US 20140243.108A1 (19) United States (12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2014/0243.108A1 Tucker (43) Pub. Date: Aug. 28, 2014

(54) GAMES PLAYED ON A Publication Classification TABLE (51) Int. Cl. (71) Applicant: Joseph E. Tucker, Warwick, RI (US) A63D I5/00 (2006.01) (52) U.S. Cl. (72) Inventor: Joseph E. Tucker, Warwick, RI (US) CPC ...... A63D 15/00 (2013.01) USPC ...... 473A1 (21) Appl. No.: 14/186,772 (22) Filed: Feb. 21, 2014 (57) ABSTRACT Related U.S. Application Data Described herein are methods for playing a rotation game on (60) Provisional application No. 61/768,126, filed on Feb. a pool table, and methods for scoring and racking rotation 22, 2013. games described herein.

Balls 1-10 are worth 1 point each This 1234567 sigliol

Balls 11-15 are worth 2 points each 11|12||1314|s

Current SCOre Previous total --->

New total ---> Patent Application Publication Aug. 28, 2014 US 2014/0243.108A1

Player 1 Balls 1-10 are worth 1 point each This rack

Player 2

Balls 1-10 are worth 1 point each This rack

New total --->

US 2014/0243.108A1 Aug. 28, 2014

ROTATION GAMES PLAYED ON A POOL particular embodiment, the point value assigned to a specific TABLE ball is different depending on which player is credited for pocketing the specific ball. RELATED APPLICATION 0007. One embodiment is directed to a method of config 0001. This application claims the benefit of U.S. provi uring a set of fifteen pool balls, comprising: a) positioning the sional application No. 61/768,126, filed Feb. 22, 2013, the number fifteen ball at the front of a triangle, wherein the front entire contents of each of which are herein incorporated by of the triangle faces the headstring and the center of the fifteen reference. ball is positioned on the foot spot of the table, and wherein the fourteen remaining balls are positioned in rows containing BACKGROUND two, three, four and five balls; and b) positioning the remain ing thirteen balls in the triangle in either a random configu 0002 Pool, also more formally known as pocket billiards ration or a pre-determined configuration, wherein all of the (mostly in North America), is the family of and rows substantially parallel to the foot rail of the table. In a games played on a pool table having six receptacles called particular embodiment, the method further comprises posi pockets along the rails, into which balls are deposited as the tioning the number thirteen and number fourteen balls behind main goal of play. the number one ball such that the number thirteen and number 0003. There are hundreds of pool games. Some of the fourteen balls are contacting the number one ball. In a par more well-known include eight-ball, nine-ball, ten-ball, ticular embodiment, the number one ball in the center posi , one-pocket and . Although many tion of the row comprising three balls. games are known, there has been little growth in terms of expanding the interest in pool games to the general public, BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING and there is a need for games that allow for rapid improve ment of players and accessibility to a general viewing audi 0008. The FIGURE is a schematic representation of a ence to increase spectators and popularity. sample score sheet for tracking the score between two players of a rotation game as described herein. SUMMARY DETAILED DESCRIPTION 0004. Described herein are novel methods for playing rotation games on a pool table, including methods for scoring 0009. Described herein are methods for playing one or and racking methods useful for playing the rotation games more games on a pool table, handicapping one or more games described herein. on a pool table, business methods for forming and developing 0005 One embodiment is directed to a method of playing leagues to play the one or more games described herein, and a rotation gameplayed on a pool table, whereina) six, nine ten promoting and running tournaments for the one or more or fifteen balls are racked, wherein one or more balls are games described herein. racked in a specified position; b) the balls are assigned two, 0010 A pool table, or pocket billiards table, has six pock three, four or five non Zero point values to be awarded to a ets—one at each corner of the table (corner pockets) and one player after a ball is pocketed; and c) the game ends when a at the midpoint of each of the longer sides (side pockets or player achieves a pre-determined point total. In a particular middle pockets). Pocket billiard tables come in different embodiment, the fifteen balls are racked. In a particular sizes, typically referred to as 9 ft., 8.5 ft., 8 ft., or 7 ft. tables. embodiment, at least four balls are racked in a specified In all cases, the table is rectangular with a 2:1 ratio (e.g., 9x4.5 position prior to the break. In a particular embodiment, prior ft.). to the first shot, fifteen balls are racked into a triangle, with the 0011. A typical set of balls to be used on a pool table are number fifteen ball in front of the triangle facing the incoming numbered from one (1) to fifteen (15), consecutively. Addi shooter, and the number one ball is racked in the middle of the tionally, an essentially solid white ball, referred to as the “cue triangle. In a particular embodiment, the balls numbered 1-10 ball is also used. For most pool games, a player impels the areassigned a point value of 1, and pool balls numbered 11-15 cue ball, using a “, into one or more of the consecu are assigned a point value of 2. In a particular embodiment, tively numbered pool balls. The ball imprinted with the num the game ends when a player attains about 50 points, about ber “1” is referred to as the “one ball,” the ball imprinted with 100 points, about 125 points, about 150 points or about 200 or the number '2' is referred to as the “two ball, and so on. more points. As used herein, the term “about refers to a value 0012. As used herein, "rotation' or “rotation games' are that is +10%. In a particular embodiment, the point total pool games that are typified by a players having to contact required to end the game is different for each player, depen the lowest numbered ball on the table with the cue ball prior dent upon the skill level of the player. In a particular embodi to having the cue ball contact any other ball. If, for example, ment, the point value assigned to a specific ball is different the full set of fifteen balls is on the table, a player must contact depending on which player is credited for pocketing the spe the one ball with the cue ball prior to having the cue ball cific ball. contact any other ball. In rotation games, typically when a ball 0006. One embodiment is directed to a scoring system for is “pocketed it remains off the table and out of play. If for a rotation game played on a pool table, whereina) the rotation example, the one ball is pocketed, then the next shot, for a game is played with six, nine, ten or fifteen balls per rack; b) rotation game in the scenario posed above, would involve the the balls areassigned two, three, four or five point values to be player having to contact the two ball with the cue ball prior to awarded to a player after a ball is pocketed; and c) points are contacting any other ball. Although it is necessary to contact accumulated over one or more racks until a pre-determined the lowest numbered ball on the table prior to contacting point total has been achieved. In a particular embodiment, the another ball, it is not necessary to pocket the balls in consecu balls numbered 1-10 are assigned a point value of 1, and pool tive order. The one ball, for example can be used to contact a balls numbered 11-15 are assigned a point value of 2. In a different ball and the different ball can be pocketed, leaving, US 2014/0243.108A1 Aug. 28, 2014

