How often to pros make a ball on a break, how often do they win when breaking, and how often do they break and run?
Below are concise summaries of typical break statistics percentages from recent major pro tournaments from data posted by AtLarge on AZB (under the “Statistics” tab at “Find all threads started by AtLarge”). They are broken down into:
If the 8-ball is pocketed on the break, the breaker may ask for a rerack or have the 8-ball spotted and continue shooting. If the breaker scratches while pocketing the 8 ball on the break, the incoming player has the option of a rerack or having the 8 ball spotted and begin shooting with ball in hand behind the head string. Continue potting and enjoy the game. HOW TO SET POOL RACK FOR 10 BALL. In case of 10 ball pool rack, you have 10 balls all numbered from 1 to 10. You need a triangle to set these up. Like the 9 ball where different tournaments had their own requirements, In case of 10 ball, there are different arrangements for different tournaments. Here is the data I have from his AZB posts regarding the 9-ball and 10-ball break. I basically wanted to answer the question: how big of an advantage is the break in these 2 rotation games? 9-ball: 3083/5521 (55.8% win-rate of breaker, 11.6% edge ). Amidst all of the games about sorcery, barbarians, zombies, plants, and slithering snakes, many mobile gamers are enjoying a more traditional experience in 8 Ball Pool.Appamatix is here with 10 of the best secrets, tips and “hacks” that will help you to crank up your 8 Ball Pool experience.
How To Break In 8 Ball Pool Game Pigeon Falls
How to win every game of 8 ball pool! The first two balls after the head ball are the most likely to drop in an 8-ball break. Know the 8-ball object paths. Obviously, the 8-ball break is more complex than the 9-ball break, so it's difficult to control any of the object balls with any precision. But we do know that your best friends are the two balls after the head ball, which.
Dr. Game pigeon 8 balls. Dave keeps this site commercial free, with no ads. If you appreciate the free resources, please consider making a one-time or monthly donation to show your support:
8-ball:
| tournament | year | conditions (see below) | made ball on break (w/o foul) | breaker won game | break and run |
| US Open 8-Ball Championship | 2019 | 9/TR/B/O | 63% | 55% | 43% |
| World Pool Series – August | 2018 | 9/TE/R/T* | 58% | 49% | 31% |
| US Open 8-Ball Championship | 2018 | 9/TE/B/O | 63% | 54% | 33% |
| World Pool Series – November | 2017 | 9/TR/B,R/T* | 37% | 47% | 16% |
| US Open 8-Ball Championship | 2017 | 9/TE/B/O | 68% | 56% | 41% |
| World Pool Series – July | 2017 | 9/TR/B,R/T* | 47% | 54% | 23% |
| World Pool Series – April | 2017 | 9/TR/B,R/T* | 45% | 46% | 18% |
| World Pool Series – January | 2017 | 9/TR/B,R/T* | 53% | 48% | 29% |
| Accu-Stats “Make It Happen” Invitational | 2016 | 9/TE/B/T | 73% | 55% | 41% |
| US Open 8-Ball Championship | 2016 | 7/TE/B/O | 76% | 64% | 53% |
| US Open 8-Ball Championship | 2015 | 7/TE/B/O | 67% | 64% | 52% |
| US Bar Table Men’s 8-Ball Championship | 2015 | 7/TE/B/O | 68% | 58% | 44% |
| World Chinese 8-Ball Masters | 2015 | 9/TE/R/O* | 70% | 66% | 49% |
| Accu-Stats “Make It Happen” Invitational | 2014 | 9/TE/R/O | 73% | 61% | 50% |
| CSI Invitational 8-Ball Championship | 2014 | 9/TR/B/O | 71% | 64% | 54% |
Conditions: Table – 10′ (10), 9′ (9), 7′ (7) / Rack – template (TE), triangle (TR) / Who Racks – breaker (B), opponent (P), ref (R) / After Break – table open (O), take what you make (T)
*: special break rules and/or tight pockets
Check out “8-Ball Break Stats” (BD, August, 2016) for some interesting statistics for top pro players playing 8-ball on bar-boxes.
