Billard

Basic rules

Aim of the game

Two players try to pot their colors (full or half balls) completely and then pot the black 8 ball correctly in order to win.

The balls

• 1-7: Full balls (also called "whole" balls)
• 9-15: Half balls (stripes)
• 8: The black eight ball - is potted at the end
• White ball: The cue ball (may never be potted)
  

Start of the game

• The ball is kicked off (break).
• If a ball falls during the break, the player making the break continues to play.
• After the first successful shot, it is decided who has which balls (full or half). This happens with the first correctly pocketed ball after the break.

Rules of the game at a glance

1. You must always play your own balls (full or half) first.
2. Only the cue ball is pocketed directly.
3. The balls may be played over the cushion.
4. Correct pocketing: If you pocket a ball of your own color, you may continue to play.
5. Foul (examples):
   • You hit the wrong ball first.
   • The cue ball falls into a pocket.
   • No ball touches a rail or falls (so-called "dead game").
6. After a foul: The opponent receives the cue ball "ball in hand", i.e. may place it anywhere on the table.
7. The 8 ball may only be played once all of your own balls have been potted.
8. Whoever pockets the 8 ball correctly wins the game.
   

How to lose

• If you sink the 8 ball before it is your turn.
• If you commit a foul while trying to pocket the 8 ball.
• If you pot the 8 ball at the same time as the cue ball.
• If you play the 8 ball into the wrong hole that you have not previously called (if calling is required).

Pro tip:

9-ball is significantly faster and more tactical than 8-ball. Many tournament players prefer it because of its dynamics.

Aim of the game

• The balls are played in numerical order (1 to 9).
• The player who pockets the 9 ball correctly wins the game - no matter when.

The balls

• Only balls 1 to 9 are used.
• The white ball is the cue ball.
• The 9 ball is the winning ball.
  

Start of the game (break)

• The break is started as in 8-ball.
• The 1 ball must be hit first at the break.
• If a ball falls (regardless of which one), the player may continue playing.
  

Basic rules

1. Always play the lowest remaining number first - this is compulsory!
2. Balls may be played over the cushion.
3. Combination shots are allowed, e.g:
   • You hit the 3 first (because it is your turn) and the 9 falls → Immediate win!
4. If the announced (correct) ball falls, you may continue to play.

Example: If the 1 falls, the 2 must be played next.

Fouls

• Wrong ball hit first (e.g. you hit the 5 instead of the 3).
• White ball falls (scratch).
• No ball touches a rail or falls after the shot.
  

After a foul:

• The opponent gets the cue ball “ball in hand” - he may place it freely.

Winning conditions

• Whoever pockets the 9 ball wins.
• This is also possible in a combination kick or by chance - immediate victory.