The American billiards game is very popular today. Mostly men can be seen at the pool table. Both the younger and older generations play this game. For many years now, it has also been an international sport. This game has received so much attention because it requires strong endurance, tact and precision. If you want to play at home, then for this you will need billiard equipment, that is, a special table, as well as balls along with additional elements that will have to meet all the requirements of the World Pool Association.

Number of game balls on a billiard table

In order to get started, you need to know all the basic rules of playing American billiards. So, the game will be played with sixteen balls. All but one have their own specific number. Number balls one through seven are a "solid" color. Nine to fifteen are “striped,” meaning that they are divided in the middle by a stripe of a certain color. During the game of American billiards, these balls will be divided between the players.

At number 8 there is a black ball, which is what you need to hit into a certain pocket before your opponent to win. However, it cannot be pocketed before all of your balls. Even if the ball accidentally hits the pocket, it will be considered a loss for the player who did it. The white ball does not have a number; it is also called the cue ball. All hits in the game will occur exclusively with the help of it.

Arrangement of balls on the table

In the game of American Billiards, the rules specify exactly how the balls should be positioned. To do this, use a triangle into which all the balls except the white one are tightly placed. The front ball should be on the back mark. The back mark is a spot on the pool table. In the next row you need to put one of the balls of different colors, that is, one “solid” and one “striped”. In the third row, a black ball is placed in the center, and two different ones are placed on the sides. For the fourth row, use two balls from “solid” and “striped”. All previously unused balls are placed in the last row. There is one rule that the standing balls in the last row on the sides must be of different colors. However, another method of setting up American billiards is often used. In this case, the Russian pyramid is set up so that the balls alternate as much as possible.

First strike opportunity

In order to start the game, you need to decide who will break this triangle. To do this, both opponents place any two balls on the house portion of the table. The balls must be on the same line, as well as the same distance from the central longitudinal line. Opponents need to hit the ball at the same time. The winner is the one whose ball, after touching the opposite side, is as close as possible to its original place. The rules of the game of American billiards specify that if one participant’s ball touches the side board, then he loses. In the event that such a mistake occurs between two players, you will need to replay. But almost always, if you go to a billiard room with a friend, it will be much easier to just agree.

Start of the game

After you decide who will hit first, you can start a game of American billiards. The white ball should only be hit with the sticker (this is the rubber part on the cue). If the blow occurred with another part of the cue or the hand touched the ball, then this is counted as an error in which the player changes. In billiards, a mistake is called a foul. If the triangle is broken, but none of the balls hit the pocket, then the opponent continues the game. If the cue ball flies off the table or falls into a pocket, it must be returned to its original place. But there is another rule that the white ball can be placed on any point on the table. How you will play must be agreed upon in advance with your opponent.

Also, many people think that the pyramid is considered broken only if at least four balls touch the sides. If this does not happen, the opponent can make a choice, leave everything as it is, or replay it himself. This rule should also be discussed before the game.

You can only win on the first hit if the black ball hits the pocket. Such a flow of events happens extremely rarely. When the black ball flies off the billiard table, it is returned to the table and placed on a certain point. A foul is counted when, after the first hit, the cue ball falls into the pocket.

Progress of the game

Once the pyramid has been broken, players need to pocket any ball except the black one. As soon as one of the balls is in the pocket, the table is considered closed. If a player forgot the “striped” ball, then he will need to score them. If it’s “solid”, it means he will play with them.

During the game of American billiards, a foul may occur; it is counted if the player hits the opponent’s ball or the eighth ball with the cue ball. A player also receives a foul if, in addition to his ball, the opponent’s ball is also pocketed. As a result of a foul, a player change occurs.

There are some prohibitions related to hitting. For example, the cue should never slide across the ball. Or when, after a shot, any of the balls touches the cue, a foul will be considered. In the game, a situation may arise that the cue ball and any other ball will stand very close to each other, in which case it will be impossible to hit exactly straight.

End of the game

Once all your “own” balls have been pocketed, the black one must also be pocketed. It should be hammered into a certain pocket. The pocket in which the eighth ball should end up is located opposite the place where your last pocketed ball hit. If the player potted the 8th ball earlier, he is considered a loss.

