’s

By Thomas V. Dayao

I. Preface

This manual is a compilation of articles and illustrations about the game of

Pocket Billiards, or “Pool”. It is the desire of the contributor to provide both
beginners and accomplished players a quick and easy reference to all the
pertinent aspects of Pocket Billiards. I have also included the retail price (as
advertised) of some items for comparison, based on the following currency
conversion: 1 U.S. Dollar = 45.65 Philippine Peso (8/22/2008).

This work is dedicated to my pool idol - Jasmin Ouschan, Patricio (Isyo) “El
Maestro” Ibañez and to all Filipino pool enthusiasts.

II. Introduction

Billiards (or Cue Sport, in general) is defined as any of several games played
on a table in which balls are driven against one another or into pockets by means
of a cue.

1. Billiards played on a table without pockets:

[Objective of which is to drive the balls against one another in
order to score.]

a. Carom Billiards: Three-cushion, Five Pins, Artistic Billiards

2. Billiards played on a table with pockets or “holes”:

[Objective of which is to “pocket” the balls in order to score.]

a. Snooker
b. English Billiards
c. Pocket Billiards (or Pool):

 Rotation --- (Very popular in the Philippines.)

 Eight-ball, Nine-ball, Ten-ball
 One Pocket, Bank Pool, Blackball
 Straight Pool (or 14.1 Continuous)
III. Equipment

A. Billiard Table

1. Dimensions

a. Actual playing surface, known as the “bed”, is:

1) Home or bar size: a) 6 feet x 3 feet

b) 7 ft x 3.5 ft

2) Tournament size: a) 8 feet x 4 feet

b) 9 ft x 4.5 ft

b. Height: 2 ft & 7 in - 2 ft & 10 in (79 - 86 cm)

2. Baize (also: Cloth, Felt, ”Tapete” in Pilipino)

a. Weight: 19-25 ounces per square yard or

538-708 grams per square meter

b. Material: 1) 75% wool (or more) and 25% nylon

2) Synthetic or nylon – Taclon®, Tadlon®

c. Grade: 1) “Fast” – worsted wool, smooth,

napless (meaning: non-hairy fabric)

2) “Slow” – woolen cloth, fuzzy,

nappy (meaning: hairy fabric)

d. Well-known Cloth Brands

For an 8’ x 4’ “bed”:

 Simonis 860 Tournament ($ 215 - $ 234)

 Championship Tour Edition ($ 158.40 – $ 164.80)

  Milliken ($ 146)
 Sterling ($ 136 - $ 160)
 Titan ($ 95.99)
 Mercury Ultra ($ 86.69 - $ 104.28)
 Mali ($ 84.88 - $ 94.88)
 Saturn ($ 79.99)
 Arcade ($ 76.50 – $ 85.50)

3. Pockets

a. Types:

1) Drop Pockets:

a) Leather ($ 60 - $ 199/set of 6)
b) Heavy duty plastic ($ 48/set of 6)
c) Plastic ($ 20 - $ 40/set of 6)

2) Gully Boot Pockets ($ 33 - $ 45/set of 6)

– for automatic ball return (or tunnel) system.

b. Sizes:

1) Tight – 4.5 inches (corner pocket)

2) Super Tight – Less than 4.5 in (corner pocket)
3) Bucket – Between 4.5 in to 5 in (corner pocket)

[Side pocket is ½-inch wider than the corner pocket.]

4. Well-known Pool Table Brands

 Gabriel’s ($ xxxx)
  Connelly ($ xxxx)

 Brunswick:

a. Traditional ($ 2,489 - $ 4,379)

b. Casual ($ 2,599 - $ 7,499)
c. Competition ($ 4,129 - $ 8,499)
d. Contemporary ($ 4,999 – $ 16,999)
e. Arts & Crafts ($ 5,749 - $ 6,129)
f. European ($ 5,899 - $ 39,999)

 Hamilton ($ 3,906 - $ 18,837)

 Diamond ($ 4,950 - $ 7,750)

 Olhausen ($ 2,599 -$ 2,799)

 “Minnesota Fats” Pool Table ($ 1,290)

 “Mizerak” Pool Table ($ 909 - $ 1,030)

5. World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA)* Table Specifications:

 Height of table: 29.25 in – 31 in (74.29 cm – 78.74 cm)

 Height of cushion: 63.5% of ball diameter

 Rail length: 4 – 7.5 inch (10.16 cm – 19.05 cm)

 Rail material: K66 full profile gum rubber cushion

  Playing surface/Bed:

a. Material: Slate

b. Dimension:

1) For a 9-ft table:

