Personally i still prefer blackball rules. Simpler, easier to understand and more fun to watch and play. Having said that, I could be sold on cue ball in hand with no free shot as an option after a foul.
Each to their own. I really like blackball rules. but once i started with this rules set, i really feel in love with them. People coming from other codes might think these are a little confusing, but i believe that these are the simplist rules. And i have tested that with non players. I think it is simple beacuse you are only ever playing your colourset in a frame.
@@SimonTWebb Thats a good point, it is colour focused. I get your point Rob about the ball in hand, It's a great way to solve a foul without giving the player too much with a free shot in their pocket; I always liked that about 9 Ball. I'm trying to play I-8Ball with my mates but they are very reluctant. They think I'm cheating!
We ran out first International Rules competition at the weekend and the players seemed to really like them and had them figured out in no time. I did up a summary of the main rules for the comp, but this was a great resource for me (in addition to the full PDF of them). Part of their appeal is their simplicity, I think.
thats awesome to hear. I hope these rules really take off in the UK. I 100% agree re the simplicity of the rules. they dont take long to pick up and enjoy.
Great vid... playing my first singles comp in 7 years tomorrow, never played these rules before but after watching this feeling slightly more confident!
a rule set that might actually get me to play english pool again. Been playing american and chinese 8 ball for a good while now and i like the similarities it has to american 8 ball and chinese 8 ball rules and brings the game to a fairer level.
@@SimonTWebb i find bb,epa and world worlds to be very bad rule sets and allow the game to drag on for too long for example in epa and you play at a much higher level than your opponent all they have to do is soft break then bag 2 balls over 2 corner pockets and they win the game from thah point on as your extremely limited to what you can do until they foul to get a free shot. I like the loss of turn rule as that's used in both American 8 ball and chinese 8 ball it stops those plays from happening and changes how you implement safety's as well.
@@ChickenBoo1989 I dont have issues with the other rules sets. Plenty of people love them, and enjoy that side of the game. But I do love these rules and perfect for TV.
I'm playing blackball rules in our local league. I think the rules on the break are simpler. If you pot it's a legal break and if you foul it's just a normal foul, no re-rack. And the skill shot rule is simpler since the black isn't an exception. That also leads to sone great skill shots to finish the game at times.
Thank you for your comment. You may be right on the break, but over all i believe that I8Ball rules are very simple. You can still have skill shot on the black. but it has to be black, and not on your last ball with the black.
Thanks for the great video Simon. Could you please clarify what happens when the object ball is frozen to the cushion. Also when both object ball and cue ball are frozen to the same cushion.
Ali fan object ball is frozen to a cushion then it would have to hit another cushion or have another ball hit any cushion to be a legal shot. Same for the other scenario
After watching hundreds of frames and playing them quite a bit I would say the international rules are pretty good overall (with one exception) but they are definately not perfect like Ultimate Pool seem to think and they would really benefit from a couple of minor tweeks to make them the best set of english pool rules.
@@SimonTWebb In a couple of old videos Gaz Potts was saying how a set of rules similar to chinese rules would be perfect for english pool and I guess thats why the international rules were created but he also explained that the skill shot and tactical shot were good rules to promote and reward attacking pool but he did have concerns that sometimes players could fluke the opponents ball and gain an advantage and he felt that this should be addressed. I totally agree with him but the international rules seem to contradict this because I have seen many frames when a player plays a poor shot but he flukes the opponents ball (either as a skill shot or tactical shot) thus he gains a considerable advantage and gets rewarded for playing a poor shot rather than being penalised as Gaz mentioned, a simple solution would be having to nominate any time a player is attempting to pot an opponents ball as used to be the case in chinese 8 ball.
@@scottwatson9479 Gaz may be keen for calling the skill shot. But I’m not at all. Like all sport there are going to be some lucky and unlucky things happen. But that’s ok. Thats exciting and entertaining.
These rules are fantastic. I am a Chinese Pool player but I am also a Blackball player so to me it is like watching both in one game in terms of the way it is played and tactics. And it it very attacking. These are the reasons why I love this rule set. One question. If only 3 balls cross the centre but one of those 3 ball that passes the centre line enters a pocket. Does that one ball consider as two times like in Chinese Pool or does it have to be 4 separate balls? In Jimmy Croxton's illegal break. If that yellow that crossed went in as it was close to the middle would that have been legal? Is there somewhere on the Internet or Social Media where I can be able to find the official written version of the International Rules?
Hi Thomas. In these rules each ball can only be counted once, so if it goes past the centre line and then is potted it will still just be 1 point. Not sure on the documentation. There is old Supreme Rules branded versions. I will share new versions once I am aware of them.
That would be great, as a world rules referee looking to come over it would be really helpful to get the full rule set when it’s available. Is there a reason why it isn’t readily available? Is it due to the ownership of the rule format?
There is a rules PDF. It will be availible on the ultimate pool facebook page soon and on their website which is currently under construction. I will share from my page (facebook.com/SimonTWebb) when it is availible.
Hi Simon, thanks for your ongoing contributions to the pool world and congratulations on your move to presenting, you seem to be really getting the hang of it. Quick question: when there is a ball in hand (after a foul) is it possible to play a free ball? Or do you have to hit your own ball first?
@@SimonTWebb Hi Simon, after a foul by my opponent (with a ball in hand) what happens if i intentionally pot my opponents ball (to clear the pocket)? Is it allowed? Do i then carry on? or is it then a loss of turn?
@@garethgazey5876 doesn’t matter if it’s following a foul or not. You can’t pot your opponents ball direct. That would be loss of frame. But if you hit your ball to pot your opponents it’s loss of turn. Just like in normal play.
@@mickfernandez355 if you hit your ball first and pot your opponents, it is just loss of turn, so your opponent plays from where it is. Only cue ball in hand for a foul.
@@mickfernandez355 it is loss of frame for a deliberate foul. So if you just pot your opponents ball without hitting yours first on purpose then it’s loss of frame.
Did the point rule change to 3 points now? Since this is an old video I’m trying to confirm . Cause I’ve seen everywhere is 3 points not 4 points on the break.
I must admit I'm not completely sold on these rules yet. I'm not sure I like being able to pot your opponents ball without potting your own. I'll have to give them a try sometime and see though
Hi Simon. Thanks for the video. Just wondering can you clarify something. When my opponent pots my ball after hitting his ball first (loss of turn), then I come to the table and cant see any of my balls (total snookered). Is that a free ball for me or ball in hand. It seems unfair that he can pot my ball and leave me snookered after.