When playing American Billiards, you or your opponent may also receive a foul. This happens if: a double blow was struck, the balls were touched by a hand, clothing or another part of the cue other than the necessary one. When the cue ball is in the pocket after the shot or the balls fly out of the table, then this is also a foul. The probability of getting a foul is high in the American billiards game. You can personally adjust the rules of this game. There are certain specifics that you need to discuss with your opponent before starting.

The exact date of the origin of billiards is still unknown, but it came to Europe in the 15th century. After 4 centuries, the very type of billiards game appeared - American pool. Initially, tables were placed in places where bets were accepted, usually at hippodromes.

So what is pool? The word pool comes from the English meaning “pool room” (betting room). This phrase became very attached to the local population, and this is how the name American billiards appeared. Throughout the 19th century there were no standards of play. Michael Phelan established and patented the dimensions and rules of the modern form of pool billiards. This is how pool in billiards arose.

The question remains: what is a pool? This is a separate type of billiards game. American pool, like Russian, snooker, carom, has its own standards and rules. Very often it is confused with the “American” in the Russian pyramid, but these are completely different games. Recommended for beginners, it is simpler than other types of billiards.

The main difference from Russian is:

• Small table
• Triangular type of side tires
• Big pockets
• Small balls, 57.2 mm
• No blind spots

Playing American pool brings its own unforgettable feeling of pleasure and excitement. This does not depend on the type of pool in billiards:

• Three of a kind: pot 3 balls with the minimum number of shots.
• Pool 7: Similar to the nine game, used for training.
• Pool 8: you need to roll the balls of your category, and at the end, hit the eight into the pocket.
• Pool 9: balls with the minimum number value are rolled into the pockets one by one. To win you need to score a nine.
• Pool 10: The game is similar to pool 9. All shots are custom.
• Pool 15: Combined Nine and Rotation Rules
• Rotation: scored according to numbers. Depending on them, points are awarded. The game continues until 61 points are accumulated.
• Black ball: analogue of the “eight”. You need to fill in your category (red or yellow), then black.
• Straight: another name: Pool 14+1. The game continues until a certain number of points are reached.
• In one pocket: A very interesting type of American pool. A pocket is selected and balls are rolled into it throughout the game.
• Onboard: The winner is the one who scores the most balls from the board.
• Golf: a practice game where the player's goal is to score in the fewest strokes possible.
• Saratoga: a hybrid of an eight and a nine. You need to roll your category of balls starting from the minimum number.
• Texas: Texas Bumps. Small cups, red and black, are installed on the left and right sides of the table. A kick is made by two players at the same time. Whose ball is closest to these cups makes the next blow. The main goal of the game is to get your group into the cup faster. It is very important that the balls do not touch the opposite group, otherwise the shot will be missed.

Rules for playing American billiards

There are basic standards for billiard equipment, approved by the association.

• The table should be 9 feet, the playing field at a height of 74 - 78 cm
• The corner pocket measures 11.43 cm, the middle pocket measures 12.70 cm
• Cloth, from 85 - 100% combed wool.
• The length of the cue varies from 1 m to 1.5 m, and the weight is 450 – 708.75 g. Sticker diameter: 11 – 14 mm, turnip diameter: 28 – 30 mm. For comfortable play, the balance point is located at a distance of 39-50 cm from the bumper.
• Sticker made of tanned leather.
• Balloons from Aramit. This company makes from phenol-formaldehyde resin. Their weight is 156 - 170 grams, and their size is 57.2 mm.
• Pool balls are divided into two categories: white with a colored stripe and fully colored. They are all numbered.

