# Billiards - Is it physically possible to pocket every ball on a break?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/billiards-is-it-physically-possible-to-pocket-every-ball-on-a-break/244209>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [May 8, 2004, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/billiards-is-it-physically-possible-to-pocket-every-ball-on-a-break/244209 "2004-05-08T19:35:02Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 2

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**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\
**Post date:** [May 9, 2004, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/billiards-is-it-physically-possible-to-pocket-every-ball-on-a-break/244209/21 "2004-05-09T17:35:57Z")

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> [@David Simmons](#):
>
> Let’s see, in 8-ball there are some rules about the 1-ball and the 15-ball going in different side pockets aren’t there? And you also have to call the pocket for the 8-ball. If all of those conditions are met on the break would it win? I’m aware that I will have to wait quite a while to see that happen.

There’s no 1 and 15 ball rule in the official world standardized rules nor in the Billiards Congress of America rules. I’ve never encountered such a rule in bar play, either, and before today I’ve never heard of it, so I assume it’s just a regional variation.

The rules are unambiguous about pocketing the 8-ball on the break: it’s respotted or the frame is reracked – opponent’s choice.

Incidentally, the biggest difference between tournament 8-ball and bar rules regards fouls. Most casual players play cue-ball-anywhere-behind-the-headstring after a foul. In official tournaments, the penalty is ball-in-hand to the opponent, just like in 9-ball. Also, when calling your shot, only the ball and the pocket is necessary. You don’t have to list all the caroms, or how many cushions, or kisses or anything like that.

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**Author:** ![pool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pool/32/4152_2.png) [@pool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pool)\
**Post date:** [May 10, 2004, 6:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/billiards-is-it-physically-possible-to-pocket-every-ball-on-a-break/244209/22 "2004-05-10T06:55:14Z")

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Damnit that earlier post was supposed to be I _TOO_

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