Official Rules

Complete rulebook for all GNBF sanctioned billiards competitions

General Rules Pool Rules Pyramid Rules Snooker Rules Equipment Specs

General Rules

Player Eligibility

  • Must hold valid GNBF license
  • Minimum age of 16 years
  • Current membership fees paid
  • No outstanding disciplinary actions

Fair Play

  • Respect for opponents and officials
  • No unsportsmanlike conduct
  • Honest scoring and calling
  • Zero tolerance for cheating

Time Limits

  • 45 seconds per shot maximum
  • 5-minute break between games
  • 15-minute timeout allowance
  • Match completion within time limit

Prohibited Conduct

  • Use of alcohol or drugs
  • Coaching during play
  • Mobile devices in play area
  • Intentional distraction tactics

Pool Rules

8-Ball Rules

Basic Rules:

  • Object balls 1-7 (solids) and 9-15 (stripes)
  • Player must pocket all balls in their group first
  • 8-ball must be pocketed last in called pocket
  • Legal break requires 4 balls to hit rails
  • Call pocket required for 8-ball only

Winning Conditions:

  • Pocket 8-ball in called pocket after clearing group
  • Opponent commits 8-ball foul
  • Opponent forfeits the game

9-Ball Rules

Basic Rules:

  • Balls 1-9 racked in diamond formation
  • Must contact lowest numbered ball first
  • Any ball may be pocketed on legal shot
  • No call required except on 9-ball
  • Push-out rule applies after break

Winning Conditions:

  • Pocket the 9-ball on any legal shot
  • Combination or carom into 9-ball
  • Opponent commits serious foul

10-Ball Rules

Basic Rules:

  • Balls 1-10 racked in triangle formation
  • Must contact lowest numbered ball first
  • All shots must be called (ball and pocket)
  • No push-out rule applies
  • More strategic than 9-ball

Winning Conditions:

  • Pocket the 10-ball in called pocket
  • Must be called shot to win
  • Opponent commits serious foul

Pyramid Rules

Russian Pyramid

Traditional Russian billiards with strategic gameplay and precise shot-making requirements.

Equipment:

  • 12ft × 6ft table
  • 16 white balls (numbered)
  • Larger pockets than pool
  • Heavier cue sticks

Scoring:

  • First to 8 balls wins
  • Must pocket own cue ball
  • Strategic positioning crucial
  • Defensive play allowed

Key Differences from Pool:

Ball Size:
Larger and heavier balls
Pockets:
Smaller relative to ball size
Strategy:
More defensive-oriented

Snooker Rules

Professional Snooker

The most strategic and technical of all cue sports, requiring precision and tactical thinking.

Ball Values:

Red Balls (15) 1 point
Yellow Ball 2 points
Green Ball 3 points
Brown Ball 4 points
Blue Ball 5 points
Pink Ball 6 points
Black Ball 7 points

Basic Play:

  • Alternate between red balls and colored balls
  • After potting red, choose any colored ball
  • Colored balls return to their spots (until all reds gone)
  • After all reds, pot colors in ascending order
  • Maximum break possible: 147 points

Fouls and Penalties:

Miss the object ball:
4-7 points to opponent
Pot the cue ball:
4-7 points to opponent
Hit wrong ball first:
4-7 points to opponent
Fail to hit cushion:
4-7 points to opponent

Equipment Specifications

Table Specifications

Pool Tables:

  • 9ft × 4.5ft playing surface
  • Simonis 860 tournament cloth
  • Diamond Pro-Am rails
  • Aramith Tournament balls

Snooker Tables:

  • 12ft × 6ft playing surface
  • Professional grade slate bed
  • Hainsworth Elite Pro cloth
  • Aramith Premier snooker balls

Pyramid Tables:

  • 12ft × 6ft playing surface
  • Heated slate playing surface
  • Russian standard cloth
  • Official pyramid balls

Cue Specifications

Pool Cues:

  • Length: 57-59 inches
  • Weight: 18-21 ounces
  • Tip diameter: 12-13mm
  • Professional grade tips only

Snooker Cues:

  • Length: 57-59 inches
  • Weight: 17-19 ounces
  • Tip diameter: 9-10mm
  • Ash wood construction preferred

Pyramid Cues:

  • Length: 59-61 inches
  • Weight: 20-24 ounces
  • Tip diameter: 11-12mm
  • Reinforced ferrule required

Tournament Standards

Venue Requirements:

  • Minimum ceiling height: 16 feet
  • Professional lighting system
  • Climate controlled environment
  • Spectator seating arrangements

Equipment Standards:

  • WPA approved tables only
  • Official ball sets required
  • Shot clocks for major events
  • Referee equipment provided

Safety Requirements:

  • First aid station on site
  • Emergency evacuation plan
  • Security personnel present
  • Insurance coverage required

Download Official Rulebook

Get the complete GNBF rulebook for all sanctioned competitions

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