Rules

Summary:

Played under APA 8-Ball rules with two-player teams using Scotch Doubles. Partners alternate every shot, maintaining rotation between racks. Teams must pocket all balls in their assigned group before legally pocketing the 8-ball in a marked pocket. Standard APA rules apply; shooting out of rotation is a foul.

Team Format and Shooting Order

• Each team consists of two players, tournament rules establish the maximum combined skill.
• Partners alternate every shot throughout the match.
• The first break establishes the shooting rotation.
• The lag does not count toward the shooting rotation.
• The shooting rotation continues even after a missed shot or foul.
• The rotation carries over between racks.

Example: Ashley breaks and pockets a solid. Kevin shoots next. If Kevin pockets another solid, Ashley shoots next. If Kevin misses, the opposing team shoots, but Ashley remains the next shooter for her team.

Breaking and Rotation

• Teams lag to determine the first break.
• The winner of each rack breaks the next rack.
• The partner of the player who pockets the winning 8-ball breaks the next rack.
• If a rack is conceded, the winning player's partner breaks the next rack.

Example: Ashley pockets the 8-ball to win the rack or a rack is conceded during her turn. Kevin breaks the next rack.

Shooting Out of Rotation

• Shooting out of rotation is a foul.
• The opposing team receives ball-in-hand if the foul is called before the next shot.
• If the 8-ball is pocketed on an out-of-rotation shot, the offending team loses the rack when the foul is called.
• If the opposing team does not call the foul before the next shot, ball-in-hand is forfeited.
• The incorrect shooting order becomes the new rotation for the remainder of the match, whether or not the foul was called.
• A player uncertain about the rotation may ask the opposing team before shooting. The opposing team must answer truthfully.

Coaching and Communication

• Each team receives one coaching time-out per rack.
• Partners may talk freely while neither partner is at the table shooting.
• Communication between partners during a shooting turn is considered a coaching time-out.
• A player may line up their upcoming shot without being charged a time-out.
• If the sitting partner suggests a time-out, it counts even if the shooter declines.
• If the shooter requests a time-out but the sitting partner declines, no time-out is charged.

Winning the Rack

• Teams must clear their assigned category of solids or stripes.
• The 8-ball must be pocketed on a separate shot after the assigned group is cleared.
• The intended pocket for the 8-ball must be properly marked.
• Pocketing the 8-ball early, in the wrong pocket, or fouling while pocketing the 8-ball results in loss of rack.

Standard APA 8-Ball rules apply unless otherwise stated.

See tournament details for race, matchups, skill-level limits, coaching permissions, and registration.

Summary:

Played under APA 9-Ball rules with two-player teams using Scotch Doubles. Partners alternate every shot, maintaining rotation between racks. Players must contact the lowest-numbered ball first. Balls 1–8 are worth one point each, and the 9-ball is worth two points. Standard APA rules apply unless otherwise specified below.

Team Format and Shooting Order

• Each team consists of two players.
• Partners alternate every shot throughout the match.
• The first break establishes the shooting rotation.
• The lag does not count toward the shooting rotation.
• Rotation continues following missed shots, fouls, and between racks.

Example: Ashley legally pockets the 1-ball. Kevin shoots next and must contact the lowest-numbered ball remaining on the table first.

Breaking and Rotation Between Racks

• Teams lag to determine the first break.
• The winner of each rack breaks the next rack.
• The partner of the player who legally pockets the 9-ball breaks the next rack.
• If a rack is conceded, the winning player's partner breaks the next rack.

Shooting and Ball Order

• The lowest-numbered ball on the table must be contacted first.
• Players may legally pocket other balls through combinations or caroms.
• Pockets do not need to be called.
• A legally pocketed ball allows the next partner to continue shooting.
• A legal shot that pockets the 9-ball ends the rack.

Example: Ashley contacts the 2-ball first and legally pockets the 6-ball. Kevin shoots next and must contact the 2-ball first.