8 ft & 4 in (+ 1/8 in) x 4 ft & 2 in (+ 1/8 in) - [except cushion]

or 2.54 meters (+3.175 mm) x 1.27 m (+3.175 mm)

2) For an 8-ft table:

7 ft & 6 in (+1/8 in) x 3 ft & 10 in (+1/8in) - [except cushion]

or 2.3368 m (+3.175 mm) x 1.1684 m (+3.175 mm)

 Pocket opening:

[Mouth – From pointed lip to pointed lip of pocket.]

a. Corner pocket: Mouth is 4.5 – 4.625 in (11.43 – 11.75 cm)

b. Side pocket: Mouth is 5 – 5.125 in (12.7 – 13.0175 cm)

 Cloth: 100% combed worsted wool (85%) and nylon (15%),

napless, non-directional

 Color: Blue-green, yellow-green, electric blue

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
* World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) is the international governing body of
pool-billiard sport.

(Diagram-1) Parts of a Pool Table

V W
K Q
 O H

D
I C

B
E L T U
P P

F A

N G
J Q
R S

A-head string M-width

B-center string N-top cushion
C-foot string O-bottom cushion
D-foot spot P-side rail (also: long cushion)
E-center spot Q-end rail (also: short cushion)
F-head spot R-top left-hand corner pocket
G-kitchen S-top right-hand corner pocket
H-long string T-left-hand side pocket
I-sights U-right-hand side pocket
J-head end V-bottom left-hand corner pocket
K-foot end W-bottom right-hand corner pocket
L-length
B. Billiard Balls

1. Material: Phenolic resin, acrylic, polyester

2. Size: 2.25 – 2.375 inches (+/- 0.005 in) or

5.715 – 6.03 cm (+/- 0.127mm) in diameter

3. Weight: 5.5 – 6 ounces (156 – 170 grams)

4. Well-known Brands

Brand Name Manufacturer Material Price/set

 Centennial® Brunswick phenolic resin $ 234

 Elephant Elephant Balls Ltd. xxxx $ 179

 Vigma Vigma Kobo resin $ 67 - $ 149

 Cuetec Cuetec polyester $ 64

 175
Aramith Saluc phenolic resin $ 60 - $
 Frenzy Frenzy Sports Duralec® $ xxxx

C. Cue Stick (also: “Tako” in Pilipino)

1. Material

a. Hardwood: Rosewood, Ash Wood, Ebony, Walnut,

Cocobolo, Zebron, Bacote, Blood Wood

b. Softwood: Bird’s-eye Maple, Brown Maple, Ramin,

North American Hard Rock Maple

c. Wood with graphite or fiberglass coating.

2. Length: 4 ft & 6 in - 4 ft & 10 in (137 – 147 centimeters)

3. Weight: 17-25 ounces (482-709 grams)

4. Comes in one-piece, two-piece, three-piece and four-piece

cue joint models.

5. Joint Pin Sizes

a. 3/8 x 8 c. 5/16 x 14
b. 3/8 x 10 d. 5/16 x 16

(Diagram-2) Parts of a 2-Piece Cue Stick

B C
D

A E
 J
G K F

H
L
I

N
Q
O P

A-shaft J-pin (also: male joint, joint pin, joint

B-tip screw, male pin)
C-fiber pad K-butt collar
D-ferrule L-forearm (also: forewrap)
E-taper of shaft M-wrap (also: handle, grip)
F-joint collar N-butt sleeve (also: sleeve)
G-rings O-butt cap (also: butt plate, end cap)
H-joint (female) P-bumper (also: rubber bumper)
I-butt Q-weight bolt
 6. Well-known Pool Cue Brands

 McDermott

a. Prestige Class ($ 3,350 - $ 3,750)

b. Elite Class ($ 679 - $ 1,549)
c. Professional Class ($ 465 - $ 569)
d. Tournament Class ($ 249 -$ 349)
e. Competitor Class ($ 139 - $ 239)

 Predator

a. BLAK Series ($ 1,009 - $ 1,499)

b. P3 Series ($ 799 - $ 849)
c. P2 Series ($ 704 - $ 1,054)
d. IKON Series ($ 599 -$ 1,449)
e. 5K Series ($ 554 - $ 1,244)
f. Predator “S” [Sport] – ($ 499)

 Longoni ($ 530-$ 4,437)  Lucasi ($ 200-$ 400)


 Poison ($ 170-$ 467)

Schon ($ 476-$ 2,400)

 OB Cues ($ 440-$ 750)

 Meucci ($ 160-$ 799)

 Balabushka ($ 352-$ 560)  Huebler ($ 160-$ 515)

 Viking ($ 144-$ 1,120)

 Pechauer ($ 243-$ 5,000)