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9-ball:
| tournament | year | conditions (see below) | made ball on break (w/o foul) | breaker won game | break and run |
| Mosconi Cup | 2020 | 9/TR/R/1/A/N | 75% | 55% | 27% |
| Turning Stone Classic 9-ball Open | 2020 | 9/TR/O/1/B/N | 68% | 59% | 23% |
| Mosconi Cup | 2019 | 9/TR/R/1/A/N | 76% | 55% | 24% |
| Diamond Las Vegas Open | 2019 | 9/TR/B/1/A/3 | 71% | 63% | 36% |
| International 9-Ball Open | 2019 | 9/TE/R/9/B/3 | 65% | 53% | 26% |
| Turning Stone Classic 9-ball Open | 2019 | 9/TR/O/1/B/N | 61% | 61% | 22% |
| World Cup of Pool | 2019 | 9/TR/R/9/A/N | 68% | 67% | 20% |
| US Open 9-Ball Championship | 2019 | 9/TE/R/9/A/N | 78% | 65% | 34% |
| World Pool Masters | 2019 | 9/TR/R/1/A/N | 79% | 62% | 30% |
| Mosconi Cup | 2018 | 9/TR/R/1/A/N | 85% | 67% | 38% |
| International 9-Ball Open | 2018 | 9/TE/R/9/B/3 | 62% | 52% | 22% |
| Turning Stone Classic 9-ball Open | 2018 | 9/TR/B/1/B/N | 60% | 56% | 16% |
| World Cup of Pool | 2018 | 9/TR/R/1/A/N | 77% | 59% | 27% |
| World Pool Masters | 2018 | 9/TR/R/1/A/N | 60% | 56% | 24% |
| Derby City Classic | 2018 | 9/TR/B/1/A/N | 73% | 62% | 37% |
| Turning Stone Classic 9-ball Open | 2017 | 9/TR/B/1/B/N | 66% | 61% | 22% |
| Mosconi Cup | 2017 | 9/TR/R/1/A/N | 81% | 58% | 23% |
| US Open 9-Ball Championship | 2017 | 9/TE/R/9/B/3 | 62% | 57% | 26% |
| Turning Stone Classic 9-ball Open | 2017 | 9/TR/B/1/B/N | 58% | 53% | 20% |
| Derby City Classic | 2017 | 9/TR/B/1/A/N | 62% | 55% | 21% |
| Mosconi Cup | 2016 | 9/TR/R/9/A/N | 76% | 62% | 25% |
| US Open 9-Ball Championship | 2016 | 9/TE/B/9/B/3 | 57% | 54% | 23% |
| Turning Stone Classic 9-ball Open | 2016 | 9/TR/B/1/B/N | 54% | 55% | 18% |
| WPA World 9-Ball Championship | 2016 | 9/TE/B,R/9/A/3 | 71% | 56% | 28% |
| Derby City Classic | 2016 | 9/TR/B/1/A/N | 68% | 62% | 33% |
| Mosconi Cup | 2015 | 9/TR/R/9/A/N | 70% | 56% | 26% |
| US Open 9-Ball Championship | 2015 | 9/TE/B/9/B/3 | 62% | 53% | 23% |
| World Cup of Pool | 2015 | 9/TR/R/9/A/N | 66% | 52% | 16% |
| WPA World 9-Ball Championship | 2015 | 9/TE/B/1/A/3 | 88% | 62% | 37% |
| Turning Stone Classic 9-ball Open | 2015 | 9/TR/B/1/B/N | 59% | 57% | 23% |
| Derby City Classic | 2015 | 9/TR/B/1/A/N | 65% | 57% | 29% |
| Mosconi Cup | 2014 | 9/TR/R/9/A/N | 76% | 61% | 34% |
| US Open 9-Ball Championship | 2014 | 9/TR/B/9/B/3 | 53% | 50% | 20% |
| WPA World 9-Ball Championship | 2014 | 9/TE/R/1/A/3 | 89% | 61% | 35% |
| Derby City Classic | 2014 | 9/TR/B/1/A/N | 75% | 58% | 34% |
| US Open 9-Ball Championship | 2013 | 9/TR/B/1/B/3 | 63% | 56% | 21% |
| US Open 9-Ball Championship | 2012 | 9/TR/B/1/B/3 | 62% | 55% | 23% |
Conditions: Table – 10′ (10), 9′ (9), 7′ (7) / Rack – template (TE), triangle (TR) / Who Racks – breaker (B), opponent (O), ref (R) / Rack Position – 1 on spot (1), 9 on spot (9) / CB Location – anywhere (A), inside box (B) / Break Rule – 3-point rule (3), none (N)
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10-ball:
| tournament | year | conditions (see below) | made ball on break (w/o foul) | breaker won game | break and run |
| Diamond Las Vegas Open | 2020 | 9/TE/B | 69% | 57% | 30% |
| Derby City Classic Bigfoot 10-Ball Challenge | 2020 | 10/TE/B | 59% | 51% | 19% |
| US Open 10-Ball Championship | 2019 | 9/TE/B,R | 68% | 61% | 28% |
| Predator World 10-Ball Championship | 2019 | 9/TE/R | 78% | 65% | 36% |
| Derby City Classic Bigfoot 10-Ball Challenge | 2019 | 10/TE/B | 71% | 56% | 28% |
| Freezer’s Ice House 10-Ball Challenge | 2018 | 9/TE/R | 73% | 58% | 23% |
| World Pool Series – June | 2018 | 9/TE/R | 53% | 51% | 15% |
| Derby City Classic Bigfoot 10-Ball Challenge | 2018 | 10/TE/B | 62% | 51% | 21% |
| Derby City Classic Bigfoot 10-Ball Challenge | 2017 | 10/TE/B | 66% | 51% | 21% |
| US Open 10-Ball Championship | 2016 | 7/TE/B | 79% | 59% | 38% |
| Super Billiards Expo 10-Ball Pro Players Championship | 2016 | 9/TR/B | 51% | 49% | 18% |
| Derby City Classic Bigfoot 10-Ball Challenge | 2016 | 10/TE/B | 60% | 50% | 20% |
| Accu-Stats “Make It Happen” Invitational | 2015 | 9/TE/B | 76% | 61% | 33% |
| US Open 10-Ball Championship | 2015 | 7/TE/B | 72% | 57% | 31% |
| Derby City Classic Bigfoot 10-Ball Challenge | 2015 | 10/TR/B | 49% | 50% | 16% |
| Derby City Classic Bigfoot 10-Ball Challenge | 2014 | 10/TR/B | 58% | 52% | 16% |
| Southern Classic Bigfoot 10-Ball Challenge | 2013 | 10/TR/B | 56% | 53% | 19% |
Conditions: Table – 10′ (10), 9′ (9), 7′ (7) / Rack – template (TE), triangle (TR) / Who Racks – breaker (B), opponent (O), ref (R)
from Mike Hu (via 9/14/2015 e-mail):
I’ve been tracking the stats compiled by AtLarge for some time now. Here is the data I have from his AZB posts regarding the 9-ball and 10-ball break. I basically wanted to answer the question: how big of an advantage is the break in these 2 rotation games?
9-ball: 3083/5521 (55.8% win-rate of breaker, 11.6% edge)
10-ball: 1139/2139 (53.2% win-rate of breaker, 6.4% edge)
The data includes his posts from his very first breaking stats post, up to and including his last such post made on 8/25/15. My data for him is only for games played on a 9-foot table (7-ft and 10-ft table stats weren’t included). The data does however include tournaments that used a magic rack and those that used a traditional triangle rack. I know this muddles the sample data’s “purity” somewhat but I wanted to get a larger sample size in exchange for this “experimental error.”
The empirical data confirms what many (most?) people including myself believe, which is the break is a bigger advantage in 9-ball than in 10-ball. My hypothesis for why this edge exists is because 10-ball has 1 more ball in play which makes it harder to run out, harder to pocket a ball(s) on the break, and more ball congestion/traffic to deal with. I think the sample size is sufficiently large enough such that tracking AtLarge’s future breaking stats posts will probably not change the data by much. I suspect the 9-ball breaker’s edge will stay in the 11.0-11.9% range, and the 10-ball breaker’s edge will be in the 6.0-6.9% range.