Scoring

• Balls 1–8 are worth one point each.
• The 9-ball is worth two points.
• Each rack contains 10 available points.
• Legally pocketed balls earn points for the team. Illegally pocket balls stay down and are marked as dead balls.
• The first team to reach the designated points required to win wins the match.
• An object ball on the floor is immediately spotted.

Shooting Out of Rotation

• Shooting out of rotation is a foul.
• The opposing team receives ball-in-hand if the foul is called before the next shot.
• If the 9-ball is pocketed during an out-of-rotation shot, the 9-ball is spotted and the opposing team receives ball-in-hand when the foul is called.
• If the foul is not called before the next shot, ball-in-hand is forfeited.
• The incorrect shooting order becomes the new rotation for the remainder of the match, whether or not the foul was called.
• Players may ask the opposing team to confirm the correct shooting order before shooting.

Coaching and Communication

• Each team receives one coaching time-out per rack.
• Partners may converse freely when neither is at the table shooting.
• Communication during a shooting turn counts as a coaching time-out.
• A player may line up their upcoming shot without using a time-out.
• Coaching permissions may be modified by the published tournament rules.

Standard APA 9-Ball rules apply unless otherwise stated.

See tournament details for points required to win, matchups, skill-level limits, coaching permissions, and registration.

Summary:

Fast 8 is a shortened version of APA 8-Ball played with four solids, four stripes, and the 8-ball. Players clear their assigned group in any order before legally pocketing the 8-ball in a marked pocket. An 8-ball pocketed on the break is a win unless otherwise specified in the Tournament Details. Standard APA 8-Ball rules apply except for the published Fast 8 modifications.

Game Format

• Fast 8 is played with nine object balls and a cue ball.
• The rack consists of four solids, four stripes, and the 8-ball. Any combination of balls may be used.
• The balls are arranged in a diamond, with the 8-ball in the center and alternating wing balls.
• Players are assigned solids or stripes.
• Players may pocket balls from their assigned category in any order.

Breaking

• Players lag to determine the first break.
• The winner of each rack breaks the next rack.
• Standard APA 8-Ball breaking requirements apply.
• A legally pocketed 8-ball on the break is a win.
• An 8-ball pocketed on the break with a cue-ball scratch is an automatic loss.
• Scratch on the break is ball-in-hand behind the head string

Fouls and Ball-in-Hand

• Standard APA 8-Ball fouls apply.
• Scratching or failing to legally contact the correct object ball is a foul.
• A normal-play foul gives the opponent ball-in-hand anywhere on the table.

Winning the Rack

• A team/player must legally pocket all four balls in their assigned category.
• The 8-ball must be pocketed in a properly marked pocket on a separate shot.
• Pocketing the 8-ball before clearing the assigned group results in loss of rack.
• Pocketing the 8-ball in the wrong pocket or fouling while pocketing it results in loss of rack.

Standard APA 8-Ball rules apply unless modified by the selected Fast 8 rules.

See tournament details for race, matchups, skill-level limits, and registration.

Summary:

Fast Saratoga is a shortened 8-Ball variation using solids 1–4, stripes 9–12, and the 8-ball. Players are assigned solids or stripes and must contact the lowest-numbered remaining ball in their group first. Once their group is cleared, they must legally pocket the 8-ball in a marked pocket. Modified APA rules apply.

Game Format

• Fast Saratoga is played with nine object balls and a cue ball.
• The rack contains solids 1, 2, 3, and 4; stripes 9, 10, 11, and 12; and the 8-ball.
• The balls are arranged in a diamond with the 8-ball in the center and 1 ball in front.
• Players are assigned solids or stripes based on normal APA rules.
• Unlike regular 8-Ball, players must contact the lowest-numbered remaining ball in their assigned group first.

Breaking

• Players lag to determine the first break.
• The winner of each rack breaks the next rack.
• An 8-ball pocketed on the break is counted as a win unless otherwise described in Tournament Details.
• A Scratch on a legal break gives the opponent ball-in-hand anywhere on the table, no kitchen.

