- No such thing as 2 shots. Following a ‘standard foul’ the incoming player is awarded one visit only with the added benefit of having ball in hand and being able to place the cueball anywhere on the table. This rule is new to 8-ball and has been borrowed from 9-ball.
- Combination shots are legal – taken from Blackball rules, a player can legally pot any opponent’s ball on the basis that they strike a ball of their own first and also pot any of their own balls on the same shot. However, in Blackball, a failed combination attempt results in a standard foul and awards your opponent 2 visits. Whereas a failed combination attempt in International Rules simply means a loss of turn, the same as if you generally fail to make a pot. A loss of turn is not a foul and therefore, the incoming player must play their shot from where the cueball lies. This change enables a different tactical style, whereby players can strike their own ball first and remove an opponent’s ball that may be a causing a problem, for example; blocking a pocket. This is called a ‘Tactical Shot’.
- The ‘tactical shot’ is to International Rules what the combination shot is to Blackball Rules. It’s the new addition, the progressive change. There is a big change in fusing the tactical shots and combination shots in the same set of pool rules. This change is that covering pockets no longer holds the advantage that it has done previously in other rules. In Old rules and World Rules it has long been a big advantage to take control of a pocket. Blackball made a dent in this school of thought with the combination shot. Now these Supreme rules have added further fuel to the flames that 8-ball pool is pushing to become a “no guts, no glory“ sport. This tactical shot means that a providing you strike your own ball you can also pot your opponent’s ball without it being deemed a foul. This leads only to a “loss of turn” meaning that your incoming opponent must play from where the cueball lies. Consequently, this means you can now unsuccessfully attempt a combination shot without fouling.
The other main things you’ll need to know to start playing International 8ball Rules:
- Standard fouls are not exclusive to, but do include going in-off (potting the white ball). Going in-off on the break-off shot means that the incoming player must play from behind the baulk line. Not from anywhere on the table as mentioned previously.
- As in World Rules; a ball failing to strike the cushion after the cueball contacts your object ball.
- Failure to nominate your set on an open table. This rule can be bypassed if the referee deems it obvious which ball you are attempting. However, to save confusion or potential disagreement I’d recommend nominating in the event of an open table. Keep things simple.
- In the event that any ball leaves the bed of the table and remains there at rest.
Other things that may crop up:
- When you successfully play a combination shot in open play the sets, you will be on the colours of the same ball that the cueball struck first.
- Mirroring Blackball rules, players must make a genuine “bona fide” attempt to play their own object ball. Failure to do so will result in loss of frame.