Complete Guide to Pool Tournament Games
A comprehensive reference for all major American billiard pool tournament game types. Each game format explained with objectives, players, rules, and tournament considerations. Rules can vary slightly by organization (BCA, WPA, APA, UPA), so always confirm specific tournament rules before competing.
11/14/202512 min read
1. EIGHT-BALL (8-BALL)
Overview
Eight-ball is the most popular and widely played pool game in the world. It's often considered synonymous with "pool" itself.
Objective
Be the first player to legally pocket all of your assigned group of balls (solids or stripes), then legally pocket the 8-ball in a called pocket to win the game.
Number of Players
2 players (singles)
2 teams of 2 (doubles)
Equipment
Standard pool table with 6 pockets
15 numbered object balls (1-15)
1 cue ball (white)
Balls 1-7: Solid colors
Balls 9-15: Striped
Ball 8: Black (the "money ball")
The Rack
Triangle rack
8-ball in the center of the rack
1-ball at the apex (on the foot spot)
One corner has a solid, the other corner has a stripe
Remaining balls placed randomly
Basic Rules
Breaking:
Cue ball placed anywhere behind the head string
Must hit the rack and either pocket a ball OR drive at least 4 object balls to a rail
If the 8-ball is pocketed on the break, it can be re-spotted or the breaker wins (depends on tournament rules)
Group Assignment:
Table is "open" after the break
First player to legally pocket a called ball claims that group (solids or stripes)
Groups remain assigned for the rest of the game
Legal Shots:
Must hit one of your group balls first
After contact, either pocket a ball OR a ball (cue ball or object ball) must contact a rail
In most tournament play, the 8-ball shot must be called (ball and pocket)
Winning:
Pocket all your group balls
Then legally pocket the 8-ball in a called pocket
Losing:
Pocket the 8-ball before clearing your group
Pocket the 8-ball in the wrong pocket (if calling pockets)
Scratch (pocket the cue ball) while shooting the 8-ball
Jump the 8-ball off the table
Common Fouls:
Scratching (pocketing the cue ball)
Not hitting your ball first
Not hitting any ball
No rail after contact
Touching balls with hands or cue
Ball off the table
Opponent gets "ball in hand" (can place cue ball anywhere on table)
Tournament Format
Race format: First to win X games (e.g., race to 7, race to 9)
Single elimination, double elimination, or round-robin
Matches can be best-of series
Skill Level Considerations
Great for beginners to learn
Strategy involves both offense and defense
Call-shot rules vary by league/tournament
2. NINE-BALL (9-BALL)
Overview
Nine-ball is the second most popular professional pool game, known for its fast-paced action and rotation format.
Objective
Be the first player to legally pocket the 9-ball. The 9-ball can be pocketed at any time through combination shots as long as the lowest-numbered ball is hit first.
Number of Players
2 players (singles)
2 teams of 2 (doubles - "Scotch Doubles")
Equipment
Standard pool table with 6 pockets
9 numbered object balls (1-9)
1 cue ball (white)
The Rack
Diamond-shaped rack
1-ball at the apex (on the foot spot)
9-ball in the center of the diamond
Remaining balls placed randomly
Basic Rules
Breaking:
Cue ball placed anywhere behind the head string
Must hit the 1-ball first
Must either pocket a ball OR drive at least 4 object balls to a rail for a legal break
If the 9-ball is pocketed on a legal break, the breaker wins immediately
Rotation Play:
Must always hit the LOWEST-numbered ball on the table first
Balls don't have to be pocketed in order
Combination shots are legal as long as the cue ball contacts the lowest ball first
Legal Shots:
Must contact the lowest-numbered ball first
After contact, either pocket a ball OR a ball must contact a rail
Winning:
Pocket the 9-ball on any legal shot
Can win by pocketing the 9-ball on the break
Can win via combination or carom shot (hitting lowest ball first, then 9-ball goes in)
Win if opponent commits three consecutive fouls
Push Out (Special Rule):
After a legal break, the shooter can declare a "push out"
During a push out, the player is not required to contact any ball or hit a rail
After a push out, the incoming player can shoot or pass the shot back
This rule allows strategic positioning when stuck after the break
Common Fouls:
Not hitting the lowest-numbered ball first
Scratching
No rail after contact
Ball off the table
Opponent gets "ball in hand" anywhere on the table (unlike 8-ball)
Three-Foul Rule:
If a player commits three consecutive fouls, they lose the game
Player must be warned after the second foul
Tournament Format
Race format: First to win X games (commonly race to 9, 11, or 13 in pro events)
Single elimination, double elimination brackets common
Often uses alternate break format
Skill Level Considerations
Faster-paced than 8-ball
Requires precise cue ball control
No calling shots - "slop" counts
Popular in professional tournaments
3. TEN-BALL (10-BALL)
Overview
Ten-ball is similar to nine-ball but with added difficulty. It was developed to address concerns about nine-ball being too easy for professionals, particularly regarding break-and-run opportunities.