To make legal break do you count the ball's when they come to rest also on a legal shot on the 🎱 white ball scratches is it loss of game? I believe it is loss of game cheers mate 🤠
Hi Simon I watched another video on you tube about international rules & I thought there was a couple of things that was different like they say it’s a 3 point score off the break & also u can pot a red & black as a legal shot I think your video is a lot more clearer but can you explain this unless u got it wrong cheers👍
The rule has been changed to a 3 point rule since my video. The black has to be made in its own shot. So if you are on yellows you can clear them and pot the black and red together, but if you are on reds, then you must clear the reds first before potting the 8 ball.
I play 8 ball pool at work and I'm constantly at odds with people regarding the rules, my idea is that the rules be in the fairest and most competitive spirit possible. With this in mind I wanted to ask you whether some of my gripes are reasonable or not as I really dont know. One is that someone can snooker you after not making contact with their object ball and thus committing a foul, leaving you in an almost impossible position and usually garnering the foulee two shots. Second, the notion that you can't shoot up the table from the baulk after a white is potted, there is not reason for this rule and sometimes results in the foulee benefiting, as all the object balls are in the baulk. Three and worst is fouls on the black ball and pick a pocket on the black, I hate this. I hate stick pocket, it causes the game to degenerate into just smacking the black around, sometimes ends with the opponent potting your ball, and it always allows the person whos losing to block a pocket perhaps but almost always catch up. Also theres never a foul on the black, most people just do unlimited fouls on the black, they say 3 fouls and its over but thats deeply unsatisfactory and people play on anyway. I see no reason why you wouldnt play 2 shots on the black (provided theres no carry over as it seems a bit unfair when 2 shots carry over on to the black and the black is very easily potted, I think the spirit here is that if you mess up when your opponent is on the black, you deserve to lose).
Can you ever see a time when standarised rules are played even in social and pub games? 'Last pocket', 'two shots carry' and weird racking patterns take away from the enjoyment when playing somewhere new.
great this -- explains a lot. One think I'm not clear on though. on a legal break, if a yellow goes in a pocket isn't this that players colour group because I thought I saw this but on his next shot he went for a red?
Balls potted on the break don't count. If you make a ball and fulfill the break requirement (4-point at time of recording, recently changed to 3-point), the table remains open, and you can choose which set of balls to go for.
Exactly correct. Think of the break in terms of if you make a ball you retain control of the table, with an open table. if you don't your opponent does.
What if your on the black....can I play the black onto an opponents ball which is on the pocket....pot the oppenents ball and the black also goes in....is this legal
Can you play a combination shot on an open table(groups not yet decided). So to be clear, call stripe but hit spot onto a stripe? Or do you have to pot both(so call spot) or can you only hit spot onto spot? I find rule 6 (c&d) confusing and poorly worded. Thanks🙏
You can play a combination shot on an open table. So play a red on to a yellow and make both. You would be reds. If you just make the yellow it’s loss of turn and your opponents go.
@@SimonTWebb thanks for clarifying re Open table. But I'm confused it when it says "combination shots do not need to be called "( rule 6c) can you explain please? Thanks
Hi Simon, I play in Thailand and I've always been told we play International rules, certainly in almost all bars. However we also have to call the pocket. Clearly you didn't mention that so is 'Call Pocket' just an additional rule added to international rules or is it an entirely different set of rules? Thanks 🙏
The golden break and duck are tournament rules and not part of the rule set. One thing to note on the rules is that since my video, the break rule has changed to a 3 point rule.
I have a question I was watching the match between Gareth Potts and Jordan Shepherd playing Ultimate Pool Champions League! Jordan Shepherd potted the Black on the break as well as a Red and was awarded the Frame saying it was a Golden Break. I have tried to learn the Rules but from what I read it says ( If the eight ball is potted off the break, it is always re-spotted after all balls have come to rest on the table. To respot the eight ball, the centre point of the eight ball is placed on the eight ball spot or if this is not available as near as possible to the spot in a direct line between the spot and the centre of the top cushion. )
So I have just recently seen that you are not allowing players from other tours to join your tour. I don't understand the decision behind it but I know I'd have joined if it wasn't already full. To someone has never played on a tour before it comes across as I need to choose 1 or the other
You can play anything you want. Pro players can’t be pro on multiple tours. But TBF there isn’t really another pro tour to play on. A few good amateur ones though.
What happens on the break if the ball passes the middle and then say pots in a pocket. Is this counted as 2 points or just 1? ie can a ball only score 1 point :-)
Thanks for this Simon! Are players allowed to intentionally make contact with opponents object ball first I.e. a deliberate foul with the intent of giving ball in hand?
Hi Stuart, good name. No they aren't, it's a loss of frame foul under Rule 6f (1) Deliberately not playing a ball from his/her own group first, or an “on” ball after a foul.
Ultimate Pool will have it on their website once it is released. in till then try drive.google.com/file/d/14D7deWUDwXvGsKU6qtp7e_99fs5j-2wX/view?fbclid=IwAR1z4pZZ3nkZubkQeNTZtac6wbkZNW7DzhzA996IQWd8_tklonrhVlFYqOw
Been practising these rules for the last few weeks as Australian comps are adapting them in the future. Sorry if I missed it but what if the cue ball is touching 8 ball and you still have colour balls on the table?
Excellent video, I play wr but not a massive fan of them but no one in Cornwall plays i8r which is a shame as they seem a much better rule format. I have one question regarding i8r, if you have ball in hand and you are able to place the cue ball anywhere on the table but you still cannot make a legal shot (say the black is cut off from the oppemts remaining colours) what would happen? Would you get a free ball? I've read the pdf and can't seem to find anything regarding this situation. Thanks in advance
I think you can play a deliberate foul to open the game. In American/international 8 ball rules the re-rack comes only after a stalemate situation, so after the ref (or tourney director) gave 3 shot each to restart a normal game situation and players fail to do that.
As you say a very attacking set of rules. I like the break rule but don’t like the deliberate foul - which results in just loss of turn - does this only apply when you play your ball onto your opponents in order to clear the pocket? Presumably you can’t just directly pot your opponents ball which is blocking a pocket? That would result in a ball in hand? Cheers
Think it’s good not to think of it as a deliberate foul. As it isn’t, just part of the rules. If you intentionally played your opponents ball directly then it would be loss of frame.
By playing that shot it's not actually a foul it's just loss of turn as you know. And without that rule the rules as a whole would struggle to work as a player could just cover the pockets slowing the game down. By taking that rule away you would have to takeaway the skill-combo shot away aswell. Be like playing old rules only difference is you have to hit a cushion each shot and no free ball or 2 shots so in theory the person covering the pockets has the best chance of winning. The only rule I don't like is that you can't play your last ball and pot the black in the same shot. Just doesn't make and sense
@SimonTWebb thanks Simon. Il be honest I don't think it makes any sense that you can't play your last ball and the black together. What if the black it ls over the pocket and your last ball is stuck in front of it. I thought the whole point of these rules it to make it possible to always play a frame winning shot. The skill/combo shot should just be the same as bb in my opinion. Keep up the good work and thanks for your reply 👌
When playing a skill shot… if I pot one of my colours in the middle pocket (say a red) and the cue ball travels down the rail and knocks my opponents yellow that was covering a corner pocket in, would that still be a legal skill shot? Or do I have to play one of my colours onto there’s.
