The English-originating version of eight-ball pool, also known as English pool, English eight-ball, blackball, or simply reds and yellows, is a pool game played with sixteen balls (a cue ball and fifteen usually unnumbered object balls) on a small pool table with six pockets. It originated in the United Kingdom and is played in the Commonwealth countries such as Australia and South Africa. In the UK and Ireland it is usually called simply "pool".
The English version of eight-ball has two main sets of playing rules used in professional play; those of the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA), known as "blackball rules", and the code of the World Eightball Pool Federation (WEPF), known as "international rules".
History
editAmerican-style eight-ball arose around 1900, derived from basic pyramid pool.[1] In 1925, the Brunswick-Balke-Collender Company began offering ball sets specifically for the game using unnumbered yellow and red balls (in contrast to the numbered solids and stripes found in most pool ball sets), a black eight ball, and the white cue ball. These were introduced to make it easier for spectators to identify the two sets in early professional games held in casinos, and became known as "casino-style" sets.[2] In the years following World War II, playing eight-ball on small coin-operated pool tables became a common pub game in American bars, a pastime which spread to Britain by the early 1960s. In the years following, the British game diverged from the American in equipment (including the use of casino-style balls, which had died out in the US) and rules.[3]
Equipment
edit
The game uses unnumbered, solid-coloured object balls, typically red and yellow, with one black ball. The black ball typically bears a number "8", though numberless variants are not unknown. They are usually 2 inches (51 mm) or 2+1⁄16 inches (52 mm) in diameter – the latter being the same size as the balls used in snooker and English billiards – often with a slightly smaller cue ball, e.g. 1+7⁄8 inches (47.6 mm) for a 2-inch set, a convention originally created for the ball return mechanisms in coin-operated tables.
British pool tables come in 6 × 3 foot (1.8 × 0.9 m) or 7 × 3.5 ft (2.12 × 1.06 m) varieties,[4] with 7 feet being the regulation size for league play. The table has pockets just larger than the balls and rounded, as in the game of snooker, whereas the international-style (or "American-style") table has pockets significantly wider, with pointed knuckles.
Tournament rules may require the presence of more than one type of rest (mechanical bridge), as in snooker.
Rules
edit
There are currently two competing standards bodies that have issued standardised rules.
The English Pool Association (EPA) uses the rules of the World Eightball Pool Federation (WEPF). Since 2022 the EPA and WEPF have adopted a ruleset known as "International Rules", which are used in all events organised by the Ultimate Pool Group. Prior to 2022 these organisations used a different set of rules known as "World Rules".[5]
The English Blackball Pool Federation (EBPF) uses the rules of the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) under the game name "Blackball" to better distinguish it from the American-style game (for which the WPA also promulgates the world-standardised rules).[6] Since 2013 these rules are used in all events organised by the International Professional Pool Association (IPPA).
Basic rules
editDespite various differences between the competing rulesets, the basic objectives and rules of the game are mostly the same.
The balls are racked with the black (the 8 ball) on the foot spot (or "black spot"), in contrast with US-style eight-ball, nine-ball and most other pool games, in which the apex ball is placed on the foot spot.
One player begins the game with a "break shot", which involves shooting the cue ball from the baulk area towards the object balls and "splitting the pack".
The aim of the game is to pot all the balls of a certain colour (either reds or yellows), followed by the black eight-ball. The winner is usually the player who legally pots the black first, although it is possible to win the game by the opponent committing a sufficiently serious foul, such as potting the black eight-ball and the cue ball in the same shot.
A foul can be committed in numerous ways, such as potting the cue ball, potting the black eight-ball before the last colour in the set, hitting the wrong colour ball first or touching any ball with anything apart from the tip of the cue. After a foul, there is a penalty awarded to the other player. This penalty varies by ruleset, but could be winning the frame, gaining an extra shot or visit, being able to hit any ball on the table, or being able to move the cue ball to another location.
BAPTO/UKPF rules (1976–2004)
editIn 1976, the British Association of Pool Table Operators (BAPTO) published a standardised set of pool rules for use in their national events. With some minor changes, these rules were adopted by the newly formed UK Pool Federation (UKPF) in 1992 and known as "Federation rules". These rules were used until the UKPF adopted Blackball rules in 2004.
In these rules, for a fair break the player must pocket a ball or cause at least 2 balls to hit a cushion. Later versions of this rule were amended to state that at least 2 balls must pass the halfway line of the table if a ball is not potted. The breaker must nominate which colour they choose following the break shot. The standard penalty for a foul is 2 visits to the table for the incoming player, and a "free shot", whereby any ball can be played or potted on the first shot of the visit, with the exception of the black if it is not "on". The player awarded the penalty also has the option of moving the cue ball anywhere in the "D". Deliberate fouls result in loss of frame, and jump shots and push shots are illegal. There is no requirement to hit a cushion with each shot, meaning "rolling up" to a ball is a legal shot. Provided a player pots at least one of their own colours, it is legal to pot any number of their opponent's colour in the same shot.
