Match Format
Online matches use UK red-and-yellow 8-ball. Players are assigned reds or yellows after a legal group is established. Pot all balls from your group, then legally pot the black 8-ball to win.
Open Table
The table is open until reds or yellows are legally assigned. While open, hitting a red or yellow first is allowed. Hitting the black first on an open table is a foul.
Legal Shot
After groups are assigned, the cue ball must first contact one of your own balls. After contact, a ball must be potted or any ball must reach a cushion. A legal pot lets you continue your visit. If no legal pot is made, the visit passes to your opponent.
Standard Fouls
- Potting the cue ball
- Hitting the opponent's colour first (after groups are assigned)
- Potting an opponent's ball
- Failing to contact any ball
- Failing to pot a ball or reach a cushion after contact
- Hitting the black first on an open table
- Playing after the shot clock expires
Foul Penalty
After any foul the opponent receives one visit with cue ball in hand anywhere on the table. Two-shot rules do not apply.
Cue Ball in Hand
Place the cue ball anywhere on the playable cloth. It cannot overlap another ball or be placed inside a rail, cushion, or pocket. Placement must be confirmed before aiming.
Black Ball
The black 8-ball may only be legally potted after all balls from your group have been cleared. Potting the black early, or potting the black together with the cue ball, loses the frame.
Shot Clock
Each shot must be played within 45 seconds. The clock starts when all balls have stopped and you can act. Warning beeps play at 10 seconds and during the final 5 seconds. A timeout is a standard foul — the opponent receives one visit with ball in hand.
Winning
Win by clearing your assigned group and then legally potting the black 8-ball. You lose by potting the black before clearing your group, potting the cue ball with the black, or committing any other loss-of-frame foul.