for example, the one ball on the table. Play typically continues 0018. The rotation games described herein can be altered, in this manner until all balls are out of play. for example, to include a handicapping system, e.g., a handi 0013 The rotation games described herein can use a rack capping system based on point values. In one embodiment, of 15 balls, or any Subset thereof (e.g., a rack consisting of the game can be altered such that point values are assigned to balls 1-6, a rack consisting of balls 1-9, or a rack consisting of the pool balls according to a first point schedule for a first balls 1-10). player, to a second point schedule for a second player, and so 0014. As used herein, the term “pocketed’ or “potted” is on. The game can also be modified Such that different players used to refer to a pool ball that has fallen into one of the six are required to attain different point totals to win a game (e.g., pockets on a pool table. Typically a player pockets a ball by better players have to reach a higher point total to win a game, causing the cue ball to contact a desired ball (the “object and lesser players have to achieve a lower point total to win a ball'), in such away that the object ball is impelled to a pocket game). where it falls in. 0019. The rotation game(s) described herein can also be 00.15 Described herein are novel rotation games that handicapped, for example, be requiring a better player to involve a point system. Unlike other rotation games, there are “spot a lesser player a specified ball or multiple balls. A only a limited number of point values assigned to the pool better player, for example, could spot a lesser player, for balls when pocketed, e.g., two, three or five point values. Pool example, the fifteen ball, meaning the lesser player automati balls numbered from 1 to 10, for example, can be assigned a cally gets credit for having pocketed the fifteen ball during a first value, e.g., 1 point each, and balls numbered from 11 to rack. Such a handicap can involve, for example, spotting any 15, for example, can be assigned a second value, e.g., 2 points one of the balls in the rack, or multiple balls in the rack. each. Also described herein are games where the balls are 0020. The rotation game(s) described herein can also be assigned 3 point values, 4 point values, 5 point values, etc. handicapped by a better player spotting a lesser player a The games described herein are typically played until one certain number of otherwise unspecified balls, for example, player reaches a pre-determined point total. A player, for the last two balls on the table per rack. As the rotation game(s) example, can pocket the one ball, the two ball, the three ball described herein generally allow for balls to be pocketed out and the four ball, for example, for a total of four points. of order, so long as the lowest numbered ball on the table is Typically a player will lose his or her turn at the table when the contacted first, the last two balls on the table, for example, are player shoots but fails to pocket a ball or commits a “foul as not determined a priori. determined, for example, by the “Pocket Billiards Rules and 0021. The handicaps described herein can be, for example, Specifications’ issued by the Billiard Congress of America adjusted up or down depending on, for example, a particular (http://home.bca-pool.com) (the “BCA rules”). If the player player's results (either in, for example, a tournament, against in the scenario above loses his or her turn at the table, the another player, or in a league setting (see below)). incoming player would then have to contact the five ball. If the incoming player pockets the five ball and then the six ball 0022. Other handicapping systems can be applied to the prior to losing the turn at the table, for example, then the rotation games described herein. second player would leave the table after accruing two points. 0023 Disclosed herein are methods for conducting a tour The game would progress until a pre-determined point total nament using a rotation game as described herein. Such a has been reached by one of the players, or, for example, all tournament can be held, for example, at a single site over a fifteen balls are pocketed. In certain embodiments, the game specified period of time, or the tournament can be held at can be continued into multiple “racks” until a point total is multiple sites with different “rounds of the tournament held reached (see “EXEMPLIFICATION”). at specified times and sites. A tournament, for example, can 0016. As used herein, “rack” refers to either the device be held such that multiple sites conduct round robin qualifier used to form a particular pattern of pool balls to start a game, rounds, wherein each player at the site plays every other or the full rack of balls to start the game. For example, one player at the site at least once, with the top finisher(s) advanc “rack' can refer to one round of a game, where after all the ing to the next round of the tournament. The next round of the balls are pocketed, the balls are re-racked and a second rack tournament could be, for example, another round robin for commences. In certain aspects, a game corresponds to one mat or it can be a single or double elimination bracket. The rack. In other embodiments, a game can continue through two second and Subsequent rounds of the tournament can be, for or more racks, for example, until a particular point total is example, seeded based on a player's finish in the previous reached. The point total is somewhat arbitrary based on the round of the tournament. If, for example, a tournament is held format and the length of time the players expend to play a full wherein the first round comprises eight different sites each game (e.g., a game can consist of, for example, 50 points, 100 hosting eight players in a round robinformat, with the top two points, 125 points, 150 points, 200 points, 250 points, 500 finishers from each site advancing to the second round, then, points, 1,000 points or any number between or greater). for example, the top finishers at each site would receive a 0017. The games described herein can incorporate many higher seed than the second place finishers at each site. of the standard rules of pocket billiards as described, for 0024 Described herein are methods and systems for run example, in the BCA rules. In various embodiments, the pool ning and monitoring one or more leagues for playing a rota balls can be racked by the incoming player oran opponent, the tion game described herein. Such "league' is an organized balls can be spotted or not if a foul is committed, the com competitive playing of a rotation game described herein mencement of the game can be such that a player can place the where members of the league play other members of the cue ball anywhere on the pool table after the “break” (see league on a regular basis. Typically a league is played at one BCA rules), or the player can shoot from