 Joss ($ 212-$ 523.20)

 Stealth ($ 128)

 Mezz ($ 124-$ 1,700)

 Cuetec ($ 120-$ 300)

Outlaw ($ 116-$ 124)

 Dufferin ($ 59.99-$ 99)



 Fury ($ 115-$ 515)
 5280 Cues ($ 108-$ 316)
 Elite ($ 108-$ 143.20) Aska ($ 39.20-$ 99.92)
 Adam ($ 100-$,800)  Minnesota Fats ($ 24-$ 110)
 McFarland ($ 100-$ 40)



Mayhem ($ 92)

Griffin ($ 84)
 Schmelke ($ 19.95-$ 450)

 Action ($ 14.39-$ 79.20)

 Scorpion ($ 79.20-$ 168)

7. Special Cues

a. Jump Cue ($ 100 - $ 180)

b. Break Cue ($ 228 - $ 288)
c. Jump-Break Cue [3-piece] – ($ 84 - $ 340)
d. 1-piece Cue (also: Bar/House cue,“Bakawan” in Pilipino)

 Dufferin ($ 27.95 - $ 32)

 Sterling ($ 25)

 Scorpion ($ 22.40 - $ 28)

 Valley Supreme ($ 18.95 - $ 199.95)
 Action ($ 9.95 - $ 19.95)

e. “Sneaky Pete” (also: “Hustler-style” Pool Cue) - A

special design for a 2-piece cue; such that, when
assembled, it would look like an ordinary 1-piece bar
cue. The purpose of which is to lure less skillful and
unsuspicious players into competing against one in a
gambling game.

 Predator – ($ 291.20 - $ 451)

 Meucci – ($ 240)

 Viking – ($ 240)
 McDermott – ($ 239)

 Schmelke – ($ 95 - $ 169)
  Cuetec – ($ 69)

 Blizzard – ($ 35)
 Action – ($ 32 - $ 39.20)

D. Billiard Chalk (also: “Tisa” in Pilipino)



Brunswick ($ 0.50/piece)

Silver Cup ($ 0.34/piece)

 Master ($ 0.34/piece)
 Triangle ($ 0.33/piece)
 Triangle Red Gross ($ 0.18/piece)

E. Cue Tip

a. Material:

1. Leather: Cow hide, pig skin, boar hide, carabao hide

2. Non-leather: phenolic

b. Types:

1. Layered (also: Laminated Tip)

2. Non-layered (also: One-piece Tip)

c. Classification: Soft, Medium, Hard, Extra Hard

d. Sizes: 9 to 14 millimeter diameters

e. Well-known Brands
 Brand Type Material Classification Price/tip

 Kamui® layered pig s/m/h $ 18.95



Moori

Diamondback* -do-
-do-

boar
pig

m
m $ 15.95

$ 14.95
 Tiger “5280 Red Line” -do- pig m $ 14.95
 Tiger “Sniper” -do- boar m $ 13.75
 Tiger “Everest” -do- pig m $ 11.41
 Tiger -do- cow/pig s/m/h $ 10.33
 Talisman Pro -do- pig/boar s/m/h/eh $ 7.95
 Tiger “Dynamite” -do- pig h/m $ 5.63
 Elite 11 -do- pig m $ 3.95

 Water Buffalo non-layered carabao h $ 1.00



“Blue Diamond®”

Triangle
-do-

-do-
carabao

(1)* h
s/m/h

$
$ 0.82

0.82
 Triumph -do- (2)* s/m/h $ 0.80
 Sterling -do- cow m $ 0.68
 Le Pro -do- (3)* m/h $ 0.40
 Elk Master -do- (2)* s $ 0.40

 Bakelite -do- phenolic eh $ 6.95

 Elite -do- phenolic eh $ 3.95

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
* Diamondback, popularly known as “The Black Tip”.
* (1) Chrome-tanned leather. (2) Mineral-tanned. (3) Vegetable-tanned oak leather.

F. Pool Cue Case

a. Type: 1) Hard case: Box, tube (round or oval)

2) Soft case

b. Capacity

1) Box: 1x1 [1 butt, 1 shaft], 2x4 ($ 12 - $ 67)

2) Tube: 1x1, 1x2, 2x2, 2x3, 2x4 ($ 17.60 - $ 68)

3) Deluxe leather:

1x1, 1x2, 2x2, 2x3, 2x4, 3x5, 4x8 ($ 36 - $ 248)

4) Soft case: 1x1, 2x4 ($ 6.40 - $ 39.20)

G. Ferrule

1) Material:

 Ivory ($ 40.00)
 PVC [Polyvinyl Chloride] - ($ 34.95)

