Where is the penalty ball placed in Russian billiards? Russian billiards

Russian billiards, better known as “Pyramid”, is a collective image of various types of billiard games, in particular pocket billiards. The main rule and requirement is the size of the table and balls established by the Federal Reserve Bank; the arrangement plays no less important:

  • The table should be 3.6 meters long and 1.8 meters wide;
  • The diameter of the billiard ball should be 6.8-7 cm;
  • The size of the pockets located in the corner is 7.3 cm;
  • The size of the pockets located in the middle is 8.1 cm;
  • Billiard balls are placed as closely as possible to each other using a special triangle;
  • The center front ball must be positioned so that it is on the back line. In this case, the pyramidal one has a parallel arrangement in relation to the rear side.
  1. According to the rules of Russian billiards, shots are made longitudinally using a cue stick. It is important that at least one billiard player’s foot is firmly planted on the floor.
  2. Balls must be stationary. If the ball was pocketed illegally, without prior ordering, or simply jumped out of the playing field, then it is put back.
  3. The blow is considered completed only when all the balls stop.
  4. Incorrectly executed strikes will result in a fine. These include a double shot, executed so that the cue sticker touches the breaking ball twice. Pushed - when not only the cue ball is pushed in parallel, but also the object ball, as well as a push or miss.

All billiard players are located near the front side, but on different sides of the longitudinal line. You can choose a place for yourself by discussing it with each other, or by drawing lots. In the “home” area, each participant in the game places a ball, after which a simultaneous blow is struck and sent to the back side. The right to choose goes to the billiard player whose ball, after touching the back side, is closest to the front board. The rules of Russian billiards also provide for losing the game.

A loss in a draw occurs in situations where the ball:

  • Didn't touch the back side;
  • Touched the long side of the table;
  • Went beyond the boundaries of the longitudinal line;
  • Got into a pocket hole, or jumped off the playing field.

Types of balls in Russian billiards

Played- this is a ball that, after a successful shot, ends up in the pocket. Then this participant in the game has the right to take another hit.

Hung– if the ball ends up in the pocket after the billiard player completes his “move” due to the fact that the table has shaken, then this shot does not count, and the ball returns to its original place.

Jumped out– this is what they call a ball that has left the table. If this was an object ball, then it is simply placed on the back mark again, and no penalties are imposed on the participant in the game. In situations where the cue ball has left the table, the billiard player is fined, and previously scored goals are not taken into account.

Unordered balloons - installation rules

According to the rules of Russian billiards: if the balls were pocketed outside the rules or left the table during the game, then they are placed by the referee on the back line of the field. If this position is occupied, then such balls are placed as close and longitudinally as possible, but not close, to the blocking ball, adhering to the direction of the back edge of the table. When occupying these positions, the balls are placed near central zone playing field.

The rules of Russian billiards provide for the imposition of fines in following cases:

  • If the hit made was made by any part of the cue other than the sticker;
  • If a subsequent strike is made to complete an earlier move;
  • When the cue ball leaves the playing field;
  • During a double blow, pushing, pressing;
  • When extinguishing balls using foreign objects or body parts;
  • If the shot is played on the cue ball which is outside the home court;
  • If the billiard player does not follow the rules of wagering, or misses.

Rules of the American game

This type of Russian billiards is very popular among players. In this case, the cue ball is within the home portion of the playing field, but not on the home line. When breaking the pyramid, the player is allowed to choose any ball that will play the role of a cue ball. If the object ball hits the pocket along with the cue ball, the shot is valid (provided that both balls touch). The billiard player who scores eight balls first wins.

Russian billiards: general rules

Russian billiards has about forty varieties.

In our country, it existed semi-legally for a long time; no competitions were officially held. In every city and in every billiard room they played differently. After the creation of the Billiard Sports Federation in the late 80s, the need arose to unify the rules of the game, to develop unified system holding tournaments, refereeing. The very rules of the game are generalized: both general ones, characterizing the game aspects characteristic of all types of Russian billiards, and those related to each of the three traditional types - the “Russian” and “Moscow” pyramids, “American”.

The rules of the game and competitions in Russian billiards were officially approved by the National Federation of Billiard Sports in 1994. The cue ball must be struck with the front of the cue stick in the direction of its longitudinal axis, with at least one player's foot touching the floor. Carrying out a kick in any other way is penalized.

Kickoff play

The right to the first strike in a match is determined as a result drawing. Positioned on opposite sides of the longitudinal line of the table, the players simultaneously make strokes with their hands from the house, directing their cue balls to the back board. The winner is the player whose ball, reflected from him, stops closer to the front one: The rally is considered automatically lost if the cue ball did not touch the back side, went into the opponent's half, fell into a pocket or jumped over the side. If both opponents violated the rules or both cue balls stopped at the same distance from the board, then the rally is repeated.

The winner of the rally has the right to either make the initial kick himself or give it to his opponent. In subsequent games, the order is observed. Before the last decisive game, the game is repeated again.

Ball placement

Before the start of the game, fifteen object balls are placed close to each other using a triangle pyramids with the top at the back mark and the base parallel to the short side.

Kickoff (“from the hand and from home”)

When performing this shot, it is prohibited to carry the body beyond the extension of the outer side of the long side, and also to place the cue ball behind the house line.

The cue ball is considered to be in play after it is struck cue sticker. When playing from hand balls played into opposite corners, as well as those that fell into other pockets as a result of this shot, are counted. A shot from the hand is also performed in other cases stipulated by these rules: the cue ball fell into a pocket or jumped over the side (“Russian”, “Moscow” pyramids), while striking is allowed only on balls located outside the house.

If all object balls are located in the house, then the blow is made from the opposite side of the table, which in this case serves as a temporary house, limited by the back line.

Balls played

Balls are considered played (pocketed) if they fall into the pockets as a result of a correct shot. A ball reflected from a pocket onto the playing surface of the table remains in play. Object ball A player that falls into a pocket as a result of being deliberately rolled down the board is not counted and is scored in accordance with the rules of the particular game, and no penalty is imposed.

Popped balls

Jumped overboard Balls that stop after hitting outside the playing surface of the table (on the board, on the floor, etc.) are considered. The ball remains in play if it hits any stationary billiard equipment ( top part sides, pocket bracket, lighting fixture, etc.), independently returns to the playing surface.

If the ball touches any other object outside the table (cue, chalk, clothing, etc.), then it is considered to have jumped out even if it then returns to the playing surface. Popped object balls are placed after the shot is completed in accordance with the rules of each particular game. In this case, no penalty is imposed, and correctly pocketed balls are counted.

If it jumps overboard cue ball, the player is penalized and pocketed balls are not counted. When playing American, the cue ball is placed on a general basis. When playing “Moscow” and “Russian Pyramid”, the opponent entering the game hits the cue ball from his hand from home.

Fielding balls

All incorrectly pocketed and popped balls are awarded in accordance with the rules of each specific game. All exposed balls are considered object balls.

Ball position

The position of the ball is determined by the position of the center ball. A ball that is exactly on the house line is considered to be outside the house.

Start and end of the kick

The strike begins from the moment the cue sticker touches the cue ball and ends after all the balls have completely stopped on the playing surface of the table. A ball rotating in place is considered to be moving.

Hit someone nearby

Hit someone nearby object ball(no more than 1/2 the radius of the ball), as well as located close to the cue ball, must be cut at an angle of 45° or more away from the center line, or in such a way that the cue ball stops in place after impact, rolls back or goes into side without crossing the penalty zone lines. A player is penalized for making an illegal kick.

Entering the opponent's game

The opponent enters the game after the previous shot did not play a single ball, or there was a violation of the rules.

Fines

Fines are imposed in the following cases:

If the cue ball does not touch any of the object balls upon impact;

If after a hit the cue ball jumps overboard:

If another blow is made before the previous blow is completed;

If, when hitting the cue ball, none of the player’s feet touches the floor;

When touching any ball on the playing surface of the table before, during or after hitting it with a cue, machine, hand, clothing, etc.;

For making an illegal shot on the cue ball;

When hitting a nearby object ball incorrectly;

For performing a push shot on an object ball distant from the cue ball by more than 1/2 of the ball's radius, when the player excessively delays the contact time of the cue sticker with the cue ball and simultaneously pushes the cue ball and the played object ball;

In a double shot, when the cue stick touches the cue ball twice;

For performing a push shot, when the cue ball presses the object ball away from the board;

If, when hitting from the house, the cue ball touches any object ball located in the house;

When striking not with a cue ball (“Russian” and “Moscow” pyramids);

When the cue ball falls into a pocket (“Russian Pyramid”);

If played incorrectly (“American”);

If, when hitting from home, the player, despite the referee’s warning, takes the cue ball beyond the house line, moves the body beyond the extension of the outer side of the long board, or makes a shot from the opposite side of the table;

When interfering with an opponent's game.

If several violations of the rules are committed when performing one blow, then the fine will be charged in a single amount. Balls pocketed in violation of the rules are not counted and are awarded in accordance with the rules of each specific game.

Hanging balls

If a ball, hanging in the pocket in a position of unstable balance, remains motionless for five seconds or more after the completion of the stroke, and then falls into the pocket, then the referee restores it to its original place and the game continues. The same is done in the case when a suspended ball falls into a pocket after a clear push or shake of the billiard table. If the hanging ball falls into the pocket before five seconds have elapsed after the completion of the strike, then it is considered to have fallen into the pocket as a result of the strike and the game continues on a general basis.

If a player hits a suspended object ball with his cue ball, and the latter falls into the pocket before impact, the referee restores the original position and the shot is repeated. In this case, no fine is imposed.

"Blind" position

If the balls are grouped near one of the pockets and the pocket turns out to be blocked, as well as in other cases when, after a long series of “winning back”, the position on the table does not fundamentally change, which leads to unjustified delay of the game, the judge, after warning the players, has the right to place The object balls remaining on the table are in the shape of a pyramid (shortened pyramid) with the apex at the back mark.

The right to next strike is determined by the rally, and play continues from the hand at home.

Outsider intervention

If during play the balls are moved as a result of the intervention of any unauthorized person (either directly or through some influence on the player taking the stroke), the referee will restore the original position and the stroke will be replayed without penalty. The same is done in the event of any other emergency circumstances: a gust of wind, a falling lighting fixture, an accident, etc. If an outsider deliberately interferes with the game, the game is suspended until he leaves the competition venue.

Rival interference

If the player's opponent touches the ball, displaces or stops any ball, he is penalized. The position is restored by the referee and the game continues. If at the same time the opponent stops the ball being played moving towards the pocket, then the ball is considered played and the player makes a subsequent shot.

