Blackball Pool Rules

1) Rack & table layout (Rule 4a)

1. Form a tight 15-ball triangle.
2. Place black on the black spot position in the rack.
3. Use 7 reds and 7 yellows around the black.
4. Rear corner balls must be different colours.

Diagram: black on spot, rear corners split colours.

2) Break (Rule 4b)

• Break is from baulk.
• Legal if a ball is potted, or at least two object balls fully pass the centre-pocket line.
• Illegal break gives opponent free shot + one visit.

3) Open table & deciding groups (Rules 4e, 4f)

• Groups are not decided on the break, on a foul shot, on a free shot after foul, or if both groups are potted in one combination.
• After these exceptions, a legal pot from one group decides that player’s group for the frame.

4) Legal shot definition (Rule 5d)

A legal shot must:

1. Hit an on-ball first, then
2. Either pot an on-ball, or cause cue ball / any object ball to hit a cushion.

Snooker escape exception applies under Rule 5g.

5) Common fouls (Rule 5 series)

• In-off (cue ball potted).
• Wrong first contact.
• No legal outcome after first contact.
• Jump/scoop, push stroke, double hit.
• Playing before balls stop, out of turn, or touching balls illegally.

6) Penalty after foul (Rule 6)

Offending player loses control. Incoming player gets free shot + one visit.

On free shot, table is effectively open for that first shot and broader combinations are permitted per rule details.

7) Loss of frame (Rule 7)

• Foul while potting black.
• Potting black while own group balls remain.
• Deliberate foul / deliberate non-attempt at legal shot.
• Deliberate ball interference and other listed loss-of-frame offences.