10-Ball

10-Ball is a rotation game played with balls numbered 1 through 10, requiring players to strike the lowest-numbered ball first on every shot. Unlike 9-Ball, shots are typically called, meaning intended balls and pockets must be declared, which reduces luck and increases emphasis on precision. The rack must be won by legally pocketing the 10-ball, but because of the call-shot element and tighter break requirements, the game rewards pattern play, discipline, and consistent execution. Many players view 10-Ball as a more exacting, tournament-level evolution of 9-Ball.

The Rack

The cue ball and object balls 1 through 10 are used.

The object-balls are racked as tightly as possible in a triangular shape, with the 1-ball at the apex of the triangle and on the Foot Spot and the 10-ball in the middle of the triangle. The other object-balls will be placed in the triangle without purposeful or intentional pattern.

Break Shot

Lag to determine first break.

The shooter begins with cue-ball in hand behind the Head String. On the break shot, the 1-ball must be struck first, or the shot is a foul.

To execute a legal break, the breaker must either pocket at least one ball, or drive at least four object balls to one or more rails. Failure to meet these requirements is a foul. After a legal break, a push-out may be played as the next shot.

Call Shots and Pocketing Balls

On each shot except the break, shots must be called with the exception that there is no "safety" call at 10-Ball. If a player pockets an object-ball but does not make the called shot and does not foul, the other player chooses who will shoot next.

See Standard Call Shot for more information.

Continuing Play

The first object-ball contacted by the cue-ball on each shot must be the lowest-numbered ball remaining on the table or else a Wrong Ball First foul is committed.

If the shooter legally pockets a called ball on a shot (except a push-out), any additional balls pocketed remain pocketed (except the 10-ball), and the shooter continues at the table for the next shot. If the shooter misses or fouls, play passes to the opponent. The game ends when the shooter legally pockets the 10-ball on a called shot when it is the only object-ball on the table.

Spotting Balls

The 10-ball is spotted if it is driven off the table or pocketed other than on the final, winning shot of the game. It is spotted prior to the next shot. No other object-ball is ever spotted.

See Spotting Balls, Balls Settling, and Outside Interference for more information.

Standard Fouls

If the shooter commits a standard foul, play passes to his opponent. The cue-ball is in hand, and the incoming player may place it anywhere on the playing surface. The following are standard fouls at 10-Ball:

For Three Consecutive Fouls, the penalty is loss of the current rack.

See Foul and Cue-Ball in Hand for additional information.

Stalemate

If a stalemate occurs the original breaker of the rack will break again.

See Stalemate for additional information.