This is a copy of the out-of-date pool rules page on the BAPTO web site, and is their copyright. I have made a few changes, indicatde in bold italics to make it reflect the rules as played currently in international and intercounty level. I will remove this page once the official site's rules page is brought up to date. Rupert Ward, April 2000

OFFICIAL UK 8 BALL POOL RULES

THE GAME
The game shall be known as 8-ball pool and referred to in these rules as "the game". It is intended that players and teams should play 8ball pool in the true spirit of the game and in a sportsmanlike manner. It should be clearly understood that the referee will take whatever action is necessary to ensure that these rules are observed.
REQUIREMENTS OF THE GAME
The game is played on a rectangle 6-pocket table with 15 balls, plus a cue ball. Balls comprise of two groups, represented by two different colours plus the black 8ball. Alternatively, numerical balls may be used numbered 1-7, which are plain coloured and 9-15, which are stripped coloured balls. Balls in the two groups are known as object balls. Racked Balls
OBJECT OF THE GAME
1. The balls are racked as illustrated with the 8ball (black) on the 8ball spot, which is at the intersection of the centre and corner pockets.
2. Order of play is determined by the flip of a coin. The winner of the flip has the option of breaking or requesting his/her opponent to do  so.
3.The opening player plays at the triangle of object balls by striking the cue ball from any position on or within the ‘D’. He/she must pocket a ball or cause at least two object balls to come back up the table past the centre line (ie centre of balls must pass the line joining the centres of the middle pockets, the balls can return to the other half of the table). Failure to do so is a foul break and will result in the balls being re-racked. The opposing player re-starts the game with one break shot followed by one visit. They must nominate their choice of balls after the break shot
4. Following the break shot (except following a foul break as defined in rule 3 above):
  • the breaking player must clearly nominate their choice of colours before continuing (if a ball is potted) or before leaving the table (if none is potted or it is a foul).
  • If a ball of one colour is potted, the breaker can still nominate either colour, and colours are decided by that nomination (ie he does not have to subsequently pot a ball)
  • The only exceptions are following a foul break (see rule 3 above) or if the black goes in (in which case the balls are re-racked and the game is restarted by the same player).
Rules 5 and 6 are obsolete.
7. If the player pockets the 8ball from the break, the game shall be re-started by the same player. No penalty is incurred. The balls to be re-racked. This applies even if other balls, including the cue ball, are pocketed as well.
8. a. If a ball or balls are legally pocketed, this entitles the player to one additional shot and this continues until the player either:

i). Fails to pocket one of his/her set of allocated balls. Or

ii) Commits a foul, at any time.

      b. Combination shots are allowed provided that the player hits one of his/her own group of balls first (unless rule 6(b) applies).

A player may legally pocket one or more of their opponents object ball/s providing that one or more of their own group are pocketed on the same shot.
FOULS
  1. In off (cue ball pocketed)
  2. Hitting opponents’ balls before his/her own ball/s, except when rule 6(b) applies.
  3. Failing to hit any ball with the cue ball.
  4. Jump shots – defined as when the cue ball jumps over any part of any ball before making contact with any object ball.
  5. If a player hits the 8ball with the cue ball on the first impact before his/her own balls have been potted, except where rule 6(b) applies.
  6. Potting any opponents ball except when rule 4(j) or 6(b) applies.
  7. Ball off the table.
    1. Any object ball or the 8ball shall be returned to the 8ball spot or as near to it as possible without touching any other ball, in a direct line between the 8ball spot and the centre of the ‘D’.
    2. If the cue ball, the ball to be played from any position on or within the ‘D’.

    A ball shall be deemed off the table if it comes to rest other than on the bed of the table.

  1. If a players clothing or body should touch any ball.
  2. Player not having at least one foot on the ground.
  3. Playing or touching with the cue any other ball other than the cue ball.
  4. Playing out of turn.
  5. Playing before the balls have come to a rest.
  6. Playing before the ball or balls have been re-spotted.
  7. Striking the cue ball with any part of the cue other than the tip.
  8. Striking the cue ball with the cue more than once.
  9. Failing to nominate when the rule 4(d) or 4(f) applies.
  10. Foul break (see 4(c)).
  11. Push stroke (see 8(a)).
  12. Moving an object ball or the 8ball when playing away from a touching ball.
PENALTY FOLLOWING ANY FOUL.
  1. Following any foul described under section 5 the oncoming player may play the cue ball from where it lies or from the ‘D’ (as in rule 8(b) and proceed as 6(b). moving the cue ball to the ‘D’ doesn’t constitute a shot or visit.
  2. Following a foul, the oncoming player is entitled to one free shot with which he/she may without nomination, play the cue ball directly onto any ball, including the opponents object balls and the 8ball. However, he/she may not pocket the 8ball, which would mean loss of game, unless the player has already pocketed all of his/her own group of object balls and only needs to pocket the 8ball to win the game.
  3. Following the single free shot described in 6(a) the player will commence his/her normal visit.
LOSS OF GAME
  1. If a player pockets the 8ball before he/she pockets all the balls in his/her own group, except as allowed under rule 4(g), he/she loses the game.
  2. A player going in off the 8ball when the 8ball is pocketed, loses the game.
  3. A player who clearly fails to make any attempt to play a ball of his/her own group will lose the game.
  4. If a player seeks to gain advantage by deliberately touching a moving ball or retrieving a ball dropping into the pocket shall lose the game.
GENERAL
  1. PUSH STROKE – defined as when the tip of the cue remains in contact with the cue ball once it has commenced its forward motion.
  2. CUE BALL IN HAND – when a player has the cue ball in hand he/she plays from any position on or within the ‘D’ and in any direction.
  3. PLAYER IN CONTROL – A player is said to be in control of the table from the time that his/her body, cue or clothing touches the table prior to his/her shot, through his/her visit and up until his/her opponent dose likewise prior to his/her visit. Any balls which fall into the pockets during this period (including the 8ball), he/she is said to have potted and he/she is liable to any penalties or benefits normally awarded to him/her for the potting of that ball or balls as are accorded to him/her in the rules of the game (rule 5(c) applies).
  4. The game is completed when the 8ball is potted in any pocket and all the remaining balls including the cue ball have come to rest, except where rule 4(g) applies.
  5. TOUCHING BALLS – a player must play away from a touching ball which must not move (see rule 5(c)). If the touching ball is not one of his/her own group the cue ball must strike one of his/her own group. When rule 6(b) applies a player must play away from a touching and is deemed to have played that ball.

       
STALEMATE
Should any situation arise whereby a legal shot cannot be played, then the game shall be restarted by the same player whether this situation is arrived at by accident or design. If in the opinion of the referee neither player is allowing the game to progress or a stalemate situation has arisen. Then the game shall be re-started by the same player.
GUIDANCE
  1. The term ‘shot’ means striking the cue ball once
  2. The term ‘visit’ refers to making one or a series of shots.
  3. The term ‘break’ refers to the first shot of the game or the first shot of a game being re-started.
  4. Coaching is deemed to be unsportsmanlike behaviour (see rule 1).
  5. A referee may, if required, advise on the rules of the game.

© BAPTO