Interference is considered to be any action by an opponent aimed at distracting the player’s attention and interfering with his strike.

If the opponent interferes with the game intentionally, then the referee acts in accordance with the section “Unsportsmanlike Conduct”.

Deliberately delaying the game

If the player, in the opinion of the referee, is deliberately delaying the game, then the referee, after warning, has the right to impose a one-minute time limit on the preparation and execution of the strike.


"Small Russian Pyramid"

The game is played with 16 balls. Fifteen white balls are numbered from 1 to 15 points. The sixteenth ball - the cue ball can be colored or striped, noticeably different from other balls.

The balls are placed in a pyramid in a strictly defined order. At the top of the pyramid, at the third point of the table there is a “four” (frontal ball), on the sides of the base of the pyramid there are “two” and “three”, and the largest balls - “13”, “14”, “15” - are in the center of the pyramid . With this arrangement, after breaking the pyramid, as a rule, only the outer balls with low numbers will roll out, and the large ones will remain in the middle of the pyramid.

The sum of all numbers marked on the balls is 120 points. 10 is added to the number of the ball with a “one” (“Ace”), and 10 is also added to the last remaining ball, regardless of the number printed on it.

As a result, the total score is 140.

The game is played with only one, “your” ball. The winner is the one who scores 71 points first. If one player scores 70 points (“his own”), then even if his partner lays the last ball in the game, a draw is recorded.

Sometimes three or even four people play. This happens in friendly meetings at leisure, when there are many people who want to play, but there are few tables. When playing with three players, 10 points are added to the “2” ball, and then there will be 150 points in the pyramid. To win, one of the partners needs to score 51 points. If all three have played 50 points, it is a draw.

When playing with four players (each for himself) to total number 10 more points are added to the pyramid. This time to the “3” ball. Thus, the total amount of points in the pyramid is equal to 160. The winner is the one who first scores 41 points. A draw is possible if each player has 40 points.

Before the start of the game, you should agree on the terms of the game. One of these conditions is how to order balls: a strict order “for pure purpose” or “ball-pocket”.

When playing “for its intended purpose” before hitting, the player accurately names the number of the ball, the pocket where he wants to put the ball, and also explains how the ball should fall (from such and such a ball, such and such balls, apricot, ball or balls, and which ones, what kind of doublet etc.).

Ball-pocket game provides for the exact assignment of the number of the ball and pocket being played. How the ball approaches the pocket does not matter.

Another condition of the game may be a handicap that a stronger player will give to another. This handicap is usually 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 and even 35 points. At the same time, young athletes are not recommended to get used to reinsurance against loss by demanding points in advance. A handicap reduces the quality of the game, weakens the player’s will and composure, and interferes with concentration. A handicap is justified mainly when teams meet in friendly tournaments or during games of partners of different classes.

Order must be said loudly, clearly and before impact.

If the designated ( custom) ball, all other balls that fell into the pockets as a result of the same shot are counted as played, regardless of the time of their fall in relation to the fall of the “ordered” ball. When there is only one ball left in the billiards, you do not need to call its number.

If the ball hits the inside wall of the pocket and bounces back onto the table, it is not counted and is left where it stopped. Who starts the game in the first game is determined by lot. In the future, the winner of the previous game starts the game. During the game you are allowed to use cues of different lengths, typewriter And ointment.

Penalties

There are penalties when playing pyramid:

a) 5 points, which are deducted from the offender’s account and added to the partner’s account;

b) placing a ball placed in a pocket on the table.

Errors for which a penalty of 5 points is assigned:

a) the cue ball falls into the pocket;

b) the cue ball jumped out when hit overboard;

c) the strike was made by mistake with a ball other than “yours”;

d) the cue ball did not touch the target ball and did not touch any of the balls on the table (including on the very first hit);

e) the blow is made not with a sticker, but with a turnik or the side of the cue;

c) during the strike, the partner touched (touched) any ball with a cue, clothing, hand, etc.;

g) a blow while the balls are moving from a previous blow;

h) touching the balls by a player who mistakenly considered the game over;

i) direct hit to the ball located in the “house” when playing “from hand”.

In case of errors provided for in paragraphs a) and b), in addition to a fine of 5 points, if the “ordered” balls fall into the pocket at the same time, they are not counted and are placed on the third point of the table. If the point is occupied, then go to the short side on the inside of the pyramid.

Sometimes the errors noted in paragraphs e) and f) are not penalized by prior mutual agreement between the partners. However, in order to develop accuracy among athletes and improve the culture of play, it is advisable to fine these mistakes.

If one of the partners, after a successful hit, considers that he has a game and mixes the remaining balls (point “h”), then the position of the balls is restored, the game continues, the blow goes to the opponent.

Errors after which the played ball is not counted:

a) the ball is placed by an illegal blow (“pushed”, “pressed”);

b) when playing hand-held, part of the player’s body and legs protrude beyond the line of the long side;

c) during the strike, the partner, leaning on the edge of the table, does not touch the floor with his feet.

In all of the above cases, the penalty is limited to the fact that the played ball is placed on the table on a general basis. The blow passes to the partner. If all the balls are in the “house”, and you need to play “from your hands”, then the “depth” of the table, located in the area of ​​the third point, becomes the temporary “home”.


"American"

The game is played with sixteen balls. You can play with any ball on the table. The first one to place eight balls wins.

Before the game starts, fifteen balls are placed in a pyramid without taking into account their numbers. In general, the rules of the “Small Russian Pyramid” are observed.

The difference is that after the first blow "from the hands" from

“at home” you can play with any ball, any ball, and also

put in the pocket “your” ball from the ball or balls. Order

there is no need to pocket and nominate balls. It doesn't matter how many sha-

the ditch will fall with one hit, unless there is a penalty.

The fine is levied in the form of a ball from the partner's shelf, up to

who made a mistake, or “future” balls, if possible

He has no penalty kicks played.

The ball removed from the shelf is placed on the table tightly to the

short side where the pyramid is placed.

The fine will be charged:

a) at any touch (with a cue, hand, clothing, etc.) of any ball by a player before, after and during the stroke;

b) when struck with a turnik or the side of a cue;

c) in case of a miss, when “your” ball does not touch any of the balls;

d) when the balls are touched by a player who mistakenly considered the game over;

e) upon impact while the balls are still moving from the previous impact;

c) when “one’s own” or “someone else’s” ball goes overboard and is hit.

If, in violation of the rules under points “a”, “b”, “d”, and “c”, a ball (balls) was pocketed at the same time, then they are also placed on the table.

The partner is not allowed to play with the penalty balls immediately (except for the case when only penalty balls remain on the table). A draw can be recorded with the mutual consent of the partners, provided that both have put in seven balls.

An important thing in “American” is a skillfully executed initial shot, since in the case of placing the first ball with a shot “from the hands” and a successful composition of the rest, an experienced player can either finish the game with a “robbery” or play several balls in a row.

If there is a noticeable difference in the class of play between the partners, a handicap may be established. The stronger player always breaks the pyramid.

The handicap is given in two ways:

a) the partner giving the handicap breaks the pyramid, and after the end of the stroke, removes the agreed number of balls from the table (which he chooses at his own discretion) and gives them to the partner receiving the handicap;

b) partners agree on how many balls to play for each: for example, the one giving a handicap is ten balls, and the one receiving six, etc.

Wagering when playing “American” is more difficult than in “Small Russian Pyramid”, since even a minor mistake when placing the balls in an inconvenient position for play can lead to their partner playing them.

The game of “American” is more lively, compared to “Pyramid”, it develops the ability to perform a variety of types of strikes, making extensive use of the lateral rotation of “one’s own” (effe).

It is not allowed to use a machine, ointment or long cue.


"Moscow Pyramid"

This game appeared in our country in the early 60s and has now become widespread.

Sometimes it is simply called “Moscow”. It simultaneously contains elements of both the “Small Russian Pyramid” and “The American”.

The game is played with sixteen balls. Fifteen balls are placed in a pyramid without taking into account numbers.

The winner is the one who puts eight balls into the pockets first. There is no need to order pockets or assign balls.

The game, as in the “Pyramid”, is played with only one cue ball, which differs from other balls in color or in mutually perpendicular stripes applied to it.

But, unlike the “Pyramid”, the cue ball can be played into pockets from a ball or several balls, including when breaking the pyramid with a blow from the hands.

Each pocketing of “one’s own” means that one ball is added to the player’s asset. This ball, of his choice, is removed from the table by his partner and given to the player who pocketed the cue ball. If, when the cue ball is pocketed, other balls fall into the pocket nets, then all of them are counted as correct. The player who has put “his” in the pocket takes the ball out of the net with his hand, places it at any point of the “house” at his discretion and continues the game with a “hand” shot on a general basis.

The fine is levied by putting one ball out of the shelf of the player who made the mistake or by counting the “future” balls if at the time of this mistake he did not have any balls in his asset. The ball removed from the shelf is placed on the table to the short side on the side of the pyramid.

Fine in the form of one ball is collected:

a) whenever the player touches any ball with his hand, clothing, etc. before, after or while making a strike;

b) when hitting the cue ball with a gournyak or the side of the cue;

c) when striking during an unfinished movement of the balls from the previous strike;

d) in case of a miss, when “one’s own” did not touch any of the balls:

e) when “your” ball goes overboard:

c) when both legs are lifted off the floor during the impact.

If one or more balls are played during a violation under points a), e) and f), the latter are not counted, are removed from the pockets and placed at the short side in the area of ​​the third point.

Unlike “American”, in this game one of the effective and at the same time relatively safe shots is playing “your own” into the corner pocket on a quiet shot. When playing American, if the cue ball does not fall into the pocket, it is almost certainly substituted for playing by his partner. Here, on the contrary, “your” ball, stuck in a pocket or finding itself close to it, becomes in an inconvenient position for play.

The conditions under which a handicap can be given to equalize the chances of the game are identical to the conditions for playing American.

During the game you are allowed to use cues of different lengths, a machine and a wax. The “Moscow Pyramid” will provide a good opportunity to use both simple and complex strikes in the game, as well as widely use playback, exit and all types of side strikes.


"Yaroslavl Pyramid"

When playing the “Yaroslavl Pyramid” you should be guided by the rules of the “Moscow Pyramid” and the following rules.

Purpose of the game

Shoot 8 balls out of 16, or 5 out of 10.

Balls used

The game begins with a colored cue ball hitting from home. A shot with the white ball to and from the cue ball must be played.

Ball placement

"House" is one. This means that if you need to play from the “home” in a position where all the balls are only at the “home”, a “cue ball” shot is required, in which the “cue ball” must cross the “home” line.

Kickoff

The initial blow is made “from the hand” from the “house”.

