Official Game Rules
1. Equipment & Setup
- Tilted table with three starboards along the table: Position 1, Position 2, Position 3.
- Two colors of balls (one color per player).
- Service area / release line for shots.
- 2 individuals or 2 teams per match.
2. Match Duration
- Games are played to a target score agreed before the match (e.g. 50 or 100 points).
- A match can be played as a best-of format (e.g. best of 3 or best of 5 games).
- Each game ends when a player reaches the target score.
- The player or team winning the most games wins the match.
- Rounds are limited to 6 minutes
3. Core Gameplay
- The game starts with the player on the right.
- Players roll or flick balls from behind the shooting (release) line.
- A player continues taking shots until they fail to score.
- Once a player fails to score, their turn ends and the opponent begins their turn.
- The goal is to land balls in the designated scoring positions to maximise points.
- The furthest position has the highest base score; the closest has the lowest.
- If any part of the body crosses the shooting line during a shot, the shot is void.
- The player with the highest total score at the end of the game wins.
4. Scoring
Base Scoring (by distance)
| Position | Points per Ball |
|---|---|
| Position 3 (furthest) | 5 points |
| Position 2 | 2 points |
| Position 1 (closest) | 1 point |
Bonus Scoring
- Consecutive Balls (Chained in Same Position):
Balls must land in adjacent slots next to each other within the same position to form a chain. Only chained balls count for consecutive scoring.- Position 1: +1 per additional chained ball
- Position 2: +2 per additional chained ball
- Position 3: +5 per additional chained ball
- Grand Slam (Full Position):
Filling an entire position with your balls gives double points. - Combined Bonus:
If your final ball completes both a chain and a Grand Slam, both bonuses apply.
5. Ball State Rules
- Gutter Balls / Out of Bounds:
If a ball enters a side gutter or rear gutter, it is considered out of play and is removed for the remainder of the round. The ball returns to the player at the start of the next round. - Foul Balls:
If any part of the body crosses the shooting line during a shot, the shot is void. The ball is removed for the remainder of the round. The ball returns to the player at the start of the next round. - Returned Balls:
If a ball rolls back down the table on its own without entering a gutter or leaving the play area, it remains in play. The player may continue to use that ball during the same round. - Running Out of Balls:
If a player has no balls remaining during their turn, their turn ends. The opponent continues their turn until one of the following occurs:- The round timer runs out,
- They also run out of balls.
- Remaining Balls:
If at the end of the round the player have got any remaining balls they score an additional 1 point per ball.
Alternative / Optional Rules
- Grand Slam Scoring a grand slam ends the current round
- Blocking: If your balls are placed in slots on both sides of an opponent’s ball within the same position, that ball is removed for the round.
- Sky Ball Tabletop Mechanics: Players may use rocker plates to control trajectory; ball-eating mechanic allows sandwiching an opponent’s ball to convert it.
- Multiplier Zones: Certain positions may award 2× or 3× points, up to 6 triple-score spots.
- Dead Ball Rule: Balls entering specific starboards in second half may count as dead and give no points.
- These optional rules are for advanced or entertainment versions; the core rules above apply to standard play.
General Competition Rules
- Fouls: serving out of bounds, interfering with opponent, or touching a moving ball, opponent awarded free throw.
- Tie resolution: extra 3 minutes; first to score wins.
- Etiquette: respect opponent, remain quiet after hitting, avoid malicious fouls.
- Players must play in a timely manor and must not waste time.