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Standardized World Rules
Except when clearly contradicted by these additional rules, the General Rules of Pocket Billiards apply.
Best Break In 8 Ball Pool Game Pigeon
1. OBJECT OF THE GAME. Eight Ball is a call shot game played with a cue ball and fifteen object balls, numbered 1 through 15. One player must pocket balls of the group numbered 1 through 7 solid colors, while the other player has 9 thru 15 stripes. THE PLAYER POCKETING HIS GROUP FIRST AND THEN LEGALLY POCKETING THE 8 BALL WINS THE GAME.
2. CALL SHOT. In Call Shot, obvious balls and pockets do not have to be indicated. It is the opponent's right to ask which ball and pocket if he is unsure of the shot. Bank shots and combination shots are not considered obvious, and care should be taken in calling both the object ball and the intended pocket. When calling the shot, it is NEVER necessary to indicate details such as the number of cushions, banks, kisses, caroms, etc. Any balls pocketed on a foul remain pocketed, regardless of whether they belong to the shooter or the opponent.
The opening break is not a called shot. Any player performing a break shot in 8 Ball may continue to shoot his next shot so long as he has legally pocketed any object ball on the break.
3. RACKING THE BALLS. The balls are racked in a triangle at the foot of the table with the 8 ball in the center of the triangle, the first ball of the rack on the foot spot, a stripe ball in one corner of the rack and a solid ball in the other corner.
4. ALTERNATING BREAK. Winner of the lag has the option to break. During individual competition, players will alternate breaking on each subsequent game.
5. JUMP AND MASSE SHOT FOUL. While cue ball fouls only is the rule of play when a match is not presided over by a referee, a player should be aware that it will be considered a cue ball foul if during an attempt to jump, curve or masse the cue ball over or around an impeding numbered ball that is not a legal object ball, the impeding ball moves, regardless of whether it was moved by a hand, cue stick follow through or bridge.
6. LEGAL BREAK SHOT. Defined. To execute a legal break, the breaker with the cue ball behind the head string, must either 1, pocket a ball, or 2, drive at least four numbered balls to the rail. If he fails to make a legal break, it is a foul, and the incoming player has the option of 1 accepting the table in position and shooting, or 2, having the balls reracked and having the option of shooting the opening break himself or allowing the offending player to rebreak.
7. SCRATCH ON A LEGAL BREAK. If a player scratches on a legal break shot, 1, all balls pocketed remain pocketed, exception, the 8 ball: see rule 9, 2, it is a foul, 3 the table is open. PLEASE NOTE, Incoming player has cue ball in hand behind the head string and may not shoot an object ball that is behind the head string, unless he first shoots the cue ball past the head string and causes the cue ball to come back behind the head string and hit the object ball.
8. OBJECT BALLS JUMPED OFF THE TABLE ON THE BREAK. If a player jumps an object ball off the table on the break shot, it is a foul and the incoming player has the option of 1, accepting the table in position and shooting, or 2, taking cue ball in hand behind the head string and shooting.
9. 8 BALL POCKETED ON THE BREAK. If the 8-ball is pocketed on the break, the breaker may ask for a rerack or have the 8-ball spotted and continue shooting. If the breaker scratches while pocketing the 8 ball on the break, the incoming player has the option of a rerack or having the 8 ball spotted and begin shooting with ball in hand behind the head string.
10. OPEN TABLE. Defined. The table is open when the choice of groups stripes or solids, has not yet been determined. When the table is open, it is legal to hit a solid first to make a stripe or vice-versa. Note: The table is always open immediately after the break shot. When the table is open it is legal to hit any solid or stripe or the 8-ball first in the process of pocketing the called stripe or solid. However, when the table is open and the 8 ball is the first ball contacted, no stripe or solid may be scored in favor of the shooter. The shooter loses his turn and any balls pocketed remain pocketed, and the incoming player addresses the balls with the table still open. On an open table, all illegally pocketed balls remain pocketed.
Continue on to page 2 of the Official BCA 8 Ball Rules.