Playing the game

The following are considered scored:

Any “foreign” ball that is “cue ball”;

A ball when the cue ball itself is pocketed by any ball;

Any ball pocketed by the “brother-in-law” from the “cue ball”;

A ball played by the cue ball from any ball.

In cases where the cue ball itself is pocketed, the partner removes any ball from the field to the distinguished player, and he continues the game from home.

Fielding balls

From "home" the ball is played:

To the far corner pockets - with any blow;

In the middle ones - from the board, with the ball and from the ball;

Into the corner pockets located in the “house”, with any blow after which the “cue ball” first crosses the “home” line.

Fines for violations

a) if the player does not play the ball when playing on the cue ball and away from the cue ball;

b) misses the ball;

c) when playing “in hand” from “home”, any ball that is pocketed into the middle pocket without the cue ball touching the side before hitting the ball is penalized;

d) hitting a white ball with a white ball.


"Neva Pyramid"

When playing “Neva Pyramid” you should be guided by the “General Rules”, the rules of the game “Moscow Fast Pyramid”, as well as the following rules.

Purpose of the game

Be the first to pot eight balls.

Balls used

Cue ball and fifteen object balls. The cue ball must differ from the object balls in color or special markings.

Ball placement

Fifteen object balls are arranged in a pyramid shape with the apex at the back mark.

Initial kick (“from the hand” from “home”)

This kick is allowed to be made from any position, including going beyond the outer side of the long side, but not going beyond the extension of the front line (the “home” line). With a correct shot, the weight of the ball played into any pocket is counted after the cue ball leaves the “house” or comes into contact with an object ball located outside the “house”.

Playing the game

The game comes with a double order, that is, you can order both “sing” and “alien” balls at the same time; the order is counted if even one ball falls.

During the game, after any ordered ball is played, any accidentally dropped balls are counted as a winner.

After pocketing “his” ball, the player places “his” ball on any place on the table, always under “someone else’s” ball, i.e. plays “from his hand”.

If, when playing “from your hand”, “your” ball falls together with the “foreign” one, then “your” is counted and the next blow is again made from your hand.

If, when playing “from hand”, only “your” ball falls, and not “someone else’s”, then this is not a penalty, but the blow from “hand” goes to the opponent.

Fielding balls

All incorrectly pocketed, popped-out balls, as well as balls removed from the shelf for a penalty, are placed on the back mark (third point). If this place is occupied, then the balls are placed on a longitudinal line as close as possible (but not close) to the interfering ball towards the backboard, and if this line is also occupied, then towards the central mark. If several balls are placed at the same time, they are placed close to each other.

Fines for violations

For each violation of the rules, the player is charged a fine of one ball. If a player has no balls pocketed at the time of the violation, the penalty will be assessed after the first ball he pockets.


"Alager"

When playing “Alager”, you should be guided by the “General Rules”, as well as the rules specially developed for this game.

Balls used

It is played with two balls, one white and one colored - red, striped, etc.

Number of players

An unlimited number of players, but not less than two, can participate in Alager.

Draw

To determine who will play with what number, a draw is carried out. To do this, pyramid balls are selected based on the number of players; everyone surrounds the pool table.

One of the players, standing at the short side, mixes the prepared balls and then immediately rolls them all over the billiards. Whoever takes which ball is registered for the game under that number.


The recording is made on the board in the order of the numbers taken, which cannot be changed.

Kickoff

The one who receives the first number takes one of the two balls and places it on any place in the “house”. This is where the first strike is made. The goal is to place your ball as close as possible to the opposite short board, thereby making it difficult for the partner playing next to put this ball in the pocket.

The second partner also places his ball on any place in the “house” and from here has the right to play the opponent’s ball anywhere.

Sequence of hits

Each participant has the right to only one hit, after which the next partner plays. And so on, in order of numbers.

Losing and returning to the game

The player, when his ball is successfully played by the next partner, receives a cross, which is placed on the board opposite his number. The one who receives the agreed number of crosses leaves the party. Usually it is agreed to play up to no less than two crosses and no more than four.

The first player to leave the game has the right to join it again after the last partner, that is, to join, but with the condition that he equalizes the number of crosses with the partner who has the largest number.

It is allowed to attribute several eliminated players. The number of the latter depends on the condition, but when three remain, addition is not allowed. Each dropout has the right to be assigned (according to the conditions) only at the moment he received the last cross. Late addition is not permitted.

If the number of players is even, then at the end of the circle each player will play with their own specific ball, but if the number of players is odd, then their balls will change all the time.

Fines

If a player misses, puts his ball in a pocket, knocks it overboard, plays with a ball that is not his own, puts out his own ball or the opponent’s ball with a cue, machine, hand, and so on, for all this he will receive a cross.

If the player places the ball and at the same time makes a free kick, then the placed ball does not count, and the player is given a cross. Two crosses cannot be recorded at the same time.

A ball placed by an illegal blow (pushed or pressed) is not counted. The ball that falls into the pocket is placed on the first spot. The ball that was played with remains in its place. The blow passes to the partner.

Strike out of turn

You can offer to put the ball out of turn, committing to play it for sure. In case of failure, the risker is assigned a cross.

A strong player usually does this, seeing that a weaker player may not play an easy ball, and also to avoid one player playing along with another.

If the player does not want to let the other player play out of turn, then he must place the ball himself. If he doesn’t, he gets a cross.

End of the game

The game ends when all participants, with the exception of one, have received the agreed number of crosses and left the game. This one, the last one, is considered the winner.

If, after the end of the first game, the participants wish to play another one, they should definitely cast a second lot in order to increase interest in the game, in particular, to change the disadvantageous order for the weakest, when the strongest play behind them or behind some of them all the time.

It is allowed to play with a machine, mazik, long and short cues.

A game in Alager can end in a win or a loss, there cannot be a draw.


"American Billiards"

Pool, or “American billiards,” differs in many ways from Russian. All American tables are standard. Their length is 3.6 m, width 1.85 m and height 85 cm. Russian craftsmen made tables from 3 to 4 m long, and the length of modern ones is from 1.5 to 3 m.

They also differ in flooring. For American and our antique tables, the flooring consists of stone slabs. Today, Americans use metal and plastics for this purpose. The base of our tables is chipboard, or at best concrete. We still use woolen cloth to cover tables, but Americans have long switched to synthetics, on which the ball rolls almost without encountering resistance. The sides of American tables are protected by elastic rubber, which throws the ball over long distances.

Our tires are very hard.

The biggest difference between American tables is the size of the pockets. Our pocket width is 72–76 mm, while the Americans have a standard pocket width of 88.9 mm. (We play mainly with balls with a diameter of 70 mm, and the Americans - 52.5 mm).

On our tables the pocket jaws are sharp, on American tables they are rounded (in addition, Americans cut the rubber by 2-3 mm in depth at a distance of up to 100 mm from the pocket, which helps the ball go into the pocket better).

The Americans also made many innovations in table layout. From our billiards markings, only two points have been preserved - the central one and the point on which the pyramid is placed. The “home” point is located on the longitudinal line of the table and is located at a distance of 73.6 cm from the short side. At this distance, a “house” line is drawn across the billiards. From the “home” point, a semicircle with a radius of 29.2 cm is drawn until it intersects with the “home” line.

The two points formed at the intersection of the line are necessary for playing snooker, and the area of ​​the semicircle is the place where the cue ball is placed when playing in hand. There is also a point located on the central longitudinal line at a distance of 32.4 cm from the short side. A red ball is placed on it when playing American billiards.

The balls are made of plastic. Their diameter is 52.5 mm. Billiards is played with 3 balls: 2 white - cue balls (one of them with a dot), and a red one. Snooker is played with 22 balls: 15 red, 6 colored (yellow, green, brown, blue, pink, black) and 1 white cue ball.

The cue is made of wood, most often maple.

The shortest length is 91 cm, the average is 1.5 m. Cue cues are often made folding from two halves. The diameter of the turnip is up to 30 mm, and the thin end is 10 mm. Apply stickers different types, chalk them after each blow. Putting chalk on the table is strictly prohibited - Americans keep it in their pocket.


Basic concepts when playing pool

The beginning of the table is the short side on the home side, as well as the side where the points counter is installed.

The end of the table is a short side opposite the beginning of the table.

The pyramid point is the point located in the center of the line connecting the second diamonds on the long sides from the end of the table.

Line - a line connecting the second diamonds on the long sides from the beginning of the table.

Home is the area located behind the “line” from the beginning of the table. The “home” point is the point located in the center of the “line”.

The cue ball is a white ball with which all shots are made.


"Eight"

Purpose of the game

“Eight” is a custom game played with a cue ball (white ball). One player pockets solid-colored balls (1-7), the other - striped ones (9-15). The winner is the player who potted all the balls in his group and placed ball number 8 according to the order.

Installation of balls

The eighth ball is placed in the center of the pyramid. Colored and striped balls alternate, placing balls of different groups in the corners of the pyramid.

Ball robbery

The cue ball must be pocketed from behind the home line or brought at least 4 balls to the boards. Failure to comply with this condition is an error.

In this case, the partner can: continue the game from this position: do the break again or ask the partner about it. Getting the cue ball into the pocket during a break is a mistake.

The object ball flew overboard during the robbery - a mistake. The partner either continues the game or plays from behind the “house line”.

If during a break the 8th ball falls into the pocket, then the partner places the pyramid again and breaks the balls, or places the 8th ball on the back point and plays from this position. If the 8th ball and cue ball fall at the same time, the partner can re-break the pyramid or place the 8th ball on the back point and play from behind the home line.

Ball selection

After a robbery, the table is always “open”. The choice occurs when the player pockets the ball as ordered.

Correct shot

You need to pocket the ball, bring the cue ball or object ball to the side.

If the cue ball hits the board first and then the object ball, the cue ball or object ball must then touch the boards.

Object balls that pop out are a mistake. They are installed on the back point in ascending order of the ball number along the longitudinal line to the short side.

The cue ball missed the object ball;

When the cue ball hits the object ball, neither one or the other touches the sides;

The cue ball falls into the pocket;

The cue ball flies overboard;

The partner touches any ball with something;

The player hits the ball when the balls have not yet stopped.

In case of any mistake, the partner plays “from his hand”, that is, he places the cue ball on any place on the table.

Losing

A player loses the game if:

Ball No. 8 is pocketed during a shot with violations (exception - during a robbery);

Ball No. 8 fell into the pocket prematurely;

Ball No. 8 is knocked overboard;

Ball No. 8 fell into an unpocketed pocket;

Ball No. 8 fell into the pocket at the same time as the last ball of its group.


"Nine"

Purpose of the game

Correctly pot ball number 9.