 Ivorine IV® by McDermott ($ 15.00)

 ‘Porper’ [capped] – ($ 7.50)

 Saber-T® ($ 6.95)
  Ivorine III® by McDermott ($ 4.95)

 Fiber ferrule ($ 4.95)

 Phenolic ($ 3.95)

 Polycarbonate by Cuetec ($ 3.50)

 Plastic ($ 1.99)
 Screw-On ($ 0.42)

2) Sizes: 11 - 14 millimeters

H. Weight Bolt ($ 2.50 - $ 7.95)

I. Bumper ($ 2.95 - $ 9.60)

J. Joint Protectors (also: Joint Caps)

 Male only ($ 6.95 - $ 10.95)

 Set [male and female] – ($ 12.95 - $ 24.95)

K. Mechanical Bridge (also: Rest, Rake, “Tiririt” in Pilipino)

a. Bridge Head: Leather ($ 20)

Solid brass ($ 8)
Aluminum ($ 5)
Plastic ($ 4 - $ 8)

b. Bridge Stick: Wooden ($ 13)

Metal [with Bridge Head] – ($ 49.30)
L. Pool Cue Rack

 Floor cue rack ($ 120), Corner cue rack ($ 130)

 1-piece wall mounted ($ 19.95)

M. Ball Rack

 8-ball rack: wooden ($ 10 - $ 12), plastic ($ 3)

 9-ball rack: wooden ($ 6 - $ 11), plastic ($ 3)

N. Chalk Holder

 Pocket chalker ($ 15.99)

 Chalk box scuffer ($ 7.95)

 Leather chalk holder ($ 6.95)

 Chalk extra clip ($ 3.95)
 Table chalk holder ($ 3.50)

O. Billiard Gloves ($ 5.95 - $ 9.95)

P. Pool Table Light [3 Shade] – ($ 109 - $ 369)

Q. Shaft Slicker (Powdered)

 Cone talc ($ 3.95)

 Talc shake can ($ 3.95)
 Talc bag ($ 1.99 - $ 2.90)
R. Extra Pool Cue Shaft

1. Predator:

 “Z²” [ “Z” 2nd Generation] – ($ 237.15)

 “314²” [ “314” 2nd Generation] – ($ 215.90)

2. McDermott:

 “Intimidator 9” [Series 01, 02, 03] – ($ 200)

 Standard ($ 88 - $ 168)

3. OB-1 ($ 176 - $ 196)

4. Tiger “X” Shaft ($ 175)
5. Meucci:

 “Hall of Fame” [Series 01, 02, 03] – ($ 145)

 “High Pro” [Series 01, 02, 03] – ($ 145)

6. Schon ($ 140 - $ 180)

7. Joss ($ 140)
8. Poison: Venom® Shaft ($ 139)
9. Mezz ($ 115.20 - $ 250)
10. Cuetec ($ 56)
IV. The Elements of Pool

A. Basic Shots

 Plain Ball Striking (Also: Center-ball Shot)

Top Spin (also: 12 O’clock) 

 Back Spin (also: 6 O’clock)

Left English (also: Left-Hand Side, 9 O’clock) 

 High – Left (also: Top – Left)

Low – Left (also: Bottom – Left) 

Right English (also: Right-Hand Side, 3 O’clock)

High – Right (also: Top – Right) 

  Low – Right (also: Bottom – Right)

B. Basic Shots Simulation

C
A B C
-----
-----
B. Special Shots

Draw Shot (also: Screw Shot, “Hatak” in Pilipino)

Cue Ball (CB) Object ball (OB)

Drag Shot (also: Kill Shot, “Patay Bola” in Pilipino) 

Stun Shot (also: “Stop Shot”, “Stop Ball” in R.P.)

Follow Shot (“Sunod Pato” in Pilipino) 

Massé Shot 

75°-90°

CB Obstruction OB

Curve Shot (also: Swerve Shot, Semi-Massé)

30°-74°

Jump Shot 

30°-45°

Straight-in Shot 

Cut Shot (Also: Angled Shot)

θ
Combination Shots:

“Cannon” Shot

“Kiss” Shot (also: “One Ball” in R.P.) 

“Carom” Shot (also: “Karambola” in Pilipino)

C. Various Ball Hit Fractions

15°

30° 49°

½-ball ¾-ball ¼-ball

(Half-ball) (Three-fourths ball) (Quarter-ball)
D. Aiming Technique

1. Ghost Ball Method

 Ghost Ball (GB) – the imaginary position the Cue

Ball
(CB) must be, at contact with the Object Ball (OB),
to make a shot.