Caroming the cue ball off of your ball (which is pocketed) and pocketing an opponent's ball is legal. The only requirement is that you contact your ball first.
Is a combination shot on the black a foul? Eg pot the black ball at the correct point in time but deliberately/accidentally pot an opponents ball with the same shot? I can't see anything about it in the rules.
Dull dull rule set. Takes everything unique about English 8 Ball apart from the aesthetics out of the game. Cue ball in hand behind the baulkline and two shots after a foul sets UK 8 Ball apart from the American game and adds a lot of strategy.
Agree to disagree. In my opinion it makes the game very exciting and very interesting. The tactical play is amazing to watch but it can not end in a stale mate. And the fact that it is in line with what’s played around the world is a huge huge plus point. Let’s bring the pool world together.
I have a question regarding the 4 point rule on the break. If 3 balls pass the middle and one of them goes on the pocket, does that ball count as 2 points or is this a foul?
Tactical games can be good to watch too. I hate the way rules are designed to speed up the game. That is why World Rules are still better. We don't all need to play American Rules, variety is the spice of life. All these new versions of rules are becoming too similar. No need to fix what isn't broken.
Pretty clear that the rules were broken, otherwise the game would have taken off when on sky years ago. I have no issues with world rules, or people that enjoy playing them, but from viewers and broadcast perspective they are not great. personally my fav ruleset to play is International 8 ball rules. they are very simple and fun.
I'm trying to get my head around the rules too, Martin. My interpretation is that if, for example, you play/hit a yellow and pot a yellow and a red, then you're on yellows. If you hit a yellow, though, and just pot a red (play a plant, for example) then it's loss of turn and groups have not been decided, i.e. your opponent has an open table. Please correct me if I'm wrong, people.
Dermot is correct. if you go for a yellow and pot a yellow and a red, then you are yellows. If you just pot the red, it would be loss of turn. you have to hit and pot the colour set you are going for to be that colour set.
the apparent purpose of some of these rules kinda disappoints me. Why is a "tactical" frame a bad thing? I dont think a game that tends towards run outs without a battle to get to it is good for the game in the long run, it kind of trivialises it imo, coz it reduces the game to "who makes the most basic errors in x frames loses". If 8 ball is a game where good players can run out without too much difficulty in favourable table conditions, then surely the interest of the game comes from the battle to get those conditions, and stop your opponent from getting them?
I disagree, I love that in these rules there are tactical shots, and ways to earn better chances, but it is very unlikely for a frame to drag on for 45 minutes. That might be fun for some people to play, but not many want to watch it. and these rules are very entertaining to play and watch.
@@SimonTWebb I do appreciate that people get bored by long frames, and when "tactical" frames arent actually tactical, just knocking the balls around until something opens up, I agree that it's boring. But I just don't like the idea of safety battles and defensive vs offensive play being totally removed from the game. I think what makes English 8 ball interesting as a format is that the tighter pockets and congestion make running out harder. And, unfortunately, as a spectator sport the table size just makes running out "look" less exciting than in American pool or Snooker. Even though i understand the sheer skill required to run rack after rack, it gets boring for me watching it happen. The players engaging with each others decisions in some way is what makes the "narrative" of a cue sport interesting to me. This is a subjective opinion though, I guess it's right for stakeholders in the game to take it ina direction they think will be more successful. Would you say that blackball rules failed to solve the issues that people had with world rules?
@@internetenjoyer1044 I’ve played and commentated on the best at international 8 ball, and the tactical side of the game Is still there. It just doesn’t last as long, but it is there and it’s fascinating to me. More often than not it’s the difference between the players.
Not as simple as blackball rules and the fact you can purposely foul is a big no from me and I’m sure lots of others will feel the same. Why we aren’t all playing blackball rules by now is ridiculous!
I've tested this with non pool players, so essentially the tv viewers, and International 8 ball is a lot easier to understand. I've played lots of different rule sets and they all have plus points and weaknesses, but for me I8Ball is the most fun to play and watch. I still really like other rule sets though. BTW, it is only viewed as purposely fouling if you view it from other rules perspective. and even then, that is short sighted as you can pot your opponents ball in BB and WR.
If you are “totally snooker” does it have to be the object ball that has to hit the cushion or can it be any ball after contact with the object ball . I.e object ball touches a ball just off the cushion ? Also when are these rules been brought in ?
It is any ball that has to hit the cushion. These rules are already being used in the Ultimate Pool show currently on Freesports. They are also being looked at by the WEPF, and are schduled to be used at the World Masters.
Do you have to make a valid attempt at your own balls (like blackball rules), or can you intentionally foul (like world rules) ? If you do HAVE to make an attempt at your won balls, what happens if you physically cannot hit your ball? Is it a re-rack like BB rules? Do you re-rack with all 15 balls or with just 10?
No total snooker is just a horrendous rule because escaping from snookers is an integral part of the game and it can require a high skill level especially when playing off multiple cushions but the lack of this rule basically takes this skill out of the game and replaces it with complete hit and hope snooker escapes and some mega flukes, the players usually just smash the balls around the table and about 95% of these wreckless shots lose the frame on the spot while the other 5% the players get a mega fluke and gain a frame winning advantage from it, pool should be about skill rather than luck.
From a broadcast perspective, I am a big fan of the no total snooker rule. makes things very clear cut and simple. There is still loads of skill in escaping from a snooker.
@@SimonTWebb Well Simon we are all entitled to our opinions and I respect these but I disagree, it should also be remembered that 99.99% of pool matches are not played on TV so the ruleset should take this into account, surely you must agree that the omission of a "total snooker" makes some snooker escapes impossible because playing with extra speed to ensure contacting a cushion completely changes the angles at which the cue ball takes off the first cushion, international rules encourages attacking pool so if a player fails to take out a tough finish then having a "total snooker" rule would at least give them a much better chance of successfully escaping snookers and ramaining competitive in the frame rather than just playing a hit and hope shot looking for pure luck, making this minor tweek would enhance the ruleset without slowing the games down.
@@scottwatson9479 I think not having a total snooker rule makes just as much sense In non TV games. It’s simple. And simple is a really good thing. Also, it changes the dynamic of escaping from snookers. But there can still be loads of skill, and doesn’t have to be a hit and hope. The tactical said of the game is fascinating, but not slow and can never get bogged down.
