American billiards - rules of the game. Rules of the game in - Pool eight (American billiards) Rules for playing pool billiards in simple language

Billiard game "American" today is very popular. Mostly men can be seen at the billiard table. This one is played by both the younger and older generation. For many years now, it has also been an international sport. This game has received so much attention due to the fact that it requires strong restraint, tact and clarity. If you want to play at home, then for this you will need billiard equipment, that is, a special table, as well as balls along with additional elements that will have to meet all the requirements of the World Pool Association.

Number of game balls on the billiard table

In order to start, you need to know all the basic rules of playing American billiards. So, the game will be played with sixteen balls. All but one have their specific number. Numbered balls from one to seven have a "solid" color. From nine to fifteen "striped", which means that in the middle they are divided by a strip of a certain color. During the game of billiards "American" these balls will be divided between the players.

At number 8, there is a black ball, it is necessary to score it into a certain pocket before the opponent in order to win. However, it cannot be pocketed before all of its balls. Even if the ball accidentally hits the pocket, it will be considered a loss for the player who did it. The white ball has no number, it is also called the cue ball. All strikes in the game will occur exclusively with the help of it.

Arrangement of balls on the table

In the game of American billiards, the rules specify exactly how the balls are to be placed. To do this, use a triangle, in which all the balls are tightly placed, except for the white one. The front ball must be on the back mark. The back mark is a spot on the pool table. In the next row, you need to put one of the balls of different colors, that is, one “solid” and one “striped”. In the third row, a black ball is placed in the center, and two different ones are placed on the sides. For the fourth row, two balls are used from "solid" and "striped". In the last row, all previously unused balls are placed. There is one rule that the standing balls in the last row on the sides must be of different colors. However, they often use a different way of arranging American billiards. The Russian pyramid in this case is installed so that the balls alternate as much as possible.

First strike capability

In order to start the game, you need to decide who will break this triangle. To do this, both opponents place any two balls in the "house" part of the table. The balls must be on the same line as well as the same distance from the center longitudinal line. Opponents must hit the ball at the same time. The winner is the one whose ball, after touching the opposite side, will be as close as possible to its original place. The rules of the game of American billiards specify that if the ball of one participant touches the side board, then he loses. In the event that such an error occurred in two players, it will be necessary to replay. But almost always, if you go to a billiard room with a friend, it will be much easier to just agree.

Party start

After you decide on who will be the first to beat, you can start a game of American billiards. The hit on the white ball should only be applied with a sticker (this is the rubber part of the cue). If the blow occurred with another part of the cue or the hand touched the ball, then this is counted as a mistake in which the player changes. In billiards, a mistake is called a foul. If the triangle is broken, but none of the balls hit the pocket, then the opponent continues the game. In the event that the cue ball flies off the table or falls into a pocket, then it must be returned to its original place. But there is another rule that the white ball can be placed on any spot on the table. How you will play, you need to agree in advance with your opponent.

Also, many people think that the pyramid is considered broken only if at least four balls touched the sides. If this did not happen, the opponent can make a choice, leave everything as it is, or replay it himself. This rule should also be discussed before the game.

You can win from the first hit only if the black ball hits the pocket. Such a waste of events is extremely rare. When a black ball flies off the billiard table, it is returned to the table and placed on a certain point. A foul is counted when, after the first hit, the cue ball falls into the pocket.

Game progress

Once the pyramid has been broken, the players need to pocket any ball other than the black one. As soon as one of the balls is in the pocket, the table is considered closed. If the player forgot the "striped" ball, then he will need to score them. If "solid" - it means that they will play.

During the game of billiards "American" a foul may occur, it is counted if the player hit the opponent's ball or the eighth ball with the cue ball. Also, a player receives a foul if, in addition to his ball, the opponent's ball also hit the pocket. A foul results in a player change.

There are some prohibitions related to hitting. For example, the cue must never slide over the ball. Or when after hitting any of the balls touches the cue, then a foul will be counted. A situation may occur in the game that the cue ball and any other ball will stand very tightly with each other, in which case it will not be possible to hit exactly straight.

End of the party

Once all "own" balls have been pocketed, the black must also be pocketed. It should be hammered into a certain pocket. The pocket in which the eighth ball should be located is opposite to the place where your last pocketed ball hit. In the event that the player pocketed the 8th ball earlier, then he is considered defeated.

When playing billiards "American", you or your opponent can also get a foul. This happens if: a double hit was made, the balls were touched by a hand, clothing or another part of the cue, except for the necessary one. When the "cue ball" is in the pocket after the hit or the balls flew off the table, then this is also a foul. The probability of getting a foul is greater in the game of billiards "American". The rules in this game you can personally adjust. There are certain features that you need to discuss before starting with your opponent.

Playing pool is somewhat easier than playing Russian billiards, as pool tables have wider pockets. As a result, "dead zones" practically do not exist. However, it cannot be denied that some varieties of the American pool are quite complex and combinatorial. In addition, the difference american game from the Russian one is that the balls for the pool are smaller in diameter (57.6 mm) and lighter (156 - 170 g), and also have a certain color: seven balls are solid, seven are striped.

General Pool Rules

1. Billiard equipment

All billiard games must be played using pool tables, balls and equipment that meet the standards of the World Pool Association or BCA.

2. Placement

The balls must be set using a triangle and the front ball must be on the back mark. All other balls should be lined up behind the front and tightly pressed against each other.

3. Hitting the cue ball

A blow to the cue ball should be applied only with a cue stick. Otherwise, a foul is declared.

4. Missing a pocket

If a player misses a legal shot, i.e. does not pocket an object ball, then his streak ends and the opponent enters the game.

5. Playing the kickoff

When drawing the initial blow (breaking), the following procedure is used. Taking a ball of the same size and weight (preferably two cue balls or at least two non-striped object balls) and placing them on opposite sides of the front mark, the players simultaneously shoot from behind the front line (from home), sending balls to the tailgate and back. The player whose ball stops closer to the front board wins. The ball must touch the tailgate at least once.

The draw is considered automatically lost if:

the ball went into the opponent's half,

did not reach the tailgate,

fell into a hole

jumped overboard,

touched the long side,

stopped in the alignment of the corner pocket behind the lip of the forward side,

touched the tailgate two or more times.

If the rules were violated by both opponents, or if the referee cannot determine whose ball stopped closer to the front board, then the rally is repeated.

