Rotation
Except when clearly contradicted by these additional rules, the General Rules of Pocket Billiards apply.
Rotation requires that the cue ball contact the lowest numbered object ball first on each shot; any ball pocketed on a legal shot counts. It is not neccessary to call balls or pockets. Rotation is a formidable test of a player's imagionation, shot-making ability and repertoire. Few games require more exact position play.
Players:
2 or more.
Balls Used:
Standard set of object balls 1-15, plus cue ball.
The Rack:
Standard triangle rack with the 1-ball on the foot spot, 2-ball on the right rear corner, 3-ball on the left rear corner, and 15-ball in the center. All other balls placed entirely at random.
Object of the Game:
To score balls of greater total points value than the opponent(s).
Scoring:
Each legally pocketed object ball has a point value equal to its number. When a player's point total mathematically eliminates an opponent(s) from outscoring him (61 points in a two-player game), the game is ended. If two or more players tie for highest point total after all 15 object balls have been pocketed, the tied player who legally pocketed the last object ball is credited with an extra tie-breaking point and wins the game.
Opening Break:
The starting player must (1) make an open break, or (2) legally pocket an object ball. If failing to do so, the incoming player has the choice of (1) shooting with cue ball in hand behind the head string and object balls in position, or (2) having the balls reracked and shooting the opening break shot.
Rules of Play:
1. A legal shot requires that the cue ball's first contact be with the lowest numbered ball on the table. A player must then (1) pocket a numbered ball, or (2) cause the cue ball or any numbered ball to contact a cushion. Failure to do so is a foul.
2. A legally pocketed ball entitles a shooter to remain at the table until failing to pocket a ball on a legal shot. If necessary, a player is permitted only two legal safeties played by merely hitting that object ball (only) to the near cushion.
3. When a player legally pockets a ball, he must shoot again. The shooter can't call a safety and spot a legally pocketed object ball.
4. When a player has the cue ball in hand behind the head string (as after a scratch) and the legal object ball is also behind the head string, the object ball may be spotted on the foot spot upon request.
5. It is a loss of the game if a player commits three successive fouls. In more than a two player game, balls pocketed by disqualified players remain off the table.
Illegally Pocketed Balls:
All spotted.
Object Balls Jumped Off the Table:
All spotted. The stroke is a foul, and the penalty for fouls is followed.
Cue Ball After Jumping off the Table or Scratch:
Incoming player has cue ball in hand behind the head string.
Penalty for Fouls:
No point penalty. Incoming player has the option of (1) accepting the balls in position, or (2) requiring offending player to shoot again with the table in position (if cue ball is in hand behind the head string it is so for either player).