Balls used

The game requires 10 balls: a cue ball, eight colored balls with numbers from 1 to 8 and one striped ball number 9.

Ball placement

The nine number balls are set up in a diamond pattern: the lead ball 1 is on the back mark, the 9 ball is in the center of the diamond, and balls 2 and 4 are respectively the furthest to the left and right of the breaker.

Kickoff

The player can place his ball on any point of the “home”. The kickoff is considered correct if the cue ball hits ball number 1 first and at least four object balls touch the side or at least one of the object balls is pocketed. Wagering on the kickoff is not permitted. If the player hits the ball with the lowest number and any of the object balls rolls into the pocket, then he should play further, and again he must aim at the ball with the lowest number. If a player fails to hit the lowest numbered ball and hit it so that at least four balls touch the side or one is pocketed, or he makes any other mistake, then the initial shot is considered a fault and the opponent has the option of:

Place the cue ball on an arbitrary point on the table;

Continue play from the position left by the opponent.

Balls that are pocketed (with the exception of number 9) are not fielded. If a player pockets the number 9 ball on a correct shot, he wins the game. If a player leaves a position with a clearly unbroken diamond with his blow, this is considered an impermissible return, that is, a mistake. When the cue ball hits a pocket, the partner can choose:

a) make the initial kick after placing the balls;

to the starting position;

b) make a shot from the “home” after placing ball 1 on the back mark, if it is in the “home”.

Wagering (Push-Out)

A player who hits immediately after a legal kickoff may play what is called a Push-Out. At the same time, he has the right to hit the cue ball into the ball, onto the board or into the pocket with a ball that then remains there (except for number 9 - this ball is placed back on the back point or on the return line). In a Push-Out, if the cue ball misses the object ball, it is not considered a fault. It is also not a fault when the cue ball hits an object ball but then no balls touch the boards or the object ball is not pocketed. If the Push-Out is not obvious, then the player must declare it, otherwise the hit is considered normal. After a correct Push-Out, the opponent decides whether he will hit or pass the move back to the player who just hit. As long as a rule violation has not occurred, the Push-Out is not considered an error. A Push-Out that violates the rules results in the opponent playing out of hand.

The essence of Push-Out is to move the cue ball to a more advantageous position.

Playing the game

The cue ball must hit the object balls one at a time, that is, the first contact of the cue ball must be on the ball with the lowest number. There is no need to order either a ball or a pocket. As long as the player hits the ball with the lowest number and at the same time the object ball hits the pocket, he has the right to continue playing. Whoever wins the first game starts the next one, unless a different order is announced before the start of the competition.

Violations for which a fault is given:

Miss, the cue ball did not touch a single object ball;

The order of numbers is broken when hitting object balls;

Any ball jumped overboard;

The balls did not touch the boards;

The shot was made by mistake with a ball other than “yours”;

The blow was not made by a sticker;

When hit while the balls are moving;

When touching the balls do not sticker;

If the player does not touch the floor during the shot.

No more than two mistakes in a row are allowed. A player who makes three mistakes in a row is considered a loss. If the player who is in control of the move already has two faults, then the referee or, if there is no referee, the opponent, must warn him about this. The cue ball that hits the pocket on the initial shot is counted as the first fault.

Ball placement:

The ball return line coincides with the longitudinal line, starts from the back mark and ends with the short side closest to it;

Balls played out of order are placed on the return line;

In case of all the listed errors, the balls that fell into the pockets are not counted and are placed on the ball return line;

After an error, the opponent has the right to play “from hand”: with the position of the object balls unchanged, he places the cue ball on any point on the table and hits it in an arbitrary direction.


"Direct pool"

Straight Pool, also called 14.1 Continued, is one of three games that objectively compares the skill of the highest level players.

The other two are “Nine” and “In One Pocket” (“Eight” is not the most revealing test).

Purpose of the game

"Direct Pool" is a custom game. Before making a shot, you must order the object ball and the pocket you intend to play it into. The first contact of the cue ball does not always have to be with the ordered ball. It is also not necessary to indicate in the order how and along what trajectory the ball will fall into the pocket. If the game is not official, then obvious balls, as a rule, are not ordered.

Ball numbers are used only to facilitate ordering. For each ordered ball played, the player receives one point. The first one to score a predetermined number of points wins. If, along with the ordered one, other balls fall into the pockets, then they are all counted in favor of the player. The series continues until a miss, violation or victory.

Fielding balls

At the start of the game, 15 numbered balls are arranged in a pyramid shape with the top on the back mark (at point 3) and the cue ball is placed at home. When making a break, at least 2 numbered balls must be brought to the board. Failure to comply with this requirement entails a penalty of two points, after which the opponent has the right to accept the current position and make the kick himself or invite the offender to make the break again. Once broken down, each foul is penalized with one point.

A foul is called in the following cases:

In case of a “penalty touch” (touching the cue ball or any other ball located on the playing field), in case of a double strike;

When the cue ball falls into a pocket; when the cue ball jumps overboard;

When performing a strike until all balls come to a complete stop; when performing a kick with both legs lifted off the floor;

If, when the object ball is not pocketed, none of the balls on the table touches the edge.

It must be emphasized that these rules apply equally to all games described in this chapter.

When only one numbered ball remains on the table, the rest are rearranged in the form of a pyramid, and the place of the first ball at point 3 remains free.

The player who pocketed the previous ball continues his streak. If the last ball stopped at the place where the pyramid was placed, it is placed on the 1st point of the table.

If the cue ball stops at the place where the pyramid is installed, then it is transferred to the “house” and played “from the hand” from the “house”. It happens that both balls interfere with the installation of the pyramid. Then the game ball is placed on point 3 with the other balls and the game continues with a blow from the hand from the “home”. If the cue ball stops at the place where the pyramid is installed, and the fifteenth ball is at the “house”, then the cue ball is placed on the 1st point, and if it is occupied, on the 2nd.

If the player resorts to wagering, then after the collision one of the balls must reach the board. In the case where the object ball is no more than one ball diameter away from the board, you can only win back twice by bringing this ball to the board. When performing the third play, it is considered that this ball touches the board. It is allowed to play against a touching ball, but it is understood that the balls are not touching. The position of the ball is determined by the position of its center. A ball that jumps out of the pocket onto the playing surface remains in play.


"In one pocket"

Some people call this game “Billiard Chess” because experience in positional play, skill and endurance play no less a role in it than accurate and straight placement of balls.

Rules of the game

Fifteen balls are arranged in a pyramid shape.

Ball numbers don't matter. Before breaking, each player chooses one of two corner pockets at the back board. The first one to pocket any 8 balls wins. If the ball falls into the opponent's pocket, then it is counted in his favor. If at the same time the ball is pocketed, then both of you are counted a ball, after which you continue your series. If you pocket a ball and at the same time one of the balls falls into one of the “draw” pockets, then it is placed in the area of ​​the 3rd point of the table after the end of the series. The exception is when the last numbered ball falls. It is placed immediately, thereby providing the player with the opportunity to complete his streak or win the game.

Tough defensive tactics are important.

Each player tries to group the balls closer to his pocket, not giving his opponent the opportunity to make a successful shot. Often, instead of hitting your own pocket, it is more advisable to roll the balls away from the opponent’s pocket. If it is impossible to knock the ball out of the pocket, then it is better to pocket it yourself: the opponent is deprived of the opportunity to bring the cue ball to a convenient position for subsequent shots.

Violations of the rules punishable by foul are the same as in the "nine". Here, in addition to playing “from hand”, a foul is also penalized with one of your own balls - it is placed in the position closest to the 3rd point of the table.


"Snooker"

The game was invented in India in 1875, and it turned out to be more difficult than the famous “American” and “Pyramid”.

The game arouses interest not so much in winning, but in the complex movements of the balls.

Previously, first-year cadets who had no everyday experience were called snookers. And then one day in the game, one of the officers, Neville Chamberlain, used this word to describe his partner, who found himself in a difficult situation and did not know how to get out of it. He had to play a colored ball covered by others. This position in billiards came to be called “snooker”.

The game then moved to England, but did not gain popularity until 1920, when Joe Davis came along: he introduced cue ball control and grading of balls, which made the game much more difficult. In addition to pocketing the balls, now you also had to keep an eye on the cue ball.

Snooker became especially popular in the 60s.

A big role in this was played by color television and two players - Ray Reardon and John Spencer, who organized exhibition games, traveling throughout England.

Then “snooker” developed as a sport: competitions began to be held, expensive prizes were established for the winners, attracting a new generation of players. In 1980–1981, Steve Davis became the first British champion and, improving the game, he won the world championship after some time. This athlete is still considered one of the strongest billiards players.

Soon the Japanese, Chinese and Americans began to play snooker. New talents have appeared - John Parot, Neil Foulds, Stephen Hendry.

In 1973, the International Billiards and Snooker Organization was created, and since 1985 it has become the governing body.

Rules of the game

Snooker is played on the same table as billiards, with only 22 balls - 15 red, 6 colored and 1 white cue ball. On one snooker table you can play not only two players, but also several players. The principle of the order of strikes is simple: if the strike did not bring winning points, the next player takes the shot. The balls are colored, scored depending on the color: fifteen red balls - one point each, one yellow - 2 points, one green - 3 points, one brown - 4 points, one blue - 5 points, one pink - 6 points, one black - 7 points. The white ball is the cue ball. Only they can hit the other balls.

The game is played on a regular billiard table, which needs to be prepared for snooker. A thick line is drawn across the middle of one half of the table along a ruler with chalk, then the “home” area for the cue ball is marked in a semicircle. The radius should be one third of the distance from the line to the nearest narrow edge of the table. An even semicircle can be easily drawn using a thin rope: it is folded in half, a piece of chalk is inserted into the loop, and the ends are pressed to the middle of a straight line.

To make it easier to install the pyramid in the middle of the upper part of the table - this is the name of the side opposite the “house” - you can draw three lines with chalk along the sides.

Kickoff kick. The player breaking the pyramid can place the cue ball at any place in the house zone - where it is more convenient to hit from. With the first blow he must play only the red ball, and if he touches any other ball, then he is given a mistake and points are deducted depending on the value of the ball touched. With the very first hit, it is important not only to successfully break the pyramid, but also to drive the cue ball as far away from the ball as possible, creating a more difficult position for the other player.

Balls are placed in any of six pockets. For a placed red ball, one point is counted, after which the billiard player has the right to hit any colored ball (all balls except red ones and the cue ball are called colored). If a novice player is sure of a certain ball, then he can hit a red one, one, another, and then, having adjusted the cue ball to the colored one, put it in one of the pockets.