6. Initial blow (breaking)

The right to perform an initial strike is granted based on the results of a rally or lot (a rally is mandatory during official competitions). The winner of the rally or lot has the right to make an initial blow or to yield to his opponent.
The introduction of the cue ball into the game is made by a blow from the hand from the house. At the same time, object balls are placed according to the rules of each particular game. The cue ball is considered in play after it has crossed the front line as a result of being hit with a cue stick.

7. Punch from home

A shot from the hand from the house is performed at the beginning of the game and after the cue ball falls into the pocket in cases specially stipulated by the rules of each particular game. The participant entering the game can place the cue ball anywhere in the house. He can hit any object ball centered outside the home (including the front row).

It is possible to hit the object balls in the house only if the cue ball first leaves the house, and then, having hit the tailgate, returns back to the house. The position of the ball is determined by the position of its center (or the point where the ball touches the playing surface). Before crossing the front line, the cue ball must not touch the object balls located in the house.

The cue ball is considered to be in play after it has left the house as a result of being hit with a cue sticker. While the cue ball is not in play, it can be corrected with a hand, a cue stick, etc. However, any contact with the cue ball after it has been put into play is a foul.

8. Handplay

If the rules of a particular game provide for play from the hand after a foul is called, then an incoming opponent may place the cue ball anywhere on the playing surface of the table and hit any object ball.

9. Balls played

The ball is considered played (hammered) if, as a result of a legal hit, it falls into the pocket. A ball that has jumped out of the pocket onto the playing surface of the table is considered unplayed.

10. The position of the balls

The position of the ball is determined by the position of its lowest point (or center).

11. Touching the floor

When making a stroke, at least one player's foot must touch the floor, otherwise a penalty is imposed.

12. Striking until the balls stop

A player is charged with a foul if he strikes before the cue ball or any object ball comes to a complete stop (a ball that is spinning in place is considered to be moving.)

13. Completion of the blow

The blow is considered completed only after a complete stop of all the balls on the playing surface of the table.

14. Home and front line

The front line is not part of the house. Therefore, if the rules of the game require balls to be hit outside the home, then an object ball located exactly on the front line is played. Accordingly, the cue ball, when introduced into the game from home (from the hand from behind the front line), should not be placed directly on the front line, but a little closer.

15. General rule for all violations

Although different penalties may apply for the same infraction in specific billiard games, the following is true for all infractions. general rule: (1) the right to kick goes to the opponent, (2) no ball is pocketed, and (3) any ball(s) are spotted only if the rules of the game require it.

16. Missing a legal ball

A hit is considered illegal if the cue ball has not touched any of the legal (next) object balls, that is, balls, the first contact with which is provided for by the rules of a particular game. Playing away from an object ball close to the cue ball does not count as hitting that ball.

17. Correct hit

A hit is considered legal if the cue ball first touches a legal (next) object ball, and then either (1) one of the object balls falls into the pocket, or (2) the cue ball or any of the object balls are brought to the side. Failure to comply with these requirements entails a foul.

18. Falling the cue ball into the pocket

If, upon impact, the cue ball falls into the pocket, then a foul is declared.

19. Prohibition of touching the balls

For touching during the game of any object ball or cue ball with the body, clothing, chalk, typewriter, cue shaft, etc. a fine is imposed. You can only touch the cue ball with a cue sticker when performing a correct hit.

20. Prohibition of double strikes

If the cue stick touches the cue ball more than once during a shot, or if the cue stick touches the cue ball while the cue ball is touching (or after the cue ball has already touched) an object ball, then a penalty is assessed. If any illegal object ball is located close to the cue ball, then the blow should be struck away from it, otherwise a penalty is imposed.

21. Prohibition of pushing

If a player pushes the cue ball forward, delaying the contact time of the cue stick with the cue ball disproportionately to the swing movement, then a penalty is imposed.

22. Correct jump

With a correct jump, the blow should be delivered with a raised cue to the upper half of the ball. However, any kick, i.e. slippage of the cue stick sticker on the surface of the cue ball, is penalized when performing a jump. Jumping by any other means is prohibited.

23. Popped balls

Balls that have stopped after being hit outside the playing surface of the table (on an elastic board, on a handrail, on the floor, etc.) are considered to have jumped out. The ball is not considered to have jumped out if, having hit the upper part of the elastic board or handrail, it independently returns again to the playing surface without hitting any other object that is not a stationary accessory of the table. (If the ball touches any object that is not an accessory of the table, for example, a lighting device, chalk on the board or handrail, etc., then it is considered to have jumped out, even if after that it returns to the playing surface on its own).

In all pocket billiard games, a shot that causes the cue ball or any of the object balls to go overboard is penalized. All jumped-out object balls are exposed after a complete stop of all balls on the playing surface of the table. The popped cue ball is put into play in accordance with the rules of each particular game.

24. Breaking Multiple Rules Simultaneously

If more than one rule is violated in a stroke, the player is penalized with one foul, with the most severe penalty for the most flagrant infraction committed during the stroke.

25. Spontaneous movement of balls

If the ball moves, rolls, turns, or otherwise moves spontaneously, it is left where it stops and play continues. If the ball hovering over the pocket remains motionless for five seconds or more, and then falls into the pocket, then it should be restored in its original place and the game continued.

If, during a strike, the object ball spontaneously falls into the pocket before hitting the cue ball, then the cue ball and the object ball are restored to their original positions, after which the blow is repeated. The same is done with spontaneous displacement at the moment of impact of any other object ball.

26. Showing balls

If, according to the rules of a particular game, it is necessary to field one or more balls, then after the stroke is completed, they are located on the longitudinal line as follows: the ball with the lowest number is placed on the back mark, and the rest, in ascending order of numbers, are placed one behind the other towards the tailgate . If the balls on the table do not allow exactly fulfilling the specified requirement, then the balls to be placed are placed on the longitudinal line as close as possible to the rear mark, close to the interfering aiming balls, without moving them. If the cue ball interferes, then the exposed balls are placed as close as possible to it, but not close.

If there is not enough space for the fielded balls between the back mark and the back board, then the balls are set on the extension of the longitudinal line in front of the back mark (between the back mark and the center) as close as possible to it, while the ball with the smallest number must be in front, and the rest, in ascending order of numbers, are located one after the other towards the back mark.

27. Balls dropped with played balls

If other object balls fall into the pockets along with the one played during the execution of a correct shot, then they are counted in accordance with the rules of each particular game.

