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What Exactly is Considered a "Run-Out" in Eight Ball?


What Exactly is Considered a "Run-Out" in Eight Ball?

It seems like a simple question, but some discussion has come up surrounding what qualifies as a "run-out" in 8 ball pool.

What specifically qualifies as an ERO, or, an eight ball run out?

Consider this scenario and you'll see where the confusion is coming from:

  1. Playing 8-ball, player A breaks and sinks one high ball and one low ball. This player proceeds to run the table, potting all the remaining low balls (or high, either way...) and sinks the 8-ball to win the game.

Is that considered a run-out in 8 ball?

  • Some are saying no, for the reason that one ball of both high and low were sunk on the break...
  • Others, myself included, say yes, this is in-fact an 8 ball run-out

Thoughts?

What Exactly is Considered a "Run-Out" in Eight Ball?

Replies & Comments

  1. user1681425119billiardsforum on 1/28/2025 8:51:03 PM

    It is tricky because there are variations of the run-out (and each probably needs its own descriptor).

    1. Run-Out - You pocket all of your balls, and the 8 ball in one inning. In this case, your opponent might have broken and pocketed one or more balls. Main point here is that you sunk all of your balls, and the 8 ball, in one inning.
    2. Break-and-Run-Out - You break, then you proceed to pocket all of your balls, and the 8 ball in one inning.
    3. Run-Out from an Open Table - If the table is still open (neither player has claimed solids or stripes) and the player legally pockets a ball to claim their group and then runs out, it qualifies as a run-out.

    I think your scenario is #2 above.

    I agree with your assessment though. To explain it out, lets look at the requirements common to all of the 3 (or 4) scenarios above:

    1. Winning in one turn: The player must successfully pocket all their balls and the 8-ball without missing a shot once their turn begins.
    2. Control of the table: The run-out starts once the player gains control of the table after either:
      • A break shot (this is called a "break-and-run").
      • Their opponent fouls or misses, and they take over the table.
    3. Legally pocket the 8 Ball: After pocketing all their group balls (solids or stripes), the player must legally call and sink the 8-ball to win.

    In your scenario, the player has achieved all three of these and thus, it qualifies as a run-out.

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What Exactly is Considered a "Run-Out" in Eight Ball?

  • Title: What Exactly is Considered a "Run-Out" in Eight Ball?
  • Author:
  • Published: 10/24/2024 3:09:53 PM
  • Last Updated: 1/28/2025 8:32:54 PM
  • Last Updated By: billiardsforum (Billiards Forum)