Rule Set

Eight-ball pool is played by two players or two teams. The object of the game is to legally pocket all of your group of object balls (either spots or stripes) and then legally pocket the black (8) ball.

A coin toss or lag determines who breaks first at the start of a match. The winner of each subsequent game breaks the next, unless otherwise agreed.

Matches are played on a standard 7-foot or 8-foot pool table with six pockets. The full set of 15 object balls (7 spots, 7 stripes, and the black) plus the cue ball must be used.

Players must use a cue of standard length (minimum 91 cm). Mechanical bridges are permitted. Chalk must be applied to the cue tip before each shot.

The cue ball is placed anywhere behind the baulk line (the 'D') for the break shot. The breaking player must strike the rack and either pocket a ball or drive at least four object balls to a cushion.

If the break is deemed illegal (insufficient contact), the incoming player may accept the table as it lies or request a re-rack and re-break.

Potting the black ball on the break is not an automatic win — the black is re-spotted and the breaking player continues their turn.

Groups (spots or stripes) are not assigned on the break. The table remains open until a player legally pockets a ball after the break — that ball's group becomes that player's group.

If a player pockets balls from both groups on the same shot after the break, they may choose which group to take.

A legal shot requires the cue ball to first contact one of the player's own group of balls (or the black when all object balls are cleared). After contact, either a ball must be pocketed or any ball must contact a cushion.

A player's turn continues as long as they make legal shots and pocket at least one of their own balls per shot.

A foul is committed when: the cue ball is pocketed (scratch); the cue ball fails to contact the player's own ball first; no ball reaches a cushion after contact; the cue ball is struck more than once on a shot; or a ball is knocked off the table.

Additional fouls include: playing out of turn; touching any ball other than the cue ball with the cue; or failing to have at least one foot on the floor when playing a shot.

On a foul, the incoming player receives ball in hand (see Section 7). Only one foul penalty applies per shot regardless of how many fouls occur on that shot.

When ball in hand is awarded, the incoming player may place the cue ball anywhere on the table (full table ball in hand) before playing their shot.

The cue ball is in hand until the player strikes it. The player may reposition the cue ball as many times as they wish before playing.

A player may only attempt to pocket the black ball after legally pocketing all balls in their own group. The black must be nominated into a specific pocket before the shot is played.

Pocketing the black ball in any pocket other than the nominated pocket is a loss of game. Pocketing the cue ball on the same shot as the black is also a loss of game.

If the black ball is knocked off the table at any time, the player responsible loses the game.

If both players agree that no further progress can be made, a stalemate may be declared. The game is re-racked and the player who broke originally breaks again.

A referee or neutral party may also declare a stalemate if the same sequence of shots is repeated three times without progress.

All players are expected to conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner at all times. Deliberate distraction of an opponent, unsportsmanlike behaviour, or disrespect toward other players, officials, or venue staff will not be tolerated.

Players must not move, touch, or interfere with any ball on the table other than as permitted by these rules. Any dispute should be raised calmly and referred to the team captains or, if unresolved, to the MMPL committee.