Game Types
Black Ball (UK 8-Ball) Rules
The UK and international version of 8-ball, played with 15 red and yellow balls plus a black ball on a smaller table.
16
Balls UsedObjective
Pocket all of your assigned balls (reds or yellows) and then legally pocket the black ball.
Break Rules
- Balls racked in triangle with black ball on the spot.
- Reds and yellows alternate in the rack.
- Break from the D, must hit the pack.
- Two balls must hit cushions or a ball must be pocketed.
- If the black is potted on the break, it is re-spotted and the breaker continues.
Legal Shot Rules
- Must hit one of your balls first (after groups are assigned).
- A ball must be potted or any ball must contact a cushion after initial contact.
- On the black, must nominate the pocket.
- Two-shot rule: after a foul, opponent gets two visits.
Foul Rules
- Potting the cue ball (in-off) gives two shots to opponent.
- Hitting opponent's ball first is a foul.
- No ball hitting a cushion after contact is a foul.
- Potting opponent's ball: foul, ball stays down.
- Playing out of turn is a foul.
Win Conditions
- Legally pot the black ball after clearing your group.
- Opponent pots the black ball illegally (before clearing, wrong pocket, or with foul).
- Opponent commits a foul while potting the black.
Common Fouls
In-off (cue ball potted)
Wrong ball first contact
No cushion after contact
Potting opponent's ball
Playing out of turn
Push shot
Ball off table