All games described in these rules are designed for tables, balls and equipment meeting the standards prescribed in the BCA Equipment Specifications. When racking the balls a triangle must be used, and the apex ball is to be spotted on the foot spot. All the balls must be lined up behind the apex ball and pressed together so that they all have contact with each other.
Legal shots require that the cue ball be struck only with the cue tip.
Failure to meet this requirement is a foul. If a player fails to pocket a ball on a legal shot, then the player's inning is over, and it is the opponent's turn at the table. The following procedure is used for the lag for the opening break. With the balls in hand behind the head string, one player to the left and one to the right of the head spot, the balls are shot simultaneously to the foot cushion and back to the head end of the table. The player whose ball is the closest to the innermost edge of the head cushion wins the lag.