What if it’s a foul that results in a total snooker, ie: incoming player is on the black, the outgoing player has fouled but he has balls completely covering the black, incoming player can’t place the white anywhere that gives him access to the black, as in the black is over a pocket, opponents balls are sitting right on the black. What happens then?
@@SimonTWebb in this case there are literally 3 balls which are not moving at all and he hits the first ball full in the face with a fair amount of power. I've seen rarely such a bad made rack
Fair point. But if you are concerned about this happening then you can check the rack of balls to make sure they are correctly set up and if not ask the ref to take another look.
These rules are a sell-out to American culture and, for reasons of financial gain, completely disloyal to the efforts being made to unify everyone behind Blackball rules, which are generally accepted as a great rule set to play this game by. There are undoubtedly worse crimes in the world, but it is pretty disgusting what you are doing.
The tone of your comment is very disappointing. Everyone is allowed an opinion. but to say what I am doing is disgusting isn't great. To answer you comments, I am not sure how using these rules is a sell out to American culture for financial gain. These rules were chosen because first and foremost they are the best rule set for playing and importantly watching pool. They are played all around the world, and the most used rule set, which is a massive positive to promote the sport globally. As for being disloyal to blackball. I was involved in running the pro tour for blackball rules, and I can tell you that no one, and I mean not a single person is trying to unify the sport behind blackball rules. But Ultimate Pool are trying to unify the sport, not behind a rule set but by collaborating with other organisations, including those on the blackball side.
@@SimonTWebb By the Pro Tour I assume you are talking about the IPA. IPA may call itself whatever it likes but it is obviously not a professional tour. Having a category called "Professional" doesn't make it professional just as calling an event the "European Open" doesn't make it a genuinely European event. IPA is a business, not a sporting association, catering almost exclusively for players from Britain and Ireland. They are also not formally recognised by the WBA as the professional body, despite whatever they claim to the contrary, and they have disassociated themselves from Blackball International, which with all its flaws is trying to unify the sport around Blackball rules. So I am under no misapprehensions about what IPA represents. There are many people and national federations who are trying to unify the sport around Blackball rules: you will find them in France, Cyprus, Malta, South Africa, Australia and many other countries, and represented by organisations such as the EBA and BI itself. What we see from some in the UK, however, is a completely myopic view of the world, and your money-driven internecine wars just go further to stop the game establishing itself as a serious professional sport. So, for all those people who have dedicated their lives to trying to master this sport and who are eternally let down by the mismanagement at the top, I am very happy to stick with my initial description of "disgusting".
Personally i still prefer blackball rules. Simpler, easier to understand and more fun to watch and play. Having said that, I could be sold on cue ball in hand with no free shot as an option after a foul.
Each to their own. I really like blackball rules. but once i started with this rules set, i really feel in love with them.
People coming from other codes might think these are a little confusing, but i believe that these are the simplist rules. And i have tested that with non players. I think it is simple beacuse you are only ever playing your colourset in a frame.
@@SimonTWebb Thats a good point, it is colour focused.
I get your point Rob about the ball in hand, It's a great way to solve a foul without giving the player too much with a free shot in their pocket; I always liked that about 9 Ball. I'm trying to play I-8Ball with my mates but they are very reluctant. They think I'm cheating!
We ran out first International Rules competition at the weekend and the players seemed to really like them and had them figured out in no time. I did up a summary of the main rules for the comp, but this was a great resource for me (in addition to the full PDF of them). Part of their appeal is their simplicity, I think.
thats awesome to hear. I hope these rules really take off in the UK. I 100% agree re the simplicity of the rules. they dont take long to pick up and enjoy.
Great vid... playing my first singles comp in 7 years tomorrow, never played these rules before but after watching this feeling slightly more confident!
Good luck. Hope it went well.
a rule set that might actually get me to play english pool again. Been playing american and chinese 8 ball for a good while now and i like the similarities it has to american 8 ball and chinese 8 ball rules and brings the game to a fairer level.
Yeah, I think the rules are great and its links to other rulesets has to be good for the game.
@@SimonTWebb i find bb,epa and world worlds to be very bad rule sets and allow the game to drag on for too long for example in epa and you play at a much higher level than your opponent all they have to do is soft break then bag 2 balls over 2 corner pockets and they win the game from thah point on as your extremely limited to what you can do until they foul to get a free shot. I like the loss of turn rule as that's used in both American 8 ball and chinese 8 ball it stops those plays from happening and changes how you implement safety's as well.
@@ChickenBoo1989 I dont have issues with the other rules sets. Plenty of people love them, and enjoy that side of the game. But I do love these rules and perfect for TV.
Love this, its going to ruin many boring players! Thank you.
You can still play tactically, but there will always be skill in clearing up.
I'm playing blackball rules in our local league. I think the rules on the break are simpler. If you pot it's a legal break and if you foul it's just a normal foul, no re-rack. And the skill shot rule is simpler since the black isn't an exception. That also leads to sone great skill shots to finish the game at times.
Thank you for your comment. You may be right on the break, but over all i believe that I8Ball rules are very simple. You can still have skill shot on the black. but it has to be black, and not on your last ball with the black.
Thanks for the great video Simon. Could you please clarify what happens when the object ball is frozen to the cushion. Also when both object ball and cue ball are frozen to the same cushion.
Ali fan object ball is frozen to a cushion then it would have to hit another cushion or have another ball hit any cushion to be a legal shot. Same for the other scenario
After watching hundreds of frames and playing them quite a bit I would say the international rules are pretty good overall (with one exception) but they are definately not perfect like Ultimate Pool seem to think and they would really benefit from a couple of minor tweeks to make them the best set of english pool rules.
What Tweaks would you like to see?
@@SimonTWebb In a couple of old videos Gaz Potts was saying how a set of rules similar to chinese rules would be perfect for english pool and I guess thats why the international rules were created but he also explained that the skill shot and tactical shot were good rules to promote and reward attacking pool but he did have concerns that sometimes players could fluke the opponents ball and gain an advantage and he felt that this should be addressed. I totally agree with him but the international rules seem to contradict this because I have seen many frames when a player plays a poor shot but he flukes the opponents ball (either as a skill shot or tactical shot) thus he gains a considerable advantage and gets rewarded for playing a poor shot rather than being penalised as Gaz mentioned, a simple solution would be having to nominate any time a player is attempting to pot an opponents ball as used to be the case in chinese 8 ball.
@@scottwatson9479 Gaz may be keen for calling the skill shot. But I’m not at all. Like all sport there are going to be some lucky and unlucky things happen. But that’s ok. Thats exciting and entertaining.
Thanks Simon, will share this with my pool buddies as this clears things up :)
Awesome. Glad this helped.
These rules are fantastic. I am a Chinese Pool player but I am also a Blackball player so to me it is like watching both in one game in terms of the way it is played and tactics. And it it very attacking. These are the reasons why I love this rule set.