28. Interference by an outsider

If during the game the balls move due to the intervention of an outside person (directly or through some kind of influence on the player making the stroke), then they are returned to their original positions and the game continues, and there is no penalty for this. If the game is official, then the referee restores the position. This rule should also be applied in case of emergencies such as an earthquake, a hurricane, a fall of a lighting fixture, an accident, etc. If the position cannot be restored, then the game is replayed, while the same player makes the initial blow.

The present rule, however, does not apply to the game "14+1 with continuation", in which one game consists of successive pyramids. Therefore, the drawing of the current pyramid is interrupted, and the drawing of a new one begins, while the right of the initial strike is determined anew. The score, however, remains the same as it was at the time the game was suspended.

29. The sequence of the initial strike

If the meeting is held up to a certain number of victories or games played, then the winner of each individual game makes the first blow in the next. At the discretion of the organizers of the competition, the following options are possible: (1) Players break in turns. (2) Breaks the loser. (3) Splits the loser into sets.

30. Entry into the game of the opponent

If the player failed to correctly pocket the ball or broke the rules, then the opponent enters the game. If the rules are not violated, then the opponent takes the position that has developed on the table.

31. Ball on board

A hit on an object ball close to the edge must end with (1) dropping one of the object balls into the pocket, or (2) bringing the cue ball to the edge, or (3) bringing that object ball to the other edge (with which it was not originally in contact), or (4) by bringing another object ball to the side. Failure to meet at least one of these four requirements entails a foul.

The fact that the object ball touches the board must be witnessed by the referee or one of the players, which must be announced before the impact.

32. Setting the cue ball

When playing from the hand, setting the cue ball can be done with the hand or any part of the cue (including the sticker). After the cue ball has been set, any forward movement of the cue that is accompanied by a touch of the cue ball is considered to be the start of a strike.

33. Interfering with the opponent's play

If a player distracts his opponent or interferes with his play, this is considered a foul. Interference is considered to be a stroke out of turn, as well as the displacement of any ball during the opponent's play.

A variation of the game of pocket billiards - pool(from French poule, i.e. "bet, bullet, bank"). This game is also called American pool or American billiards.

History of the origin of the game of pool

The American pool was born in 1857. There is a document of this year - patent No. 19.101, issued to the American Michael Phelan, for the invention of a new type of pocket. And before that, in America there were only English billiard tables measuring 6 * 12 feet. (they are still played in snooker).

The pocket on the English tables is completely different in quality, and not in size. She has rounded lips. And Phelan brought in a straight cut. Then the tables got smaller. Professional tournaments (1850-70) had tables 11 feet long. Since 1971, 10 feet has become the standard length; this applies to both carom and pocket tables. 4 inches was the width of the pocket. This was the case until 1949. Billiards Congress of America, formed in 1948, protected the interests of those who made gaming equipment and profited from it.

In this regard, put things in order in the rules and standards. The game will be brighter and livelier if the pockets are widened and the table is reduced. After all, there will be more attacks if there are fewer defense tactics. All these innovations were supposed to restore American billiards, which was in decline. BCA in 1949 approved a new standard for the equipment of tournaments that were officially held. The game has changed a lot. The table size was 4.5 x 9 feet with 5 inch pockets. On the old tables the record was 309 balls (1945 by Willy Mosconi), and on the new tables the record was 526 balls (1954 by Willy Mosconi).

1 foot=0.305m
1 inch=2.54cm

Name of the game - " pool' did not at first refer to American pocket billiards. When the pool was just developing, billiard tables were located on the hippodromes, where bets were taken, so that people would have fun in between races or races. Institutions of this type were collectively called "pool rooms". Later, pool itself became popular, and the term became the name of American billiards.
A complete set of balls includes 15 numbered colored balls of a special color and one white cue ball. Object balls are numbered from 1 to 15. Numbers from 1 to 8 are colored solid: 1-yellow, 2-blue, 3-red, 4-violet (magenta), 5-orange, 6-green, 7-maroon , 8-black. Objective balls numbered from 9 to 15 are white, but with a central band of these colors: 9-yellow, 10-blue, 11-red, 12-violet (magenta), 13-orange, 14-green, 15-dark -burgundy.

General rules for playing American pool (billiards)

1. Equipment for billiards

All games use balls, pool tables and equipment that conform to BCA or World Pool Association standards.

2. Arrangement of balls

You need to use a triangle, placing the front ball on the back mark. The other balls line up tightly against the front ball.

3. Hitting the cue ball

It is applied only with a cue sticker, otherwise a foul will be declared.

4. Missing a pocket

If a player does not pocket an object ball, i.e. misses with a correct hit, then he ends his series, and the opponent starts the game.

5. Playing the Opening Stroke in Playing American Pool

When breaking, the following course of the game is proposed: take a ball of equal weight and size (preferably 2 cue balls and 2 aiming non-striped balls), place them from the front mark on opposite sides and at the same time perform a blow from the hand from home (because of the front line), sending balls to the tailgate and back. The winner will be the player whose ball stops closer to the front board, besides, he needs to touch the back board at least once. A draw will be considered lost (automatically) if:
1) the ball has not reached the tailgate.
2) entered the opponent's half.
3) went overboard.
4) fell into a pocket.
5) stopped in the alignment of the corner pocket behind the lip of the forward side.
6) touched the long board.
7) touched 2 times or more tailgate.

If the rules are violated by both opponents, and it is difficult for the referee to determine whose ball is closer to the front board, then the rally must be repeated.

6. Break (initial strike)

It is obligatory to hold a drawing if there are official competitions. It is according to its results (or by lot) that the right to perform the initial blow is granted. The one who won the rally may concede the opening blow to the opponent.

The cue ball is introduced into the game by a blow from the hand from the house. Aiming balls are placed according to the rules of each particular game. The cue ball is considered put into play when, after hitting it with a cue (sticker), it crosses the front line.

7. Hit "from the hand of the house"

This blow is made at the beginning of the game and after the cue ball falls into the pocket in those cases that are stipulated by the rules of each particular game. The player entering the game has the right to place the cue ball anywhere in the house. He is allowed to hit any object ball whose center is off the home (and on the front line). Hitting object balls that are in the house is allowed when the cue ball first leaves the house, and then returns to the house, hitting the tailgate. You can determine the position of the ball by the position of its center or the point where the ball touches the surface of the table. The cue ball has no right (before crossing the front line) to touch object balls located in the house.
The cue ball will be recognized as entered into the game if it leaves the house after being hit by a cue sticker. Before the cue ball is introduced into the game, it is allowed to correct it with a cue, with a hand. And after the introduction of the cue ball into the game, you can not touch it. Otherwise, a foul will be declared.

