Pocket Billiard Rules and Specifications
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Congress of America. Any modification or sale of the information herein
is strictly prohibited by the laws governing that copyright. Please
direct questions regarding interpretation of the following, or
information on how to receive the current BCA Billiards - The Official
Rules and Records Book to the Billiard Congress of America. The
official BCA rule book, which was updated in January 2011, is available
for purchase online at the BCA Store. |
- General Rules

- Nine Ball Rules
- Eight Ball Rules
- 14.1 Continuous Pool Rules
- Black Ball Rules
- Fouls
- Rules/Regulations for Wheelchair Competition
- Definitions Used in the Rules
- Ten Ball Rules
Equipment Specifications/Room Size Recommendations
1. General Rules
These general rules apply to all pocket billiard games, UNLESS specifically noted to the contrary in the individual game rules. Download General Rules .
2. Nine Ball Rules
Except when clearly contradicted by these additional rules, the General Rules of Pocket Billiards apply. Download Nine Ball Rules.
3. Eight Ball Rules
Except when clearly contradicted by these additional rules, the General Rules of Pocket Billiards apply. Download Eight Ball Rules.
4. 14.1 Continuous Pool Rules
Except when clearly contradicted by these additional rules, the General Rules of Pocket Billiards apply. Download 14.1 Continuous Pool Rules (PDF format).
5. Black Ball Rules
Except when clearly contradicted by these additional rules, the General Rules of Pocket Billiards apply. Download Black Ball Rules (PDF format).
6. Fouls
Except when clearly contradicted by these additional rules, the General Rules of Pocket Billiards apply. Download Fouls.
7. Rules/Regulations for Wheelchair Competition
The International Stoke Mandeville Wheelchair Sports Federation (ISMWSF) is recognized by the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA), the world governing body of pocket billiards, as governing all international competitions concerning wheelchair pocket billiards. Except when clearly contradicted by these additional rules, the General Rules of Pocket Billiards apply. Download Rules/Regulations for Wheelchair Competition (PDF format).
8. Definitions Used in the Rules
Except when clearly contradicted by these additional rules, the General Rules of Pocket Billiards apply. Download Definitions Used in the Rules (PDF format).
9. Ten Ball Rules
Except when clearly contradicted by these additional rules, the General Rules of Pocket Billiards apply. Download Ten Ball Rules.
Specifications
Professional Equipment Specifications for WPA-Sanctioned Events
The purpose of these specifications shall be to set standards for equipment used at all World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) World Championships, WPA World Tour events and other WPA sanctioned and/or recognized events. These specifications do not necessarily apply to tables manufactured for commercial home use. At its sole discretion, the World Pool-Billiard Association can sanction tournaments on tables not in compliance with these specifications. View Equipment Specifications documentation.
Non-Professional BCA Equipment Specifications
These specifications are meant for recreation (non-professional) equipment. View BCA Equipment Specifications documentation (PDF format).
Room Size Recommendations
Not sure how much room you need? Refer to the Recommended Room Dimensions Chart below to help determine which size table you’ll be purchasing:

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