(About the Author)

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.

Any Eight

This game combines skill requirements for 9 Ball, 1 Pocket, and 14.1 Straight.

Object

One player (or side) pockets any eight balls into legal pockets.

Opponents

Two sides (opposing players or doubles teams).

Balls

Regular ball set. To count, balls must be pocketed accordingly:

• 1-5 (reds) – head pockets
• 6-10 (blacks) – side pockets
• 11-15 (yellows) – foot pockets

Racking

Standard random rack with one “color” at each corner.

Breaking

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

A legal break is 4 balls to the rails or a ball made.

If no legal break, incoming player can accept the table as is or re-rack and break himself.

If ball(s) on the break, shooter continues. Balls incorrect pockets immediately spotted.

Foul on the break – incoming player shoots from kitchen.

Regular play

Call ball and pocket.

Combinations are legal.

Ball made on a called safety are spotted.

Incidental balls not called are spotted.

Fouls

Penalty is end of turn plus spot one ball. If no balls to pay, owes.

• 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)

(Optional: 3 foul rule can apply.)