Rules
Object
The object of the game is to score the most points, by pocketing higher-scoring balls than the opponent(s). A (individual game) is won when a player or team reaches a number of points (usually 61) that makes it impossible for the opponent(s) to win. A may consist of multiple frames (e.g. a ), or in multiple of multiple frames (e.g. three rounds of best 2-out-of-three), as in other types of pool.Scoring
Points are scored by pocketing the object balls on the table; the number of points awarded is equal to the number printed on the ball pocketed; for example, pocketing the 4 ball scores the player 4 points. In a two-player (or two-team) game, the frame is over when a player or team has at least 61 points, one more than half the number of available points. Games tied at 60 points can occur, in which case the player who last legally pocketed a ball is credited with a bonus point and declared the winner. More than two players or teams can play, with the winning score being whatever number will mathematically eliminate other players from outscoring the leader.Set up
At the beginning of each frame, the balls are in a triangle as inGame play
The primary rule of the game is that the ''lowest numbered'' object ball on the table at any time is the "" and must be struck first (including on the break shot – a side break is a foul), regardless of the player's intentions of which ball to actually pocket. Players may use the lowest numbered ball to pocket other (e.g. higher value) balls. Consequently, this not being a game, points are also counted if a ball is unintentionally but legally pocketed (a "" or ""). A player's turn at the table continues until a shot fails to legally pocket a ball, a foul is committed, or the frame concludes. Illegally pocketed balls are spotted.Safeties
play is rather strictly limited in rotation. If a player legally pockets a ball, that player ''must'' shoot again; unlike in many games, there is no provision for a called, intentional safety play that pockets a ball. Safeties that consist of simply using the cue ball to drive the ball-on to the closest , without contacting another object ball in the course of the shot, are limited to only two such shots per player per frame. Other safeties are unlimited, provided that the lowest numbered ball is struck first and either at least two object balls move in the course of the shot, or the ball-on is driven to a cushion that is not the closest to it.Fouls
If a is committed (other than a foul break or cue ball foul, as detailed below), the incoming opponent may ''either'' take the next shot or require the opponent to do so, with all balls as they lie in either case. If the exiting opponent's foul was the cue ball into a pocket or off the table, the incoming player's shot is necessarily ball-in-hand, and ''must'' be taken from behind the (in ), although the incoming player may optionally require the fouling opponent to shoot again instead, with ball-in-hand behind the headstring. Shots taken from behind the head string must cause the cue ball to cross the head string; however, if the ball-on is behind the head string, the player with ball in hand (including a fouling player who has been forced to take the shot by the opponent) may optionally have that ball spotted on the foot spot before shooting. There is no point penalty for fouls. Three consecutive fouls (i.e. on three consecutive turns at the table) by the same player is a loss of frame. ;Fouls includeTeam play
Two-player (or larger) teams compete by alternating teams and alternating players within each team. For example, if teams consist of players 1 and 2 versus players 3 and 4, and player 1 breaks, turns alternate in the pattern 1 (breaking), 3, 2, 4, 1, 3, 2, 4, etc. I.e., the ending of a player's turn at the table ends that team's turn at the table. As in individual competition, a player's turn at the table does not end until a foul is committed or the player fails to legally pocket an object ball (or the frame ends). Three consecutive fouls by a team player disqualifies that player for the remainder of the frame (i.e., if player 3 were disqualified in the above example, then subsequent play order would be 4, 1, 2, 4, 1, 2, etc.) Balls that were legally pocketed by the disqualified player are not spotted. Informally, team play can also be conducted in format. However, the disqualification rule does not apply, and three consecutive fouls ''by the team'' are a loss of frame (otherwise, the team with the hypothetically disqualified player would have an advantage, in no longer having to coordinate two players).Variations
Simple rotation
Simple rotation is the most basic rotation game, being directly derived from basicNine-ball
The major competitive game nine-ball and its variants (six-ball, seven-ball, andStrict rotation
In strict rotation, also called ''specific rotation'', the balls must be ''pocketed'' sequentially, not the first contact on the table. If the lowest ball on the table is struck but a higher ball ends up being pocketed in a combination shot, then that higher ball must be back on the table after the shot; this is not a foul, but merely ends the shooter's turn as if it were a miss. If the lowest-numbered ball is hit first and is pocketed, but another ball also is pocketed, that other ball is spotted immediately, and the shooter's turn continues.In the Philippines
In the Philippines, rotation pool is popular, especially among advanced players, althoughReferences
{{Cue sports nav Pool (cue sports)