8. Game "from the hand"

Some specific game rules allow hand play after a foul has been called. In this case, the opponent who enters the game has the right to place the cue ball on the playing surface anywhere and hit any object ball.

9. Pocketed balls

A ball is recognized as played if it falls into the pocket after a legal hit. A ball that jumped out of the pocket onto the playing surface is considered not played.

10. The position of the balls in American billiards

Determined by where its center (or bottom point) is located.

11. Touching the floor

One player's foot always touches the floor when making a kick. Otherwise there will be a fine.

12. Striking until the balls stop

If the shot is made before the cue ball stops, any object ball. (A ball is considered to be moving if it rotates in place). In this case, a foul is declared.

13. Completion of the blow

Only after all the balls on the playing surface have stopped, the stroke is considered completed.

14. "Home" and the front line

The front line is not part of the "house". An object ball, which is located on the front line, is played if the rules of the game require hitting balls outside the "home". Consequently, it is not recommended to put the cue ball put into play from the “home” (from the hand because of the front line) directly on the front line, but a little closer.

15. General rule for all violations

For the same violation in specific, certain billiard games, different penalties may be imposed. However, there is a general rule for all violations.

1) the right to strike is transferred to the opponent.
2) not a single pocketed ball is counted.
3) any ball (or balls) is exposed only when it is taken into account in the rules of this particular game.

16. Missing a legal ball

If the cue ball has not touched any of the next (legal) object balls, and according to the rules of this game, the first contact with them is provided, then the hit is counted as an illegal one. If played away from an object ball close to the cue ball, then such play is not recognized as hitting that ball.

17. Correct hit

If at first the cue ball touches the next (legal) object ball, and then any of the object balls falls into the pocket, or the cue ball (or some of the object balls) is brought to the board, then the hit is considered correct. Otherwise, if these requirements are not met, a foul is threatened.

18. Falling the cue ball into the pocket

A foul is declared if the cue ball falls into the pocket on impact

A penalty is imposed if during the game there is contact with clothing, body, chalk, cue shaft, etc., the cue ball or any object ball. Only the cue stick may touch the cue ball. In this case, the hit is correct.

A penalty is imposed if, during the stroke, the cue stick touches the cue ball more than once; if during (or after) the cue ball touches the object ball, the sticker also touches the cue ball.
A penalty will also be assessed if the shot is not thrown away from any illegal object ball close to the cue ball.

A penalty is imposed if the contact time of the cue stick with the cue ball is delayed (which is contrary to the swing movement) when pushing the cue ball forward.

22. Correct jump

The jump is recognized as correct if the blow with a raised cue is carried out in the upper half of the ball. But if the cue sticker slips on the surface of the cue ball (kiks) during the jump, then a penalty is imposed. We only allow this way of jumping.

23. Popped balls

Balls that, after being hit, stopped outside the playing surface of the table (on the handrail, on the floor, on an elastic board, etc.) are considered to have jumped out. If the ball hitting the upper part of the handrail or elastic board returns to the playing surface by itself, it is not considered to have jumped out (but on condition that it does not hit any object that does not belong to the stationary accessory of the table). If any such object is touched (chalk on the board, a lighting device, etc.), then it is still recognized as having jumped out despite its independent return to the playing surface. A shot in each pocket game is penalized if any object ball or cue ball goes overboard after it. When all the balls on the playing surface of the table stop, then all the object balls that popped up are exposed. Subsequently, the popped cue ball will be put into play according to the rules of a particular game.

24. Breaking Multiple American Pool Rules at the Same Time

In this case, the punishment will be one foul, but a very severe penalty is imposed, which is provided for the most gross violations that are committed upon impact.

25. Spontaneous movement of balls

If the ball moves spontaneously (rolls, shifts, turns), then the game continues, and the ball is left in the place where it stopped. If the ball hovered over the pocket for 5 seconds (or more), and then falls into the pocket, then it is restored to the old place, and the game continues.

If, before hitting the cue ball, the object ball spontaneously falls into the pocket during the strike, the impact is repeated after the object ball and the cue ball are restored to their original positions. They operate in the same way when spontaneous displacement occurs at the moment of impact of any other object ball.

26. Spotting Balls in a Pool Game

According to some rules of a particular game, you need to put the balls. In this case, after the impact, the balls are distributed on the longitudinal line in the following order: the ball with the lowest number is placed on the back mark, and the others are placed one after the other in ascending order of numbers towards the tailgate. But sometimes it is not possible to exactly meet these requirements. Then the exposed balls on the longitudinal line are located close to the rear mark and close to the object balls, which interfere, but do not move them. When the cue ball interferes, then the exposed balls are placed close (but not close) to it.
Sometimes there is not enough space between the tailgate and the back mark to set the balls. Then the balls are placed on the continuation of the longitudinal line close to it (in front of the back mark). In front is the ball with the smallest number. Other balls are placed one after the other towards the back mark as the numbers increase.

27. Fallen balls along with played

They are counted according to the rules of a particular game.

28. Interference by an outsider

If an outsider interferes with the course of the game and the balls begin to move, they are put back in their original positions. In this case, no penalty is imposed. The game can continue. In an official tournament, the referee is responsible for restoring positions. In the event of an accident, earthquake, hurricane, etc. the same rule applies. The game is replayed if the position cannot be restored. The right to take the kickoff remains with the same player. However, this rule cannot be applied to the game "14 + 1 with continuation", where one game is made up of successive pyramids. The right of the initial strike in it is determined anew, since the drawing of the current pyramid stops, and the drawing of a new one begins. The score remains the same as it was before the game was suspended.

29. The sequence of the initial blow

Sometimes the competition continues until a certain number of victories (or games played). Then the first blow in the next set is made by the winner of each individual set. The organizers of the competition have the right to choose options;
1) breaks the loser.
2) players break in turn.
3) breaks the loser into sets.

30. Entry of the enemy into the game

The opponent enters the game if the player has broken the rules or pocketed the ball incorrectly.

31. Ball on board

Normally, a hit on an object ball that is close to the board must end:

1) bringing the cue ball to the board.
2) the fall of any of the object balls into the pocket.
3) bringing the object ball to the other side from the very beginning with which it did not contact.
4) bringing another object ball to the board.