Objective
Be the first player to legally pocket the 10-ball in a called pocket after all other balls have been cleared.
Number of Players
2 players (singles)
2 teams of 2 (doubles)
Equipment
Standard pool table with 6 pockets
10 numbered object balls (1-10)
1 cue ball (white)
The Rack
Triangle-shaped rack (same as 8-ball)
1-ball at the apex (on the foot spot)
10-ball in the center of the triangle
Remaining balls placed randomly
Basic Rules
Breaking:
Cue ball placed anywhere behind the head string
Must hit the 1-ball first
Must pocket a ball OR drive at least 3-4 object balls to a rail (varies by ruleset)
If the 10-ball is pocketed on the break, it is re-spotted (cannot win on the break)
Call Shot Game:
Unlike 9-ball, 10-ball is a CALL SHOT game
Must call ball and pocket for all shots (except the break)
If a ball is pocketed but not called correctly, it doesn't count and may be spotted
Rotation Play:
Must always hit the LOWEST-numbered ball on the table first
Balls must be pocketed in sequence (can't skip ahead)
Combination shots must be called
Legal Shots:
Must contact the lowest-numbered ball first
Must call which ball and which pocket
After contact, either pocket the called ball OR a ball must contact a rail
Winning:
Pocket the 10-ball LAST, in a called pocket
Win if opponent commits three consecutive fouls
Push Out:
Same as nine-ball - can be used on shot immediately following the break
Common Fouls:
Not hitting the lowest-numbered ball first
Pocketing a ball in an uncalled pocket
Scratching
No rail after contact
Ball off the table
Opponent gets "ball in hand" anywhere on the table
Three-Foul Rule:
Same as nine-ball - three consecutive fouls = loss of game
Tournament Format
Race format: Usually race to 7, 9, or 11
Single or double elimination
Alternate break format common
Skill Level Considerations
More difficult than 9-ball due to call-shot requirement
Eliminates "lucky" shots
Requires better planning and execution
Popular in high-level professional tournaments
4. STRAIGHT POOL (14.1 CONTINUOUS)
Overview
Straight pool, also known as 14.1 Continuous, is one of the oldest and most prestigious pool games. It's considered the ultimate test of skill, requiring precision, planning, and endurance.
Objective
Be the first player to reach a predetermined point total (usually 100, 125, or 150 points in tournament play). Each legally pocketed ball = 1 point.
Number of Players
2 players (singles)
Can be played as teams but less common
Equipment
Standard pool table with 6 pockets
15 numbered object balls (1-15)
1 cue ball (white)
The Rack
Triangle rack
Balls placed randomly (no specific order required)
Apex ball on the foot spot
Basic Rules
Breaking:
Unlike other games, the break shot is defensive in straight pool
Player may hit any ball
Break is NOT intended to pocket balls, but to separate the rack safely
Must drive 2 balls to a rail OR pocket a ball for a legal break
Call Shot:
Every shot must be called (ball and pocket)
Only obvious shots don't need verbal calling
Bank shots, combinations, and caroms must always be called
Continuous Play:
Players can shoot at any ball in any order
Each legally pocketed ball = 1 point
When only 1 ball remains on the table, the 14 pocketed balls are re-racked
The last ball and cue ball remain in position
Player continues shooting, breaking into the new rack
Legal Shots:
Must call ball and pocket
After cue ball contacts called ball, either:
The called ball must be pocketed, OR
Any ball (including cue ball) must contact a rail
Scoring:
1 point per legally pocketed ball
Points accumulated across multiple racks
First to reach target score wins
Penalties:
Fouls: -1 point from score (can go into negative)
Three consecutive fouls: -15 points (16 point swing - lose 15 and opponent keeps their inning)
Scratching: -1 point, opponent gets ball in hand in the "kitchen" (behind head string)
Common Fouls:
Scratching
Not calling shot
Not pocketing called ball in called pocket
No rail after contact
Touching balls
Tournament Format
Matches to 100, 125, 150, or 200 points
Can be race format (best of 3 matches to 150)
Single elimination brackets in major tournaments
Games can last 1-2 hours or longer
Skill Level Considerations
Considered the most difficult pool game
Requires exceptional position play
Tests patience and consistency
Mistakes are costly (negative points)
World records exceed 600+ balls in a row
Not for beginners
5. ONE-POCKET
Overview
One-pocket is often called "the chess of pool" due to its deep strategic complexity. It's a defensive, positional game where each player can only score into one designated pocket.