One question. If only 3 balls cross the centre but one of those 3 ball that passes the centre line enters a pocket. Does that one ball consider as two times like in Chinese Pool or does it have to be 4 separate balls? In Jimmy Croxton's illegal break. If that yellow that crossed went in as it was close to the middle would that have been legal?
Is there somewhere on the Internet or Social Media where I can be able to find the official written version of the International Rules?
Hi Thomas. In these rules each ball can only be counted once, so if it goes past the centre line and then is potted it will still just be 1 point. Not sure on the documentation. There is old Supreme Rules branded versions. I will share new versions once I am aware of them.
@@SimonTWebb Thank you mate.
That would be great, as a world rules referee looking to come over it would be really helpful to get the full rule set when it’s available. Is there a reason why it isn’t readily available? Is it due to the ownership of the rule format?
There is a rules PDF. It will be availible on the ultimate pool facebook page soon and on their website which is currently under construction. I will share from my page (facebook.com/SimonTWebb) when it is availible.
I have just shared a copy on my facebook page facebook.com/SimonTWebb
Hi Simon, thanks for your ongoing contributions to the pool world and congratulations on your move to presenting, you seem to be really getting the hang of it.
Quick question: when there is a ball in hand (after a foul) is it possible to play a free ball? Or do you have to hit your own ball first?
Thanks. It’s a lot of fun working on the show.
There is no free ball. Just ball in hand anywhere on the table.
@@SimonTWebb Hi Simon, after a foul by my opponent (with a ball in hand) what happens if i intentionally pot my opponents ball (to clear the pocket)? Is it allowed? Do i then carry on? or is it then a loss of turn?
@@garethgazey5876 doesn’t matter if it’s following a foul or not. You can’t pot your opponents ball direct. That would be loss of frame. But if you hit your ball to pot your opponents it’s loss of turn. Just like in normal play.
First time getting director from you.
Thanks
Great video thanks
Glad you enjoyed it
Thanks for the vid explaining this, much appreciated 👍
Glad it was helpful!
Great summary
Thank you
Well described Simon especially the break part , watching BT sport for and hour 28/12 trying to figure out what was the difference
the rules are great. As soon as i tried them with an open mind I loved them.
Best rule set ever seen and played 😍🥳🥳
Glad you like them. I think they are great fun to watch and play.
@@SimonTWebb The best set of rules for moving the game forward pal 😍
Hi Simon. Great video as always. Just wondered can you pot your opponents ball directly on purpose? And is it just loss of turn?
You always have to hit your colour first. But you can pot you opponents and it would be just loss of turn.
Ball in hand anywhere on the table?
@@mickfernandez355 if you hit your ball first and pot your opponents, it is just loss of turn, so your opponent plays from where it is. Only cue ball in hand for a foul.
@@SimonTWebb Thank You Simon. Not loss of frame for a deliberate foul. As I was told?
@@mickfernandez355 it is loss of frame for a deliberate foul. So if you just pot your opponents ball without hitting yours first on purpose then it’s loss of frame.
Simon if you're touch ball on your opponents ball can you pot His ball as a loss of turn?
No, you still have to hit your ball first.
Did the point rule change to 3 points now? Since this is an old video I’m trying to confirm . Cause I’ve seen everywhere is 3 points not 4 points on the break.
Some really good examples in this video 😂
Glad you think so
Im joining a pool league with these rules they look easy to follow wish me luck..
Good luck. How did you get on?
@@SimonTWebb I prefer these rules Better as it's more of an attacking rule set,getting used to them so yeh all good thanks 👍🏾
That’s good to hear
Do you have any great examples of people in snookered position? Do we call total or still have to hit a cushion?
There is no total snooker in these rules. You always have to hit a cushion or pot a ball, even if you are snookered.
I must admit I'm not completely sold on these rules yet. I'm not sure I like being able to pot your opponents ball without potting your own. I'll have to give them a try sometime and see though
I was the same when i first heard of them. But once I played them, I quickly loved them. They are simple and attacking.
You need a night out with my team on a Thursday night playing World rules till gone midnight!! You will soon want this rule to be played!
@@bwarey52 haha been there and done that with the world rules. My area has mostly moved on to blackball rules now which certainly speeds the nights up
Hi Simon. Thanks for the video. Just wondering can you clarify something. When my opponent pots my ball after hitting his ball first (loss of turn), then I come to the table and cant see any of my balls (total snookered). Is that a free ball for me or ball in hand. It seems unfair that he can pot my ball and leave me snookered after.
In that situation you have to play it from where it is. It wasn’t a foul, or a DF. It’s just a loss of turn shot. So you are snookered.
Hello where can I find a set of these rules please so I can learn them. Thank you
It’s on the IRO website IROrefs.com
What size tables r the pros playing on in competition?
To make legal break do you count the ball's when they come to rest also on a legal shot on the 🎱 white ball scratches is it loss of game? I believe it is loss of game cheers mate 🤠
No; they just have to pass the centre line. They can go back down the table and still count.
Hi Simon I watched another video on you tube about international rules & I thought there was a couple of things that was different like they say it’s a 3 point score off the break & also u can pot a red & black as a legal shot I think your video is a lot more clearer but can you explain this unless u got it wrong cheers👍
The rule has been changed to a 3 point rule since my video. The black has to be made in its own shot. So if you are on yellows you can clear them and pot the black and red together, but if you are on reds, then you must clear the reds first before potting the 8 ball.
I play 8 ball pool at work and I'm constantly at odds with people regarding the rules, my idea is that the rules be in the fairest and most competitive spirit possible. With this in mind I wanted to ask you whether some of my gripes are reasonable or not as I really dont know.
One is that someone can snooker you after not making contact with their object ball and thus committing a foul, leaving you in an almost impossible position and usually garnering the foulee two shots.
Second, the notion that you can't shoot up the table from the baulk after a white is potted, there is not reason for this rule and sometimes results in the foulee benefiting, as all the object balls are in the baulk.
Three and worst is fouls on the black ball and pick a pocket on the black, I hate this. I hate stick pocket, it causes the game to degenerate into just smacking the black around, sometimes ends with the opponent potting your ball, and it always allows the person whos losing to block a pocket perhaps but almost always catch up.
Also theres never a foul on the black, most people just do unlimited fouls on the black, they say 3 fouls and its over but thats deeply unsatisfactory and people play on anyway. I see no reason why you wouldnt play 2 shots on the black (provided theres no carry over as it seems a bit unfair when 2 shots carry over on to the black and the black is very easily potted, I think the spirit here is that if you mess up when your opponent is on the black, you deserve to lose).
Can you ever see a time when standarised rules are played even in social and pub games? 'Last pocket', 'two shots carry' and weird racking patterns take away from the enjoyment when playing somewhere new.