Aiming Line

Ghost Ball
Target Spot

Line of Centers
CB
E. Ninety Degree (90°) Rule:

 A principle that states that when the CB (cue ball)

strikes the OB (object ball) with no top or bottom spin,

the two balls will separate at 90 degrees.

OB

CB ≈90° (The “L”-sign)

F. Thirty Degree (30°) Rule:

 A principle that states that when CB hits OB with

normal roll close to a half-ball hit, the CB will deflect

approximately 30 degrees away from the aiming line.
 CB ≈30° (The “V”-sign)

OB

V. Organization and Players

A. The Organization

International Olympic Committee

World Confederation of Billiard Sport ARISF GAISF IWGA

World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) UMB WSF

[Carom] [Snooker]

Billiard Congress of America (BCA) CEB IBSF WPBSA

Asian Pocket Billiard Union (APBU)
All Africa Pool Association (AAPA)
Confederation Panamerica of Billiard (CPB)
European Pocket Billiard Federation (EPBF)
Oceania Pocket Billiard Association (OPBA)
Special Members: Matchroom Sports, ESPN, etc.
---------------------

ARISF - Association of Recognized International Sports Association

GAISF - General Association of International Sports Federation
IWGA - International World Games Association
UMB - Union Mondiale de Billard
WSF - World Snooker Federation
CEB - Confederation Europeen de Billard
IBSF - International Billiard and Snooker Federation
WPBSA -World Pool Billiard and Snooker Federation

B. The Players

1. Billiard Congress of America (BCA) “Hall of Fame”

[Greatest Players Category]

2009 Allison Fisher “Duchess of Doom” (GBr) & Johnny Archer

2008 Allen Hopkins 2007 Sang Chun Lee
2006 Earl “The Pearl” Strickland
2005 Robin Bell “Bankroll” Dodson
2004 Ewa “The Striking Viking” Svenson-Laurence (Sweden)
2003 Efren “Bata”/ “The Magician” Reyes (Philippines)
& Edwin “Champagne Eddie” Kelly
2002 James, Jim, Jimmy “King James” Rempe
& Loree Jon “Queen of the Hill” Jones
2001 Raymond “Mr. 100” Ceulemans
2000 Cecil (Buddy) P. “The Rifleman” Hall
1997 Arthur “Babe” Cranfield & Ruth McGinnis
1999 Larry “Boston Shorty” Johnson
1996 Dallas West
1995 Cicero Murphy
1994 “Cowboy” Jimmy Moore & Ray “Cool Cat” Martin
1993 Eddie “The Knoxville Bear” Taylor
1992 Nick Varner
1991 Michael (Mike) Sigel 1988 Andrew Ponzi
1987 Erwin Rudolph 1986 “Machine Gun Lou” Butera
1985 Jean Balukas 1983 Luther “Wimpy” Lassiter
1982 Joe “The Meatman” Balsis
1981 Dorothy Wise 1980 Steve “The Miz” Mizerak
1978 Irving “The Deacon” Crane
1976 James “Jimmy” Caras 1975 Frank Taberski
1974 Johnny Layton 1970 Harold Worst
1968 Willie “Mr. Pocket Billiards” Mosconi
& Jacob (Jake) “The Wizard” Schaefer, Sr.
& Jacob (Jake) Schaefer, Jr.
1967 Welker Cochran & Alfredo de Oro (Cuba)
1966 Willie Hoppe & Ralph Greenleaf

2. World Championship Tournaments

a. WPA World Nine-ball Championship (Men’s

Division)

2007 Daryl Peach (GBr) 1998 Takaheshi Kunihiko (Jpn)

2006 Ronato Alcano (Phi) 1997 Johnny Archer (USA) - 2
2005 Wu Chia-Ching (Tpe) 1996 Ralf Souquet (Ger)
2004 Alex Pagulayan (Phi/Can) 1995 Oliver Ortmann (Ger)
2003 Thorsten Hohmann (Ger) 1994 Okumura Takeshi (Jpn)
2002 Mika Immonen (Fin) 1993 Chao Fong-Pang (Tpe) - 1
2001 Chao Fong-Pang (Tpe) – 2 1992 Johnny Archer (USA) - 1
2000 Efren Reyes (Phi) 1991 Earl Strickland (USA) - 2
1999 Nick Varner (USA) 1990 Earl Strickland (USA) - 1

b. WPA World Nine-ball Championship (Women’s Division)