In addition to the basic positions on equipment, there are also general provisions on the rules for all types of American billiards:

1. Every player must know the limits, schedule and rules.
2. How to find out who breaks the pyramid? It's simple. In the rules of the game of American pool there is a designation: rolling of balls. Two players take a shot at the same time. The ball should bounce off the far side and get as close as possible to the opposite side. Whose ball ends up on the near side hits first. The right to break the pyramid can be transferred to an opponent.
3. The pyramid is set according to the type of game of American billiards. To accurately place the balls, markings are made on the playing field. There are times when the object ball flies off the pool table. It is placed to the nearest board or placed on the mark of the original position. If there is already a ball on the point, place it as close to the point as possible. At the same time, they maintain a gap for impact between the balls.
4. When a player commits a violation or earns a foul, the opponent is given the right to choose any point on the playing table. This allows him to create comfortable conditions for himself as much as possible. This action in the rules of the game of pool is called: a shot from the hand.
5. In such types of games as "Pool 8" and "one pocket" it is necessary to determine the pockets. In the "eight" before the shot you need to name the object ball and the pocket where you plan to hit. “In one pocket” one pocket is announced and balls must be rolled into it throughout the game. In other words, an object ball and a pocket are ordered. The pool rules include custom shots.
6. Due to small defects in the playing field, there are situations such as misalignment of balls. They arise when the ball, after stopping, still moves slowly due to defects in the table, the referee does not touch it, since it did not affect the result. If it falls into the pocket before the shot and this may affect the result, it is put back on the original point on the table and the game continues. There are markers on the playing field to place the balls on the original point. After replacing the ball or cleaning it, the referee must replace it with maximum precision. Also, instead of the ball, a small flag is placed. This makes it easier to return after replacement or cleaning.
7. When the game is affected by external factors and this changes the result of the shot, the referee returns to the table the balls that fell into the pockets due to this. The player must repeat his shot. There are times when the balls cannot be replaced from their original positions, then this, in the pool rules, is called a stalemate.
8. In American billiards, it is possible to challenge the judge's decision. If a player did not like something in the referee's decision or made a mistake, he turns to the judge to review his decision. If opponents do not agree with the rule that the judge used, they ask for it to be voiced and reconsidered. The game is suspended while the appeal is considered.
9. A player can lose the game if he gives up. You can accidentally give up when you spin the cue while waiting for your turn.
10. When the judge sees that the game is not winning or the situation on the playing field is not developing, he offers each player 3 hits. These 3 hits should correct the current situation, if not, a stalemate is declared. According to the rules of American billiards, the game is replayed. Depending on the type of pool, there are stalemate conditions.

How to play American billiards?

Beginners are wondering: how to play pool? American billiards is more interesting than a pyramid, but problems arise in your endeavors. Let's figure out how to play American billiards.

To play pool you need a nine-foot table, a cue and a set of balls for American billiards. The set is divided into groups. The first is white with a colored stripe, the second is made of completely colored balls. This division into categories is not easy. Each player will play with their own color. Which group he will pocket is determined by the first ball pocketed. Suppose the first player breaks the pyramid and the ball with the colored stripe rolls into the pocket. His group has a colored stripe, while his opponent's group has a colored stripe. The main goal of the American pool game is to pocket the balls of your group and finally roll the “eight”. Whoever did it first won.

Let's return to the questions: how to play pool and how to place the balls in the pool? There are so many types of pool games, so many types of formations. Let's look at the simplest type of game: Pool - 8.

An ordinary pyramid is placed with a certain arrangement of balls in a triangle. There must be an “eight” in the center of the pyramid. The first player breaks the pyramid, trying to roll the ball into the pocket. It is very important not to completely touch the category of your opponent’s balls. The game continues until all the balls of one group are pocketed and the “eight” is driven into the pocket as the last blow.

American pool is very easy to learn and is perfect for a beginner.

Pool – 8

Before breaking the pyramid, you need to determine who will hit first. For this purpose, a roll is used. After breaking the pyramid or hitting the second player, the category of balls for the participants is determined. When the figure eight is rolled during the breakdown, the ball is put back on the playing field, and the opponent begins his turn. When the cue ball falls into the pocket, a foul is counted. The second player chooses a place on the field to strike.

One of the most important rules of the game of eight billiards is custom shots. The player must, before hitting, voice the ball and the pocket at which he is aiming. If the order is not fulfilled, the opponent starts the game. If there are obvious impacts, the order is not placed.

In pool 8, it is important not to hit your opponent's ball category before touching your own. This will be taken as a violation of the rules.

In the rules of the pool 8 billiards game there is an opportunity to order “wagering”. This is done for strategic reasons in order to create a maximum disadvantage for the opponent. Wagering occurs when a player cannot close the game with one series.

