At a Glance
- UPA rules apply consistently nationwide. No local bylaws or variations are permitted.
- 8-Ball is a call pocket game. Obvious shots do not need to be called, but bank shots, kick shots, and combinations always must be.
- All ball in hand fouls give the incoming player cue ball in hand anywhere on the table.
- Pocketing the 8-ball on the break wins the game. Doing so with a simultaneous foul loses it.
- Three consecutive fouls result in loss of game in pro play only, not amateur league play.
- Official rules are available at upatour.com.
Introduction
UPA rules are consistent nationwide and are designed to produce fair, orderly, and challenging competition for all members. The UPA does not recognize or allow variations, local bylaws, or any other supplemental documents of any kind. The rules are published by the United States Professional Poolplayers Association at upatour.com.
1.0 Object of the Game
The object of 8-ball is to win by legally pocketing the 8-ball. The game is played with a cue ball and fifteen object balls numbered 1 through 15. Balls 1 through 7 are solid colors and commonly referred to as low balls. Balls 9 through 15 are striped and commonly referred to as high balls. One player must pocket all balls in their group before legally pocketing the 8-ball to win.
2.0 Lag for Break and Racking
2.0 Lag for Break
The player with the lower speed rating breaks first, with an alternating break format thereafter. If two players have equal speed ratings, a lag determines who breaks first. The winner of the lag is the player whose ball comes to rest closer to the head rail.
2.1 How to Rack
The balls are racked randomly with the base of the rack parallel to the short end of the table, positioned so the apex ball sits on the center of the foot spot. Within the rack, the 8-ball is centered and the two corner positions are occupied by one solid ball and one striped ball. Tables with flaws that do not allow an acceptable rack directly on the foot spot permit racking within a dime's radius of the foot spot to achieve a solid rack. Touching or positioning balls after the rack has been removed is not permitted, except when using a magic rack.
2.2 Rack Your Own
When no official is available, each breaking player is responsible for providing themselves a legal and solid rack.
3.0 Legal Break Shot
For the break to be legal, the breaker must place the base of the cue ball anywhere behind the head string and either pocket a numbered ball or drive at least four numbered balls to one or more rails. No ball is called on the break. The cue ball is not required to contact any particular ball first.
If the breaker fails to meet the legal break requirement, the balls are re-racked and the opponent may choose to break or require the offending player to break again.
If the cue ball is touched by the cue tip but the legal break requirement is not met, it is considered an illegal break.
Break fouls: (1) the cue ball is pocketed or driven off the table; (2) any numbered ball leaves the table or comes to rest on top of a rail.
When any numbered ball is pocketed on a legal break, the breaking player continues their inning. If the breaker makes a legal break but commits a foul, play continues with the opponent having ball in hand behind the head string; the opponent must shoot an object ball beyond the head string or it is a foul.
4.0 8-Ball Pocketed on the Break
Legally pocketing the 8-ball on the break wins the game for the breaker.
Pocketing the 8-ball on the break with a simultaneous foul results in a loss of game.
5.0 Open Table
The table is always open immediately after the break shot. A player's designated group is not determined until a player legally pockets a called object ball. When the table is open, it is legal to contact one group of balls to pocket a ball from the opposite group.
The 8-ball may be used in a combination as long as it is not the first ball struck by the cue ball. Striking the 8-ball first when the table is open is a foul.
6.0 Continuing Play: Call Pocket
8-Ball is a call pocket game. Obvious balls and their respective pockets do not need to be specified. Bank shots (object ball to rail), kick shots (rail to object ball), and combinations (two or more balls from either group) must be called to their designated pocket or they are a miss.
When a player successfully pockets the designated ball, their inning continues until a miss, foul, or win occurs.
Call pocket notes: it is never necessary to specify the number of banks, kisses, caroms, or rails. Any ball pocketed legally or illegally remains pocketed regardless of group. The break shot is never a called shot. After cue ball contact, a ball must either hit a rail or go into a pocket.
7.0 Ball in Hand Foul Penalties
When a player commits a ball in hand foul, their turn ends and the incoming player may place the cue ball anywhere on the table. If a player commits more than one foul on one shot, only one foul is called.