2009 Liu Shasha (Chn)

2008 Yuan Chun-Lin (Tpe)
2007 Xiao Ting Pan (Chn)
2006, 2004 Kim Ga Young (Kor)
2002, 1999 Hsin-Mei Liu (Tpe)
2001, 1998, 1997, 1996 Allison Fisher (GBr)
2000 Julie Kelly (Ire)
1995 Gerda Hofstatter (Austria)
1994 Ewa Svenson-Laurence (Swe)
1993 Loree Jon Jones (USA)
1992 Franziska Stark (Ger)
1991, 1990 Robin Bell Dodson (USA)

c. WPA World Eight-ball Championship (Men’s

Division)

2008 Ralf Souquet (Ger) 2005 Wu Chia-Ching (Tpe)

2007 Ronato Alcano (Phi) 2004 Efren Reyes (Phi)
 d. WPA World Ten-ball Championship

2009 Mika Immonen (Fin)

2008 Darren Appleton (GBr)

e. WPA Women’s World Ten-ball Championship

2009 Rubilen Amit (Phi)

f. World Straight Pool (or 14.1 Continuous) Championship

2008 Niels Feijen (Neth)

2007 Oliver Ortmann (Ger)
2006 Thorsten Hohmann (Ger)

g. World Games* (Men’s Nine-ball)

2009 Ralf Souquet (Ger)

2005 Chang Pei-Weo (Tpe)

h. World Games* (Women’s Nine-ball)

2009 Allison Fisher (GBr)

2005 Jasmin Ouschan (Austria)

*World Games is organized by IWGA and is held every four years.

It features various non-Olympic sports.

3. Invitational Tournaments & Open Tournaments

 a. U.S. Open 9-ball Championship

2009, 2008 Mika Immonen (Fin) 1994 Efren Reyes (Phi)

2007 Shane Van Boening 1992 Tommy Kennedy
2006 John Schmidt 1990, 1989 Nick Varner
2005 Alex Pagulayan (Phi) 1986, 1982 David Howard
2004 Gabe Owen 1985 Jimmy Reid
2003 Jeremy Jones 1983, 1980, 1976 Mike Sigel
2002 Ralf Souquet (Ger) 1981, 1977 Allen Hopkins
2001 Corey Deuel
2000, 1997, 1993, 1987, 1984 Earl Strickland
1999 Johnny Archer
1998, 1991 Buddy Hall 1979 Louie Roberts
1996 Rodney Morris 1978 Steve Mizerak
1995 Reed Pierce

b. World Cup of Pool

2009 Philippines (Efren Reyes & Francisco Bustamante)-2

2008 USA (Rodney Morris & Shane Van Boening)
2007 China (Li He-wen & Fu Jian-bo)
2006 Philippines (Efren Reyes & Francisco Bustamante)-1

c. International Pool Tour (IPT) Eight-ball Championship

Event Year Winner Prize Opponent

King of the Hill 2005 Efren Reyes $ 200K Mike Sigel

North American 2006 Thorsten Hohmann $ 350K Marlon Manalo
World Open 2006 Efren Reyes $ 500K Rodney Morris
d. Derby City Classic (DCC) – Louisville, Kentucky
[All-Around Champion (9-ball, One Pocket, Bank Ball): “Master of the Table”]

2009 John Brumback 2003 Larry Nevel

2008 Francisco Bustamante 2002 Jose “Amang” Parica
2007, 2005, 2004, 1999 Efren Reyes 2001 Shannon Daulton
2006 Jason Miller 2000 Dee Adlans

e. World Pool League (9-ball)

2006 Dennis Orcollo (Phi) 2002, 2001 Efren Reyes (Phi)

2005 Thorsten Hohmann (Ger) 2000 Steve Knight (UK)
2004 Francisco Bustamante (Phi) 1999, 1998 Jim Rempe (USA)
2003 Rodney Morris (USA)

f. World Pool Masters Tournament (9-ball)

2009 Darren Appleton (GBr)

2008 Alex Pagulayan (Phi)
2007, 2004 Thomas Engert (Ger)
2006, 2002, 2000, 1996, 1994 Ralf Souquet (Ger)
2005 Raj Hundal (GBr)
2003 Tony Drago (Malta)
2001, 1998 Francisco Bustamante (Phi)
1999 Alex Lely (Neth)
1997 Earl Strickland (US)
1995 Daryl Peach (GBr)
 g. International Challenge of Champions (9-ball)

2008 Fu Jian-bo (Chn) 1999 Lee Kun-Fang (Tpe)

2007 Niels Feijen (Neth) 1998 Oliver Ortmann (Ger)
2006 Johnny Archer (USA) 1997 Ralf Souquet (Ger)
2005 Chao Fong-Pang (Tpe)–3 1996 Chao Fong-Pang Tpe)
2004 Thomas Engert (Ger) 1995 Nick Varner (USA)
2003 Francisco Bustamante (Phi)-2 1994 Allen Hopkins (USA)
2002 Efren Reyes (Phi) 1993 Buddy Hall (USA)
2001 Chao Fong-Pang (Tpe)–2 1992 Mike Lebron (USA)
2000 Francisco Bustamante (Phi)

h. Women’s Professional Billiard Association (WPBA)

