The official rules of billiards are maintained by the World Pool-Billiard Association and the Billiard Congress of America (BCA). Because billiards evolved as a sport in many different areas to include different countries in Europe and the Americas, having organizations that produced an official rulebook and standardization has helped to promote the sport through regional, national and international play.

The official rules of billiards cover the game play, the equipment specifications and the organization of events such as tournaments. While there are several different games, the object is the same and thus covered by the official rules. The goal is driving the target ball(s) into the pockets, through the use of the cue stick and cue ball.

The rules are broken into several categories. The order of play is determined by the lag shot. The winner of the lag shot chooses who shoots first. The official rules provide the specifics about the lag shot.

Other areas of rules pertain to the spotting of balls and when the cue ball is in hand. Calling the shot, if required by the particular game is also mandated by the rules, and for a called shot to count the referee or opponent must be satisfied that the intended shot was made.

The rules also outline what constitutes a foul in the game. Such as driving the cue ball off the table, not having at least one foot on the floor, a push shot, or starting your shot while any balls are still moving or spinning. Playing out of turn can result in either a foul or unsportsmanlike conduct depending on the intention.

The official rules are essential to understand for successful tournament play, as one of the first rules is the player’s responsibility to know and abide by the rules for sportsmanlike play and conduct.

Take a look at Official Rules of Billiards Here.