TEN BALL
House Rules.

Updated: January 21, 2024.

Contents:

  1. TYPE OF GAME
  2. PLAYERS
  3. EQUIPMENT
  4. THE RACK
  5. OBJECT OF THE GAME
  6. SCORING
  7. OPENING BREAK
  8. PUSH OUT
  9. RULES OF PLAY
  10. SAFETY PLAY
  11. LOSS OF GAME
  12. ILLEGALLY POCKETED BALLS
  13. JUMPED OBJECT BALLS
  14. PENALTIES FOR FOULS

Except when clearly contradicted by these additional rules, the General Rules of Pocket Billiards apply.

TYPE OF GAME

Is a call pocket game where the balls must be shot (not necessarily pocketed) in ascending numerical order.   The game is won when the 10-ball is legally pocketed.

PLAYERS

Two individuals, or two teams.

EQUIPMENT

Object balls numbered 1-10, plus the cue ball.

THE RACK

A triangular shaped rack is used.   The 1-ball is at the head of the rack, on the foot spot.   The 10-ball is at the center of the third row (where the 8-ball would be in an 8-ball rack).   The other balls are randomly placed.

OBJECT OF THE GAME

To legally sink the 10-ball.

OPENING BREAK

The starting player must make an open break (at least four objects ball to the cushions), or legally pocket an object ball.   If he fails to do so the incoming player may elect to take the balls as they lie and put the cue ball in play from behind the head string, or shoot the opening break himself.

If the 10-ball is pocketed on the break it is spotted and the breaker remains the shooter.

If there is a foul on the break it will count towards a three successive foul loss.

PUSH OUT

On the first shot following a legal break the shooter may declare a "Push Out".   Rules for a legal hit are suspended during the push out and no associated penalties are applied if a legal hit was not made.   The shooter's opponent then decides who will shoot next (with all rules for a legal hit back in play).

RULES OF PLAY

The 10-ball only counts if it goes down in a called pocket.   If it is otherwise pocketed it will spot.

A legal shot requires that the cue ball's first contact be with the lowest numbered ball on the table.   Before shooting the player must make known which pocket he is going for.   The player must then either pocket a ball, or send the cue ball or an object ball to a cushion.   Failure to do so is a foul.

A legally pocketed ball entitles the shooter to continue at the table until he fails to pocket a ball on a legal shot.

Any violation of the General Rules of Pocket Billiards that is deemed a foul will give the opponent cue ball in hand anywhere on the table.

SAFETY PLAY

Safety shots must be declared before the shot.   If your opponent does not acknowledge your safety and you pocket a ball in an obvious pocket you must continue shooting.

If you pocket a ball on a safety your opponent has the option of having you continue at the table.

LOSS OF GAME

A player looses the game if he commits fouls in three successive innings.   For this type of loss to take effect the shooter must be notified before coming to the table to shoot that he is "on two fouls".

ILLEGALLY POCKETED OBJECT BALLS

The 10-ball is the only ball ever spotted.   Cue ball is played from where it is.

JUMPED OBJECT BALLS

The 10-ball is the only ball ever spotted.

PENALTIES FOR FOULS

Incoming player has cue ball in hand anywhere on the table.


Billy Aardd's Club, NMT, Socorro, NM.