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These series of “Game Rules’ provide rules of many different games for the pool table. The rules here have been simplified from the official versions – to make them a little easier to understand.

There are other games that have been invented, copyrighted and generally available to the playing public. Web searches will turn these up and the rules printed out for use.

7 Ball

This is a rotation game.

Object

Legally pocket the 7 ball.

Opponents

Two players.

Balls

Set of balls (1-7) plus cue ball.

Racking

A special 7 ball rack is normally used, if available. 1 ball is at the top, with the 2 through 6 in random sequence. The 7 ball is in the middle.

A regular or 9 ball rack can be used. Place 9 ball in the apex (top) position, and the 1 ball in the left wing position. From the side of the table, position 1 ball on foot spot. Remove rack, roll the 9 ball into a pocket. The rack of balls is ready for breaking.

Breaking

7 ball on a legal break is a win.

Breaker determined by local rules (coin, lag, card draw, etc.)

Four balls to the rail or a ball pocketed.

If no legal break, incoming player can accept the table as is or make the breaker repeat the break.

7 ball on the break wins.

Regular play

Immediately after the break, and before another shot, the breaker places a marker for which long side of the table to pocket the 7 ball for the game win. Opponent must make 7 ball in opposite side to win.

Balls are pocketed in rotation, lowest first.

Fouls

Penalty is end of turn. (Option: cue ball fouls only – ball in hand)

• No legal shot
• Ball off the table
• Scratch
• Illegal ball touching (optional – moved balls can be replaced with opponent’s approval and play continues with no penalty)

Loss of game

No 3-foul rule. The shooter loses the game if:

• 7 ball is pocketed out of turn.
• 7 ball is pocketed on the wrong side.
• Scratch on the 7 ball.

7 ball made during an illegal shot.