Formula B135 9-Ball – rules

1.    We need nine numbered balls from 1 to 9 and a cue ball to play. Additionally, a billiard cue and a billiard table are required.

2.    For each correctly pocketed ball, the player receives the following number of points:
a) Balls 1-6 = 10 points.
b) Ball 7 = 15 points.
c) Ball 8 = 20 points.
d) Ball 9 = 25 points.
Maximum amount of points to receive for pocketing balls is 120 points.

3.    There is no requirement to declare balls.

The game follows the "rotation" rule (i.e., always hitting the lowest-numbered ball on the table from 1 to 9), similar to the standard 9-ball game.

There is an option to pocket balls through a combination shot. A correct pocketing of the 9-ball via combination shot or direct pocketing can finnish the game, and the player automatically earns 120 points for that pot.

4.    Racking system: the ball with the number 1 is placed at the top of the rhombus, the ball with the number 9 is positioned in the middle of the rhombus in the middle row, and the remaining balls are randomly placed.

The practice of Pattern Racking (e.g., consistently placing the high-point ball with the number 8 as the "wing ball") is prohibited. In such a situation, the ultimate decision on any penalty is always made by the head referee.

Ball setup for the break – the 9-ball must be positioned on the table's head spot!!!
 
5.    A match between two players is played to a predetermined number of winning frames (racks). Each frame consists of the first player's attempt and the second player's attempt.
The winner of the frame (rack) is the player who earns a higher number of points in their attempt.

6.    In Formula B 1-3-5 9BALL, an attempt consists of:
•    the break,
•    a zero run "0".
A mistake or foul during the zero run "0" finishes the attempt.
In one approach, a player can score a maximum of 135 points, consisting of 15 points for a correct break and 120 points for pocketing all numbered balls without taking the cue ball in hand, and without any mistake or foul.

7.    Break Variations:
•    "Legal" - a break is considered legal if at least one ball is pocketed and the cue ball remains on the table. The player then earns an additional 15 points for a legal break plus points for any pocketed balls and proceeds to a zero run "0" by pocketing the remaining numbered balls.
•    "Dry" - If no numbered balls are pocketed during the break, and the cue ball remains on the table, the player starts a zero run "0" with a zero score.
•    "Foul" -  A foul during the break, the player still continues the game by starting a zero run "0", but positions the cue ball on the base line and deducts 15 points (starting from -15).
•    "Foul + Pocketed Balls" -  A foul during the break and numbered balls are pocketed, deduct 15 points for the foul, add points for the pocketed balls to the player's score, and then start a zero run "0" from the base line (starting from -15 plus points for pocketed numbered balls from the break with foul).

8.    Options for starting a zero run "0":
After any of the above break options, the player approaches the zero run "0" with two options:
•    "As it is" – starts pocketing numbered balls from the position where the cue ball stopped (no points reduction).
•    "out of hand" - can pick up the cue ball and place it anywhere on the table, but this incurs a reduction of 5 points.

9.    Variations of ending the zero run "0", i.e., end of approach:
•    "Miss" - if the player fails to pocket any numbered ball, no negative points are incurred.
•    "Foul " - if the player makes a foul, it results in a deduction of 15 points.
•    if the player pockets all numbered balls.
Each foul (during the break and during the zero run "0") results in a deduction of 15 points.

10.    What is a foul?
•    Cue Ball in pocket or off the table - if the cue ball is pocketed or leaves the table during a shot, it is a foul.
•    Numbered Ball off the table.
•     A cueball off the table is a foul.
•    Lack of contact between the cue ball and a numbered ball - if no numbered ball is touched as a result of the shot, it is a foul.
•    Foot fault - the player must have at least one foot touching the ground during the shot; failure to do so is a foul.
•    Touched Ball - touching a ball, even slightly causing it to move or altering its trajectory in any way other than a standard cue ball shoot is a foul unless it is "out of hand". Accidental occurrences of such a situation result in a foul.
•    Balls in motion - starting a shot when balls are still in motion (rolling or spinning) is a foul.
•    "Double Hit" / "Frozen Balls" - if the cue stick contacts the balls more than once during a shot, it is a foul.

11.    The game is played alternate, meaning one rack consists of: the first approach in the match (P.1) by player one and the second approach in the match (P.2) by player two, frame two consists of: the third approach in the match (P.3) by player two and the fourth approach in the match (P.4) by player one, and so on.

12.    In case of a tie in points in the approaches, one point is awarded to each player. In the event of a tie in frames, e.g., playing to 3 wins and having a 2-2 tie in frames, if players score the same points in the next frame, resulting in a 3-3 tie, the victory is then determined by the sum of points scored in each individual frame (match average of points). If a match average is identical, an additional frame is played until a winner is determined.

13.    Players can compete on a single table, taking turns alternatively, or on multiple tables with multiple players simultaneously.

14.    Providing advice to a player during their approach is prohibited. Catching someone in the act results in a warning. If the warning is ineffective, the player and the advisor will be suspended from Formula B135 competitions for a minimum of 3 months.