You need to firmly remember that before each colored ball a red one must be pocketed. Billiard aces sometimes complicate the game with the rule that after the red one, only a colored ball can be played. Such tactics always help to gain “large series”. (The sum of points won during one turn is called a streak.)

If several balls were pocketed, the following series may result: red (1 point), green (3 points), red again (1 point), pink (6 points), red (1 point), blue (5 points) and etc.

A red ball placed in a pocket is out of play. As long as there is at least one red ball on the table, you can pocket the colored balls in any order you choose, but each time the billiard player must pocket a red ball before the colored one. Pocketed colored balls at this stage of the game are placed on those points of the table where they stood at the very beginning. It may also happen that this place is already occupied by some other ball - then the colored ball is placed at the highest point. If a green ball is pocketed and there is a red one in its place, then this green one is placed in the place of the black one, but if some other ball has rolled there, then the green one is placed on the point of the pink one, and so on.

The first part of the game ends when all the red balls are pocketed. The rules for colored balls become more strict: the balls must be pocketed in order of their value, starting with yellow. Having scored yellow, you can put green, then brown, blue, pink, black. Colored balls placed in pockets in this way no longer participate in the game. However, if an incorrect shot was made - the billiard player made a mistake when hitting - the colored ball is placed in its main position. The game comes to an end when only two balls remain on the table: the last black ball and the cue ball. It happens that partners have approximately the same number of points, so everything is decided by these seven points for the black ball. When the last black is played or a mistake is made, the game ends. A draw happens very rarely. If this does happen, a repeat of the “last black” is played to determine the win: the black ball is placed in its place and played with the cue ball from the “house”.

When billiard experts play a beautiful game, they not only place the balls in the pocket, but also maneuver the cue ball around the entire field. As a result of the maneuver, a snooker can be delivered to the opponent. This is the culmination of the game, its highest meaning, which gave it its name: “snooker” is a trap from which only a careful, cold-blooded player can escape. “Snooker” is a position from where the cue ball cannot reach the ball that, according to the rules, should be played: it is either “covered” or even completely covered. But there is still a chance to do this - a well-aimed side kick will help out. In addition to the shots known in billiards - side kick or slice and others - in snooker it is good to use a quickdraw. It is performed with a blow that gives the ball a rotation exactly proportionate to the force of the blow. A great billiard player can even make the cue ball go not in a straight line, but in an arc.

Common mistakes in snooker

The minimum penalty is four points. It can be obtained by touching the ball with any part of the cue other than the tip. It happens that a player misses the ball, but that’s not so bad: the ball, pushing off from the side, may hit the wrong one that should be played.

If the cue ball falls into the pocket, even after a pocketed ball, this is also a fault with a penalty of 4 points. When assigning a penalty, the score of the ball that should have been played or the score of the ball that was played incorrectly is taken into account. According to the rules, the highest number of points is always taken. Therefore, if a red ball (yellow, green or brown) was played correctly, but the cue ball rolled into a pocket, then the maximum number of points will be deducted - four; if a black ball is in this position, the penalty will be seven points (respectively, six for pink and five for blue). When you need to play, for example, a brown ball, and the player makes a correct shot at it, but some other one is rolled, then the points are not deducted, and the laid ball is scored according to the rules.

If “snooker” was bet, but the billiard player was credited with a mistake, the next player has the right to declare a “free ball”: any ball on the table can replace the one that turned out to be closed. If you were left with a snooker after mis-hitting a yellow ball, you could nominate a blue ball to replace the yellow and try to pocket it, or put the cue ball behind some other ball and make a snooker as well. We must immediately warn you against a blow that is not respected by the aces. If you are given the right to call a free ball, it is not recommended to leave the snooker behind the designated ball. This light hit on the called ball will give players a chance to make it back and may be counted as an error. Thus, if you have assigned a blue or green ball in this position, you cannot leave the “snooker” behind them.

Game time

When experts play, the entire game takes about 20 minutes; amateurs can complete one game in 30 minutes. Great billiard players strive to achieve a streak of 100 points.

Large series work best at the beginning of the game, when there are a lot of red balls, and colored ones are stacked several times. Experienced snooker players have calculated that the limit is a maximum series of 155 points, but it takes considerable skill to score at least 100 points in a series.


"Cannon"

Carom is a type of pocketless billiards and the definition of a shot in which the cue ball, after touching one object ball, hits another. Carom games were developed in France. The first mention of a three-ball carom game was in 1775: two white and one red ball (as now).

If carom was first played on pocket tables, then with the improvement of cues and stickers, allowing for unimaginable shots (in 1827, the Frenchman Mengo offered his cue and leather sticker), pockets on tables disappeared. The ball could be launched along any trajectory. "French" side kicks (les effets) have become very popular.


General rules


Ball placement

Use 2 white balls (or white and yellow) and one red. Each player has his own white ball as a cue ball. One cue ball has 2 or 3 colored dots to distinguish it. The red ball is placed on the back mark. The opponent's cue ball is on the front mark. The player's cue ball is on the front line within 15 cm of the front mark.

Kickoff

When performing this shot, it is necessary that the cue ball first touches the red ball, and not the opponent's cue ball. On subsequent shots, the cue ball can touch white or red in any order.

Game conditions

Number of players - two or three.

Balls used: white, white with dots (or yellow), red.

The goal of the game is to be the first to score a given number of points - 30–60.

Score - 1 point for each successful shot (successful shot - the cue ball touches two object balls without errors).

Wagering

When wagering, it is necessary that after the cue ball hits the ball, either the cue ball or the object ball reaches the edge. Failure to comply with the condition is a foul (error).

It is forbidden to win back 2 times in a row. If this happens, an error is also declared.

Fielding balls

The cue ball that has jumped out is placed on the front mark (if it is occupied, then on the back mark; if it is not free, then on the central mark). When the white object ball pops up, it is placed on the front dot (if it is occupied, then on the back or central one).

The red ball that pops up is placed on the back mark (if it is occupied, then on the front or central mark, depending on which one is free).

If the cue ball and the object ball pop up at the same time, then first, according to the specified rules, the cue ball is set, and then the object ball. If 2 object balls pop up at the same time, they are positioned as above. If the cue ball interferes with the placement of one of the balls, then the object ball, whose place is not occupied, is placed first, and then the other object ball. If 3 balls jump overboard at once, then they are placed as during the initial strike. If the cue ball does not jump overboard, then any successful shot is counted and after placing object balls the player continues the series. In all cases, after a violation, the opponent accepts the existing position on the table.

Cue ball close to object ball

In this case, the player has the right:

1. Place the touching balls: red - on the back mark, your cue ball - on the front mark and the opponent's cue ball - on the center mark;

2. Make a shot away from the object ball, i.e. the cue ball must touch the side or free object ball, and then the object ball with which it was standing closely. An incorrectly executed shot away from the ball is a mistake. If step 1 is selected and the corresponding point is occupied, then the ball is placed on the point intended for the interfering object ball.

The cue ball is close to the board

If the cue ball is close to the board, playing from that side is allowed. However, if the rules of the game provide certain number collisions with the sides, the first collision with this side is not taken into account. If the collision occurs a second time, it is counted. Subsequent collisions with the same side are also counted.


"Single breasted carom"

Rules of the game

A targeted effective strike will give the right to continue the series. When making a shot, it is necessary that the cue ball, before or after impact with the object ball, touches one or more sides, and then another object ball. Otherwise - a fine. For each mistake, one point is deducted from the current account.


"Three-breasted carom"

Purpose of the game

Be the first to score a certain number of points (30–60). For each correct successful hit, 1 point is awarded.

Successful hit:

If the cue ball touches an object ball and then three or more beads and hits a second object ball;

If the cue ball touches three or more boards and then two object balls;

If the cue ball touches a board, then an object ball, and then two or more boards and hits another object ball;

If the cue ball touches two or more boards, an object ball, and then one or more boards and hits another object ball.

Kickoff

Performed in accordance with general rules.

For a strike made in violation, a penalty is declared, the right to strike passes to the opponent and no points are counted.

Rules of the game

1. Each successful strike will give the right to continue the series.

2. An error (foul) is declared for jumping balls.

3. If the object ball is close to the board, then when performing a deliberate win, it is necessary that after the cue ball hits the object ball, either the cue ball touches any side, or the object ball reaches another board.

Fine for violations

The series ends and the points are not counted (but not deducted).


"Open Party"

Rules of the game

The game is played up to 400–500 points. When the balls collide, it is not necessary for the cue ball to touch the sides. Each carom is worth 1 point. The red ball is placed on point 3, the opponent’s cue ball is placed on point 1. The initial shot is made according to general rules. The carom can be made from the ball and from the sides.

Peculiarities

Triangular zones are outlined in the corners of the table, within which only one carom can be made, and then it is necessary to make a shot, after which the partner’s red ball or cue ball must leave this zone to further continue the series of shots. If the ball does not leave the zone, then the blow goes to the partner, but no penalty is charged.

Notes:

1. Marking the billiard table.

1.1. The following lines and marks must be marked on the playing surface of the billiard table:
(1) Center Mark - The point located in the center of the playing surface of the table.
(2) The center line is a straight line drawn through the center mark parallel to the short sides. The center line divides the playing surface of the table into two halves - front and back.
(3) Front Mark - The point located in the center of the front half of the playing surface of the table.
(4) The house line is a straight line drawn through the front mark and parallel to the front side.
(5) Back Mark - The point located in the center of the back half of the playing surface of the table.
(6) Pocket area - a radius of 136 mm from the point of impact in the pockets of the billiard table.
(7) The ball line is that part of the longitudinal line of the table drawn from the back mark to the middle of the back rail.
(8) “Dead zone” is a part of the playing surface of the table from which it is impossible to pocket an object ball. Visually, it is determined by connecting the point of fall of the middle pocket and the middle of the short side; if the middle pocket is on the right, then the “dead zone” is also on the right or vice versa.
1.2. The house is the part of the playing surface of the table, enclosed between the house line and the front edge.
Note: two additional lines may be applied to the playing surface of the table to accurately establish the pyramid. The first passes through the center of the ball standing at the top of the pyramid, parallel to the rear side 100 mm long. The second passes through the center of the balls standing at the base of the pyramid, parallel to the 400 mm long rear side. Both lines are equidistant from the long sides.

2. Balls used.

A standard set of sixteen billiard balls: fifteen to ten white (ivory) balls with numbers from 1 to 15 and one colored (preferably yellow) ball without a number.
Note: a colored ball without a number may have markings in the form of lines or dots.