where the cue ball or more specific time intervals, e.g., once a week on a par settles after the break. The present disclosure is directed to all ticular day at a particular time. Such and other variants, provided a limited set of point values 0025. The league is typically organized by a league coor is assigned to the pool balls when pocketed. dinator who can be paid to promote and run the league. Such US 2014/0243.108A1 Aug. 28, 2014 an organizer can, for example, be paid a percentage of the string for a legal break. Balls pocketed do count as a ball past “league dues' paid by the players. the head string. If three balls fail to pass the head string the 0026. A national or international league based on a rota player must re-break. tion game described herein can promote league play at Vari 0037. If the opening breaker fails to pocket a ball on a legal ous sites throughout the United States or throughout the break the opponent comes to the table with the option of world. The national or international league can be run and shooting, playing safe or pushing out from the current posi promoted by, for example, a single organizer or a national or tion. international league can be promoted by various regional 0038 A ball pocketed during a push will be rewarded to organizers who then communicate with national or interna the player that takes the shot. tional representatives to consolidate league results and other 0039 Foul on the opening break (pocket scratch or cue information. Regional organizers can be required, for ball off the table) will result in all balls pocketed staying example, to pay a "franchise fee' for the right to organize and down, points being awarded to non-breaking player for those promote a regional version of a national or international balls pocketed and ball in hand anywhere on the table to the league based on a rotation game described herein. non-breaking player. For this reason players may consider 0027. The leagues described herein can be, for example, a passing up the option to break in the very first rack. “handicapped league' wherein the players in the league 0040 Racking order—15 ball is the headball, the 2 and 3 achieve certain rankings that, in turn, determine the players balls are racked behind the 15. The 1 ball is in the middle of "rating. A players rating can be used, for example, to deter the rack with the 13 & 14 balls behind the 1 ball with the rest mine a handicap as described above, when the player plays of the balls placed in any order. Rack your own. another player in the league. If the ratings are sufficiently 0041. When breaking, players can hit any ball in the rack different, for example, the player with the rating indicating for it to be considered a legal break. the player is a better player, might have to spot the player with 0042. The game or rack does not begin until the cue ball the lesser rating. Such a league, in theory, would tend to give strikes a ball in the rack. Miscues or accidental taps of the cue every player in the league an “equal chance' of winning any ball across the line are not fouls and do not start the game. particular match. Once the cue ball contacts a ball in the rack the game is 0028. For specific embodiments of such rotation games, considered to have been started. See the EXEMPLIFICATION. 0043. Note: the only time a ball will be spotted in AR is if 0029. Also described herein is the formation or running of an object ball goes off the table on a break shot. This will not “leagues’ where league participants play one or more of the be considered a foul and the object ball will be spotted on or rotation games described herein in a competitive format. The directly in line behind the foot spot and play will continue as leagues can be formed wherein teams of players compete normal. against other teams in the league or players can compete 0044. During the normal course of play if an object ball is individually against other league members. knocked off the table it will be considered a foul, the ball will not be spotted, the incoming player will receive the points, the 0030. Also described herein is the running or promotion of ball will stay down and ball in hand will be rewarded to the tournaments where entrants play one or more of the rotation incoming player. games described herein. 0045. The player that pockets the last ball (not necessarily the 15 ball) on the table of the first rack will start the rotation EXEMPLIFICATION ofalternate breaks with the breaker receiving ball in hand for Example 1 the very first shot after the break, whether they make a ball or not. If the breaker fouls on their turn of the break the opponent will receive points for all balls pocketed but the breaker will American Rotation still remain at the table starting the rack with ball in hand. 0031 American Rotation (“AR”) is an improved combi 0046 AR is a call shot (ball & pocket) and call safe game nation of traditional pocket billiard games. with standard rotation pool rules applying. 0032. AR is played in rotation with balls numbered 1-15, 0047 Call shot, call safe rules give the opponent the right balls 1-10 receive a point value of 1 point eachandballs 11-15 to make a player shoot again if they miss a called shot or they receive a point value of 2 points each for a total rack worth 20 pocket a ball on a called safety. points every time. Play continues until one player reaches the 0048 Ifa ball has been pocketed on the unintended call the predetermined required score to win the match. player that shoots the next shot (determined by incoming player) will receive the points for any balls that were pocketed 0033. With the exception of the very first rack of the on unintended shot. match, players will alternate the break and the breaking 0049. Example: Player “A” misses the called 5 ball but player will start the rack with ball in hand immediately after accidentally sinks the 7 ball. Player “B” has the option to take the break. the shot from the current location and the point for the 7 ball 0034 Players lag for the break and the winner of the lag or make player “A” shoot again with player 'A' receiving the chooses who will break first. point for the 7 ball. The same goes for a safety situation. 0035. The very first rack of a match is played much like Player “A” calls safety but accidentally pockets a ball, player any other rotational game we play. “B” has the option to take the shot from the current location 0036. If the breaking player pockets a ball on a legal break and the points or pass the shot and the points back to player they receive the points for those balls pocketed, they will “A. remain at the table with the option of shooting, playing safe or 0050. Anytime a player misses a called shot the opponent pushing out. They do not receive ball in hand after the break will have the option to make them shoot again or take the shot in this opening rack. Three object balls must pass the head from the current location. US 2014/0243.108A1 Aug. 28, 2014

