Official Rules

CueSports International — BCA Pool League & USA Pool League

Vincent's operates under the Official Rules of CueSports International (CSI), used by the BCA Pool League and the USA Pool League — the most comprehensive and consistently enforced rule set in pool league play.

These rules cover all games played at Vincent's, from recreational 8-Ball to competitive tournament formats. Whether you're joining a league, entering a tournament, or settling a friendly dispute at the table, this is your reference. Rules are organized by section below. Start with General Rules if you're new to the CSI system — they apply to every game.

Rule Sections

Equipment Specifications

Equipment

Table sizes, cushion heights, pocket openings, ball and cue specifications.

Definitions & Diagrams

Definitions

Terminology used throughout the rules — ball in hand, frozen ball, legal shot, safety, and more.

Section 1

General Rules

Rules that apply to all CSI games — legal shots, fouls, racking, lag for break, successive fouls.

Section 2

8-Ball

The most common pool game. Solids vs. stripes, call shot, pocketing the 8-ball to win.

Section 3

9-Ball

Shoot in ascending order, pocket the 9-ball on any legal shot to win. Push-out option after the break.

Section 4

10-Ball

A call shot variation of 9-Ball using ten balls. Must contact the 1-ball first on the break.

Section 5

One Pocket

Each player scores only in their designated foot pocket. First to eight balls wins.

Section 6

14.1 Continuous

Also known as Straight Pool. Call shot, rack to 14, run the table to a point total.

Sections 7–10

Bank Pool & More

Bank Pool, Wheelchair Rules, Scotch Doubles, Cutthroat, and Referees & Officials.

A note on sportsmanship: CSI rules are built on open communication between players. Call shots clearly, declare safeties verbally, and ask questions before your opponent is down on a shot — not after. Good communication is good sportsmanship, and it is required of all players.

Rules sourced from the Official Rules of CueSports International, effective June 1, 2023. Used by the BCA Pool League and the USA Pool League. © CueSports International. Full rulebook available at playcsipool.com.