EPA rules (1978–1998)
editIn 1978, the English Pool Association (EPA) published a standardised set of pool rules which they used in their county pool structure through the 1980s and 1990s. These rules were used until 1998, when the EPA adopted World rules in line with the WEPF.
In these rules, for a fair break the player must pocket a ball or cause at least 2 balls to hit a cushion. The first legally potted ball decides the colours. The standard penalty for a foul is 2 visits to the table for the incoming player, and a "free shot" on the first shot. The incoming player also has the option of moving the cue ball anywhere in the baulk area. Deliberate fouls result in loss of frame, and jump shots and push shots are illegal. There is no requirement to hit a cushion with each shot. Potting an opponent's ball is a foul except in the case of a "free shot".
Despite no longer being played at the professional level, these rules are still in use in some amateur leagues, and are referred to as "Old EPA rules" to distinguish them from later versions.
EPA/WEPF world rules (1998–2022)
editIn 1998, the EPA adopted "World Rules", as published by the World Eightball Pool Federation (WEPF). These rules were used at all levels in EPA and WEPF tournaments until 2022, when both organisations adopted "International Rules".
In these rules, for a fair break the player must pocket a ball or cause at least 4 object balls to hit a cushion. If the breaker pots a ball on the break from one group, they must nominate a colour. If they nominate a colour which was potted on the break, then that group become theirs, while if the group chosen did not have any balls potted on the break, the table remains open until a ball is legally potted. The standard penalty for a foul is 2 visits to the table for the incoming player. There is no "free shot" rule. The cue ball cannot be moved, unless the incoming player has been left in a foul snooker, in which case they may nominate a free ball or move the cue ball to baulk. Unlike most other rulesets, deliberate fouls do not result in loss of frame, and are treated as a standard foul. Jump shots are illegal. Push shots are allowed provided no double contact or sustained push can be seen clearly by the referee. There is a requirement to either pot a ball or hit a cushion after first contact on each shot, meaning it is illegal to "roll up" to a ball. Potting an opponent's ball is a foul.
Despite no longer being played at the professional level, these rules remain popular as amateur league rules in the UK, Ireland, Australia, some other Commonwealth countries, and a few European nations.
WPA blackball rules (2004–present)
editIn 2004, the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) sanctioned a variant of eight-ball pool called "blackball". The UKPF adopted these rules, and renamed themselves the European Blackball Association (EBA). These rules are now used at all levels in WPA tournaments and by the professional International Pool Association.
In these rules, for a fair break the player must pocket a ball or cause at least 2 balls to cross the halfway point of the table. The first legally potted ball decides the colours. The standard penalty for a foul is 1 "free shot" for the incoming player, followed by one visit to the table. The incoming player also has the option of moving the cue ball anywhere in the baulk area following a foul. Deliberate fouls result in loss of frame, and jump shots and push shots are illegal. There is a requirement to either pot a ball or hit a cushion after first contact on each shot. Provided a player pots at least one of their own colours, it is legal to pot any number of their opponent's colour in the same shot.[7]
EPA/WEPF international rules (2022–present)
editIn 2022, the EPA and the WEPF adopted the "International Rules" which are now used at all levels in EPA and WEPF tournaments, and by the Ultimate Pool Group.
In these rules, for a fair break the player must score 3 points, where a point is scored for each ball pocketed and for each ball which passes the halfway point of the table. The first legally potted ball decides the colours. The standard penalty for a foul is 1 visit to the table for the incoming player. There is no "free shot" rule, but the cue ball can be moved anywhere on the table following a foul. Deliberate fouls result in loss of frame, and jump shots and push shots are illegal. There is a requirement to either pot a ball or hit a cushion after first contact on each shot. Provided a player pots at least one of their own colours, it is legal to pot any number of their opponent's colour in the same shot, but this will result in loss of turn.
World championships
editThe World Eightball Pool Federation has held a World Championships since 1993, and the World Pool-Billiard Association since 2006.
WEPF World Eightball Championship
editThe following is a list of WEPF world eightball champions, sanctioned by the WEPF (World Eightball Pool Federation).
WPA World Blackball Championship
editThe following is a list of WPA world blackball champions, sanctioned by the WPA (World Pool-Billiard Association).