If at least one of these requirements is violated, a foul will be declared. The referee or one of the players must announce the witnessed fact that the object ball touched the boards.

32. Setting the cue ball

Setting the cue ball when playing "from the hand" is carried out by any part of the cue (and the sticker too) or by hand. Once the cue ball is set, any forward movement of the cue that is accompanied by a contact with the cue ball will be considered the start of a strike.

33. Interference by the opponent in the game

It is considered a violation if the opponent strikes out of turn, displaces any ball during the partner's play, distracts him.

We told you about the general rules of playing American pool (American billiards).

Equipment

Equipment standard for World Championships, World Tour stages and other competitions held under the auspices of the World Pool and Billiards Association (eng. World Pool-Billard Association , WPA) or recognized by it.

Table

For a pool on this moment the wide range of billiard tables is issued. The table for official competitions must comply with the following parameters:

• Playing field height: 74.3-78.74 cm
• Playing surface: 1.27 x 2.54 m, not including elastic boards (9-foot table)
• Corner pocket gate: 11.43-11.75 cm
• Middle pocket target: 12.7-13.0175 cm
• The felt must be a non-directional, lint-free billiard fabric that does not bunch or lint, and is composed of no less than 85% combed wool and no more than 15% nylon. 100% combed wool fabric is preferred.

cue

• Cue length: minimum - 1.016 m (40 inches), maximum - unlimited
• Cue weight: minimum - unlimited, maximum - 708.75 gr. (25 oz)
• Sticker diameter: minimum - unlimited, maximum - 14 mm

The cue sticker must not be made of material that could scratch or damage the ball being struck. It must be made from a piece of specially dressed leather or other fibrous or plastic material that follows the natural profile of the cue shaft.

balls

Modern balloons are made of phenol-formaldehyde resin and have the following parameters:

• Diameter: 5.715cm±0.127mm
• Weight: 5½-6 oz (156-170 g).

A complete set of balls consists of one cue ball white color and fifteen numbered colored balls of special colors. The object balls are numbered from 1 to 15. The object balls numbered from 1 to 8 are solid in the following colors: 1 - yellow, 2 - blue, 3 - red, 4 - violet / magenta, 5 - orange, 6 - green, 7 - maroon, 8 - black. Object balls numbered 9 to 15 are white with a center stripe in the same color order as the first eight (i.e. following colors: 9 - white with yellow stripe, 10 - white with blue stripe, etc.)

Pool varieties

The most popular pool types are highlighted in bold.

• Pool-9
• Straight(Also "14 + 1 with continuation")
• Pool-7
• Pool-10
• In one hole
• Through the ball
• rotation

Rules of the game

Main article: Pool rules

Competitions

The competitive process is an important component of any sport, including in the pool. Competitions are divided into regional and international. Competitions are organized by the federation, for each tournament a regulation is drawn up, which usually determines the composition of the participants, the rules and the tournament scheme.

• Conducted WPA:
  • Pool-8 World Championship
  • Pool 9 World Championship
  • Straight World Championship

Notable players

• Nils Feyen
• Earl Strickland
• Johnny Archer
• Rodney Morris
• Daryl Peach

Notes

Links

• World Pool and Billiards Association
• Official website of the World Pool Championship (English)

Wikimedia Foundation. 2010 .

See what "Pool (billiards)" is in other dictionaries:

Billiards - sport game on points, in which balls are moved on a special table with the help of a cue according to certain rules, depending on the type of game. There are the following varieties of the game English billiards, carom, snooker, pool. In English ... ... Official terminology

encyclopedic Dictionary

1. PUL, a; m. [from English. pool common boiler, from the French. poule chicken as a bet's designation card game]. 1. One of the forms of monopolies, in which the profit of all participants goes to the general fund and then is distributed among them in advance ... ... encyclopedic Dictionary

Agreement, association, cartel, pullo, coin Dictionary of Russian synonyms. pool n., number of synonyms: 7 billiards (14) ... Synonym dictionary

Table, mazik, pinball, billiard Dictionary of Russian synonyms. billiards n., number of synonyms: 14 American (8) ... Synonym dictionary

Billiard balls for playing pool ... Wikipedia

A; m. [French. billard] 1. A game in which balls are driven into pockets by cue blows on a special table. Play b. 2. Table covered with cloth, with boards and pockets for this game. Play billiards. ◁ Billiard room, oh, oh. B. table. B s balls. B. player ... encyclopedic Dictionary

pool- I a; m. (from English pool a common boiler, from French poule chicken, as a designation of a bet in a card game) 1) One of the forms of monopolies in which the profit of all participants goes to a common fund and then is distributed among them in a predetermined ... ... Dictionary of many expressions

This term has other meanings, see American. Not to be confused with Poole. American, or Free Pyramid is one of the varieties of Russian billiards. Also, the term "American" is often called the American ... ... Wikipedia

As well as the following rules:

1. PURPOSE OF THE GAME.
This game is custom-made, while during the game a cue ball and fifteen object balls numbered from 1 to 15 are used. One of the players must first pocket balls numbered from 1 to 7 (solid), and the other - with numbers from 9 to 15 ( striped). The winner is the one who, having pocketed the balls of his group, scores an eight with a correct blow.

2. ORDER (GENTLEMEN'S ORDER).
Gentleman's order does not announce obvious object balls and pockets. If the partner is not sure which ball or pocket is being hit, then he has the right to ask the player about it. Board shots as well as combination shots (i.e. ball shots or ball shots) are not considered obvious, in which case both an object ball and a pocket must be ordered. When ordering, however, no further details are required.
All incorrectly pocketed balls remain in the pockets, regardless of whether they belong to the group of the player or his opponent.
The initial kick is not ordered. If any ball falls into the pocket during the correct initial stroke, then the player is entitled to the next stroke.

3. ARRANGEMENT OF BALLS.
The balls are placed in the form of a triangular pyramid with a figure eight in the center, while the front ball of the pyramid is located at the back mark, and striped and solid at the corners.

4. ALTERNATE PARTITION.
The winner of the rally has the right either to perform the initial blow (breaking) himself or to transfer it to his opponent. When conducting individual competitions, players break in turn in each subsequent set.