When there are no balls left on the table, you need to order a pocket for the eight. If the order is not completed, it is considered a loss.

In case of violation of the rules:

• After breaking the pyramid, the cue ball flew into the pocket.
• There was no contact with the board.
• There was no contact between the cue ball and the object ball.
• The cue ball hits the opponent's ball.
• The kick was executed incorrectly.

Then it’s the opponent’s turn. He uses the right to play from his hand, places the cue ball anywhere on the playing field and makes a shot.

There are times when the rules were violated during a strike: the ordered ball was not played or a “playback” was announced before the strike. In the rules of American billiards 8, such situations are usually called incorrectly played balls. They are not put on the field after a violation.

No one is safe from an object ball flying off the billiard table. He is placed on the playing field, according to the rules, and the turn passes to the opponent. If the “eight” is thrown, then the game is lost.

The referee may declare a stalemate. It occurs when players break the rules without wanting to finish the game. In this case, the game starts over.

Pool Rules – 9

Another popular variation of American billiards is pool 9. In it, you must first pot the ball with the lowest number, then pot any other one. The game is considered completed when the player has scored a "nine" as the last last. The rules are very similar to pool 8, but partly different.

On the playing field, the balls are arranged in a diamond formation. Number 1 should be at the head of the pyramid, and number nine should be exactly in the center. The rest are in random order. When breaking, the cue ball does not hit a one, the cue ball or object ball jumps onto the playing field, this is considered a foul. The opponent plays the first blow of the hand. If, after breaking, the ball rolls into a pocket, the player continues his series of shots until a violation or a miss.

The player can, after successfully breaking the pyramid by his opponent, choose a convenient point for his strike. In the rules of the game, the pool is 9, called “push-out”. During this, the cue ball may not touch the side or the ball, but other rules apply. Like “playing back” in pool 8, the player announces a push-out before hitting. If this is not done, there will be a regular blow. All balls except the nine that are pocketed are not counted. There is a situation when the cue ball falls into a pocket during a push-out, in which case the next player no longer has the right to it. All pocketed balls, except for the “nine”, in case of violations or those that fly out of the playing field are not put out, and the opponent has to play with what is left on the table. This is the difference between the rules of the game of nine and pool 8. Pool 7 is also often played. This is a smaller version of pool 9, and is more often played for practice or for training.

Another type of American pool game is Black Ball, or in common parlance, a black ball. The rules of the black ball pool game are the same as in pool 8, even slightly simplified. There are no ordered strikes, no “acting out.” The essence of the game is very simple. To begin with, the balls are rolled out; whoever has the ball closest to the second board gets the right to the first blow. Then the pyramid breaks down. Which color of the group of balls was pocketed is what the player plays in the future. When all the balls of their category have been rolled, it is necessary to score the last nine with one precise shot, otherwise the game will be lost. All balls that accidentally fly off the playing field are returned to the table according to their original location. Also in this type of game there are terms: Snooker shot. Before such a strike, the player must say in advance, then the rule about not touching the sides does not apply. A very common violation is the so-called “jump”. When the cue ball leaves the surface, does not touch the object ball, or does not fly out of the playing field. In this case, it is considered a violation and the right to move is transferred to the opponent, like a blow from the hand.

A black ball is lost if a black ball is pocketed by accident or on purpose when there are still balls of the same category on the table, or if the player deliberately breaks and hits the wrong ball.

Pool Rules

It's easy to master the rules of American pool! Billiards is popular in many parts of the world and is not only entertainment, but a serious sport. It has many varieties, such as snooker, kaiser, pool. The pool rules are considered simpler and make it very popular.

The main feature of this type of billiards is the reduced size balls, which are easy to pocket even for a beginner. If in Russian billiards the pockets are 72-76 mm wide and the ball is 70 mm in diameter, then in American billiards it is 88.5 mm and 52-57 mm, respectively.

Pool balls are 15 multi-colored and 1 white - cue ball. The first 8 balls are fully colored, and the remaining ones have a wide stripe in the middle.