Objective
Be the first player to legally pocket 8 balls into your designated corner pocket. Only 2 of the 6 pockets on the table are "scoring" pockets.
Number of Players
2 players (singles)
2 teams (doubles/teams)
Equipment
Standard pool table with 6 pockets
15 numbered object balls (1-15)
1 cue ball (white)
The Rack
Triangle rack
Balls placed randomly (no specific order)
Apex ball on the foot spot
Pocket Selection
Each player selects ONE of the two corner pockets at the FOOT of the table
That pocket is their scoring pocket for the entire game
The other 4 pockets are "neutral" - balls pocketed there are spotted
Basic Rules
Breaking:
Breaker selects their pocket before breaking
Break from behind the head string
No special requirements for the break
Balls pocketed in either player's pocket on the break count for that player
Scoring:
Only balls pocketed in YOUR designated pocket count
Each ball = 1 point
First to 8 balls wins
Balls pocketed in opponent's pocket count for opponent (even on your shot!)
Balls pocketed in neutral pockets (4 side/corner pockets) are spotted
Legal Shots:
Can shoot at ANY ball on the table
Must hit an object ball
After contact, either pocket a ball OR a ball must contact a rail
NO call shot required (unlike straight pool)
Strategy:
Highly defensive game
Often deliberately pocket opponent's ball to prevent them from using it
Position play is critical
"Banking" balls near your pocket for future use
Blocking opponent's pocket with strategic ball placement
Fouls:
Standard fouls: -1 point (a previously pocketed ball is spotted)
Scratching: Opponent gets ball in hand behind head string
Three consecutive fouls: Loss of game
If you foul and have no balls pocketed yet, you "owe" a ball (first ball scored will be spotted)
Spotting Balls:
Balls from neutral pockets are spotted at the end of shooter's inning
Balls are spotted on the foot spot
If foot spot is occupied, balls are spotted in a line toward the foot rail
Tournament Format
Can be played as single games (first to 8)
Can be handicapped (e.g., 8-6, 10-8 where better player needs more balls)
Race format less common
Often played for money in gambling settings
Major tournaments include Derby City Classic, US Open One-Pocket Championship
Skill Level Considerations
Extremely strategic and slow-paced
Requires advanced planning (thinking 5-10 shots ahead)
Heavy emphasis on safety play
Very difficult for beginners
Games can last 30-60 minutes or longer
Best for experienced players
6. BANK POOL
Overview
Bank pool is a specialized game where every shot must be a bank shot - the object ball must contact at least one cushion before being pocketed. It tests a player's knowledge of angles and precision.
Objective
Be the first player to legally pocket the required number of balls (usually 5 with 9 balls, or 8 with 15 balls) via bank shots only.