“Player of the Year”

2009 Kim Ga Young (Kor)

2008 Kelly Fisher* (GBr)
2007-2003, 2000-1996 Allison Fisher (GBr)-“Duchess of Doom”
2002, 2001 Karen Corr (Ire) aka “Irish Invader”
1995 Robin Bell “Bankroll” Dodson (USA)
1994 Jeanette Lee (USA) aka “The Black Widow”

* Kelly Fisher is not related to Allison Fisher.

VI. Playing the Game

A. Standard Fouls

1. “In-off” / “Scratch” – The cue ball (CB) [also: “Pamato”,

“Mother Ball” in R.P.] is pocketed.
2. “Off the Table”. When the CB comes to rest other than
on the bed of the table.
3. Double hit. Striking the CB with the cue more than once.
4. Pushing the CB with the cue, instead of striking it.
5. Striking the CB with any part of the cue other than the
tip.
6. Failing to hit any ball with the CB.
7. Player strikes with the cue any ball other than the CB.
8. No object ball (OB) is pocketed and no other balls hit any
rail.
9. Playing out of turn.
10. Wrong ball first.
11. If a player‘s clothing or body should touch any ball.
12. A player interferes with the movement of the ball with
body, clothing or cue.
13. Playing before balls have come to rest.
14. Retrieving a ball that is dropping into a pocket.
15. Using a dead ball to test whether a ball will pass
another, or go on a spot, or for any other purpose.
16. The player marks the table (including the placement of
chalk) in any manner to aid in aiming.
17. Placing cue stick on the table to align a shot.
18. Player not having at least one foot on the floor.
B. Game Objectives, Rules and Regulations

1. Straight Pool (or 14.1 Continuous)

 First player to score 200 points (or any agreed number of

points, example: 30, 45, 60, . . . , 150, etc.) wins.

 Full rack (all 15 balls) with the “1” ball on the racker’s right and

the “5” ball on the racker’s left. Any other OB’s are placed in
random.
 May hit any OB; no numerical order.
 Call-shot (meaning: The object ball to be sunk and the intended
pocket must be called.)
 Legal break: at least two OBs and the CB must hit the rail.
 1 ball = 1 point; 1 foul = 1 point deduction
 Three consecutive fouls = 15 points deduction.
 Illegal break = 2 points deduction.
 Pocketed OB as a result of a foul is spotted.
 Multi-rack game. After pocketing the fourteen balls, the fourteen
balls are re-racked with the apex vacant. The player then has to
sink the fifteenth ball while breaking the newly racked 14 balls to
continue play.

2. Bank Pool

 Pocket OB’s by clean bank shots only.

 First player to score the agreed number of points wins.
 Full rack or 9 ball rack. OB’s are racked at random.
 Legal break: At least two balls must pass the center string for a full
rack, one ball for a 9 ball rack.
 Call-shot game.
 May hit any OB; no numerical order.
 No combination, carom, kiss and kick shots.
  1 ball = 1 point; 1 foul = 1 point deduction.
 “Scratch” and “Off the Table” fouls give the opponent a “Ball in-
hand” (meaning: The player may play the CB from any position on the
table); any other fouls, he will take the shot from where the CB lies.

3. One Pocket

 First player to score eight (8) points for a full rack and five (5)
points for a 9 ball rack wins.
 OB’s are racked at random.
 Before the break, first player will choose either one of the foot
corner pockets as his hole.
 Legal break: At least one OB must hit a rail.
 May hit any OB; no numerical order.
 Not a call-shot.
 Jump shot and safety are allowed.
 Any OB sunk in a neutral pocket is spotted. No penalty.
 Ball sunk on the opponent’s pocket will be counted for the opponent.
 1 ball = 1 point; 1 foul = 1 point deduction.
 Three consecutive fouls is loss of the game.
 Balls pocketed as a result of a foul will be spotted.
 In case of a “Scratch” or “Off the Table” foul, the opponent will
take the shot in the “kitchen”. No penalty.
 It is legal for a player to sink a ball in an opponent’s pocket or a
neutral pocket, if on the same stroke; he sinks a ball in his own
pocket.

4. Blackball

 Almost similar to 8-Ball rules and regulations, except:

a. “Kelly pool balls” (stripes and solids) is not used;
b. instead, seven red balls, seven yellow balls and a black
 c. ball for the “8” are utilized.

d. The black ball is placed in the middle of the triangle

e. and on the foot spot.

f. Not a call-shot game.

g. No jump shot.

