of “bar rules:” billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/bar-rules

[@TomasUjhelyi]

@@DrDaveBilliards haha in Australia they’ll fight to the death if you so much as place the cueball anywhere other than the baulk line. And don’t even think about explaining yourself or security will throw you out

[@oneofthepeoplehere]

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?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

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.

[@oneofthepeoplehere]

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

[@MoTab78]

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.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Good points.

[@mikestanger4205]

nice job!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks. I’m glad you liked it.

[@thatscnotk]

Is the ‘calling safety’ rule new? If not, the scenario for Efren’s Z shot would've never happened right?

[@fullonbatshit9428]

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.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@fullonbatshit9428 Good answer.

[@christiancarelse5319]

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?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

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).

[@kylejay6128]

@DrDaveBilliards hold on...if you scratch on the break it's ball in hand in the kitchen?? I thought it was ball in hand anywhere on the table. All the tournaments that play BCA rules around here it's ball in hand anywhere, and Iveseen matches on TV put it anywhere. Can you account for this discrepancy? Thank you, absolutely love your videos!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Only CSI/BCAPL/USAPL leagues and tournaments allow ball in hand anywhere on the table after a scratch on the break.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

See: billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/rule-differences/

[@Zooboytwenty4seven]

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?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Spotting means putting it on the “foot spot,” where the top ball is placed when racking the triangle of balls.