Basic rules of playing pool

Before the start of the game, the right to determine the first strike is played out. Players select identical balls and simultaneously shoot from the front line, standing on opposite sides of the table, so that the ball hits the other side. Whose ball stops closer to the front line has the right to the first strike, or may refuse in favor of the opponent. Sometimes players replace the rally with a simple draw.

• The pyramid is installed using a special triangle. In this case, the front ball is placed on the central point, the remaining balls stand tightly behind it. The first blow is made from the hand from the “home”. In custom games, the breakdown is not a custom shot.
• The cue ball is struck by a sticker on the tip of the cue. If the cue touches the cue ball more than once, then a foul is counted, as well as when the cue slips or kicks.
• After breaking, players play the balls. The first ball pocketed, striped or whole, determines which player will pocket in the future. Accordingly, the opponent's balls become balls of a different type.
• In a custom game, before hitting, the player must announce the ball, and in some games, the pocket into which he must hit. Points are awarded for balls that fall into the pocket during a correct shot. The hit is considered completed when all the balls on the table have finished moving.
• If the ball does not enter the pocket, a foul is declared, the cue ball or an unordered ball enters the pocket, then the opponent continues the game.

Types of American billiards

The rules of pool varieties have their own characteristics.

• The most famous and accessible type is the “eight”. In this custom game, the participant announces the ball and the pocket into which it will be sent. The player pockets 7 of his balls with correct shots and ends up with the black ball number 8.
• The next type of game in American billiards or pool is “nine”. Its rules differ in that players do not announce orders. When struck, the white cue ball first touches the lowest numbered ball. The game continues until the nine goes into the pocket.
• Pool 10 is similar to “nine”, but is a custom one. This game uses 10 balls.
• The game "from the board" involves potting the balls after touching them at least once on the board. One of the most spectacular types of pool games. The rules of the pool game equate one pocketed ball to one point.
• “Rotation” continues until one of the players reaches 61 points. When hitting, the cue ball first touches the lowest numbered ball on the table. Points are awarded based on the ball number.
• A more complex one-pocket game begins with the player choosing one of the far corner pockets. The point of the game is to score 8 balls faster than your opponent.

For beginners who decide to play billiards, the rules of such a pocket game as pool may seem complicated at first. But before you draw conclusions, you should go to the billiard room with your friends and try it. Those who strive to reach the top in this sport can start attending sections.

The “American” version of billiards has another name – “Free Pyramid”. The game is very popular among fans of the “cue and table with green cloth”. The main differences in the rules of the game are that in American billiards it is allowed to use any ball as a striking cue ball. That is, it turns out that it is permissible to play all the balls. You can score both your own and others’, or, as they say, you are allowed to hit “everyone against everyone.” The winner is the player who is the first to pocket 8 balls.

lMarking the billiard table

Before starting the game, you should mark the surface of the billiard table

The playing surface of the table is marked as follows:

• Center mark - a point located in the center of the table;
• Center line – drawn through the center mark. It is located parallel to the short sides. The center line is designed to divide the playing surface into two halves - front and back;
• Front Mark – located in the center of the front half of the playing table;
• Back mark – located in the center of the back half of the playing table;
• The house line is drawn as a straight line, through the front mark and parallel to the front side.
• The house is a part of the playing surface located between the house line and the front board;
• The ball line is a line drawn from the middle of the back board to the back mark.

How to start a free pyramid game

During the game, players use 16 balls - 15 white and 1 colored. Before the start of the game, 15 are placed in the form of a pyramid at the back mark of the pool table. With the sixteenth ball, the pyramid is broken from the hand from the house. The roll determines the order of breaking the pyramid. If you have enough experience, it is possible to win the game on the first hit, leaving no chance for your opponent, or to pocket several balls at once.

The rules of the American game are reminiscent of the “small Russian pyramid”. The only difference is that after the first hit, you can play any ball with any ball. It is also allowed to pocket “your” ball. There is no need to order a pocket or assign balls.

It is allowed to pocket any number of balls from one hit. The main thing is that there is no fine. The penalty is taken in the form of a ball removed from the table onto the opponent's shelf. The opponent of the offender has the right to make the next blow himself, or to concede it to the offending player.

