10 Ball Pool Rules

Ten Ball is a popular billiards game that is very similar in nature to Nine Ball. Ten Ball emphasizes precise shooting and forward planning, and serves as a refreshing departure from a standard game of pool. At least two players are required for a game of Ten Ball, but additional players can also be included.

  1. Setting Up the Game

    • Ten Ball uses the first ten pool balls and the cue ball. Pool balls one through 10 are placed within the rack, with the one ball on the foot spot and the 10 ball in the center of the rack. The setup looks very similar to a usual Eight Ball rack, except the bottom row of pool balls are missing from the rack. Players determine amongst themselves who will break during the first match. Players rotate breaking responsibility for each subsequent match.

    Playing the Game

    • Players are tasked with pocketing the lowest numbered ball on the table, working from one all the way up to 10. As such, the breaking player places the cue ball behind the head string and strikes the one ball. If the break pockets any of the 10 balls, the breaking player may continue play. If the break does not pocket any of the ten balls, the next player takes a turn. Players may continue taking shots until they foul or fail to pocket the lowest numbered ball. The player that legally pockets the 10 ball wins the match.

    Fouls

    • Fouling automatically ends the fouling player's turn and awards the following player "ball in hand," meaning the following player may pick up the cue ball and position it on the table as desired. The primary foul of Ten Ball is failing to strike the lowest numbered ball with the cue ball. For instance, if the two ball is the lowest ball on the table, the cue ball must strike the two ball before any other. Hitting a ball off the table results in a foul, as well as failing to hit a rail or another ball with the lowest numbered ball after it is struck with the cue ball. If the 10 ball is the only ball remaining on the table and the cue ball is pocketed, the striking player is eliminated from the match.