3-Ball Rules

[Standardized World Rules 1997]
Except when clearly contradicted by these additional rules, the General Rules of Pocket Billiards apply.

OBJECT OF THE GAME: 3 Ball is based on a point (number of shot) scoring system. The object is to break and pocket the balls in the fewest amount of shots possible. Standard billiard rules do not apply in 3 ball, that is balls need not contact a rail after a shot, no balls need to hit the rail on the break etc. Anything goes in 3 ball. The only steadfast rule is the scoring of the shots. The break does count as a shot. The cue ball is positioned on the head spot (kitchen) for breaking. The number of shots it takes a player to break and pocket all balls is their score. There are no innings in 3 ball as it is designed for one player per game. A player breaks and shoots until all balls are pocketed. A miss shot constitutes as a shot but the player will continue to shoot somewhat like a stroke count in golf.

RACKING THE BALLS: The balls are racked in a triangle shape with a head ball and 2 balls directly behind it.

END OF GAME: The game begins as soon as the cue ball crosses the head string on a break shot. All subsequent fouls counts as one shot.

KEEPING SCORE: 3 ball is usually played among 2 or more players. The players will play one game each and lowest score wins. In the event of a tie, players play additional games to determine a winner. Tie scores are very common in 3 ball as most average players are capable of consistently score 4’s or 3’s. The excitement comes when a little creativity is needed in instances where a player may need to pocket 2 or sometimes three balls with a single shot.

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