5. INITIAL IMPACT (BREAKING).
The break is legal if the player (from home hand) (1) pockets an object ball, or (2) drives at least four object balls to the boards. Failure to comply with these requirements is a violation, and the opponent entering the game has the right to (1) take the established position and make another hit, or (2) after re-arranging the balls, break himself or concede it to the offender.
If the cue ball is pocketed on a break, then (1) all the balls pocketed in this case remain in the pockets (except for the eight), (2) a foul is declared, and (3) the table remains open. The opponent entering the game makes a kick from the hand from the house.
NOTE. When playing with a hand from the house, it is possible to strike at the object balls located in the house only by reflecting the cue ball from the opposite (rear) side. Balls located outside the home can be played in any pocket.
Jumping over the side of object balls is considered a violation, while the opponent entering the game has the right to (D) take the established position on the table and make another blow or (2) make a shot from the hand from home.
If an eight falls into a pocket during a break, then the player has the right to break it again or, by placing an eight, continue the game. If during the break, in addition to the eight, the cue ball also falls, then the opponent entering the game has the right to repeat the break or, having put up the eight, start the game from a hand from home.
NOTE. If the game is played on automatic tables (and also not at official international competitions), then falling into the pocket of the eight with the correct break brings victory, and the fall of the eight along with the cue ball - defeat in the game.

6. OPEN TABLE.
The table is considered open until none of the opponents has chosen their own group of balls (striped or solid).
NOTE. The table is always open immediately after the break. When the table is open, you can hit a solid ball to play a striped ball, and vice versa, that is, on an open table, all balls are legal. However, if at an open table the cue ball first hits the eight, then not a single striped or solid one is counted in favor of the player. His series ends, all pocketed balls remain in the pockets, and the table remains open for the opponent entering the game. When the table is open, all incorrectly pocketed balls remain in the pockets.

7. SELECTION OF A GROUP OF BALLS.
A break does not give the choice of striped or solid balls, even if the balls of both groups ended up in the pockets after the break. After breaking the table always remains open. The choice of a group of balls is made only after the player puts the ordered ball into the pocket when performing a correct hit (after breaking).

8. RIGHT HIT.
When making any shot, the cue ball must first touch the ball of its group (legal ball), and then (1) any object ball must fall into the pocket or (2) the cue ball, or one of the object balls must reach the boards.
NOTE. Before hitting a legal ball, it may first hit the side, but after that either the object ball must fall into the pocket, or the cue ball or any of the object balls must reach the side. Failure to comply with these requirements results in a foul.

9. RECOVERY.
For tactical reasons, a player may decide to pocket an obvious object ball and at the same time break his run at the table by calling a rally before hitting. Rolling back is considered a legal hit. If a player wants to win back by potting an obvious object ball, he must announce the win back to his opponent before the shot. If this is not done, then the player is obliged to make the next stroke. All balls pocketed during wagering remain in the pockets.

10. GAME PLAY.
The player continues the game as long as he succeeds correctly and in accordance with the order to pocket the balls of his group. Having pocketed the last ball of his group, he can pocket an eight.

11. GAME FROM THE HAND.
If a player has broken the rules, then the opponent entering the game plays from the hand. This means that he can place the cue ball anywhere on the table. This rule prevents players from committing intentional infractions that could put an opponent at a disadvantage. When playing from the hand, setting the cue ball can be done with the hand or any part of the cue (including the sticker). After the cue ball has been set, any forward movement of the cue that is accompanied by a touch of the cue ball is considered to be the start of a strike.

12. MISPLAYED BALLS.
An object ball is considered a misplay if (1) there is a foul in making a stroke, or (2) an ordered ball is not potted, or (3) a rally is called prior to the stroke. Misplayed balls remain in the pockets.

13. JUMPING OVERBOARD OF OBJECTIVE BALLS.
Jumping any object ball overboard is a foul and the right to hit passes to the opponent. If the eight flies overboard, then the game is considered lost.
All popped out object balls are set according to " General rules pool".

14. GAME OF EIGHT.
If during the game of eight the cue ball fell into the pocket or a violation was committed that was not accompanied by a fall into the pocket or jumping over the side of the eight, then the defeat is not counted. The opponent entering the game plays with his hand,

15. RECOGNITION OF DEFEAT.
A player is considered defeated if he commits one of the following violations:
. the eight is scored in violation of the rules;
. the eight and the last ball of their group are pocketed on one stroke;
. during the game, the eight jumped overboard;
. the eight is not pocketed in the ordered pocket;
. the eight is pocketed before all the balls in their group have been potted.

16. Stalemate.
If each of the players three times in a row (total 6 times) in turn violates the rules, not striving (according to the judge) to win the game, as this can lead to an inevitable defeat, then the game is considered "stalemate". After that, the balls are placed again, and the game is replayed.
NOTE. When playing in the "Eight" for three violations in a row, committed by one player, the defeat is not counted.

PYRAMID
OFFICIAL INTERNATIONAL RULES
Conference Approved
International Pyramid Committee
November 26, 2005 in Almaty (Republic of Kazakhstan) Effective from January 1, 2006
Approved by the All-Russian Board of Judges
and accepted in the territory Russian Federation December 01, 2005.

The Rules have been prepared by the International Commission of the ITUC on Rules, consisting of:
Getmanets A.I. (Moldova), Kadyshev V.D. (Russia), Leontiev Yu.N. (Ukraine), Loshakov A.L. (Russia), Sashchenkov V.A. (Lithuania), Chervanev Yu.N. (Belarus), with the participation of Kuzmichev N.M. (Russia).
Under the general editorship of the Chairman of the ITUC Rules Commission
A.L. Loshakov.

PRINT VERSION

SNOOKER Rules

The international rules of the game in 5 chips supplement the charter and regulations of the UMB ( International Union billiards). These Rules apply to all World Championships and official international tournaments recognized by the UMB. In a relationship special occasions games not provided for by these Rules, the International Rules of Refereeing give the referee the right to make a decision on them, however, it must be recorded in the minutes of the meeting.
In case of unforeseen circumstances for the competition as a whole, the decision is made by the official representative of the UMB (in our case, the representative of the FBSR) after consultation with the official representative of the federation - the organizer and director of the tournament (chief judge).

