Three Foul Rule - Billiard Term Definition

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Definition of Three Foul Rule

Three Foul Rule is a billiards term that is a part of Game Rule Terminology.

The three foul rule is invoked when a situation arises where the shooting player is assessed a specific penalty after committing a third successive foul. The particular penalty, and that penalty's prerequisites and/or whether that particular penalty is in place at all, will differ depending on which cue sport game is actually being played. In english billiards and Irish pool, the shooting player loses the game should they commit a third successive foul while shooting at the black. In nine ball and in straight pool, the shooting player must be told that he or she is on the second foul in order to transgress the three foul rule. If this stipulation is violated, the player shall lose the game (nine ball) or be assessed a 15 point penalty. (Straight pool) The player has the option to have the opponent to rerack and rebreak.

See: 3 foul rule for more on the meaning of "Three Foul Rule".

Three Foul Rule - Usage

How do I use the three foul rule to my advantage in the billiard game of nine ball.

Billiards - Three Foul Rule

• Billiard Rules Glossary of Terms
• Billiard Terms Glossary

• Title: Three Foul Rule
• Author: billiardsforum (Billiards Forum)
• Published: 12/27/2007 9:21:33 PM

Three Foul Rule Comments

1. brando from ON, Canada on 2/14/2010 11:26:16 PM

   Can someone please further explain the 3 foul rule?

   What if you forget to warn your opponent that he got 2 fouls already and he commits the third foul? So what happens if the the only time you call the 3 foul rule against your opponent is on the third foul? What will be the final verdict in this situation?

2. Scott Dennis from CA, United States on 5/2/2011 8:01:13 AM

   I don't agree with the three foul rule. It applies to the better pool players only, and is not fair to the lesser-skilled pool players. I think it should be taken out of billiards and pool rules all together. Pool rules are supposed to be generic and appropriate for all players.

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