Unfortunately I cant. Think there will always be a couple of vatriations of the rules, and then millions of pub variations.
If you pot a ball in a bulk pocket from the break is that classed as 1 or 2 points please?
Great question. A ball can only count once. So if it goes past the centre line and is then potted it would only count as 1 point.
great this -- explains a lot. One think I'm not clear on though. on a legal break, if a yellow goes in a pocket isn't this that players colour group because I thought I saw this but on his next shot he went for a red?
Balls potted on the break don't count. If you make a ball and fulfill the break requirement (4-point at time of recording, recently changed to 3-point), the table remains open, and you can choose which set of balls to go for.
Exactly correct. Think of the break in terms of if you make a ball you retain control of the table, with an open table. if you don't your opponent does.
Its a Supreme Match table with a Strachan Super fine cloth
What if your on the black....can I play the black onto an opponents ball which is on the pocket....pot the oppenents ball and the black also goes in....is this legal
Yes that’s fine. You just can’t pot your last colour and the black.
Can you play a combination shot on an open table(groups not yet decided). So to be clear, call stripe but hit spot onto a stripe? Or do you have to pot both(so call spot) or can you only hit spot onto spot? I find rule 6 (c&d) confusing and poorly worded. Thanks🙏
You can play a combination shot on an open table. So play a red on to a yellow and make both. You would be reds. If you just make the yellow it’s loss of turn and your opponents go.
@@SimonTWebb thanks for clarifying re Open table. But I'm confused it when it says "combination shots do not need to be called "( rule 6c) can you explain please? Thanks
@@colwalker3220 you don’t need to call a combination shot. You don’t have to call your shot.
Please confirm number of points required off the break - I have been told it is 3, you say it is 4. ??
What about when a ball 'leaves' the table?
Do you put it back, and if so where, or do you put it in a pocket?
It comes back on the black spot
Hi Simon, I play in Thailand and I've always been told we play International rules, certainly in almost all bars. However we also have to call the pocket. Clearly you didn't mention that so is 'Call Pocket' just an additional rule added to international rules or is it an entirely different set of rules? Thanks 🙏
Tricky to say, but ‘Call pocket’ is not part of international 8 Ball rules. So maybe you have a slight variation on them.
Came to find out what golden duck was but got a lot of other information so thanks
The golden break and duck are tournament rules and not part of the rule set. One thing to note on the rules is that since my video, the break rule has changed to a 3 point rule.
Is it 4 point or 3 point rule Thought I seen u say 3 in a previous vid?
It was 4, now it is a 3 point rule.
I have a question I was watching the match between Gareth Potts and Jordan Shepherd playing Ultimate Pool Champions League! Jordan Shepherd potted the Black on the break as well as a Red and was awarded the Frame saying it was a Golden Break. I have tried to learn the Rules but from what I read it says ( If the eight ball is potted off the break, it is always re-spotted after all balls have come to rest on the table. To respot the eight ball, the centre point of the eight ball is placed on the eight ball spot or if this is not available as near as possible to the spot in a direct line between the spot and the centre of the top cushion. )
The golden break is just a tournament rule. So only for certain events.
Great video! What would the standard size table be for english 8 ball?
Its a 7ft x 4ft table
So I have just recently seen that you are not allowing players from other tours to join your tour. I don't understand the decision behind it but I know I'd have joined if it wasn't already full. To someone has never played on a tour before it comes across as I need to choose 1 or the other
You can play anything you want. Pro players can’t be pro on multiple tours. But TBF there isn’t really another pro tour to play on. A few good amateur ones though.
What happens on the break if the ball passes the middle and then say pots in a pocket. Is this counted as 2 points or just 1? ie can a ball only score 1 point :-)
Great question. A ball can only count once. So if it goes past the centre line and is then potted it would only count as 1 point.
Simon, what championship table would you recommend, I want to buy the best about!
I really like the Blackball Tables. Check out www.blackballtables.com
@@SimonTWebb done so already, great service, ty
Thanks for this Simon! Are players allowed to intentionally make contact with opponents object ball first I.e. a deliberate foul with the intent of giving ball in hand?
Hi Stuart, good name. No they aren't, it's a loss of frame foul under Rule 6f (1) Deliberately not playing a ball from his/her own group first, or an “on” ball after a foul.
No, that’s loss of frame.
Is there a document for the rules, cant seem to find one love for money :-D
Ultimate Pool will have it on their website once it is released. in till then try drive.google.com/file/d/14D7deWUDwXvGsKU6qtp7e_99fs5j-2wX/view?fbclid=IwAR1z4pZZ3nkZubkQeNTZtac6wbkZNW7DzhzA996IQWd8_tklonrhVlFYqOw
Hi Simon on your video it's say 4 point rule but of rules I been given it says 3 point rule. Can you clarify is it 3 point rule or 4 point rule cheers
It’s a 3 point rule now. It changed since my video
Push shot needs clarity. New ref guidance says hearing a double shot is not enough. That’s crazy.
Been practising these rules for the last few weeks as Australian comps are adapting them in the future. Sorry if I missed it but what if the cue ball is touching 8 ball and you still have colour balls on the table?
Sorry i don’t understand your question. If you are touching the 8 ball; but still have colours on then you need to play your colour set.
Hello, could you tell me what size balls are used?
And is the white the same size as the reds and yellows.
Cheers
the balls used are arimith pro cup balls, and I believe they are 2inch balls. The white is smaller than the rest.
Excellent video, I play wr but not a massive fan of them but no one in Cornwall plays i8r which is a shame as they seem a much better rule format.
I have one question regarding i8r, if you have ball in hand and you are able to place the cue ball anywhere on the table but you still cannot make a legal shot (say the black is cut off from the oppemts remaining colours) what would happen?
Would you get a free ball?
I've read the pdf and can't seem to find anything regarding this situation.
Thanks in advance
I think if you can't play a legal shot it's a re-rack...not sure
Great question and one that I would need to get confirmation on from a ref. But my understanding is that it’s a re rack.
I think you can play a deliberate foul to open the game. In American/international 8 ball rules the re-rack comes only after a stalemate situation, so after the ref (or tourney director) gave 3 shot each to restart a normal game situation and players fail to do that.
Hi good job. can we find these rules as a written version ?
I think the written version is on the ultimate pool website.
confusing - Pool School International 8 ball Rules video states 3 points are required on a break?
As you say a very attacking set of rules. I like the break rule but don’t like the deliberate foul - which results in just loss of turn - does this only apply when you play your ball onto your opponents in order to clear the pocket? Presumably you can’t just directly pot your opponents ball which is blocking a pocket? That would result in a ball in hand? Cheers
Think it’s good not to think of it as a deliberate foul. As it isn’t, just part of the rules. If you intentionally played your opponents ball directly then it would be loss of frame.