Ball in Hand Fouls (7.1 through 7.15)
Hitting an object ball before or simultaneously with the cue ball is a foul. Causing any movement of the cue ball other than a normal shot, even accidentally, is a foul. When cue ball in hand is in play, the ferrule or shaft may be used to position it; using the tip is a foul.
Touching a moving object ball or allowing a moving ball to hit a foreign object is a foul. A still object ball that is moved may only be returned to position with the opponent's permission; the opponent may choose to leave it in the new position.
Pocketing the cue ball or driving it off the table is a foul. Scratching on the 8-ball is not a loss of game as long as the 8-ball itself was not pocketed.
If the first object ball contacted by the cue ball is not from the shooter's established group, it is a foul. Once all balls in the shooter's group are cleared, the 8-ball becomes the legal object ball.
After the cue ball strikes a legal ball, if neither the cue ball nor any other ball hits a rail or is pocketed, it is a foul. A ball frozen to a rail does not satisfy this requirement since it is not hitting the rail.
Causing any ball to come to rest off the playing surface is a foul and that ball is considered pocketed. If a ball is knocked off and returns after hitting a person or object, it is a foul. If it returns without contact, normal rules apply.
Failure to have at least one foot touching the floor when the cue tip strikes the cue ball is a foul.
Any miscue on a jump shot is a foul. A legal jump shot requires a downward stroke through the cue ball. Scooping is not permitted. A legal jump cue must be at least 40 inches in length and constructed in typical cue fashion.
Shooting while any ball is moving is a foul.
If the cue tip strikes the cue ball twice on the same stroke, it is a foul. To avoid a double hit, the cue ball must be struck at a minimum 45-degree angle when in contact with or within half an inch of the intended object ball.
The base of the cue ball must be behind the head string on the break or it is a foul.
Touching an object ball in any way while placing the cue ball is a foul.
The non-shooting player, including teammates, may not disturb, make noise, move around, or cause distraction while the shooting player is at the table. Violation results in an official warning, then a ball in hand foul.
Marking the table in any way that provides a player with an advantage is a foul, unless the mark is removed to the satisfaction of the opponent or referee before shooting.
If a player shoots out of turn and it is brought to attention of the offending shooter, the rightful player returns to the table and continues without penalty. Both players are responsible for controlling the table on their proper inning.
When a player has been shooting the opponent's designated balls as if they were their own, the player relinquishes the table with a ball in hand foul to the opponent.
8.0 Loss of Game
8.1 Opponent Wins
The opponent legally pockets the 8-ball.
8.2 Three Consecutive Fouls: Pro Play Only
This rule is not used in amateur league play. In pro play, three consecutive fouls without an intervening legal shot result in loss of game. After the second foul, the opponent must verbally warn the shooter. If the warning is not given and a third foul occurs, it is not a loss of game; the opponent must warn again that the next foul will result in loss of game.
8.3 Conceding a Game
Any concession of game for any reason is a loss for the conceding player.
8.4 Concession of a Match
Unscrewing any cue during the last game, putting on a jacket, leaving the room, or undertaking any other action that indicates the match is over is a forfeiture of the match.
8.5 Ball Tapping
Ball tapping is not permitted. After an official warning, the penalty for ball tapping is loss of the current game. Only tournament officials may tap in balls when warranted.
8.6 Coaching Assistance
During their inning, and only once per game, the shooting player may call a time out lasting no more than two minutes. During this time the player may receive instruction from one available teammate. Receiving advice at any other time is a ball in hand foul. A second infraction is forfeiture of the current game.
When calling a time out, the shooting player selects one available team member to assist immediately, without conferring with other parties.
8.7 Forfeits
Players are allotted fifteen minutes to begin their match. Failure to be present results in a forfeit. The opponent must notify a tournament official to begin an official count.
9.0 General Pool Rules
9.1 Shot Clock
Shot clock use is at the sole discretion of the UPA and its representatives. When in use, each player is allotted one minute per shot. The shot clock begins when all balls come to rest. The timekeeper announces "ten seconds" at the fifty-second mark unless the shooter is already down on the shot. Once the one-minute mark is reached, the shooter must be stroking or have already shot. If the shooter rises off the shot after the one-minute mark without executing, it is a ball in hand foul.
9.2 Split Hits
If the cue ball strikes a legal and a non-legal object ball at approximately the same instant and it cannot be clearly determined which was struck first, the judgment goes in favor of the shooter.
