International 8 Ball Rules Part 1 - The Break | Pool School

This is the first video in a series of videos looking at International 8 Ball Rules in pool. In part 1 I talk through the break and how colour sets are decided. Coming from a World rules background I discuss how this set of pool rules differs and things to be aware of.
The International 8 ball pool rules have now been adpoted by the World Eightball Pool Federation (WEPF) and the English Pool Association (EPA) and is the rule set used in the Ultimate Pool Series. Formerly known as Supreme rules, this rule set was billed as a hybrid of World Rules and Blackball rules. It aims to simplify the rules and brind things closer to the rules played in American 8 ball and Chinese 8 ball.

The shots are carried out on a 7ft Supreme Winner UK 8 ball table

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Products used in this video

Elkmaster Pro Tips

Super Aramith Pro Cup pool balls (with carry case)

Balls without case

Triangle ProChalk

8 Ball Cue Rack

GoPro HERO8 Camera

#PoolSchool

[MartyBhoy]

we’re moving to the rule set in the new year in my pub! i’ve been playing a bit of them here and there and watching a bit of ultimate pool, looking forward to this series!

[lee]

We are just changing to these in Australia to starting next year.
Glad you are going to be covering these 🙃🤘

[themagicofenglish]

Very useful a 20 year hiatus I am playing the game again and needed to get up to speed with all the new/revised rules. I appreciate the effort you put into the

[rasta_puff]

so glad i stumbled upon this just getting back into pool after a couple of decades, this whole series is going to be my visual bible for a fair few months. Thank you very much

[dafydd]

I've been playing with the international set of rules for a year. Games are much more open and fun but still strategic.

[RokitPanda]

Hi. Glad your back making regular videos again. Your new pool room looks great!. In the Gloucester pool leagues we are going to be switching to international rules next season. Like you we are in our mid winter season break playing world rules. I have become quite accustomed to international rules now though as the singles league I play in down my local club switched to international rules. The rules are far more attacking and more fun. It encourages players to practice potting and position along with clever cannons. Not just covering pockets and trying their hardest to get two shots during the frame like you get in world rules.😂. In my opinion it's the correct set of rules going forward if the EPA and other pool bodies want to grow English pool so that it's better for TV and can start catching up with snooker in popularity. Keep it up mate. I'd love to have my own pool room and be able make videos. 👍

[andylevel]

Brilliant video. Makes understanding them easy.

[dryclimateutah]

You didn't mention that when you are shooting after a scratch on the break from the kitchen, you are allowed to pot a ball that is lying in the kitchen.

[liamneil]

Great video; may be worth noting that if only the 8 ball is potted on a legal break, play passes to your opponent, but if the 8 ball and another colour is potted also, the player breaking continues play from there, with an open table still. :D

[chazzat]

Problem is with me is I dont know what rules to play with half the time. Will play a bit of international rules and some from the old english pool rules, bits and bobs really. Me and my mate seem to pick and choose the rules we like and play with them. Problem is I wonder if the rules even make sence anymore the amount of different rules mixed in. Sometimes we change rules a few games in. Its actually harder than you think to stick to a certain set of rules when theres so many different rule sets you can play too. Old english rules, world rules, black ball and international lol. Playing american 8 ball dosent make it any less confusing either when transtioning back to english pool.

[Christyleadbitter]

Think I better start reading up then as there is good chance we will go to those rules next year in my local league.

[Bbtj]

I have a quick question
In regards to the break
what happens if a foul break occurs ie 3 points have not be scored but the cue ball also comes off the table
Thanks in advance

[AndrewDcelticv]

ohh thats interesting because always thought you just re rack if you mange to pot the black on break .
at least that's what i do .
finding these videos interesting because think pool is one most highest games that a lot people have a different ways of playing pool . world rules seems one most unless in tournament
so am interested watching part 2

[davidcann]

Thanks. The distinctions are useful. What about this situation, which you described: After the break, table still open, player 2 aims for yellow, but pots a red instead. They can't claim reds, but then player 1 does what? Is the table still open? This happened last night, and neither of us were sure.

[haydengloyne]

i would like to see the same kind of series for world rules . when you refrence the world rules it gets me confused as i play aussie old pub rules....

[phigreen]

This series will be really useful, keep up the good work

[philjackson]

If on the break 3 balls cross the half way line but say two bounce back down the table does this still count as a legal break or does the 3 balls have to stay in the baulk end

[DIYChannelSteve]

What happens when a player goes to break but miss cues and cue ball leaves the table without splitting the pack?

[alanmorgan]

Great set of 3 videos, easy to follow, Question: when scratching on the break the ball-in-hand is anywhere behind the line, but if object ball are up near the Balk rail can you shoot backwards or is that in another set of rules?

[jeffbayly]

If you pot the 8 ball from the break how would you retrieve it too put back on the table in a coin operated table...is this rule correct