1. Marking points and lines
The places where chips (skittles) are set are marked with marks (five marks in total) drawn in chalk, pencil or ink, as thinly as possible. It is forbidden to mark these places by installing stickers. In addition, the following are noted:
1. upper mark, at a distance of 100 mm from the upper short side (on the middle line - 710 mm from the long side),
2. a mark located in the center of the upper half of the playing field of the table - there is a red ball on it,
3. a mark located in the center of the lower part of the billiards, on the line of installation of balls during the drawing of the initial blow (710 mm from the lower short board),
4. the lower mark, at a distance of 100 mm from the lower short edge, - the opponent's ball is placed on it, when playing from the hand, if the upper mark is occupied by a red ball and the player decides to play in the position as at the opening stroke,
5. marking lines are drawn with chalk, pencil or ink, as thin as possible.
Laying other items is only allowed for lines on the floor:
- the middle line divides the playing field into 1/2 parts;
- the line of placement of the opponent's balls when drawing the initial blow;
- the border of the placement of the legs when performing the initial blow and the blow from the hand.

2. Purpose of the game
The goal of the game is to reach the number of points set by the Competition Regulations. The player who reaches the set number of points first wins the game. If this limit is exceeded during the last stroke, then the winner's total points are reduced to this set limit. They play in batches, the total number of which in a meeting must be odd. The blows are applied alternately, only with a cue sticker.

3. Playing the kickoff
The referee places the balls of the players on the scrimmage line at a distance of 30 cm from the long board. The red ball is placed on a mark located in the center of the upper half of the playing field of the table. 4 side and 1 central chip are installed in their places. If the players do not agree on which ball to play, and also from which half to start the initial blow, the referee determines this by lot. At the command of the referee, both players send their cue balls to the top board at approximately the same time, both balls must be in motion before one of them reaches the top board. If this rule is violated, the draw is repeated. A player who breaks this rule twice loses the rally, i.e. loses the right to choose - either to make the initial blow himself, or to yield to his opponent.
The draw is also considered lost if:
- if the player's ball collides with a red ball or one or more pieces;
- if the player's ball touches the long side;
- if the player's ball has entered the opponent's half.
If it is impossible to determine the guilty person or the balls stop at the same distance from the lower board, then the drawing is repeated.
The player whose ball has stopped closer to the lower board has the right to make an initial stroke or to yield to his opponent.

4. Position at the initial blow
1. a) The ball of the player who must make the initial stroke is located in any part of the lower half of the playing field of the table;
b) the opponent's ball - on the upper mark at the short upper board;
c) a red ball on a mark in the center of the upper half of the playing field of the table.
2. The player who starts the game sets the cue ball only with a cue stick, in any part of the lower half of the playing field, and no part of this ball should go beyond the middle line of the playing field.
3. At the time of the kick-off, at least one player's foot must be in contact with the foot area (or line) delimited by the extension of the longboard line. After placing his ball (cue ball), the player must play it so that he first touches the opponent's ball.
4. During one meeting, the player makes blows with the same cue ball.
5. The players take the initial blow in turn until the end of the match, regardless of the number of games. Points are awarded when the kickoff is taken.
6. A break for 5 minutes after the second game, and if the meeting is of three games (before the "check"), if from five games, then after the second and before the fifth "counter".

5. The blow is considered correct, and the player is awarded positive points if:
1. the player's cue ball touches the opponent's ball, and then knocks down the chips with the opponent's ball;
2. the player's cue ball touches the opponent's ball, then touches the red ball, and then the opponent's ball and (or) the red ball knocks down the chips;
3. the player's cue ball touches the opponent's ball, then the opponent's ball touches the red ball, and then the opponent's ball and (or) the red ball knock down the chips;
4. the player's cue ball touches the opponent's ball, then the red ball, which is hit by the opponent's ball, and then the chips, knocks down the opponent's ball and (or) the red ball;
5. the player's cue ball touches the opponent's ball and then the red ball;
6. the player's cue ball touches the opponent's ball and then the opponent's ball touches the red ball;
7. The cue ball touches the opponent's ball, then the red ball and at the same time the opponent's ball also touches the red ball.

6. A hit is considered legal but does not bring any points:
- if, when making his shot, the player's cue ball touches only the opponent's ball, and he does not knock down chips and does not touch the red ball.

7. The hit is considered illegal and gives miss points
- to the one who produced it, and the same number of positive points is awarded to the opponent if:
1) the player's cue ball does not touch the opponent's ball;
2) the player's cue ball touches the red ball before touching the opponent's ball, and then the cue ball and (or) the red ball knock down chips;
3) if the player's cue ball knocks down chips after touching the opponent's ball and at the same time the opponent's ball and (or) the red ball knocks down chips;
4) the player strikes with a ball other than his own;
5) the player commits one or more of the errors indicated in the relevant paragraph, and at the same time positive points are achieved during this stroke or not. All points are summed up and awarded to the opponent.

8. Scoring
1. Value of chip points:
- side chips (each) - 2 points;
- central chip knocked down from the side - 4 points;
- the central chip is knocked down alone, while the location of the chips (figure) is complete or not - 8 points.
2. Value of carom points:
- cue ball carom into the opponent's ball, and then into the red ball - 4 points;
- carom ricochets when the cue ball touches the opponent's ball and then the opponent's ball touches the red ball - 3 points.
Only the execution of the first carom is taken into account for assigning the number of carom points. The points of the chips and the carom are added together to obtain the total number of points received in one hit. If positive points and error points are received in one hit, all points are assigned to the opponent. When assigning points, the referee calls the player's last name, he does the same when assigning total error points in favor of the opponent.

9. Refusal to play during the game
1. A player who leaves his place during a game without the referee's permission loses that game - he loses.
2. Any player who refuses to continue the game after the direction of the referee is excluded from the competition.

10. Balls in contact
1. If a player's cue ball is in contact with one or two balls, the player may not send it directly to that or those balls.
2. If the player's cue ball is in contact with the board, then he has no right to play on this board.
3. To perform strikes, the player must play the cue ball either by separating it from the touching ball (by hitting the “abricole” - first with the cue ball against the board, then into the opponent’s ball), or by hitting it from above (mass), but in such a way as not to shake the ball located in contact with the beat. It is not a fault if a ball in contact with the cue ball moves only because it loses the point of support it had on the cue ball (see 4.1.3 of the WCBC Rules).
4. If, in the case of the "ball in contact" position, it is not possible to hit without error, the referee places three balls in the starting position. When performing this stroke, accordingly, the player cannot receive positive points, he can only make a rebound, and the opponent, after winning back, can receive positive points (or error points).