9.3 Ball Rebounds from Pocket
Balls must remain in a pocket to count as pocketed. If a ball enters a pocket and bounces back to the playing surface, it is not pocketed. If it is the 8-ball, it is not a win. If it is the cue ball, it is not a scratch. Clearing pockets that are full or nearly full is the responsibility of the shooting player.
9.4 Hanging Ball
If any ball hangs in a pocket and drops within five seconds of coming to complete rest, the ball is considered pocketed. If a hanging ball drops after being at rest for more than five seconds, it is returned to the original position on the edge and the incoming player begins. The referee's decision is final.
9.5 Suspended Balls
If one or more balls become suspended in a pocket beyond the edge of the slate because they are partially supported by other pocketed balls, they are considered pocketed if removing the supporting balls would cause the suspended balls to fall into the pocket. Tournament officials are the sole judges of whether this rule applies.
9.6 Settling Into Place
A ball may settle slightly after appearing to stop due to imperfections in the cloth or slate. Unless this causes a ball to fall into a pocket, it is a normal hazard of play and will not be moved back. If a ball falls into a pocket as a result of settling, it is replaced as close as possible to its original position on the lip. If a ball falls during or just prior to a shot and it has an effect on the shot, the referee restores the ball and the shot is replayed. Players are not penalized for shooting while a ball is settling.
9.7 Jump Shots
It is legal to cause the cue ball to leave the surface of the table by elevating the butt of the cue and using a downward stroke. For the shot to be legal, only the cue tip may touch the cue ball; the shot must not be scooped by the ferrule or shaft. Any miscue on a jump shot is a ball in hand foul. A legal jump cue must be at least 40 inches in length and constructed in typical cue fashion. Standard jump cues, including those with phenolic tips, are accepted. Cues that are atypical in appearance must be accepted and approved by the UPA.
9.8 Use of Equipment
Only equipment generally accepted in professional events is permitted. Using permitted equipment in a non-customary manner is a foul. It is the shooting player's responsibility to know the intended use of each piece of equipment. Headphones and other electronic listening devices are not permitted. Use of racks and balls not provided by the venue must be agreed upon by both players.
9.9 Safety Play
A player may pocket an object ball and end their inning by declaring "safety" to the opponent before the shot. The player calling safety must ensure the opponent is aware of the declaration, or they may be required to continue playing after pocketing a ball.
9.10 Stalemate
If in three consecutive innings by each player both players purposefully foul or scratch because both agree that any attempt to pocket or move an object ball would result in a loss of game, the game is a stalemate and another game is played.
10.0 Tournament Director and Referees
10.1 Player Responsibility
Each member is responsible for knowing all rules, regulations, and schedules relating to competition. Tournament officials will make reasonable efforts to provide information, but the ultimate responsibility rests with each individual player. There is no recourse if a player does not obtain correct or complete information. Players may call for rule clarifications during league play; this is not considered a time out.
10.2 Referees
The league operator or their representatives perform the duties of a referee when referees are unavailable. If no tournament director, assistant, or referee can be found within a reasonable time, a spectator may serve as an unofficial referee when agreed upon by both players and in accordance with UPA rules.
10.3 Playing Without a Referee
When no referee or tournament official is available, both players are responsible for racking, watching and calling fouls (including on themselves), and ensuring adherence to UPA rules. Both players may agree on an audience member familiar with UPA rules to perform the duties of a tournament official.
10.4 Questionable Shot
If a shot could be a questionable hit or foul, the seated player is responsible for calling for a tournament official or agreed-upon third party to watch the hit before the opponent is down on the ball to shoot. Once notified, the player at the table must wait for an official to watch the shot; otherwise it is an automatic foul. If a tournament official or third party was not utilized, the call belongs to the shooter without further discussion.
10.5 Scoring
Players are encouraged to score their own matches to ensure accuracy. A third party scorer is permitted. The scorer records what actually took place and may clarify with the shooter when needed. Any disagreements are determined by a UPA representative.