3. Cue ball and object balls.

3.1. The cue ball is the ball that is hit with the cue during the game.
3.2. When playing “Moscow Dynamic” and “Russian Classic”, a colored ball serves as the cue ball.
3.3. When playing Long American, any ball on the playing surface of the table can be selected as the cue ball for any next shot (the only exception is the initial shot, which uses a colored ball).
3.4. All other balls on the playing surface of the table except the cue ball are target balls.

4. The collision of the cue ball with the object ball.

4.1. The collision (touch) of the cue ball with one of the object balls is a prerequisite for any correct shot, including the initial shot.
4.2. The cue ball can be hit on the object ball either directly or from any side(s).
4.3. If the cue ball does not touch any of the object balls, the shot is considered illegal and is punishable by a penalty.

5. Play after a violation.

In case of violation of the rules, the opponent of the offender has the right, after placing incorrectly pocketed and popped balls, as well as placing a penalty ball from the shelf onto the table:
(1) make the next blow himself, or
(2) yield it to the violator.

6. Playing the kickoff.

6.1. When playing the kickoff (breaking the pyramid), the following procedure is used. Positioned on opposite sides of the longitudinal line of the table, the players simultaneously perform a hand stroke from the house, sending the balls to
back and forth. In this case, two white balls are used. The player whose ball lands closest to the front board wins.
6.2.The draw is considered automatically lost if:
(1) the ball entered the opponent's half,
(2) did not reach the tailgate,
(3) fell into a pocket,
(4) jumped overboard,
(5) touched the long side or
(6) touched the tailgate more than once.
6.3. If both opponents violate the rules or if the referee cannot determine whose ball stopped closer to the front board, then the rally is repeated.
6.4. If one of the players hits after his opponent's ball has reached the back rail, he automatically loses the rally. If, at the same time, the losing player believes that the opponent deliberately struck ahead, he can appeal to the judge.
6.5. The winner of the drawing has the right:
(1) make the initial kick himself or
(2) yield it to an opponent.

7. Initial arrangement of balls.

7.1. Before the initial shot, fifteen white balls are set in the shape of an equilateral triangle (pyramid) with the apex on the back mark of the table and the base parallel to the back board. Each ball must touch adjacent balls. When placing the balls, use a standard triangle.
7.2. The colored ball used as the cue ball for the opening shot (breaking the pyramid) is located in the house.
Note: As the game progresses, situations may arise that require the installation of an incomplete pyramid (see paragraph 24). When installing an incomplete pyramid, all the requirements for installing a full pyramid are met. The differences are as follows - an incomplete pyramid is filled in the direction from the top to the base. In this case, the base (bottom row) must be filled. To do this, if necessary, move the balls from the top of the pyramid.

8. Ball position.

The position of the ball is determined by the position of its center.

9. House and house line.

9.1. The house line is not part of the house.
9.2. A ball on the house line is considered to be outside the house.

10. Introducing the cue ball into the game (start of the game).

10.1. The cue ball is put into play with an initial hand stroke from home.
10.2. A colored ball should always be used as the cue ball when performing the kick-off.
10.3. The player who enters the game first can place the cue ball at any point on the house, but not on the house line (see clause 9 and clause 10). If the cue ball is placed outside the house, the referee or opponent must warn the player entering the game about this before he strikes. Otherwise, the cue ball is considered to be entered into play correctly.
If the player entering the game is warned about the incorrect position of the cue ball, he is obliged to correct it.
10.4. The cue ball is considered to be put into play immediately after it is hit with the cue stick (see clause 13).
10.5. Until the cue ball is put into play, it can be corrected by hand, cue, etc. However, any touching of the cue ball after it has been put into play will result in a penalty.

11. Correct kickoff.

11.1. The initial shot (breaking the pyramid) is considered correct if, after the cue ball hits one of the object balls:
(1) one of the balls is correctly pocketed; or
(2) any of the balls touched two sides.
If none of these requirements are met, a fine will be imposed.
11.2. If the first player to enter the game fails to make a valid kick-off, his opponent has the right to:
(1) accept the current position of the balls on the table and continue the game; or
(2) accept the existing position of the balls on the table and force the offender to continue playing; or
(3) having re-arranged the balls, make the initial shot; or
(4) having re-arranged the balls, force the offender to make the opening shot again.
11.3. In the 1st game, the right to kick off is determined by a rally. Next, the initial blow is made by the winner of the previous game. Also, the winner of the current game has the right to transfer the initial blow to the opponent.

12. Start and end of the blow.

12.1. The stroke begins from the moment the cue sticker touches the cue ball and ends after all the balls have completely stopped on the playing surface of the table. (A ball rotating in place is considered moving.)
12.2. It is forbidden to start the next blow before the previous one is completed. Otherwise - a fine.

13. Hit the cue ball with the cue.

The cue ball should only be struck with the cue stick in the direction of its longitudinal axis. Otherwise - a fine.

14. Touching the floor with your foot.

When hitting the cue ball, at least one player's foot must touch the floor. Otherwise - a fine.

15.1. With the exception of touching the cue ball with the cue stick when making a shot, it is prohibited to touch any ball (cue ball or any object ball) on the playing surface of the table with your body, clothing, chalk, machine, cue shaft, etc. Otherwise - a fine.

When making a shot, the cue stick should only touch the cue ball once. Otherwise - a fine.

17.1. It is prohibited to tighten the contact of the cue sticker with the cue ball until the cue ball hits (touches) the object ball. Otherwise, the blow is qualified as an arrow and is punishable by a fine.
17.2. If the cue ball touches the object ball or if the distance between the cue ball and the object ball is so small that when hitting the cue ball it is practically impossible to avoid an instantaneous triple contact - "cue stick - cue ball - object ball", then the cue strike on the cue ball does not qualify as a push if it is applied:
(1) at an angle of at least 45 degrees away from the line of the centers of the two balls.
(2) or in such a way that the cue ball does not pass forward after impact (following the object ball). Otherwise - a fine.
Note: Hitting the cue ball away from the contacting object ball (without displacing the latter from its place) does not count as the cue ball hitting that object ball. If after this the cue ball does not touch any of the object balls, then the shot is considered illegal and is punishable by a fine (see clause 4.3).

18. Correctly completed kick.

Any shot (except for the initial one) is considered correct (correctly completed) if none of the provisions of these Rules is violated and, in addition, after the cue ball hits (touches) one of the object balls with any of the balls:
(1) pocketed;
(2) touches 2 sides; or
(a) brings any ball to the other side; or
(b) touches any ball that is close to the other board;
(3) stopped in the pocket area (see paragraph 1(6));
(4) the middle pocket area has been touched - one of the played balls must touch the side in the middle pocket area. When playing an object ball into the middle pocket, it must be outside the “dead zone” for this pocket (see clause 1.1, p. 8).
If none of these conditions are met, a fine will be imposed.

19. Free kick and bonus kick from home.

19.1. When playing “Moscow Classics”, a hand strike from any house is also made in other cases specified by the rules. It can be either a penalty (if the cue ball is pocketed incorrectly or the cue ball jumps overboard) or a bonus (if the cue ball is pocketed correctly).
19.2. You can pocket any ball after the cue ball hits any object ball located outside the house.

20. Correctly and incorrectly pocketed balls.

20.1. The ball is considered correctly pocketed (played) if it falls into the pocket as a result of a correct shot.
20.2. If from the moment the strike begins until the moment it is completed (see clause 12), at least one of the provisions of these Rules has been violated, then all balls that fall into the pockets as a result of this strike are considered incorrectly pocketed.
20.3. If the violation occurs after the kick has been completed (see paragraph 12), a penalty will be imposed. However, a ball that falls into a pocket as a result of a completed shot is considered to be pocketed correctly.
Note. If a violation of the rules of the game occurs after the completion of the game (that is, after the completion of the last shot, which resulted in the last ball of the game being correctly pocketed), no penalty is imposed and the result of the game is not reviewed.
20.4. All illegally pocketed balls are not counted and are put out.
20.5. A ball that jumps out of the pocket onto the playing surface of the table is considered not pocketed and remains in play. No fine will be imposed.

21. The ball is on the edge of the pocket.

21.1. If a ball hanging over a pocket spontaneously falls into the pocket, without colliding with another ball, and if this did not affect the final result of the start of the strike, then it is restored to its original place and the game continues.
21.2. If a ball hanging over a pocket spontaneously falls into the pocket, without colliding with another ball, and if this affected the final result of the start of the strike (that is, in the event that a ball spontaneously falling into the pocket would inevitably be hit by one of the balls set in motion) , then all the balls are placed as accurately as possible in their previous positions and the blow is repeated.
21.3. If a moving ball stops at the edge of a pocket in a position of unstable equilibrium and then falls into the pocket, it is considered to have fallen into the pocket due to a stroke.

22. Popped up ball.

22.1. The ball is considered to have jumped overboard if, after completing the stroke, it stops outside the playing surface of the table (on the board, on the floor, etc.).
22.2. The ball is not considered to have jumped out if, having hit the upper part of the elastic side or handrail, it independently returns to the playing surface without touching any other object that is not a stationary accessory of the billiard table.
If the ball touches any object that is not part of the table, for example, a lighting fixture, chalk on the board or handrail, etc., then it is considered to have jumped out, even if it then returns to the playing surface on its own.
22.3. If the cue ball goes overboard, a penalty is imposed. There is no penalty for an object ball jumping overboard.
22.4. All popped balls are set after the shot is completed.

23. Placing balls.

23.1. All illegally pocketed balls, overshot balls and delayed penalty balls are placed after the completion of the stroke and before the start of the next one.
23.2. The single ball is placed on the back mark.
If several balls are placed, then they are placed in a random order on the line of placing the balls from the back mark to the back board as close as possible, but not close to each other.
If any balls located near or directly on the fielding line interfere with the fielding process, then the fielded balls are placed on the fielding line as close as possible to the back mark and as close as possible, but not close to the interfering balls.
If there is not enough space for the balls to be placed between the back mark and the back board, then the balls are placed on the extension of the line of placing balls (between the back mark and the center of the playing surface of the table) as close as possible to the back mark.
23.3. When playing Long American, any exposed ball can be chosen by the player as a cue ball or an object ball, and when playing Moscow Classic - as an object ball.
23.4. Balls that are out of play cannot be used for the purpose of making any measurements to determine the distance between the balls, the ball and the side, etc.

24. Intervention by an outsider.

If during the game the balls start to move due to the intervention of an outsider (directly or through any influence on the player taking the stroke), then they are returned to their original positions and the game continues. In this case, no fine is imposed.
This rule also applies in the event of emergency situations (earthquake, hurricane, falling lighting fixture, sudden blackout, etc.)
If it is not possible to restore the position of the balls, then the colored ball is installed in the house (if the colored ball is out of the game, then it is returned to the game in exchange for any of the white balls remaining on the table), all white balls remaining on the table are installed in the shape of a pyramid (or incomplete pyramids) with the top on the back mark, the right of the subsequent strike is determined by the rally and the game continues according to the kickoff rule (see paragraph 11). The score remains as it was at the time the game was interrupted.