11. Popped balls
1. The ball is considered to have jumped out of the billiards if it leaves the billiards or touches the board framing material.
2. The very fact of the ball jumping out is considered a mistake (2 points).
3. If one or more balls jump out of the billiards, then the referee returns the balls that have jumped out to the billiards for a kick from the hand, if:
a) the player's cue ball jumped out, then the referee places it on the mark near the short board, opposite to the one where the opponent's ball is located, which should make a blow from the hand. If this mark is occupied or covered, then the ball is placed on the mark corresponding to the ball that occupied or covered this mark at the short side;
b) the ball of the opponent jumped out, then it is placed for a shot from the hand in the part of the billiards opposite to the one where the ball of the player who just made the shot is located;
c) a red ball jumped out, then the referee sets it to its initial position on the mark where the red ball is placed. If the mark is occupied or closed, then the red ball is placed on the mark corresponding to the ball that occupies or closes the mark. The referee places the player's ball to be shot from the hand in the part of the billiards opposite from where the player's ball is located, which just made the shot (and the red ball popped out).

12. Tipping chips
1. A chip is considered knocked down if its base completely loses contact with the playing surface of the table.
2. A piece that has already been knocked down, returned to its original position (one or more), is considered to be knocked over, and its points are counted.
3. A piece is considered to be knocked over if it is knocked down by another piece.
4. It is not considered to be an overturned chip if it is moved from its place of installation, and the base remains in contact with the playing surface of the table. The referee returns it to its original position before the next stroke is taken.
5. A chip that has received a hit, but has not lost contact with the playing surface of the table, is not considered to be knocked down.
6. If a chip resting on the cue ball falls as a result of the movement of the cue ball away from the chip, it is not considered to be capsized, and when the cue ball moves towards the chip, it is considered to be capsized (the referee has the right to remove the chip based on any of the balls, if possible, before the next hit).
7. If the place of one or more pieces is completely or partially occupied by a ball or balls, the referee removes the corresponding pieces. Removed chips are not taken into account as a result of the next strike and are installed after the release of their place of installation.

13. Handplay
1. If a player commits an error, his opponent is allowed to play from his hand, except for an error when the player's ball, after a legal contact with the opponent's ball, knocks down chips.

2. At the end of a player's illegal stroke, the referee takes the opponent's ball in his hand, which must make the next stroke, and places it freely in the half of the playing field of the table opposite to that where the ball of the player who committed the error is located. (The offender's ball remains in position.)

3. The player who makes the strike after the strike of the offender places his ball only using a cue in the half of the playing field where the referee put this ball, while no part of this ball should go beyond the center line of the billiards.

4. If the offender's ball is exactly on the center line of the billiards, then the kicker's ball is placed freely in the lower half of the playing field as for the opening shot.

5. The player who is to shoot from the hand decides for himself whether to play from the hand in accordance with the above provision or ask (require) the referee to set the offender's ball to its initial position - to the upper mark at the upper short board. If this position is occupied by a red ball, then the offender's ball is placed in another part of the billiards on the corresponding mark, in this case the game ball is located in the other half of the billiards.

6. If the player to be kicked touches his ball before the referee places it, the player is penalized and the kick goes to the opponent.

7. At the request of the player, the referee must show him his game ball.

14. Place of the player
The player not taking the kick must wait for his hit while standing or sitting in the places provided for this, refraining from making gestures, and must not make any noise that may disturb his opponent.

15. Mistakes (penalties)
1. If a player makes several mistakes during his stroke, then the value of the points of each mistake is added up and awarded to the opponent.
2. There is a mistake with a penalty of only chip points and carom without bringing the game from the hand and without another additional penalty: if the game ball (cue ball) knocks down chips (and possibly makes carom) after a correct contact with the opponent’s ball, the referee designates the chips. All mistakes lead to a penalty (2 points) plus penalty points for downed chips and carom.
3. The following errors give the opponent an additional 2 points in addition to the points mentioned above and the opportunity to play from the hand if:
a) the referee establishes that the player is hitting with a ball that is not his own, the referee indicates - the wrong ball;
b) the player first hits the cue ball in the red ball before touching the ball of the opponent, the decision of the referee is the red ball. For touching the red ball in this case, an additional penalty is imposed - 2 points (total 4 points): 2 points for a miss + 2 points for a carom;
c) the player first knocks down the chips with his cue ball, and then touches the opponent's ball with it, the referee indicates - chips;
d) the player did not hit or hit the opponent's ball incorrectly, the referee indicates - the opponent's ball;
e) when performing a stroke outside the billiards, one or more balls jump out, a penalty of 2 points is imposed regardless of the number of balls that jumped out, the judge indicates - the jumped out ball;
f) the player makes a stroke before all three balls have stopped, denoted - balls in motion;
g) when making a strike, the player strikes not with a cue sticker, but with another part of the cue, denoted by a sticker;
h) when performing one hit, the player touches his ball with a cue sticker more than once, a touch is indicated - we have a double hit;
i) the player has touched the ball or chip in order to clean them from dirt, instead of asking the referee about it, touching is indicated - carcasses;
j) the player displaces the ball or chip in a direct or indirect way (small, etc.) and if this displacement is not the result of a stroke, a touch is indicated - carcasses;
k) the player hits his ball directly on the opponent's ball in contact with the cue ball, or plays directly on the board with his ball in contact with the board, decision - ball in contact;
l) at the moment of hitting the ball during the kick-off or kick from the hand, at least one of the player’s feet does not touch the floor, or during the kick-off or from the hand, the player goes beyond the established boundaries with the whole foot or part (clause 14) - and according to the Hungarian translation, he will step over partially or completely slash on the floor. The use of special footwear is not allowed;
m) when placing a game ball (cue ball) to perform an initial stroke or from the hand, the player touches this ball with something other than a cue stick, and/or touches this ball before the referee places it in the position of playing from hand, is indicated touch - ink;
o) the game ball and/or the red ball jumped over the chips before touching the opponent's ball, denoted - ball jumping.
Note: provided that not a single chip is knocked over, the passage between the chips during the normal rolling of the game ball on billiards is not considered an error, but a valid (counted) hit.
o) the player touches any ball (with the exception of the cue sticker of his ball when hitting) or a chip before, during or after hitting with a cue, hand, clothes, typewriter, etc.;
p) the player pushes - pushes two balls at the same time.

16. Errors not credited to the player.
Any error caused by a third party or force majeure circumstances (force majeure) is not counted to the player.