Number of Players
2 players (singles)
Can be played with teams
Equipment
Standard pool table with 6 pockets
Either 9 object balls (short rack) OR 15 object balls (full rack)
1 cue ball (white)
The Rack
Short Rack (9-Ball Bank Pool):
Diamond-shaped rack (like 9-ball)
Balls placed randomly
Head ball on foot spot
Winning score: 5 balls
Full Rack (15-Ball Bank Pool):
Triangle rack (like 8-ball)
Balls placed randomly
Apex ball on foot spot
Winning score: 8 balls
Basic Rules
Breaking:
Cue ball placed behind head string
Full rack: Must pocket a ball OR drive at least 2 object balls to a rail
Short rack: Head ball must be hit first and at least 1 ball must cross center of table
Balls pocketed on break are spotted (don't count)
If legal break, breaker continues shooting
Bank Shot Requirements: For a shot to be legal and count:
Must be a BANK SHOT (object ball hits cushion before pocket)
Must CALL the shot (ball, cushion path, and pocket)
Ball must pocket "cleanly" - no touching other balls on way to pocket
Cue ball must hit object ball FIRST (before hitting any rail)
Cue ball can only touch object ball ONCE
Illegal Shots (Not Allowed):
Kick shots (cue ball to rail first)
Combination shots (ball-to-ball)
Carom shots (cue ball contacts multiple balls)
Kiss shots (object ball hits another ball)
Rail-first shots (object ball to rail before being hit)
Direct pockets (no bank)
Variation (Optional House Rule): Some games allow rail-first shots if the cue ball contacts at least 3 cushions before hitting the object ball
Scoring:
1 point per legally pocketed bank shot
Can only score 1 ball per turn
Extra balls pocketed on same shot are spotted
Continue shooting until you miss or foul
Fouls:
Scratching or jumping cue ball off table
Not executing a legal bank shot
Failing to call shot
Penalty: Lose 1 point (one of your pocketed balls is spotted)
If no balls pocketed yet, you "owe" a ball
Three consecutive fouls = loss of game
Opponent gets ball in hand behind head string after a scratch
Tournament Format
Usually race to 5 (short rack) or race to 8 (full rack)
Can be single game format
Single or double elimination brackets
Often included in multi-discipline tournaments
Skill Level Considerations
Requires strong understanding of angles and geometry
Practice on diamond systems helpful
Very challenging for beginners
Reduces "luck" - all skill-based
Games are typically slower-paced
Great for developing banking skills
7. CUTTHROAT (3-PLAYER ELIMINATION)
Overview
Cutthroat is a popular social/casual game designed for 3 or more players. Unlike other games, you're trying to pocket your OPPONENTS' balls while protecting your own. Last player with balls remaining wins.
Objective
Be the last player with at least one ball remaining on the table by pocketing all of your opponents' balls.
Number of Players
Best with 3 players
Can be played with 5 players
Adaptable to 2, 4, 6, or 7 players with modified group sizes
Equipment
Standard pool table with 6 pockets
15 numbered object balls (1-15)
1 cue ball (white)
The Rack
Triangle rack
1-ball at the apex
6-ball and 11-ball at the two bottom corners
Remaining balls placed randomly
Group Assignment
For 3 Players:
Player 1: Balls 1-5 (Low)
Player 2: Balls 6-10 (Mid)
Player 3: Balls 11-15 (High)
For 5 Players:
Player 1: Balls 1-3
Player 2: Balls 4-6
Player 3: Balls 7-9
Player 4: Balls 10-12
Player 5: Balls 13-15
Methods to Claim Groups:
Method 1 - Traditional:
Groups remain open until a player pockets at least one ball from TWO different groups
Example: Pocket the 3-ball and 12-ball = you claim the 6-10 group
Method 2 - Simple:
First player to pocket any ball chooses a group
Second player to pocket a ball chooses next
Third player gets remaining group
Method 3 - Pre-Assigned:
Assign groups before the game starts (lag or draw)
Basic Rules
Breaking:
Standard break from behind head string
Must drive at least 4 balls to a rail for legal break
Balls pocketed on break may determine group assignment (depends on method)
If illegal break, next player can accept table or re-rack
Legal Shots:
Must hit an OPPONENT'S ball first (NOT your own balls)
After contact, a ball must either be pocketed OR contact a rail
Can pocket any ball (including your own) but must hit opponent's first
Call shot vs. slop: Determined before game starts
Continuing Play:
Continue shooting as long as you legally pocket any ball
Turn ends when you miss, foul, or don't pocket a ball
Elimination:
When all of a player's balls are pocketed, that player is eliminated
Eliminated players can return to the game if an opponent scratches
Winning:
Last player with any ball(s) remaining on the table wins
Scratching/Fouls:
Standard fouls apply
When a player scratches: Each opponent spots one of their balls back on the table
This brings eliminated players back into the game
Scratching player's turn ends
Next player shoots with ball-in-hand behind head string (or full table ball-in-hand depending on rules)
Strategy Notes:
Sometimes beneficial to pocket your OWN ball for position
Strategic to eliminate players in a certain order
Can form temporary "alliances" to eliminate a leading player
Tournament Format
Usually casual/recreational, not heavily organized tournaments
Can use point systems for multiple games:
Winner: 3 points + 1 point per remaining ball
Second place: 2 points
Third place: 0 points
Perfect game bonus: +2 points (win with all 5 balls remaining)
Best for league night fun or social play
Skill Level Considerations
Great for odd-number groups
Beginner-friendly
Fast-paced and social
Strategy varies with skill levels
Can be handicapped for mixed skill levels
Not ideal if one player is significantly better (will dominate)
8. ROTATION POOL (ROTATION)
Overview
Rotation is a rotation-style game similar to 9-ball, but all 15 balls are used and points are awarded based on ball numbers. It's about accumulating points, not just pocketing the final ball.