IPA World Blackball Championship
editThe following is a list of IPA world blackball champions, sanctioned by the IPA (International Professional Pool Association)[34]
| Date | Location | Winner | Nationality | Runner-up | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Bradford, England | Liam Dunster |  Scotland
|
Gareth Hibbott |  England
|
| Harriet Haynes | England
|
Deb Burchell | England
| ||
| 2020 | Jon McAllister | England
|
Aaron Davies | England
| |
| Amy Beauchamp[35] | England
|
Emma Cunningham |  Northern Ireland
| ||
| 2019 | Marc Farnsworth | England
|
Tom Cousins |  Wales
| |
| Emma Cunningham[36] | Northern Ireland
|
Kerry Griffiths | England
| ||
| 2018 | Ben Davies | Wales
|
Simon Ward | Wales
| |
| Michelle Roonay[37] | Northern Ireland
|
Collette Henriksen | Northern Ireland
| ||
| 2017 | Craig Marsh | Wales
|
Simon Fitzsimmons | England
| |
| Collette Henriksen[38] | Northern Ireland
|
Leanne Evans | Wales
| ||
| 2016[39][40] | Gareth Hibbott | England
|
Craig Marsh | Wales
| |
| Deb Burchell (2) | England
|
Shona Lucas | Scotland
| ||
| 2015[41] | Jack Whelan | England
|
Jason Twist | England
| |
| Deb Burchell | England
|
Shona Lucas | Scotland
| ||
| 2014[42] | Gareth Potts | England
|
Clint I'Anson | England
|
PPPO World Eightball Championship
editThe following is a list of PPPO world eightball champions, sanctioned by the PPPO (Professional Pool Players Organisation).
| Date | Location | Winner | Nationality | Runner-up | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005[43] | Bridlington, England | Ben Davies | Wales
|
Derek Murphy | Scotland
|
| 2004[44] | Andy Lucas (2) | England
|
Rob Hill | England
| |
| 2003[45] | Rob Hill | England
|
Antz Morrison | Scotland
| |
| 2002[46] | Lerwick, Scotland | Steve Sanders | England
|
Andy Lucas | England
|
| 2001 | Morecambe, England | Ross McInnes (4) | Scotland
|
Rob Chambers | England
|
| 2000 | Bridlington, England | Ross McInnes (3) | Scotland
|
Steve Sanders | England
|
| 1999 | Morecambe, England | Andy Lucas | Scotland
|
Ronan McCarthy | Northern Ireland
|
| 1998 | Ross McInnes (2) | Scotland
|
Steve Sanders | England
| |
| 1997 | Kevin Treanor | Scotland
|
Ronan McCarthy | Northern Ireland
| |
| 1996 | Ross McInnes | Scotland
|
Mark White | England
|
References
edit- ^ Shamos, Mike (1995–2005). "A Brief History of the Noble Game of Billiards". Broomfield, Colorado, USA: Billiard Congress of America. Archived from the original on 27 January 2007. Retrieved 13 December 2006.
- ^ Shamos, Michael Ian (1993). The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Billiards. New York: Lyons & Burford. p. 85. ISBN 1-55821-219-1.
- ^ UK Blackball Pool
- ^ "British vs. American Pool". Liberty Games. Retrieved 30 April 2010.
- ^ "World Eightball Pool Federation Eightball Rules" Archived February 23, 2007, at the Wayback Machine, 2004, Perth, WA, Australia
- ^ "World Pool Association [sic] Blackball Rules" Archived February 2, 2007, at the Wayback Machine, World Pool-Billiard Association, 2005.
- ^ "Blackball Rules - THE POOL COACH - 8-Ball Mastery". 3 August 2018.
- ^ "World Pool Championships Hall of Fame". World Eight-ball Pool Federation. Archived from the original on July 30, 2012. Retrieved February 1, 2012.
- ^ "World Eightball Pool Federation". www.wepf.org. Retrieved 2020-12-30.
- ^ "World Eightball Pool Federation". Archived from the original on July 18, 2014. Retrieved February 21, 2013.
- ^ "World Eightball Pool Federation". www.wepf.org. Retrieved 2020-12-30.
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on November 29, 2017. Retrieved July 5, 2017.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ "World Eightball Pool Federation". Archived from the original on July 24, 2013. Retrieved August 7, 2015.
- ^ "Men's World Pool Championships 2013". World Eight-ball Pool Federation. Archived from the original on July 24, 2013. Retrieved July 11, 2013.
- ^ "Men's World Pool Championships 2012". World Eight-ball Pool Federation. Archived from the original on July 24, 2013. Retrieved February 21, 2013.
- ^ "John wins a front Roe seat on the world Pool stage". Archived from the original on February 11, 2013.
- ^ "Men's World Pool Championships 2011". World Eight-ball Pool Federation. Archived from the original on February 10, 2012. Retrieved February 1, 2012.