Note: When installing an incomplete pyramid, you should follow the rules set out in paragraph 7.

25. Interfering with an opponent's game.

If a player, having completed his approach, strikes out of turn or displaces (touches) any ball during the opponent's play, this is considered interference with the game and entails a penalty. In this case, the disturbed position of the balls is restored.

26. Fines.

26.1. Fines are imposed in the following cases:
(1) if the cue ball did not touch any of the object balls during the impact (see paragraph 4.3.)
(2) in case of an incorrect initial kick (see paragraph 11.1);
(3) if the next stroke begins before the previous one is completed (see paragraph 12.2);
(4) when hitting the cue ball incorrectly (see paragraph 13);
(5) when striking the cue ball with both feet lifted off the floor (see paragraph 14);
(6) when touching the balls is prohibited (see clause 15);
(7) with a double strike (see paragraph 16);
(8) when pushing through (see clause 17.1 and clause 17.2);
(9) with an incorrectly completed kick (see paragraph 18);
(10) when the cue ball jumps overboard (see clause 22.3);
(11) when the time limit for a strike is exceeded (see paragraph 28);
(12) when interfering with an opponent’s game (see clause 25);
(13) for making marks on the cloth or sides when aiming;
(14) if the player places the cue on the table to aim without holding it with his hand.
26.2. If a player commits several violations while making one stroke, the fine will be charged in a single amount.

27. Deferred penalty.

27.1. If after a penalty kick the offender does not have any balls on the shelf, then the penalty will be deferred until the successful kick. In this case, the score of his points in the game is -1, -2, etc.
27.2. The penalty ball is awarded in accordance with clause 23.1.

28. Time limit.

28.1. The time to make a strike is 40 seconds (for live broadcasts on TV - 30 seconds) from the moment the balls stop.
28.2. In each game, if necessary, but not more than 2 times, the athlete is given additional time to make a strike over the next 40 (30) seconds. In this case, the procedure described in clause 11.3 is followed.
28.3. The referee at the table, after deciding that the player has violated the 40 (30) second rule, gives the command “Time” and times the strike for 40 (30) seconds. In this case, the first additional time for making a strike is considered used. After the player exceeds the 40 (30) second limit for the second time, the procedure is repeated. An athlete who needs extra time can ask the judge himself: “Extra time” and the judge will time 40 (30) seconds per strike. After the player(s) have used extra time, the referee will time each kick. At the same time, 10 seconds before the expiration of the time for the strike, he gives the command: “10 seconds.” If after this the athlete does not meet the allotted time for the strike, a fine is imposed on him.

29. Breaks.

29.1. During the match, each athlete has the right to one five-minute break. When playing Long American, a player has the right to take a break only on “his” stroke. An additional break before the counter set is provided if the match goes to 4 or more wins (Moscow classics). If an athlete does not take advantage of the break before the counter set, he loses the right to an additional break.
29.2. When broadcasting a match live on TV, a break is possible only with the permission of the referee at the table.
29.3. When playing on a TV table, an athlete who is late after a 5-minute break will be fined $50 for each minute of lateness.
29.4. The athlete does not have the right to leave the table and stop the game without compelling reasons, and without the permission of the table referee (or the opponent, if the game is played without a table referee).

30. Series with a cue.

30.1. When determining the largest series from a cue, the following are accepted for scoring: 15 or more balls for men, 8 or more for women.
30.2. To record a series without a judge at the table, the athlete must invite a judge who is in the hall after 8 pocketed balls for men and after 5 for women.
30.3. The referee records the series played in the match report.
30.4. After the athlete has scored 8 points, he is considered a victory in the game and is given the right to continue the game to increase the series with the cue. In this case, a penalty kick during this continued game does not apply to the previous game, but serves as the basis for stopping the series minus an incorrectly pocketed ball. Moreover, after any successful hit, the player can ask the referee to set the initial arrangement of balls for the start of the next game.

31. Unsportsmanlike conduct.

31.1. Competitors are required to adhere to the principles of fair and correct sports wrestling, as well as to observe standards of behavior in relation to other participants, officials and spectators.
31.2. The referee is obliged to suppress unsportsmanlike behavior with the following sanctions:
- remark;
- warning;
- announcement of defeat in a game or meeting;
- exclusion from participation in competitions.
31.3. The sanctions applied are noted in the protocol.
31.4. If an athlete is disqualified from participating in competitions, entry fees are non-refundable.

32. Order.

32.1 All straight balls count.
32.2. If the ball touches any balls or sides before falling into the pocket, it is considered accidental and is not counted. No fine will be imposed. The blow goes to the opponent.
32.3. When declaring an order, you must indicate the ball with the cue and the pocket in which the ball will be played. One ball can only be ordered into one pocket.
32.3. After a “straight-flying” or “custom ball” falls, other balls that fall as a result of such a hit are counted.

Nowadays, billiards has become a very popular game. It has ceased to be just entertainment, but has become a kind of lifestyle that trains concentration, dexterity and determination. Many options for this pastime with their own rules and features can confuse any novice player. The article tells about the history of this entertainment and explains the rules of playing billiards of the most popular versions.

History of billiards

There is a lot of controversy surrounding the history of billiards. China and Egypt are considered the birthplace of this game. In Europe, the first mentions of billiards are found in England. Even the name "billiards", from the ancient Saxon bal-yard - bal-ball, yard-cue, stick, shows that this entertainment was known in this country, only it was similar to modern croquet. Gradually, the game moved from the open space indoors, to a table with a green covering, reminiscent of grass on a lawn, with small edges around it. Initially, the game was on a table with six pockets and a goal, the game was played with two balls and a peg. In the 18th century, only balls and pockets remained on the table. This happened in France, which is why they say that this is the European birthplace of billiards. There, in 1674, the first rules for playing billiards were published. In England, where almost every city had public billiard tables, the rules of the game were clarified and expanded. The word “cue” appeared there in the 16th century.

Evolution of the game

In the 18th century, the game began to actively develop. The industrial revolution played a significant role in this. For the convenience of the game, chalk was first used, which reduced the friction between the ball and the cue, and then they began to use a leather tip to get twisting blows. Thanks to this leather patch, the game of avid billiard players became so virtuosic that the balls began to easily move along different trajectories and even jump over each other. Billiards gradually underwent many transformations - the cue became dismountable, the sides of the table began to be covered with rubber, cloth began to be used as upholstery everywhere. There were even disputes among billiards experts regarding the shape of the inner walls of the table, which also underwent several changes. The rules of playing billiards gradually became uniform. Around 1850, this game began to look like we see it today.

History of Russian billiards

Billiards came to Russia under Peter the Great and quickly spread to public places, especially taverns. Since this entertainment developed autonomously in Russia, over time Russian versions of the game appeared and their own rules for playing billiards appeared. IN early XIX centuries, the equipment for games was in great variety and in the absence of proportionality between the parts, this often led to the fact that the tables were different sizes, the balls were either too small, or did not fit into the pockets, etc. Competitions in each new place equalized the chances of beginners and professionals, which is why they lost interest in the game.

Only in 1850, A. Freiberg, who managed the St. Petersburg billiard factory and was himself a good player, created a model of a six-pocket billiard table that met the standard requirements: all balls fall into the pocket only with accurate shots. To ensure the necessary complexity of the game, the diameter of the balls was made only a few millimeters smaller than the width of the pockets, accidental falling of balls into the middle pocket was excluded, and the pockets had short mouths to prevent balls from getting stuck.

Russian billiards. Peculiarities

Russian billiards has more than 40 different types. Due to the fact that it existed in a semi-legal state in our country, no official competitions were held for it. Each billiard room had its own rules. Changes came in the 80s, when the Billiard Sports Federation was created. The rules of playing Russian billiards were unified, a system of tournaments and refereeing was developed. The general features characteristic of Russian billiards in Russian and Moscow pyramids, American and other main Russian variations of this game were summarized. The rules of the game for Russian billiards were officially established by the National Federation of Billiard Sports in 1994.

Russian billiards is not a specific game, but more of a collective term. Externally, Russian billiards is distinguished by white, large balls of the same color. To make the game more challenging, the pockets are smaller and have sharper edges, making them harder to hit. A long and heavy cue also makes the game more difficult. The interior lining of the table is always green.

Russian billiards. General rules

The basic rules of the game of Russian billiards describe the course of the game from striking. It is made with the front part of the cue in the direction of its longitudinal axis, while the player must touch the floor with at least one foot. Otherwise he will be fined. The right to the first shot is played by simultaneously hitting both players with their hands on the cue ball from home in the direction of the back board. The one whose ball, reflected from the back side of the table, stops closer to the front side than the opponent's, has the right to make the first move. The winner of the rally either makes the first strike or concedes the strike to the opponent. Players begin the next games in turn, only before the decisive game the draw is repeated.

Before the start of the game, 15 balls are placed next to each other in a certain way using a special triangle shape. The cue ball is considered to be in play from the moment the cue stick touches it. Balls that hit the pocket on the first shot are counted. Balls are considered pocketed if they are pocketed when hit correctly. If the ball jumps out of the table fence, but returns back to the table, it is considered to remain in the game. If at the same time it fell on the board or floor, it was touched by any object - the player’s sleeve, cue, chalk, etc. - it is considered to have jumped out and is placed back on the table. It is exhibited in different versions of the game in those places that indicate the rules of the game of billiards. American, for example, prescribes the cue ball to be set on a general basis. In this case, the player is not penalized if the object ball is thrown out, but is penalized if the cue ball is thrown out. The start of the strike is considered from the moment the cue touches the cue ball, and the completion is only after the movement of all balls on the table, including rotation, has stopped. The opponent starts the game if, after the previous player hit, the cue ball did not touch any balls or there was a violation of the rules.

Russian billiards. Fines

The rules of Russian billiards require the imposition of fines. If, while making a shot, a player commits several violations of the rules of billiards, then the fine will still be charged in a single amount. In this case, balls that were pocketed in violation of the rules are not counted. A penalty is imposed if the cue ball does not touch any other ball after the start of its movement, if it flies off the table, if the cue ball falls into a pocket (Russian pyramid), if there was a double touch with the cue. However, some rules prescribe a penalty if the blow was not struck with the cue ball (rules of the pyramid game). Billiards also provides for penalties for a strike in which at least one of the player’s feet does not touch the floor, if the next strike was made before the movement of the balls had not yet ended or any ball except the cue ball touched with a cue, hand, clothing, etc.