10.6 Advice vs. Rules Clarification
The referee must never give advice or offer an opinion on points of play. Only when asked for a rule clarification will the referee explain that specific rule. Any incorrect statement made by the referee will not protect a player from enforcement of the actual rule. When asked, the referee must tell either player the score, whether the cue ball is frozen to an object ball or rail, or other factual information. If the referee sees a foul about to be committed, they must say nothing until after the foul, since any warning before the foul would constitute advice.
10.7 through 10.13
Official Warnings (10.7): If either player believes the referee is failing to issue a required official warning, they may remind the referee that such a warning is necessary.
Calling Fouls (10.8): The referee calls all fouls as soon as they occur and informs the incoming player they have ball in hand.
Protesting Fouls (10.9): If a player believes the referee failed to call a foul, they must protest before their opponent takes the next shot. Failure to do so means the foul is considered not to have occurred.
Restoring Position (10.10): When necessary, the referee restores disturbed balls to their original positions. If disturbed by a player in the match, the opponent has the option of preventing restoration. If disturbed by someone else, restoration is mandatory. If outside interference affected the outcome of the shot, the referee may instruct a replay after restoration.
Verification (10.11): The referee may use any means to gather information needed to rule on a disputed play.
Replay of Game (10.12): A game replay is only warranted for table failure, including torn cloth or balls stuck in a pocket.
Resolving Disputes (10.13): Any disagreement between players is resolved by the league operator, appointed representatives, or any administrative member of the UPA.
11.0 Special Rulings
Any rule or situation not covered in the rules is decided in an expedient manner by the league operator, appointed representatives, or any administrative member of the UPA in accordance with UPA guidelines. Such rulings are reported to the UPA Corporate Office and touring professionals before further implementation.
Bylaws (11.1): These rules are consistent nationwide and are not to be altered in any way. The implementation of any bylaws or other supplemental documents is strictly prohibited by UPA Corporate Office.
Addendum (11.2): From time to time the UPA may issue an addendum to the official rule book. Each member and player is responsible for staying current.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a legal break in UPA 8-ball?
The breaker must place the cue ball behind the head string and either pocket a numbered ball or drive at least four numbered balls to one or more rails. No ball is called and no specific first contact is required. Failing to meet this requirement is an illegal break.
Does pocketing the 8-ball on the break win or lose in UPA rules?
Legally pocketing the 8-ball on the break wins the game. Pocketing the 8-ball on the break while simultaneously committing a foul is a loss of game.
What is ball in hand in UPA 8-ball?
When a player commits a ball in hand foul, their turn ends and the incoming player may place the cue ball anywhere on the table to begin their inning. Only one foul is called even if multiple fouls occur on the same shot.
What shots must be called in UPA 8-ball?
8-Ball is a call pocket game. Obvious shots do not need to be called. Bank shots, kick shots, and combinations must always be called to their designated pocket. It is never necessary to specify the number of banks, kisses, caroms, or rails.
What constitutes loss of game in UPA 8-ball?
Loss of game occurs when: the opponent legally pockets the 8-ball; a player concedes for any reason; a player commits the acts described in Rule 8.4 (unscrewing a cue, leaving the room, etc. during the last game); a player commits ball tapping after an official warning; or a player receives coaching advice a second time in a match. Scratching on the 8-ball is not a loss of game as long as the 8-ball was not pocketed. Three consecutive fouls result in loss of game in pro play only, not amateur league play.
What is the UPA rule on coaching?
The shooting player may call one time out per game, lasting no more than two minutes, during which they may consult one available teammate. Receiving advice at any other time is a ball in hand foul. A second infraction in the same match is forfeiture of the current game.
What is the double hit rule in UPA 8-ball?
If the cue tip strikes the cue ball twice on the same stroke, it is a ball in hand foul. To avoid a double hit, the cue ball must be struck at a minimum 45-degree angle whenever it is in contact with or within half an inch of the intended object ball.
Where can I find the complete official UPA rules?
The full UPA official 8-ball rules are published by the United States Professional Poolplayers Association at upatour.com/8-ball-rules/, where a PDF download is also available.
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🎱 Try LineUp Magic FreeThis page is an independent educational summary of the official UPA 8-ball rules published by the United States Professional Poolplayers Association at upatour.com. All rule content is paraphrased from source material for reference purposes only. LineUp Magic is not affiliated with, authorized by, or endorsed by the UPA or the United States Professional Poolplayers Association. For official rules, consult the full document at upatour.com.