- ^ "Stoke's Adam Davis wins World Eight Ball Pool title". BBC Sport.
- ^ "Hill is king of the World". World Eight-ball Pool Federation. Archived from the original on August 31, 2011. Retrieved February 1, 2012.
- ^ "All hail Harrison - King Phil's on top of the World". World Eight-ball Pool Federation. Archived from the original on September 18, 2012. Retrieved February 1, 2012.
- ^ "Men's World Pool Championships 2008". World Eight-ball Pool Federation. Retrieved February 1, 2012.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Men's World Pool Championships 2007". World Eight-ball Pool Federation. Archived from the original on September 15, 2008. Retrieved February 1, 2012.
- ^ "Men's World Pool Championships 2006". World Eight-ball Pool Federation. Archived from the original on August 16, 2008. Retrieved February 1, 2012.
- ^ "Men's World Pool Championships 2005". World Eight-ball Pool Federation. Archived from the original on September 20, 2008. Retrieved February 1, 2012.
- ^ a b "Men's World Pool Championships 2003". World Eight-ball Pool Federation. Archived from the original on October 9, 2007. Retrieved February 1, 2012.
- ^ "Men's World Pool Championships 2002". World Eight-ball Pool Federation. Archived from the original on October 12, 2007. Retrieved February 1, 2012.
- ^ "Men's World Pool Championships 2001". World Eight-ball Pool Federation. Archived from the original on October 9, 2007. Retrieved February 1, 2012.
- ^ "Blackball World Championships Men Singles".
- ^ "Blackball World Championships Women Singles".
- ^ "League Results".
- ^ "World Blackball Championships 2012 - Men's Individual Championships". Archived from the original on March 4, 2016.
- ^ "World Blackball Championships 2010 - Men's individual final". YouTube.
- ^ "The United 2008 World Championship Open Singles". Cuesport Fever.com. Archived from the original on February 16, 2012. Retrieved February 1, 2012.
- ^ "IPA Pool Tour | International Professional Pool Association". Archived from the original on June 4, 2016. Retrieved May 28, 2016.
- ^ "IPA Pool | International Professional Pool Association". Retrieved 2020-12-30.
- ^ "World Ladies". CueScore. Retrieved 2020-12-30.
- ^ "World Ladies". CueScore. Retrieved 2020-12-30.
- ^ "IPA World Championship 2017, Ladies". CueScore. Retrieved 2020-12-30.
- ^ "2016 IPA Professional World Championships". Archived from the original on June 23, 2016.
- ^ "Hibbott is crowned king but Blackball Pool is the winner at IPA Worlds | IPA Pool Tour". Archived from the original on May 19, 2016. Retrieved May 29, 2016.
- ^ "2015 IPA Professional World Championships".
- ^ "2014 IPA Professional World Championships". Archived from the original on June 27, 2016.
- ^ "2005 EUKPF Professional World Championships". Professional Pool Players Organisation. Archived from the original on July 24, 2011. Retrieved February 1, 2012.
- ^ "2004 EUKPF Professional World Championships". Professional Pool Players Organisation. Archived from the original on July 24, 2011. Retrieved February 1, 2012.
- ^ "Rob Hill - Professional World Champion!". Professional Pool Players Organisation. Archived from the original on July 24, 2011. Retrieved February 1, 2012.
- ^ "Sanders wins world singles crown - at last!". Professional Pool Players Organisation. Archived from the original on July 24, 2011. Retrieved February 1, 2012.
Further reading
edit- Alciatore, David G. (2017). The Illustrated Principles of Pool and Billiards (ebook). Union Square & Company. ISBN 9781454927914.
- Alciatore, David G. (May 2017). The Sport of Pool Billiards 1: Techniques and Training Based on PAT Part 1 (ebook). Union Square & Company. ISBN 9781454927914.
- Byrne, Robert (1998). Byrne's New Standard Book of Pool and Billiards (Paperback). Harcourt Brace & Company. ISBN 9780156005548.
- Eckert, Ralph (May 8, 2015). The Sport of Pool Billiards 1: Techniques and Training Based on PAT Part 1 (ebook). Litho. ISBN 9783941484986.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link) - Leider, Nicholas (February 12, 2010). Pool and Billiards For Dummies (ebook). For Dummies. Wiley. ISBN 9780470633946.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
External links
edit- World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) — World governing body for numerous versions of pool, including "blackball rules"
- Blackball International (BI) — Governing body and organisers of the official biennial World Blackball Championships.
- International Professional Pool Players Association (IPA) — Professional tour organisers
- World Eightball Pool Federation (WEPF)—international governing body for "world rules"
- UK Blackball Pool—United Kingdom blackball pool resource
- Blackball Australia Pool Association—Governing body for Australian Blackball Pool