By playing that shot it's not actually a foul it's just loss of turn as you know. And without that rule the rules as a whole would struggle to work as a player could just cover the pockets slowing the game down. By taking that rule away you would have to takeaway the skill-combo shot away aswell. Be like playing old rules only difference is you have to hit a cushion each shot and no free ball or 2 shots so in theory the person covering the pockets has the best chance of winning. The only rule I don't like is that you can't play your last ball and pot the black in the same shot. Just doesn't make and sense
What happens if the black ball is in pocket, and your last ball is touching it, can you pot both as a skill shot? Thanks
no, you can not pot both. the 8 ball has to be played in its own shot. So you can not skill shot it with your last ball.
Can you play a skillshot-combination shot when you are actually on the black
Yes. When you are on the black. So black and your opponents ball. But not your last ball and the 8 ball.
@SimonTWebb thanks Simon. Il be honest I don't think it makes any sense that you can't play your last ball and the black together. What if the black it ls over the pocket and your last ball is stuck in front of it. I thought the whole point of these rules it to make it possible to always play a frame winning shot. The skill/combo shot should just be the same as bb in my opinion. Keep up the good work and thanks for your reply 👌
Can you confirm if the break is 3 point or 4 point as ive seen a few people say its 3 points. Thanks
It is now a 3 point rule. It was updated after this video was filmed.
@@SimonTWebb Thankyou
🙏🏻
When playing a skill shot… if I pot one of my colours in the middle pocket (say a red) and the cue ball travels down the rail and knocks my opponents yellow that was covering a corner pocket in, would that still be a legal skill shot? Or do I have to play one of my colours onto there’s.
Caroming the cue ball off of your ball (which is pocketed) and pocketing an opponent's ball is legal. The only requirement is that you contact your ball first.
Exactly has Dave says below. As long as you hit your ball first it doesn’t matter how you pot your opponents. Yellow onto red, or cue onto true red.
Hi. Please can you confirm what happens if no legal shot is available?
If you are in an impossible snooker then it would be a re rack.
@@SimonTWebb brilliant. My game is improving in leaps and bounds thanks to your videos.. lots of clearances :) 👍
@@Jon-gy2go glad it’s helping
Is a combination shot on the black a foul? Eg pot the black ball at the correct point in time but deliberately/accidentally pot an opponents ball with the same shot? I can't see anything about it in the rules.
You can play a combination shot (the black and your oppoents ball), but you can not play your last ball and the black.
@@SimonTWebb ok got it. Thanks so much! :)
Can you DF or do you have to attempt to escape from total snooker?
You have to attempt to escape from the snooker, otherwise it’s lose of frame.
Pardon my ignorance but are International Rules and Blackball Rules the same thing?
No.
So after the break there is a red yellow combination shot. I can't play it and be on yellows?
That is correct
Please note that a few rules have changed in the November 2022 version of the IR Ruleset.
I know. Main thing from the video is that it is now a 3 point rule on the break
Dull dull rule set. Takes everything unique about English 8 Ball apart from the aesthetics out of the game. Cue ball in hand behind the baulkline and two shots after a foul sets UK 8 Ball apart from the American game and adds a lot of strategy.
Agree to disagree. In my opinion it makes the game very exciting and very interesting. The tactical play is amazing to watch but it can not end in a stale mate. And the fact that it is in line with what’s played around the world is a huge huge plus point. Let’s bring the pool world together.
I have a question regarding the 4 point rule on the break. If 3 balls pass the middle and one of them goes on the pocket, does that ball count as 2 points or is this a foul?
Ignore me Seen that Thomas asked the same Question!
Just one note, the rule has since been changed to a 3 point rule. but a ball can only count once.
Hi would like to know where I could join a club and try my luck on as a amateur level player. ?
Facebook is a good place for this sort of thing. most of the pool world seems to be on there. Where are you based? I might be able to help.
Tactical games can be good to watch too. I hate the way rules are designed to speed up the game. That is why World Rules are still better. We don't all need to play American Rules, variety is the spice of life. All these new versions of rules are becoming too similar. No need to fix what isn't broken.
Pretty clear that the rules were broken, otherwise the game would have taken off when on sky years ago. I have no issues with world rules, or people that enjoy playing them, but from viewers and broadcast perspective they are not great.
personally my fav ruleset to play is International 8 ball rules. they are very simple and fun.
What about fowl snookers?
They don’t exist. It’s cue ball in hand after ever foul.
Of course…….
I’ve played world rules for ever and any change is hurting my fragile little mind.
I think I like this rule book…
What happens if you play a skill shot for the first shot after the break?
I'm trying to get my head around the rules too, Martin.
My interpretation is that if, for example, you play/hit a yellow and pot a yellow and a red, then you're on yellows.
If you hit a yellow, though, and just pot a red (play a plant, for example) then it's loss of turn and groups have not been decided, i.e. your opponent has an open table.
Please correct me if I'm wrong, people.
Dermot is correct. if you go for a yellow and pot a yellow and a red, then you are yellows. If you just pot the red, it would be loss of turn. you have to hit and pot the colour set you are going for to be that colour set.
the apparent purpose of some of these rules kinda disappoints me. Why is a "tactical" frame a bad thing? I dont think a game that tends towards run outs without a battle to get to it is good for the game in the long run, it kind of trivialises it imo, coz it reduces the game to "who makes the most basic errors in x frames loses". If 8 ball is a game where good players can run out without too much difficulty in favourable table conditions, then surely the interest of the game comes from the battle to get those conditions, and stop your opponent from getting them?
I disagree, I love that in these rules there are tactical shots, and ways to earn better chances, but it is very unlikely for a frame to drag on for 45 minutes. That might be fun for some people to play, but not many want to watch it. and these rules are very entertaining to play and watch.
@@SimonTWebb I do appreciate that people get bored by long frames, and when "tactical" frames arent actually tactical, just knocking the balls around until something opens up, I agree that it's boring. But I just don't like the idea of safety battles and defensive vs offensive play being totally removed from the game. I think what makes English 8 ball interesting as a format is that the tighter pockets and congestion make running out harder. And, unfortunately, as a spectator sport the table size just makes running out "look" less exciting than in American pool or Snooker. Even though i understand the sheer skill required to run rack after rack, it gets boring for me watching it happen. The players engaging with each others decisions in some way is what makes the "narrative" of a cue sport interesting to me. This is a subjective opinion though, I guess it's right for stakeholders in the game to take it ina direction they think will be more successful. Would you say that blackball rules failed to solve the issues that people had with world rules?
@@internetenjoyer1044 I’ve played and commentated on the best at international 8 ball, and the tactical side of the game
Is still there. It just doesn’t last as long, but it is there and it’s fascinating to me. More often than not it’s the difference between the players.