0051 A player cannot make the player shoot again if the 2. Every rack contains 20 points shooting player has called safe, executed a legal shot and did 0063 Except when the game ends in mid-rack a total of not pocket a ball. exactly twenty points is awarded between opponents in each rack (One point each for balls 1-10 and two points each for Fouls balls 11-15). 3. Call pocket/call safe 0052 A detailed listing of typical fouls appears in the 0064 3.1 Must call ball and pocket or call a safety. BCA rulebook. For example, a foul shall include the follow 0065. Except for “break shots” and “free shots after three ing: not hitting the lowest numbered ball on the table first; fouls.” the shooter must call a ball and pocket or else call a causing the cue ball or any object ball to leave the table (other safety. Special case: On the first shot after the initial break than on a break shot for object balls); moving one or more only, a “push out' is allowed and must be called and acknowl object balls accidentally during the course of a stroke (if even edged prior to shooting. one ball moves during the course of a stroke it will be con 0066 3.2 Calling safety sidered a foul). It is not a foul, for example, to accidentally 0067. An intended safety must be actually called, or else move just one ball prior to a shot. It does become a foul if you the opponent has the option of passing the next shot back. A move it back without asking your opponent to leave it there or safety call must be clearly indicated. Safety is never consid replace it. ered obvious. BCA rule 1-17 applies to calling safety in 0053. If a player moves two or more balls accidentally American Rotation. prior to a shot, the player's opponent will have the right to 0068 3.3 Bank, kick, kiss, carom or combination move them back to as close to their original positions as 0069. When a ball is actually called (ball and pocket) it is possible and receive ball in hand. not necessary to specify details such as banks, kicks, kisses, 0054 If a player has ball in hand and accidentally touches caroms or combinations, and calling those details is not any object ball at any time it is a foul. required as they are irrelevant. 0055 Anytime a player fouls the opponent will receive 0070 3.4 Obvious shots points for any balls pocketed during that shot and will receive (0071 All shots that involve banks, kicks, kisses, caroms or ball in hand (with the exception of the alternating break combinations are hereby defined as “not obvious’. If a pock process see above breaking rules). eted ball was not actually called and the shot involves (in cludes) a bank, kick, kiss, carom or combination (intentional 0056. The three consecutive fouls rule is in effect but it is or not) then the shot is hereby ruled a non-called ball and rule not loss of game or rack (see BCA rules). If a player has 4.2 or 4.4 below shall apply. If a ball is pocketed directly into committed three consecutive fouls the non-offending player a pocket and the shot does not include a bank, kick, kiss, will receive a “free shot' and ball in hand immediately after carom or combination then it is hereby defined as a called ball the free shot. This means the non-offending player comes to (an "obvious shot'). the table with ball in hand and may shoot into any ball they 0.072 3.4.1 Incidental contact with rail near the pocket like (points count for balls pocketed) and take cue ball in hand 0073. When the called or obvious ball touches either rail immediately after this free shot. adjacent to the designated pocket but does not touch other 0057. A player must let an opponent know they are “on” rails on the table then the shot is not considered a “bank' and two fouls any time prior to their next shot (see BCA rules). touching either of those adjacent rails does not negate an 0058. The Figure shows a useful score sheet for tracking “obvious shot. points during a game of AR. (0074 3.5 Good hit required 0075. A called ball does not have to be the lowest num Example 2 bered ball. However, a “good hit is required. See 5 below. 0.076 3.6 Points 0059 American Rotation is a fifteen-ball rotation game 0077. If no foul occurs and a called ball is pocketed as except with novel scoring and rules of play. In American designated, the shooter gets credit for all balls pocketed on Rotation hitting the lowest number ball is required except in that shot and, if any objectballs remain on the table, continues special situations, detailed herein. shooting. 0060 American Rotation is a “points' game with no des 0078 3.7 Missed shot ignated “game ball.” In American Rotation, balls numbered 0079 If no foul occurs and a called ball is not pocketed as one throughten each have a designated point count of one and designated then, if any object balls remain on the table, the balls numbered eleven through fifteen each have a designated opponent (the player that did not shoot) has the option of point count of two. The rules of play are described generally passing the next shot back to the original shooter. as “call pocket/call safe.” meaning the shooting player has to 4. Non-called balls designate a ball and a pocket for which the ball is to be 0080. 4.1 On a foul pocketed, or the shooting player has to designate a 'safety’ I0081 All object balls pocketed or off the table on a foul Such that a ball is not pocketed. remain down and are credited to the opponent (the player who 0061. Where applicable and not contradicted or supple did not foul). mented by these OFFICIAL RULES of AMERICAN ROTA I0082 4.2 Final object ball of a rack TION, the BCA rules apply. I0083. If the last object ball of the rack is pocketed improp 1. Object of the game erly or caused to go off the table then all balls pocketed or 0062. The object of American Rotation is to reach a des driven off the table, on that final shot of the rack, remain down ignated point total before the opponent. Multiple racks are and are credited to the opponent (the player who did not take generally required. Any agreed number of points constitutes the final shot). No additional penalty is imposed. The next “a game'. rack begins as usual with the break sequence unchanged. US 2014/0243.108A1 Aug. 28, 2014