5. Eight-Ball (8-Ball)

 First player/team pocketing their group of OB’s (solids or stripes)

first in any order and then legally pocketing the “8” ball, wins the
game.
 May hit any OB; no numerical order.
 The player who made the legal “break” will choose his ball type
(solids or stripes) right after the break. Balls pocketed before
choosing his ball group are ignored.
 Legal break: an OB is pocketed or at least four OB’s must hit the
rail.
 A call-shot game. Combination is legal provided player hits one of his
ball group first.
 If “Off the Table” foul, the OB is placed on the foot spot.
 Pocket the “8” ball after sinking all your ball type first. Premature
pocketing of the “8” ball will lose the game.
 If a player knocks the “8” ball off the table, he loses.
 A “Scratch” or a foul gives the opponent a “Ball in-hand”.
  If the “8” ball is pocketed or a “Scratch” occurred on the break,
opponent has the option to re-rack and break or place the “8” on the
foot spot with “Ball in-hand”.
 No jump shots.
 Legal to pocket opponent’s OB’s provided, player hits his ball group
first and pockets one of his OB’s on the same shot.
 If opponent’s OB is pocketed, it stays down.
 Following a foul, oncoming player has one free shot: he can play the
8-ball or the opponent’s ball directly.

6. Ten-Ball (10-Ball)

 The “1” ball at the apex and on the foot spot, “10” ball in the
middle, and any other OB’s are placed at random.
 The first player to pocket the “10” ball by first sinking all OB’s in
numerical order, wins.
  Lowest ball first.
 A call-shot game.
 Only one OB can be called on each shot.
 Sinking of the “10” ball on a break results in a win.
 If the wrong OB is pocketed, it stays down. The opponent then has
“Ball in-hand” or can hand it back.
 “Push out” play.

7. Nine-Ball (9-Ball)

 “1” ball on the foot spot, “9” ball in the middle, and any other OB’s
are placed at random.
 First player to sink the “9” ball, either by pocketing all the OB’s in
numerical order or by a combination shot, wins.
 Lowest ball first.
 Not a call-shot game.
 Legal break: Must pocket an OB or at least two OB’s hit any rails.
 If the “9” ball is pocketed from a legal break, player wins the game.
 If the “9” ball is pocketed from a foul break, the balls are re-
racked with the opposing player breaking.
 If the “9” ball is pocketed after failing to hit the lowest ball first,
the player loses the game.
 A player making three consecutive fouls loses the game.
 A foul shot will give the opponent a “Ball in-hand” (except on a
break) or hand it back to the offending player.

8. Rotation

 First to reach 61 points for 2-players/teams, 41 points for 3-

players/teams, etc., wins the game.
 Full rack.
 “1” ball at the apex and on the foot spot, “2” ball on the

racker’s right, “3” ball on the racker’s left, “15” ball in the middle,
and any other OB’s are placed at random.
 Lowest ball first.
 Point is equal to the number on the ball.
 “Scratch” or foul gives the opponent an option to “spot”.
 Masse, curve and jump shots are allowed.

 Unintentional pocketing (also: “fluke”, “slop shot”, “tsamba” in

R.P.) is legal.
 Not a call-shot game.
 If tied (ex. 60-all), last player who made the shot wins.
 A player making three consecutive fouls loses the game.
 After a “Scratch”, if the bottom part of the OB touching the cloth
lies on the head string or outside the “kitchen”, the player takes
the shot from the “kitchen”. If the OB lies inside the “kitchen”, it
is spotted.
VII. References

 www.engr.colostate.edu.com
 www.bca-pool.com
 www.wikipedia.com
 www.wpba.com
 www.wpa-pool.com
 www.azbilliards.com
 www.insidepool.com
 www.pooldawg.com
 www.billiardwarehouse.com
 www.ozonebilliards.com
 www.poolcuedepot.com
 www.poolandbilliards.com
 www.poolndarts.com
 www.onepocket.org

 BAPTO (2001): Know The Game Pool, 2nd edition,

A & C Black (Publishers) Ltd., London.

 Ken Williams (2002): Know The Game Snooker,

edition,
3rd

A & C Black (Publishers) Ltd., London.

 Microsoft Encarta Standard 2005

 Max Eberle (2007): Zen Pool, Infinity Publishing, PA

 Robert Byrne (1998): Byrne’s New Standard Book of Pool and

Billiards, Revised Edition, Harcourt Inc., CA
 Robert Byrne (1990): Byrne’s Advanced Technique in Pool and
Billiards, Harcourt Brace and Company, CA