What are the rules for billiards?

Billiards, in its various forms like English Billiards, American Pool (like 8-ball, 9-ball), and Snooker, has a wide range of rules governing play, including ball placement, breaking, foul play, scoring, and specific game variations. 

Basic Rules and Concepts:

• Ball in hand: The player's ability to place the cue ball anywhere on the table before their shot. 

• Spotting balls: Re-spotting balls pocketed on fouls or safeties to the designated spot. 

• Break: The initial shot, typically with the cue ball striking the object balls. 
• Foul: A shot that violates a rule, resulting in a penalty for the player and an advantage for the opponent. 
• Scratch: Pockets the cue ball during a shot, leading to ball in hand for the next player. 

Specific Rules by Game Type:

• English Billiards:
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  Focuses on cannons (striking both object balls with one shot), potting (pocketing balls), and scoring by hitting in-off (pocketing the cue ball after hitting an object ball). 

• American Pool (8-ball, 9-ball, etc.):
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  Players aim to pocket their designated group of balls, with the final 8-ball in 8-ball being the win, or the 9-ball in 9-ball being the win. 

• Snooker:
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  A more complex game involving colored balls with different point values, and the black ball being the winner. 

General Principles:

• Alternating Break:
  Players alternate taking the break shot, unless specific game rules allow otherwise. 

• Foul Play:
  Causes penalties, such as ball in hand for the opponent or awarding points to the opponent. 

• Call shot:
  Some variations require players to call the shot before attempting it. 

• Defensive shot (safety):
  A strategic move to make it difficult for the opponent to score on their next turn. 

Fouls and Penalties:

• Illegal Breaks: Fails to pocket a ball on the break, resulting in ball in hand or other penalties. 

• Scratch on Break: Pockets the cue ball during the break, leading to ball in hand for the next player. 

• Forcing a ball off the table: A foul that awards points to the opponent. 

• Playing out of turn: A foul that awards points to the opponent. 

Scoring:

• English Billiards: Points are awarded for cannons, winning hazards (potting an opponent's ball), and losing hazards (pocketing the cue ball after hitting an object ball). 

• American Pool: Points are awarded for pocketing balls. 

• Snooker: Points are awarded based on the value of the balls pocketed. 

Important Considerations:

• Variations: Billiards has many variations with unique rules and scoring systems. 

• Bar Rules: Bars may have their own rules that deviate from official rules. 

• Legal Shots: Different variations have different rules for legal shots, such as hitting a specific ball first or contacting a rail​.