Russian pyramid

The “pyramid” variety of Russian billiards is liked by people with a high level of skill who love a thoughtful and serious game. The game is played with one “own” ball, with the help of which it is necessary to drive other balls into pockets. Moreover, like the rules of the game of pool, pyramid billiards also obliges you to name before hitting which ball you plan to put in which pocket. But in a pool this is done only with ball No. 8, and in a pyramid - before each shot. If the ball is pocketed and there is no notification, it is not counted. The goal of the game is not only to put the ball in the pocket, but also to move the ball to the side in an uncomfortable position for the opponent. The rules of the pyramid game correspond to the general ones in Russian billiards, but there are some peculiarities. The game continues until the player scores 71 points. The cue ball without a number and the numbered object balls are arranged in a triangle in a certain order - balls with small numbers on the edges, and balls with large numbers inside the pyramid. The ball numbered "1" is called an "ace" and adds 11 points when it is pocketed. Also, 10 points are added to the last ball remaining on the table. Thus, the maximum amount of points in the pyramid is 140, and it is distributed among the players. The rules of the game of billiards “Russian pyramid” have two types: “ball in the pocket” and a strict order “for pure purpose”. In the first case, only the destination ball and pocket are called. In the second, there is also a technique with which the player will put the ball in the pocket. If the situation did not go as announced, the ball is not counted and is placed on the back mark. Penalties received in the game deduct 5 points from the player.

American

One of the types of Russian billiards is “American”, this game differs from American billiards. American is very popular and widespread. It is based on the basic rules of the game of billiards. The American game has the difference that even a random ball that ends up in a pocket is considered a prize. There are masters who pocket all 8 balls needed to win, without allowing the opponent to make a single shot. The cue ball can be any ball. The arrangement does not take into account the numbers. The breakdown begins by lot, and if at least one ball falls into the pocket, the player continues to push the balls into the pocket until he misses. The end of the game can be a draw, when the partners put 7 balls each and agreed to a draw. When placing balls, they are placed towards the middle of the back edge of the table. The rules of the free pyramid game (American billiards also have this name) also imply a system of penalties. The player is charged a fine of one ball if the cue ball does not touch any ball after the hit, if he hits during an unfinished movement after the last hit, or if the ball goes off the table.

American billiards

American billiards has many differences from Russian. The rules of American billiards are much simpler, and they are usually followed in world tournaments. The differences begin with the fact that all American tables have certain standard sizes, differ in the material of the table base, the elasticity of the rubber edges, the marking of the tables, their synthetic covering and, most importantly, the size of the pockets. The sizes of the balls are significantly smaller than Russian ones, which large size the pocket significantly affects the ease of hitting. Billiards is played with three balls (two cue ball and a red one), while snooker is played with 22 balls. Putting chalk on the table is strictly prohibited; Americans keep it in their pocket. The rules of playing American billiards also differ depending on the versions of the game.

Pool

Pool is an American pocket billiards with a small table size, large pockets and 16 small multi-colored balls that are pocketed according to certain rules. This game is very dynamic, simple and entertaining. Games with the participation of professionals last literally a few minutes, which corresponds to the commercial spirit of American billiards. In the 19th and 20th centuries, pool quickly spread throughout the world. This was greatly facilitated by American advertising about the romantic lifestyle of professional pool players, the size of their income and quick huge winnings. Later, interesting films were added about the life of billiard players who play pool professionally. In addition, the simplicity of the technique of playing pool increases the number of its fans. American pool is much simpler than Russian billiards, so it is suitable for any level of player - even a beginner.

Pool "Eight"

"Eight" is a game made to order. You can only hit with a white cue ball. One player tries to pocket only colored balls, the other - only striped ones. The winner is the one who was the first to place all the balls in his group and, according to the order, to place ball No. 8. Before the game starts, the balls are alternately placed in the form of a pyramid, ball No. 8 is placed in the center of the pyramid. On the first hit, one of two conditions must be fulfilled: pocket the ball and bring at least 4 balls to the sides, but do not pocket the 8th ball or cue ball, otherwise it is a mistake. The rules of the game of eight-ball billiards in this case give the partner a choice: continue the game from this position, make a break again, or ask your partner to make a break. When striking, the following errors can be made: the cue ball does not hit the object ball, when hit, they do not touch the sides of the table, the cue ball falls into a pocket or leaves the table. Just like the rules of the game of American billiards, the pool prescribes a penalty for touching the ball with any object other than a cue and for hitting it again until the balls stop completely.

A player's loss is counted in cases where ball No. 8 is pocketed with violations, falls into a pocket prematurely or into a pocket not according to order, goes overboard, or falls at the same time as the last ball of its color.

Pool "Nine"

The rules differ from "Eight" in that the player does not announce an order. “Nine” is played with a cue ball and 9 balls numbered from 1 to 9. According to the rules, with any shot the cue ball must certainly touch the ball with the lowest number. But you can put balls with any number into the pocket. While the balls are falling into the pocket, the player can continue the game until he misses, breaks the rules, or wins by putting ball No. 9 in the pocket. The match ends after the agreed number of games won. The balls are placed in a diamond shape, with ball No. 1 at the top and No. 9 in the center, and the other balls at random. The rules are not much different from the Eight. But another push-out blow is introduced. It is performed immediately after the initial breaking shot with the aim of moving the cue ball to a more advantageous place from the point of view of the development of the game, if the cue ball did not fall into the pocket during the breaking. When performing this shot, the cue ball does not have to reach the wall or touch any of the balls. The player must report the execution of this strike before it is applied. Any balls pocketed during a push out do not count. For an incorrect push-out, the player receives a penalty. One more penalty is added to the usual pool penalties - for the fact that the first hit of the cue ball occurred with a ball that does not have the smallest number. If there are three violations in a row in one game, without intermediate “correct” strikes, the player is given an automatic defeat.

Recently I went with a friend to play billiards. I thought everyone was just chasing the balls and only, it turns out there are rules.

Russian billiards (or pyramid) is the collective name for a number of varieties of billiards. Russian billiards is a type of pocket billiards that has its own special requirements for the equipment for the game. There are several official types of pyramid, the simplest of which are the American rules (free pyramid). All Russian billiards competitions are held using equipment suitable technical requirements FRB (Federation of Russian Billiards).

Main parameters: table dimensions 3600 x 1800 mm; ball diameter 68 - 70 mm, corner pocket size 72-73 mm, middle pocket size 80 -81 mm.

Ball placement

Before the start of the game, all 15 object balls are placed close to each other using a triangle. The center of the front ball should be on the back mark, with the base of the pyramid parallel to the back board.

The cue ball is struck with the cue stick in the direction of the longitudinal axis. When hitting, at least one leg of the billiard player must have contact with the floor.
All balls must remain motionless, and those pocketed in violation of the rules, not ordered, as well as those that popped out must be put out.
The blow ends when all the balls on the table stop.
A penalty will be awarded for incorrect kicks. These include:
A double shot is when the cue stick comes into contact with the cue ball twice.
Pushed - with this shot the player pushes the object ball and the cue ball simultaneously.
Pressure - with it, the cue ball that is in contact with it (or located near the pocket) is pressed into the pocket itself, or the side ball is pressed, which moves it to a different position.
A miss - with it the cue ball does not come into contact with any sighting target.
Raffle for the right to strike first

The players are located near the front board on opposite sides of the longitudinal line. They choose a place by agreement or by lot. The billiard players then place a ball in the house and hit a simultaneous shot, sending them towards the tailgate. The choice goes to the one whose ball, having ricocheted off the back board, stops closest to the front board.

The draw is lost when the ball:

did not touch the tailgate;
touched with a long side;
crossed the longitudinal line;
jumped out or fell into a pocket.
Played

The ball is played when, as a result of a correct shot, it enters the pocket. The billiard player retains the right to make the next one.

Hovering ball

If during a strike he stops on target in a pocket in an unstable position, and then falls into it before the stroke is completed, then it is considered played. If it falls into the pocket after the blow has been completed or due to shaking of the table, then it will not be counted and the referee will place it in its original place.

Popped up ball

A jumper is one that leaves the table surface during the strike without falling into the pocket. The aiming ball that pops up is placed on the back mark after the shot, no penalty is imposed, and those played by the billiard player are counted. If the cue ball leaves the table, the player receives a penalty, the balls he pocketed do not count towards the count, and the cue ball is placed on the table based on the rules of the particular game. If a ball that has left the playing surface of the billiard table touches the player's clothing or cue above it, then this will be a violation of the rules and will result in a fine. If he returns to the table, he remains in the game, and if he leaves it, he is considered to have jumped out. It is not considered a foul if the ball hits the lights, pocket bracket or tops of the sides and then returns to the table.

Fielding balls

Not ordered, scored in violation of the rules and popped up sightings are set by the judge on the back mark. If this mark is occupied, then they are placed close (but not directly close) to the obstructing ball along a longitudinal line towards the back board. If this part of the longitudinal line is already occupied, then it is set towards the central mark.

Entering the opponent's game

The opponent enters the game when the player has not played a ball or has violated the rules. If a penalty is imposed on the hitting billiard player, then his opponent, taking into account the current situation on the table, may demand to perform the next shot, saying: “Play further.” Unfixed winnings If, due to the inattention of the judge and opponents, the game continued despite the fact that the billiard player won the game (played eight or earned 71 points or more), then if this circumstance is discovered, he is immediately awarded victory in the game, despite all the events that happened next.

A fine in Russian billiards is imposed in the following cases:

when the blow is not made by the cue stick;
when the next blow is executed before the previous one is completed;
when, after a hit, the cue ball flew beyond the boundaries of the playing surface;
for delivering a double blow (punched through);
for hitting any of the balls on the surface of the billiard table during the game - with a cue, chalk, machine, hands, items of clothing, etc.;
when the initial shot is made on the cue ball located outside the house (Mosca, RP);
for failure by the player to comply with the wagering rules; - for a mistake;
American

With this type of Russian billiards, the cue ball can be located anywhere within the house (but not on the house line, since it does not apply to it).

After breaking the pyramid with the cue ball, the American player can choose any ball as the cue ball. Both the object ball and the cue ball fall into the pocket (but only after hitting the object ball). The billiard player who has scored the ball has the right to make the next shot. The wagering rules are that when not a single ball is played, then after the cue ball touches the target minimum, one of them must touch up to 2 different sides (or, having hit one side, bring the second ball to the other side), either touch one side and then cross the center of the table (or roll another ball over it), or cross it and then touch the side or bring another ball to the side). The winner is the billiard player who scores 8 balls first.