TPC Championship Format Notice:
All TPC tournament matches are played under Knock Out Stages (Single Elimination). The grand final match is played as Finalist Race to 5.
1. Objective of the Game
Eight-Ball is a call-shot game played with a cue ball and 15 object balls (numbered 1 through 15). One player must pocket the group of balls numbered 1 through 7 (solids/reds), and the other player pocket 9 through 15 (stripes/yellows).
The player who legally pockets their entire group first and then legally pockets the 8-Ball wins the frame.
2. Open Table State
The table is considered "Open" immediately after the break shot, regardless of any balls pocketed on the break. When the table is open, it is legal to hit a solid first to pocket a stripe, or vice versa.
Group Designation: Group assignment is determined only when a player legally pockets a called object ball after the break shot.
3. Legal Shot Requirements
On all shots (except break or open table), the shooter must hit one of their designated group balls first AND either:
- Pocket a legal object ball into a pocket, OR
- Drive the cue ball or any object ball to a cushion after cue ball contact.
1. Legal Break Shot
To execute a legal break, the breaker (with cue ball behind the headstring / kitchen) must either:
- Pocket an object ball, OR
- Drive at least FOUR (4) numbered balls to touch one or more rails.
Failure to do so is a break foul. The incoming player may accept the table as is or request a re-break.
2. 8-Ball Pocketed on Break
If the 8-Ball is pocketed on a legal break shot:
- The breaker may ask to re-spot the 8-Ball and continue shooting, OR
- The breaker may request a complete re-break.
Note: If the cue ball scratches while pocketing the 8-Ball on the break, the incoming player re-spots the 8-Ball and receives cue ball in-hand behind the headstring.
Penalty for Standard Fouls: The opponent receives Cue Ball In-Hand anywhere on the table surface.
1. Scratch or Off Table
Pocketing the cue ball or knocking the cue ball off the table surface.
2. Wrong Ball First
Failing to strike a ball of your designated group first on contact.
3. No Rail After Contact
Failing to pocket a ball or drive any ball to a cushion after cue ball strikes object ball.
4. Push Shot / Double Hit
Cue tip maintaining contact with cue ball after cue ball contacts object ball.
Loss of Frame Clauses
A player immediately forfeits and loses the frame if they commit any of the following infractions:
- Committing a foul while pocketing the 8-Ball.
- Pocketing the 8-Ball on the same shot as the last ball of their group.
- Knocking the 8-Ball off the table at any time during the frame.
- Pocketing the 8-Ball into a pocket other than the one called/designated.
- Pocketing the 8-Ball before clearing all object balls in their group.