How We Play 8‑Ball at Gladstone 8 Ball Association
Official WEPF International Rules
Gladstone 8 Ball Association plays strictly under the WEPF International Rules, the same rules used at Australian Nationals and World Championships. These rules are designed to be fast, fair, and skill‑based, removing old pub‑rule elements like two‑shots and carry‑over.
The objective
Players compete using:
- 7 red balls
- 7 yellow balls
- The black 8‑ball
- A cue ball
The aim is to legally pot all balls of your group (reds or yellows), then pot the black to win the frame.
The break – The 3‑point rule
A break is only legal if the player scores 3 points:
- 1 point for each ball potted
- 1 point for each ball driven past the halfway line
If the break is illegal, the opponent receives ball‑in‑hand anywhere on the table (one visit).
The table remains open after the break, even if balls were potted.
Open table
After the break, the table is open until a player legally pots a called ball. Once a player pots a ball legally, that colour group becomes theirs.
Fouls = Ball‑in‑hand (one visit only)
International Rules do not use two visits. After any foul, the incoming player receives ball‑in‑hand anywhere on the table.
Common fouls include:
- Failing to hit your own group first
- No ball hitting a cushion after contact
- Potting the cue ball
- Double‑hits
- Jump shots
- Moving a ball with your hand, clothing, or cue
- Potting the black illegally
Free table after a foul
After a foul, the incoming player has a free table until they complete a legal shot.
- You may hit or pot any ball (except the black if it’s not on)
- Once a legal shot is played, normal rules resume
Cushion rule
After the cue ball contacts a ball, at least one ball must hit a cushion, unless a ball is potted. Failure to do so is a foul.
No deliberate fouls
Deliberately fouling to gain advantage is not allowed. A deliberate foul results in ball‑in‑hand, and the referee may replace balls to their original positions if needed.
Winning the frame
To win, a player must:
- Legally pot all balls of their group
- Legally pot the black 8‑ball
You lose the frame if you:
- Pot the black early
- Commit a foul while potting the black
- Pot the black in the wrong pocket (if pockets are called)
- Knock the black off the table
Spirit of the game
Gladstone 8 Ball Association promotes:
- Respect
- Fair play
- Honest calling of fouls
- Encouraging new and junior players
- Keeping the game flowing
International Rules ensure every match is played with fairness, consistency, and competitive integrity.