Objective
Be the first player to score 61 points or more (out of a total 120 points available from all 15 balls).
Number of Players
2 players (singles)
Can be played with 3+ players
Equipment
Standard pool table with 6 pockets
15 numbered object balls (1-15)
1 cue ball (white)
The Rack
Triangle rack
1-ball at the apex (on foot spot)
2-ball and 3-ball at the back corners
15-ball in the center
Remaining balls placed randomly
Basic Rules
Scoring:
Each ball is worth its number in points (1-ball = 1 point, 15-ball = 15 points)
Total points available = 120 (sum of 1+2+3...+15)
First player to reach 61 points (more than half) wins
Rotation Play:
Must hit the LOWEST-numbered ball on the table first
Any ball pocketed on a legal shot scores points for the shooter
Don't have to pocket balls in order, just hit lowest first
Legal Shots:
Must contact lowest-numbered ball first
After contact, must either pocket a ball OR a ball must contact a rail
Continuing Play:
Continue shooting as long as you legally pocket balls
Accumulate points from all balls pocketed
Winning:
First to 61+ points wins
Can win mid-rack (don't have to clear all 15 balls)
Common Fouls:
Not hitting lowest ball first
No rail after contact
Scratching
Ball off table
Standard foul penalties apply
Tournament Format
Less common in organized tournaments
Can be race format
Sometimes called "Chicago" in variations with innings
Skill Level Considerations
Similar to 9-ball but requires arithmetic
Adds strategy: high-value balls worth more
Can target specific balls for point advantages
Good for intermediate players
9. SEVEN-BALL
Overview
Seven-ball is a fast rotation game similar to 9-ball but with only seven balls. Popular in some tournament circuits and leagues.
Objective
Be the first player to legally pocket the 7-ball.
Number of Players
2 players (singles)
2 teams (doubles)
Equipment
Standard pool table with 6 pockets
7 numbered object balls (1-7)
1 cue ball (white)
The Rack
Small hexagon/circle rack (7-ball rack)
1-ball at the apex
7-ball in the center
Remaining balls random
Basic Rules
Breaking:
Must hit the 1-ball first
Must pocket a ball or drive 4 balls to rail
Can win on the break by pocketing 7-ball
Rotation:
Must hit lowest-numbered ball first
Any ball can be pocketed
Call Shot:
Some variations require calling the 7-ball shot only
Other variations require calling all shots
Winning:
Pocket the 7-ball legally
Skill Level Considerations
Faster than 9-ball
Good for quick matches
Less common than 9-ball
10. EQUAL OFFENSE
Overview
A strategic game where both players shoot at the same group of balls, taking turns. Points awarded based on what's pocketed.
Objective
Score more points than your opponent by legally pocketing object balls. Both players shoot at all balls.
Number of Players
2 players
Equipment
Standard pool table
15 numbered object balls (1-15)
1 cue ball
Basic Rules
Players alternate turns (innings)
Each inning, a player may shoot at any ball
Points awarded per ball number (like rotation)
First to reach target score wins
Tactical game with defensive plays
Skill Level Considerations
Strategic and defensive
Less common than other games
Good for developing safety play
TOURNAMENT CONSIDERATIONS
Common Tournament Formats
Single Elimination:
Lose once, you're out
Fastest format
High pressure
Common in time-limited events
Double Elimination:
Two chances - winners bracket and losers bracket
More fair to players
Takes longer
Most common in major tournaments
Round Robin:
Everyone plays everyone
Most fair but time-consuming
Good for league play
Determines seeding for finals
Race Format:
First to X wins (race to 7, race to 9, etc.)
Standard in professional play
Matches can vary in length
Skill Levels & Handicapping
APA (American Poolplayers Association):
Uses skill level system 1-9
Handicaps based on skill levels
Team format uses combined skill levels
Fargo Rating:
Uses Fargo rating system (300-900+)
More precise skill measurement
Used in some high-level tournaments
Equipment Standards
Table sizes: 7', 8', or 9' (9' is tournament standard)
Cloth: Tournament-grade worsted wool
Balls: Regulation size and weight
Cues: Players typically use personal cues