0084. 4.3 Safety with object balls remaining 0106 6.2 All racks have the same requirements: 0085 All object balls pocketed on a called safety remain 0.107 6.2.1 Fifteen object balls, numbered one through down. If no foul occurred on the called safety and an object fifteen, are used. ball was pocketed and if any object ball remains on the table 0108) 6.2.2 The fifteen-ball is placed at the head of the the opponent (the player who did not shoot the safety) has the rack on the foot spot. option of passing the next shot and all balls pocketed on the 0109) 6.2.3 The two-ball and three-ball are placed on safety are credited to whichever player actually takes the either side behind and adjacent to the fifteen-ball. Subsequent shot. 0.110) 6.2.4 The one-ball is centered behind and adja I0086 4.4 Missed called ball with object balls remaining cent to the two and three. 0087 All object balls pocketed improperly, on a missed 0.111 6.2.5 The thirteen-ball and fourteen-ball are called ball, remain pocketed and are not re-spotted. If no foul placed on either side adjacent to and behind the one. occurred on the missed shot and an object ball was pocketed 0.112) 6.2.6 All other balls are placed anywhere in the improperly and if any object ball remains on the table the remaining nine positions. For these nine balls pattern opponent (the player who did not shoot the missed shot) has racking is allowed. the option of passing the next shot and the balls pocketed on the missed shot are credited to whichever player actually 0113 6.3 Magic rack takes the Subsequent shot. 0114. If both players agree, the use of a Magic Rack is 0088 4.5 Extra balls allowed. It must be available to both players. Either player, 0089. If no foul occurs and a called ball is legally pock individually, may choose not to use the Magic Rack. eted, then any extra object balls pocketed on that shot remain pocketed and are credited to the shooter of that shot. 7. Break 0090 4.6 Breaks 0115 7.1 First rack 0091) If no foul occurred then all object balls pocketed on 0116 Players lag or flip a coin for the opening break only. any break remain down and are credited to the breaker. See Alag is required if either player insists. The winner of the lag additional rules concerning breaks, rule 7 below. or coin flip has the option of breaking the first rack (opening 0092 4.7 Push outs break) or requiring the opponent to take the opening break. 0093. If object balls are pocketed on a push out they 0117 7.2 Second rack remain pocketed. The opponent (the player who did not shoot 0118. The breaker for the second rack is whichever player the push out) has the option of passing the next shot back to receives credit for the final ball pocketed in the first rack. the shooter who pushed out, and the balls pocketed on the Note: The final ball pocketed is not always the fifteen and the push out are credited to whichever player actually takes the shooter does not always receive credit for the final ball. The next shot. breaker of the second rack is determined by who receives the 0094 4.8 Free shot point credit for the final ball of the first rack, not necessarily 0095. If no foul occurred then all object balls pocketed on the shooter of the final ball of the first rack. the “free shot after three fouls' remain down and are credited 0119 7.3 Subsequent racks to the shooter taking the free shot. Note: On the free shot after 0.120. The player that did not break in the second rack three fouls some normal fouls are redefined as “not fouls'. breaks the third rack and the breaks alternate thereafter. See details in rule 10 below. I0121 7.4 All breaks are from the kitchen (behind the head 5. Good hits String) 0096 5.1 Lowest numbered ball 0.122 7.5 On any break, any object ball is a “good hit 0097. Except for “break shots”, “push outs” and “free shot I0123 7.6. No soft break on the opening break after three fouls, the lowest numbered ball on the table must 0.124. This rule applies only on the opening break. On the be the first object ball contacted by the cue ball, otherwise it opening break, at least three object balls must cross the head is deemed a foul. string or be pocketed. Otherwise, the opponent (non-breaker) 0.098 5.2 Break has the option of requiring the same breaker to re-rack and 0099. On any break, any hit on any object in the rack is a re-break from the kitchen. The breaker may be required to “good hit.” break as many times as is necessary to achieve a legal break. 0100 5.3 Push out If the non-breaker does not exercise the option for a re-break 0101. On an allowed, called “push out, the cue ball may then the break is hereby ruled “a legal break.” contact any object ball or none at all. BCA rule 3-4 applies as written, except subsection 2. Subsection 2 of that rule is 0.125 7.7 Failure to hit the rack hereby modified to the following: If any object ball is pock 0.126 On any break, a failure to hit the rack does not eted on a push out, it is hereby defined as a non-called balland constitute a shot and the same player is allowed another the shot then is governed by rule 4.7 above. chance to execute the break from the kitchen. 0102 5.4 Three foul penalty shot (O127 7.8 Object ball(s) off the table 0103) On the “free shot immediately after three consecu I0128. On any break, it is not a foul to cause objects balls to tive fouls, contacting the lowest numbered ball first is not go "off the table.” “Off the table'herein means off the playing required. Any hit is a “good hit.” surface of the table but not pocketed. Those balls are spotted on the long string in ascending order with the lowest num 6. Rack bered ball on the spot or nearest the spot. After the balls are spotted, play continues as if the balls had not gone off the 0104 6.1 Rack your own table. This is the only instance in American Rotation where 0105. The breaker always racks his or her own rack of balls are spotted. See BCA rule 1-46 Spotting Balls. Any ball balls. BCA rule 1-14 Racking Procedures apply. off the table on any shot besides the break is a foul. US 2014/0243.108A1 Aug. 28, 2014

