10-Ball

Objective and legal balls

You must contact the lowest-numbered ball first. In call-shot formats, the intended ball and pocket must be declared, and uncalled pocketed balls usually do not end the game.

Racking and break

Rack balls 1-10 in a triangle with 1-ball at the apex and 10-ball in the middle. Break requirements follow event rules, but legal first contact on the 1-ball is always required.

Turn sequence

A legal called shot that pockets the called ball keeps your turn. Misses, fouls, or uncalled outcomes in strict formats pass the table.

Common fouls

Fouls usually give ball-in-hand to the opponent.

• Wrong first contact (not the lowest ball).
• Scratch or cue ball off the table.
• No rail after legal contact when nothing is pocketed.
• Improper called-shot procedure in events that enforce it.

Winning the rack

You win by legally pocketing the 10-ball according to the match's call-shot standard.

House-rule note

Because 10-Ball has more format variation, confirm call-shot, break, and push-out rules before play.