Rules of how to play English Pool
The game is played on a rectangular 6-pocket table with 15 balls (7 yellows, 7 reds and a black 8 ball.) To win, a player or team must pocket all their group of object balls in any order, and then legally pocket the 8 ball.
The game begins by the first player breaking the balls. To be deemed a legal break, 4 balls have to hit a cushion. The break will also be deemed a "fair break" if at least one colour is potted.
***
The game is completed when the 8 ball (black) is pocketed legally in any pocket, and all the remaining balls have come to rest, except on the break. If the black is potted off the break, one re-racks the balls without penalty.
Fouls are:
- The cue ball is pocketed.
- Hitting an opponents ball(s) with the cue ball, except with the first shot following any foul
- Failing to hit any ball.
- Playing out of turn.
- Playing before all balls have come to rest.
- Failing to nominate when balls of both groups are pocketed with the first legal pot.