0129. 7.9 Cue ball off the table or in the pocket on the 0145 9.2.2 When a referee (a designated third person), opening break when present, calls afoul, and the opponent (player who 0130. This rule applies to the opening break. If the cue ball was not shooting) believes that a foul did not occur then goes off the table or into a pocket all object balls pocketed the player who was not shooting may “override' the remain down and are credited to the opponent (non-breaker) referee and call “no foul’. Because the referee's ruling is and the non-breaker takes cue ball in hand anywhere on the subject to this “override' the referee is prohibited from table. In this case a push out is not an option. touching the balls after calling a foul. 0131 7.10 Cueball off the table or in the pocket on sub 0146 9.3 Intentionally disturbing or interfering with the sequent breaks roll of a ball 0132) This rule applies to subsequent breaks (not the open 0147 Intentionally disturbing a stationary ball improperly ing break). If the cue ball goes off the table or into a pocket, all or interfering with the roll of a ball is a sportsmanship foul. object balls pocketed remain down and are credited to the The penalty is concession of the remainder of the rack. The opponent (non-breaker). In this case the breaker must take the point count of all object balls that remained on the table at the next shot after the break with cue ball in hand anywhere on the time of this foul (all balls that had not been legally pocketed table and, except for crediting the non-breaker for object balls prior to this sportsmanship foul) is credited to the opponent pocketed, play continues as if no foul occurred. (the player who did not foul). If the game ending point count 8. First shot after the break has not been reached then the balls are racked and the next 0.133 8.1 Opening rack rack begins as usual with the break sequence unchanged. 0.134 8.1.1 When at least one object ball is pocketed on 0148, 9.4. Accidentally disturbing or interfering with the the opening break and no foul occurs, all object balls roll of a ball pocketed remain down and are credited to the breaker. 0149. 9.4.1 Ball in hand. It is a ball in hand foul to touch The breaker must take the next shot with no ball in hand or disturb any object ball while in the act of placing ball and has the option of calling safe, calling a ball and in hand (BCA rule 1-38). pocket or calling a push out. In an alternate embodiment 0150 9.4.2 Accidentally touched but not disturbed. If a of the game, the first break can be played like all other stationary ball is touch by hair or clothing, etc. but not racks, with the breaker receiving ball in hand after the disturbed, then it is hereby declared “not a foul”. break. 0151 9.4.3 During the act of shooting. It is a ball in I0135 8.1.2 When no object ball is pocketed on the hand foul to improperly disturb any stationary ball (in opening break and no foul occurs, the opponent (non cluding object balls) or interfere with the roll of any ball breaker) must take the next shot with no ball in hand and during the “act of shooting.” Note: In this case the posi has the option of calling safe, calling a ball and pocket or tion of the balls is not restored. The incoming player (the calling a push out. player who did not foul) must accept the lay of the balls 0.136 8.1.3 When a foul occurs on the opening break, all (as is) and takes cue-ball in hand anywhere on the table. object balls pocketed remain down. The non-breaking The “act of shooting is defined as: player is credited with all object balls pocketed on that 0152 a. The final stroke of the cue stick that actually break and must take the next shot with ball in hand strikes the cue ball and the follow through of that anywhere on the table and has the option of calling safe stroke. or calling a ball and pocket, but is not allowed to call a 0153 b. For the purpose of this rule, the “act of shoot push out. ing continues until all balls have stopped moving. 0137 8.2 Subsequent racks 0154 c. For the purpose of this rule, “warm up' 0.138. On the first shot after any subsequent break (not the strokes are not included in the “act of shooting.” opening break), all object balls pocketed on the break remain 0.155 9.4.4. Not during the act of shooting. Except as pocketed. The breaker must take the next shot with cue ball in noted above in this section 9, American Rotation is hand anywhere on the table and has the option of calling safe played by the “Cue Ball Fouls Only” rules (BCA rule or calling a ball and pocket, but is not allowed to call a push 1-33). Out. 0156 9.5 The following are normal ball in hand fouls in 0.139, 8.2.1 If no foul occurred on the break then the american rotation: breaker is credited with all object balls pocketed on that (O157 9.5.1 Failure to execute a legal shot (BCA rule break. 1-19 and also BCAPLApplied Rulings, herein incorpo 0140 8.2.2 If a foul did occur on the break the non rated by reference in its entirety, Section 10). Some parts breaker is credited with all object balls pocketed on that of the BCA rules do not apply to break shots and push break. outs, see those sections of these rules. 9. Fouls and penalties 0158 9.5.2 Failure to make a “good hit” (Rule 5 above). 0141 9.1 Calling fouls 0159. 9.5.3 Failure to drive a ball to the rail after contact 0142 Fouls must be called before the next stroke, other or pocket an object ball (BCA rule 1-19 and also BCAPL wise the foul is hereby ruled not to have occurred (BCA rule Applied Rulings, Section 10). 1-23). (016.0 9.5.4 Shooting with both feet off the floor (BCA 0143 9.2 Honor and integrity rule 1-25). 0144. 9.2.1 Players are obligated to call fouls on them 0.161 9.5.5 Shooting while any ball is in motion (BCA selves even if the referee or the opponent (player who rule 1-26). was not shooting) fails to see the foul or fails to call it. In (0162 9.5.6 Pocketing the cue ball. For break shot American Rotation it is not acceptable to 'get away’ exceptions see rules 7.9 and 7.10 above. with a foul just because the opponent or referee did not (0163 9.5.7. Any ball jumpedoff the table. For break shot see it or call it. exceptions see 7.8, 7.9 and 7.10 above. US 2014/0243.108A1 Aug. 28, 2014

