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Rules for BACK POCKET 9-BALL

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Except when clearly contradicted by these additional rules, the General Rules of Pocket Billiards apply. In addition the BCA rules and regulations of 9-Ball will apply except where specifically contradicted below.

PLAYERS

BALLS USED

THE RACK

OBJECT OF THE GAME

DETERMINING OPENING BREAKER

DETERMINING PLAYER'S POCKET

After each game the chip holder will move their chip to the other corner pocket at the head of the table.

After the break, the chip may not be moved (i.e. if players forget to switch pockets, their perspective pocket will remain the same as the previous game [Note: the players, not the referee is responsible for moving the chip]).

SHOT DEFINITION

BAD SHOT DEFINITION

SAFETY DEFINITION

BALL IN HAND DEFINITION

RULES OF PLAY

1. In order to win, the player must legally pocket the 9-ball in their pocket (at any time, any way, so long as it is called).
2. For a legal Shot, after striking the lowest numbered ball on the table, the player must pocket the called ball in the called pocket.
3. For a legal Safety, after striking the lowest numbered ball on the table, at least one ball must hit a rail (with no balls pocketed).
4. Before each shot, players must declare a Shot (i.e. ball and pocket) or a Safety.
5. If a player misses the called shot or pockets a ball on a called safety, the upcoming player has the option of letting the offending player shoot again. (Note: this is not considered a foul, and only applies to non-breaking shots [i.e. breaking player does not have to call a shot and will continue their turn if pocketing any ball]).
6. If the nine ball is illegally pocketed, it will be spotted on the foot spot before the next shot is played.
7. Fouls:
   1. Cue Ball Scratch: The upcoming player will have ball in hand.
   2. Object Balls or Cue Ball coming to rest anywhere except the table surface or pocket (for an object ball): The upcoming player will have ball in hand. The offending object balls (if any) will be considered pocketed (except the nine ball, which is spotted on the foot spot.
   3. Incidental Contact: The offending player will lose their turn, upcoming player has the option of requesting the referee to return ball(s) to location before incidental contact. After referee finishes placement of the balls, the upcoming player has ball in hand.
   4. First hitting a numbered ball, which is not the lowest on the table: The upcoming player will have ball in hand.
   5. No balls contacting a rail after lowest numbered ball is hit: The upcoming player will have ball in hand
   6. Masse Foul: the upcoming player will have ball in hand.
   7. Picking up any ball, removing any ball from a pocket, or otherwise touching any ball (unless considered "Ball In Hand" by referee): The upcoming player will have ball in hand.
   8. Referee Fouls: Any foul assigned by the referee not covered above.
8. After 3 consecutive fouls, the referee will declare the game over (non-offending player is credited with the win).
9. Fouling on the 9 ball is not considered a loss unless the 3 consecutive fouls rule applies.
10. Pocketing the nine ball in opponent’s pocket: Player loses game.
11. If the nine ball is moved during a bad shot, the opposing player has the option of requesting the referee to replace the 9-ball to the where it was before the bad shot stroke.

OPENING BREAK

1. For a legal break, the player must hit the one ball first and get at least 4 balls to a rail or pocket.
2. If any ball(s) are pocketed, the player will continue their turn (Note: If the 9-ball is pocketed, it will be spotted on the foot spot before the player will continue).
3. Pushes will be allowed as per the BCA 9-ball regulations.

REFEREE DUTIES