Establishing Groups

• Players are assigned solids or stripes using the selected APA 8-Ball group-assignment rules.
• While the table remains open, the lowest-numbered eligible solid or stripe must be contacted first.
• After groups are established, a player must contact the lowest-numbered remaining ball in their assigned group first.
• Balls may be pocketed through legal combinations or caroms.
• The lowest-numbered ball does not necessarily have to be pocketed for the shot to be legal.

Example: A player assigned solids has balls 1, 3, and 4 remaining. The cue ball must contact the 1-ball first. If the player legally pockets the 3-ball through a combination, the 1-ball remains the required first-contact ball on the next shot.

Fouls and Ball-in-Hand

• Failing to contact the lowest-numbered eligible ball first is a foul.
• Standard APA ball-in-hand foul rules apply.
• After a foul is confirmed, the opponent receives ball-in-hand anywhere on the table.
• Illegally pocketed balls stay down, the opponent received ball-in-hand.

Winning the Rack

• A player must legally pocket all four balls in their assigned category.
• The 8-ball must be pocketed in a properly marked pocket on a separate shot.
• Pocketing the 8-ball before clearing the assigned category results in loss of rack.
• Pocketing the 8-ball in the wrong pocket or fouling while pocketing it results in loss of rack.

Modified APA rules apply unless otherwise stated.

See tournament details for race, matchups, skill-level limits, and registration.

Description:

The highest skill player on the team must play with one eye covered! You may choose which eye to cover and may switch between shots, as long as one eye remains covered while shooting. The goal is to challenge your depth perception, not your patience. No added fouls if your patch slips - just fix it before your next shot. If players are the same skill, they must choose one player to take the patch for the entirety of the round.

Spirit of the Rule:

We’re testing your focus and adaptability. Whether you look like a pirate or a confused cyclops, as long as one eye is covered when you shoot, you’re good to go.

Standard APA Rules Apply:

Fast Saratoga format

Race to Two

Standard APA Ball-in-Hand rules

Players must shoot in rotation

Lag for the first break

8 on the break counts as a win

Mark your pocket on the 8-ball

Description:

Hold a balloon between your legs for the entire match. If the balloon falls or pops, you must replace it before your next shot. If it pops during your stroke, chalk it up as luck and keep shooting — we’ll all laugh about it later.

You may remove the balloon while it’s not your turn at the table or when you’re headed to the bathroom. We’re competitive, not cruel.

Spirit of the Rule:

Balance, control, and composure are tested here. You’ll quickly learn whether you have the leg strength of a champion—or if your balloon’s got more pressure than you do.

Standard APA Rules Apply:

Fast Saratoga format

Race to Two

Standard APA Ball-in-Hand rules

Players must shoot in rotation

Lag for the first break

8 on the break counts as a win

Mark your pocket on the 8-ball

Description:

You may dance or move with glow sticks in your opponent’s line of sight, but not directly in their face. Maintain at least a few feet of distance. You may not verbally distract or insult the shooter — even if they’re on your own team and making an idiotic shot. Keep it fun, keep it glowing, and keep it legal.

Spirit of the Rule:

This is about playful chaos, not harassment. Channel your inner disco-ball menace. The better your rhythm, the more you’ll live rent-free in your opponent’s head..

Standard APA Rules Apply:

Fast Saratoga format

Race to Two

Standard APA Ball-in-Hand rules

Players must shoot in rotation

Lag for the first break

8 on the break counts as a win

Mark your pocket on the 8-ball

Description:

Each player gets a mini traffic cone, at any point you may use yours to block a pocket. The catch is, you block it for the whole table. Once claimed, it’s closed for the remainder of that rack. Cones are cleared between racks.

If a ball falls into a closed pocket, it’s a ball-in-hand foul, the ball is spotted immediately.

Spirit of the Rule:

This one’s all about control and tactics. The right block can turn an easy run into a nightmare. The wrong one might come back to bite you.

Standard APA Rules Apply:

Fast Saratoga format

Race to Two

Standard APA Ball-in-Hand rules + pocketing your category into a pocket claimed by the opponent.

Players must shoot in rotation

Lag for the first break

8 on the break counts as a win

Mark your pocket on the 8-ball