8-Ball Billiards
This version of billiards is a pool game for 2 players. A total of 16 balls are played, 7 solid and 7 striped, as well as one black and one white ball.
Object of the game
The object of the game is to sink one's 7 balls in as few rounds as possible. Finally, the black ball must also be played into the right pocket.
Game start
The player who started the game opens. Before the start of the game the ball can be placed anywhere in the left quadrant.
Course of play
The first time a ball is sunk (except during the opening shot or a foul) it is decided which player will play the solid balls and which player will play striped. From this point on, a player may only play his or her own balls. As long as a player keeps sinking the balls, it is that player's turn.
Committing a foul
A player commits a foul when
- s/he sinks the white ball.
- plays no ball or the wrong ball.
- sinks the black ball too early (see immediate round end).
- less than four balls hit the edges of the table or none are sunk during the opening shot.
- no balls are sunk after the first collision with the white ball or at least one ball touches the edges.
The player fouled can place the white ball anywhere on the playing field and continue playing.
Immediate end of round
Prematurely sinking the black ball results in the immediate end of the game and the player loses. This also applies if the black ball is hit during another foul (see above), or if the black ball is sunk in the wrong pocket.
Winning the game
The first player to sink his or her own 7 balls and then correctly sink the black ball wins. If a round ends prematurely because a player commits a foul, the opponent wins.