Not as simple as blackball rules and the fact you can purposely foul is a big no from me and I’m sure lots of others will feel the same. Why we aren’t all playing blackball rules by now is ridiculous!
I've tested this with non pool players, so essentially the tv viewers, and International 8 ball is a lot easier to understand. I've played lots of different rule sets and they all have plus points and weaknesses, but for me I8Ball is the most fun to play and watch. I still really like other rule sets though. BTW, it is only viewed as purposely fouling if you view it from other rules perspective. and even then, that is short sighted as you can pot your opponents ball in BB and WR.
World rules are even worse
International rules are better. You have low skilled players just blocking pockets and snooking you at every opportunity and makes the game drag.
If you are “totally snooker” does it have to be the object ball that has to hit the cushion or can it be any ball after contact with the object ball . I.e object ball touches a ball just off the cushion ?
Also when are these rules been brought in ?
It is any ball that has to hit the cushion.
These rules are already being used in the Ultimate Pool show currently on Freesports. They are also being looked at by the WEPF, and are schduled to be used at the World Masters.
Thanks Simon . 🎱
Do you have to make a valid attempt at your own balls (like blackball rules), or can you intentionally foul (like world rules) ?
If you do HAVE to make an attempt at your won balls, what happens if you physically cannot hit your ball? Is it a re-rack like BB rules? Do you re-rack with all 15 balls or with just 10?
You have to make a vaild effort to hit your ball. you can not intentinally foul. If you can not hit your ball then it is a full re rack.
The DF rule should be abolished from all rule sets it was the only rule that spoilt WR. I think ill stick to Black ball rules for now.
There is no DF rule in international 8 ball rules.
No total snooker is just a horrendous rule because escaping from snookers is an integral part of the game and it can require a high skill level especially when playing off multiple cushions but the lack of this rule basically takes this skill out of the game and replaces it with complete hit and hope snooker escapes and some mega flukes, the players usually just smash the balls around the table and about 95% of these wreckless shots lose the frame on the spot while the other 5% the players get a mega fluke and gain a frame winning advantage from it, pool should be about skill rather than luck.
From a broadcast perspective, I am a big fan of the no total snooker rule. makes things very clear cut and simple. There is still loads of skill in escaping from a snooker.
@@SimonTWebb Well Simon we are all entitled to our opinions and I respect these but I disagree, it should also be remembered that 99.99% of pool matches are not played on TV so the ruleset should take this into account, surely you must agree that the omission of a "total snooker" makes some snooker escapes impossible because playing with extra speed to ensure contacting a cushion completely changes the angles at which the cue ball takes off the first cushion, international rules encourages attacking pool so if a player fails to take out a tough finish then having a "total snooker" rule would at least give them a much better chance of successfully escaping snookers and ramaining competitive in the frame rather than just playing a hit and hope shot looking for pure luck, making this minor tweek would enhance the ruleset without slowing the games down.
@@scottwatson9479 I think not having a total snooker rule makes just as much sense In non TV games. It’s simple. And simple is a really good thing. Also, it changes the dynamic of escaping from snookers. But there can still be loads of skill, and doesn’t have to be a hit and hope. The tactical said of the game is fascinating, but not slow and can never get bogged down.
It can't be any worse that world rules where you can just do a deliberate foul
If you've ever played miniclip pool. This is the same rules.
Yes, very similar, mini clip are the rules that use in America. Also very similar to China.
Are you allowed a free ball after your opponent has fouled?
Not in international 8 Ball rules.
It should be a free ball after any foul
What if it’s a foul that results in a total snooker, ie: incoming player is on the black, the outgoing player has fouled but he has balls completely covering the black, incoming player can’t place the white anywhere that gives him access to the black, as in the black is over a pocket, opponents balls are sitting right on the black. What happens then?
I guess my question cas also apply to a standard snooker, without a foul. Sorry for being a pain but great video, thanks fir your help
Nothing?
2:28 it's not a poor break, it's a very bad made rack (balls not touching)
Often the excuse of Pool players. But no always the case. Sometimes it is, but a lot of the time it’s a poor strike on the cue ball.
@@SimonTWebb in this case there are literally 3 balls which are not moving at all and he hits the first ball full in the face with a fair amount of power. I've seen rarely such a bad made rack
The break rule is flawed. What happens if the ref sets the balls up badly and they don't split - cannot penalise the player for a poor rack 🤔
Fair point. But if you are concerned about this happening then you can check the rack of balls to make sure they are correctly set up and if not ask the ref to take another look.
4 point break why am i told its 3
Removing the total snooker rule and not being allowed to play intentional fouls is such a rubbish adaptation to world rules
I completely disagree.
These rules are a sell-out to American culture and, for reasons of financial gain, completely disloyal to the efforts being made to unify everyone behind Blackball rules, which are generally accepted as a great rule set to play this game by. There are undoubtedly worse crimes in the world, but it is pretty disgusting what you are doing.
The tone of your comment is very disappointing. Everyone is allowed an opinion. but to say what I am doing is disgusting isn't great. To answer you comments, I am not sure how using these rules is a sell out to American culture for financial gain. These rules were chosen because first and foremost they are the best rule set for playing and importantly watching pool. They are played all around the world, and the most used rule set, which is a massive positive to promote the sport globally. As for being disloyal to blackball. I was involved in running the pro tour for blackball rules, and I can tell you that no one, and I mean not a single person is trying to unify the sport behind blackball rules. But Ultimate Pool are trying to unify the sport, not behind a rule set but by collaborating with other organisations, including those on the blackball side.
@@SimonTWebb By the Pro Tour I assume you are talking about the IPA. IPA may call itself whatever it likes but it is obviously not a professional tour. Having a category called "Professional" doesn't make it professional just as calling an event the "European Open" doesn't make it a genuinely European event. IPA is a business, not a sporting association, catering almost exclusively for players from Britain and Ireland. They are also not formally recognised by the WBA as the professional body, despite whatever they claim to the contrary, and they have disassociated themselves from Blackball International, which with all its flaws is trying to unify the sport around Blackball rules. So I am under no misapprehensions about what IPA represents. There are many people and national federations who are trying to unify the sport around Blackball rules: you will find them in France, Cyprus, Malta, South Africa, Australia and many other countries, and represented by organisations such as the EBA and BI itself. What we see from some in the UK, however, is a completely myopic view of the world, and your money-driven internecine wars just go further to stop the game establishing itself as a serious professional sport. So, for all those people who have dedicated their lives to trying to master this sport and who are eternally let down by the mismanagement at the top, I am very happy to stick with my initial description of "disgusting".
8 bollocks rules
Completely disagree. You should try them. But either way, no need for your comment, even if you don’t like the rules
Do you loose frame if you not touch 8 ball on last shoot?
No. As long as you made a genuine attempt to hit it.