The Break

The Cue Ball

Start with the cue ball anywhere behind the baulk line. The traditional "D" isn't used in World Eight Ball rules.

The Break

The rules want to encourage an open game - so, to make a legal break, you have to hit the pack and get at least four different balls (cue ball not included) to hit a cushion. In other words, you're going to have to hit the pack hard!

An alternative legal break is to pot a ball - in which case, it doesn't matter how many other balls have hit a cushion - it's a legal break.

If You Don't Make a Legal Break

If you haven't managed to get four balls to a cushion, nor have you managed to pot a ball, then it's a foul break.

The balls are re-racked, your opponent breaks-off, and they have two visits. But they're also required to make a legal break.

If You Pot the Black

It's a re-rack, and you break again, with just one visit. This applies even if the cue ball has been potted as well, and even if four balls haven't hit a cushion.

If You Pot the Cue Ball

If, apart from the cue ball going down, you've made a legal break (i.e. either four balls have hit a cushion, or you've potted another ball, apart from the white) then it's your opponent's turn - but with just one visit. They will play from where the balls stand.

If you haven't got four balls to a cushion, or potted a ball, then it's a foul break. The balls are re-racked, your opponent breaks-off, and they have two visits. But they're also required to make a legal break.

If You Pot a Colour on the Break

Before going any further, you must nominate a colour. You can choose to stick with the colour you've potted, or you can swap to the other colour - it's your choice.

If you play a shot without nominating, then it will be a foul - your opponent will get two visits with an open table.

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