According to the rules of American billiards, fines are imposed in the following cases:

• After the impact, the ball did not make contact with any of the other balls;
• During the impact, there was no double contact with the side of any of the balls, or there was not a single contact with a roll to another part of the table;
• The ball “pushed through” instead of being hit;
• When touching the balls with either a cue or clothing.

Handicap in "American"

According to the rules of the game, if one player is much more experienced than the other, a handicap can be established between them. Before the game, the partners agree on how many balls each needs to score. But, note that in official competitions there is no handicap.

The American game is inherently very dynamic. She develops mastery of various striking techniques.

There is also a widespread belief that players can adjust the rules of the game to suit themselves. Therefore, on the Internet and among fans of the game of billiards, especially among beginners, different variations of the rules are common. The official international rules were announced above. In general, it is better to discuss the rules with your partner before starting the game in order to avoid misunderstandings.

In our establishment, we will teach you how to play strictly according to international rules. We are waiting for you at the Krasnodar Billiard Academy.

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Phone: +79034119393.
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American billiards differs significantly from Russian in its simplicity and variety. The first differences that catch your eye are the size of the gaming tables, the variety of upholstery of the table cloth, and smaller balls, which makes them easier to pocket. The game is played with three balls: red and two cue balls. Snooker is played using 22 billiard balls. In addition, it is strictly forbidden to place chalk on the sides of the table, so billiard players keep it in their trouser pocket. The rules of billiards also differ significantly.

Pool

One of the most interesting, exciting and simple games. Any beginner can handle the rules of the pool. The main features of the game include:

• Small size of the gaming table;
• Availability of 16 billiard balls.

American pool gained its popularity at the beginning of the 19th century. It was distinguished by short games lasting only a few minutes, which had a positive effect on the commercial part of the game. This led to the spread of billiards everywhere. Advertising at every turn talked about the welfare of professional billiard players. Even later, many films about billiards began to be released.

Rules for playing Eight Pool

This type of American billiards belongs to the type of games made to order. Only a white ball is allowed to be used as a cue ball. The goal of the first player is to pocket all the multi-colored balls of the same color. The goal of the second billiard player is to score all the striped balls. Victory is awarded to the player who is the first to handle all the solid or striped balls, and also to pocket the ball number 8 as ordered. The game rules are as follows:

• Striped and plain balls are alternately placed in a triangle-shaped pyramid;
• Ball No. 8 is installed in the central part of the pyramid structure;
• The conditions for the first hit are to drive one ball into the pocket, bring 4 more balls to the sides of the playing table, but at the same time, you cannot break the pyramid so that the eighth ball or cue ball falls into the pocket hole.

The main advantage of the "Eight" pool is that if a mistake was made during breaking, the partner can choose the outcome of events: continue the game from this position, break the balls again on their own, or ask to break the opponent. Unlike Russian billiards, in American pool it is allowed if the cue ball did not hit the target ball, or if it went beyond the playing field, or fell into a pocket. It is not allowed to touch the billiard balls with any foreign objects or body parts. The billiard player is considered a loser if the ball number 8 falls outside the playing field, is pocketed prematurely, or if it lands in another pocket that was not ordered.

Rules for playing Pool "Nine"

This type of American billiards has many differences from the previous one. The first difference is that the player does not place orders. The game is played using nine numbered balls and a cue ball. The basic rules of the Nine pool include:

1. Regardless of the shot, the cue ball must touch the ball with the lowest numerical value;
2. Balls with any numbering are allowed to be pocketed;
3. While the balls are falling into the pocket, the billiard player must continue to play until he misses, breaks the rules, or pockets ball No. 9;
4. The number of games won is agreed upon in advance;
5. All balls are placed in a diamond-shaped mold, and ball No. 9 occupies the central position.

A significant difference from the “Eight” is that a new blow appears, following immediately after breaking the balls, called a “push out”. Before performing it, the billiard player must communicate his intentions. The main objective of such a shot is to move the cue ball to a more convenient location. In this case, balls pocketed at this time are not counted. The fines in the “Nine” are the same as in the “Eight”. Added to these is that the first shot made without the cue ball touching the lowest numbered ball is a violation. After three mistakes in a row, the billiard player automatically loses.