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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.

Rotation

This is also known as 61, when played by two opponents.

If played as a gambling game, everyone antes into the pot. Highest score wins the pot. Fouls require an additional ante to the pot. Several balls, equally separated (i.e., 3, 6, 9, 12 15 or 4, 8, 12, 15 or 5, 10, 15) can be designated as “money” balls. If the shooter pockets a money ball, other players pay the ante.

Object

Score the highest number of points by the time the last ball is pocketed.

Opponents

Two or more players.

Balls

Regular set of balls.

Racking

Balls are racked in the standard triangle in any order, with the one on the top, 2 and 3 at the other corners. The 15 ball is in the center.

Breaking

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

Breaker must break the rack by hitting the 1 ball, with four balls contacting the cushions.

Regular play

The lowest ball on the table is the target object ball.

Scoring is the addition of the value of legally pocketed balls in that inning.

Illegally pocketed balls are spotted.

Combinations are legal.

Optional: Call ball and pocket.

Fouls

Penalty is loss of turn and last ball made is spotted and score adjusted. If no score, only loss of turn.

• Ball off the table
• No ball to a cushion or pocket
• No contact on lowest numbered ball
• Illegal ball touching (optional – moved balls can be replaced with opponent’s approval and play continues with no penalty)
• Scratch (cue ball is played from kitchen). Incoming player can decide to shoot or force the violator to shoot.

If shooting from the kitchen and lowest ball is also there, it is spotted.

Game variations

This game can be played with partners, or as Scotch doubles.

Strict rotation rules – only the lowest ball can be targeted and pocketed and counted. Combinations not allowed. Incidental balls are spotted.

Ball count – all balls are played in rotation (no combos). Winner pockets 8 balls. Similar to 1 Pocket, but balls count if made in any pocket.

Rotation 8 Ball – Games is played as 8 ball, but with each group (solids or stripes) played in rotation. Solids are played 1 through 7, stripes are played 9 through 15.