8 Ball Pool rules?
Discussion
Been playing my neighbour down the pub and we're both about the same standard = enjoyable. One thing we vowed to do before we play again is standardise some rules! We've both played for years but with so many different rules its stupid. There is nothing specified in the pub we play - its usually empty which suits us fine.
After many (many) hours researching it seems there are 2 main sets - World 8 Ball(EPA) and 'World?' blackball WPA (there is also 'old' EPA which I'm going to ignore since my brain can't handle that as well!)
So.. we need to settle on something and ideally it should be something we would use if we ever end up playing local league games, (EPA seems slightly more common?) - and having printed them out and studied them I'm erring towards Blackball.
EPA is ok, but there is no 'ball in hand' concept - I like the whole 'ball has to touch a cushion which I've never played before and I'm assuming 2 shots carry onto the black. - Looks like there is some wierdness around free ball usage (the free ball must be explicitly and specifically nominated. you can't nominate one of your opponents balls and use it to pot another)
WPA Blackball - I like ball in hand as a foul is unlikely to gain you an advantage, and the intentional foul game forfit. I also like the free ball combination rule following a foul where any ball can be played onto and potting anything else (I think).
I know many pubs have their own custom rules, but before I jump in and choose Blackball what does the wisdom of Pistonheads recommend?
After many (many) hours researching it seems there are 2 main sets - World 8 Ball(EPA) and 'World?' blackball WPA (there is also 'old' EPA which I'm going to ignore since my brain can't handle that as well!)
So.. we need to settle on something and ideally it should be something we would use if we ever end up playing local league games, (EPA seems slightly more common?) - and having printed them out and studied them I'm erring towards Blackball.
EPA is ok, but there is no 'ball in hand' concept - I like the whole 'ball has to touch a cushion which I've never played before and I'm assuming 2 shots carry onto the black. - Looks like there is some wierdness around free ball usage (the free ball must be explicitly and specifically nominated. you can't nominate one of your opponents balls and use it to pot another)
WPA Blackball - I like ball in hand as a foul is unlikely to gain you an advantage, and the intentional foul game forfit. I also like the free ball combination rule following a foul where any ball can be played onto and potting anything else (I think).
I know many pubs have their own custom rules, but before I jump in and choose Blackball what does the wisdom of Pistonheads recommend?
It's a couple of years since I played in the league and the rules were changing anually then in some way but the last set at a glance were (I'll use colour rather than spots/stripes) -
1) Player breaks, if he pots a ball he nominates either the potted colour or can opt for the other colour. If he doesn't pot a ball he STILL nominates his choice of colour. Also at least 2 balls must get beyond the centre pockets.
2) On a foul 2 shots awarded but do not carry over. Ball may be played as it lies or picked up and played from anywhere behind the line, also you may play either way up/down the table. The first shot of the two you may hit any ball on the table including the black, you may also pot the opponents ball. 2 shots also applies on the black ball.
3) No intentional fouls allowed otherwise loss of rack.
4) No jump shots allowed (9 ball these are legal)
5) You don't need to nominate a pocket for the black.
Other than that I'm sure you'll know most rules, as stated this is from approx 2-3 years ago so they could have been amended again slightly.
I must get back into the league being as I've had my own table at home now for 3 years to practice on!!
1) Player breaks, if he pots a ball he nominates either the potted colour or can opt for the other colour. If he doesn't pot a ball he STILL nominates his choice of colour. Also at least 2 balls must get beyond the centre pockets.
2) On a foul 2 shots awarded but do not carry over. Ball may be played as it lies or picked up and played from anywhere behind the line, also you may play either way up/down the table. The first shot of the two you may hit any ball on the table including the black, you may also pot the opponents ball. 2 shots also applies on the black ball.
3) No intentional fouls allowed otherwise loss of rack.
4) No jump shots allowed (9 ball these are legal)
5) You don't need to nominate a pocket for the black.
Other than that I'm sure you'll know most rules, as stated this is from approx 2-3 years ago so they could have been amended again slightly.
I must get back into the league being as I've had my own table at home now for 3 years to practice on!!
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