Playoff Gameplay

Playoff Gameplay

Gameplay rules for racking, breaking, and using handicaps during playoffs.

Racking & Breaking

• How does racking work in playoffs? Each player racks for themselves, breaks, and then runs the table — calling each shot, all stripes or solids first, then the 8-ball. It’s just you vs. the table. Run as many as you can!
• Can a 4+ handicap player have someone else break? Yes! A 4+ player can have a teammate break for them — then the 4+ player takes over.
• What happens when I miss? As soon as you miss a shot (with the exception of the break), that rack is over. Add up the number of balls made in a row up until the miss.
• What if nothing goes in on the break? The player continues to shoot. No penalty — keep going!

Foul on Break

If the cue ball scratches or goes off the table on the break, spot all pocketed balls back up (including the 8-ball). The player still gets choice of groups and there is NO penalty. Options: shoot from behind the head string OR use a handicap ball-in-hand if available.

• How do I pick stripes or solids after a break foul? If only one group went in, you must play that group. If no balls went in (or at least one of each), you have your choice.
• How are multiple balls spotted? The 8-ball is always spotted first. If both stripes and solids are spotted, place balls in numerical order while alternating stripes and solids where needed.

Racking Example

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Playoff Handicaps

Yes! Players can use their handicap during playoffs! The playoff rules are the same as session play unless stated otherwise.

• Which handicap do I use for session playoffs? Players use the average handicap they had during that specific session.
• What about the year-end finals? Players use the average handicap they had during ALL sessions they played in during the year.

Note

📌 A zero or minus 1 or 2 in playoffs will always be a zero — meaning you just get the cue ball with no placements.