0164. 9.5.8 Shooting a push shot (BCA rule 1-29 and on one consecutive foul and any ball pocketed is credited also BCAPL Applied Rulings, Section 10). Note: A to the opponent (the player who did not shoot the free “push shot' is not the same as a push out. Push outs are shot). legal and push shots are not. 0.178 10.2.4 If no foul occurs on that single free shot (0165 9.5.9 Double hitting the cue ball. BCA rule then that same player takes ball in hand again on the next 1-30-1 applies as written. BCA rule 1-30-2 is hereby shot (the same as after other fouls), call a ball and pocket modified to the following: It is a foulifa shooter's cue tip or call safe and make a good hit on the lowest object ball is still in contact with the cue ball when the cue ball remaining on the table. Play continues as normal from strikes an object ball. However, such a stroke is hereby this point. ruled legal if no other foul occurs and the shot meets both 0179 10.3 Notification of two fouls of the following requirements: 0180 A player must be notified that he or she has com 0166 a. The alignment of the cue stick, during the mitted a second consecutive foul. The notification may come final stroke, must be outside the edge (perimeter) of at any time prior the next turn at the table for the offending the object ball (the object ball that is to be struck). player (the player who is on two fouls). Otherwise a foul on “Outside the edge” means: the cue stick would not the subsequent shot does not count as the third foul and the have touched the object ball if the cue ball had not count remains on two for that player. been there and the stroke of the cuestick had a normal, 0181. 10.4 Reset to Zero level follow through. 0182 10.4.1 A third consecutive foul charged to either 0.167 b. And, the cue ball travels along a path on or player resets the consecutive foul count to Zero for both behind the natural tangent line path immediately after players. contacting the object ball. 0183 10.4.2 Any new rack resets the consecutive foul 0168 9.5.10 Deliberately digging (chipping) under the count to zero for both players. cue ball to make it jump (BCA rule 1-34). 0.184 10.5. A foul on the opening break counts toward (0169. 9.5.11 Marking the table (BCA rule 1-39). three consecutive fouls 0170 9.5.12 The use of a jump cue. However, the oppo 0185. 10.6 A foul on any subsequent break (breaks that are nent must first notify the shooter that only a full length not the opening break) does not count toward three consecu playing cue, used throughout the game, is allowed for tive fouls. any non-break shots, including jump shots. If the Other Embodiments shooter, after being notified once in the match, uses a specialized jump cue or his break cue or a partial cue it 0186. Other embodiments will be evident to those of skill is a ball in hand foul. Specialized jump cues and break in the art. It should be understood that the foregoing detailed cues used for jumping are not allowed in American description is provided for clarity only and is merely exem Rotation. Breaking down (shortening) a full length cue plary. The spirit and scope of the present disclosure are not for jumping is not allowed. Any jump shot must be by the limited to the above examples, but are encompassed by the use of the player's playing cue that is used throughout following claims and their equivalents. The contents of all the game. references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their 10. Three consecutive fouls entireties. What is claimed is: (0171 10.1 Definition 1. A method of playing a rotation game played on a pool 0172 Three consecutive fouls is hereby defined as when table, wherein one of the competitors (players) has three consecutive turns a) six, nine ten or fifteen balls are racked, wherein one or (visits to the table) without executing a legal shot (a shot that more balls are racked in a specified position; does not include a foul). b) the balls are assigned two, three, four or five non-zero (0173 10.2 Free shot point values to be awarded to a player after a ball is 0.174. When a player commits the third of three consecu pocketed; and tive fouls the opponent (the player who did not commit the c) the game ends when a player achieves a pre-determined three fouls) receives two consecutive shots with cue ball in point total. hand: 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the fifteen balls are (0175 10.2.1 The first shot with cue ball in hand is a racked. single “Free Shot” with cue ball in hand. The free shot 3. The method of claim 1, wherein at least four balls are consists of placing the cue ball anywhere on the table racked in a specified position prior to the break. and hitting any ball. On this free shot, any object ball is 4. The method of claim 1, wherein prior to the first shot, a good hit and, if no foul occurs (see 10.2.2 below), any fifteen balls are racked into a triangle, with the number fifteen object ball pocketed counts for the player taking the free ball in front of the triangle facing the incoming shooter, and shot. Calling the shot (object ball to be pocketed) is not the number one ball is racked in the middle of the triangle. required, see rule 4.8 above. Pocketing a ball is not 5. The method of claim 2, wherein the balls numbered 1-10 required. areassigned a point value of 1, and pool balls numbered 11-15 (0176) 10.2.2. On this “free shot' if the cue ball is pock are assigned a point value of 2. eted it does not count as a foul. The shooter receives 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the game ends when a credit for object balls pocketed and still receives the player attains 100 points, 125 points, 150 points or 200 or second cue ball in hand. Other fouls remain as fouls. more points. (0177 10.2.3 On the free shot, any foul (except as noted 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the point total required in 10.2.2 above) ends the turn and converts the situation to end the game is different for each player, dependent upon into a normal foul situation and the fouling player is now the skill level of the player. US 2014/0243.108A1 Aug. 28, 2014

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the point value assigned a) positioning the number fifteen ball at the front of a to a specific ball is different depending on which player is triangle, wherein the front of the triangle faces the head credited for pocketing the specific ball. string and the center of the fifteen ball is positioned on 9. A scoring system for a rotation game played on a pool the foot spot of the table, and wherein the fourteen table, wherein remaining balls are positioned in rows containing two, a) the rotation game is played with six, nine, ten or fifteen three, four and five balls; and balls per rack; b) the balls are assigned two, three, four or five point values b) positioning the remaining thirteen balls in the triangle in to be awarded to a player after a ball is pocketed; and either a random configuration or a pre-determined con c) points are accumulated over one or more racks until a figuration, wherein all of the rows substantially parallel pre-determined point total has been achieved. to the foot rail of the table. 10. The scoring system of claim 9, wherein the balls num 13. The scoring system of claim 10, further comprising bered 1-10 are assigned a point value of 1, and pool balls positioning the number thirteen and number fourteen balls numbered 11-15 are assigned a point value of 2. behind the number one ball such that the number thirteen and 11. The scoring system of claim 9, wherein the point value number fourteen balls are contacting the number one ball. assigned to a specific ball is different depending on which player is credited for pocketing the specific ball. 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the number one ball 12. A method of configuring a set of fifteen pool balls, in the center position of the row comprising three balls. comprising: k k k k k