Official Tournament Rules – The Sussex Saloon, LLC / PLAYER MATCH
YOU MUST BE 18 TO PARTICIPATE IN OUR TOURNAMENTS
All tournaments managed by The Sussex Saloon Billiard Room are conducted as games of skill. Outcomes are determined by player ability, judgment, and execution — not chance. Participation in any wagering or gambling activity is strictly prohibited. You won’t get lucky here.
HOW DOES PLAYER MATCH WORK?
HOW DOES IT WORK? You pick your game! (8 ball, 9 ball, 10 ball). Choose a race to 3, 5, or 7 in either 8-ball, 9-ball, or 10-ball.
MINI TOURNAMENT ENTRY FEE OPTIONS: $5, $10, $25, $50, $100, or $250 per mini tournament, and the winner TAKES IT ALL. Green Fees are split 50/50 by each player and are $16 per hour. All cash prizes come 100% from the entry fee, are transparent, and disclosed at sign-up. You MUST sign up in advance to participate. ID REQUIRED. The Sussex Saloon, LLC will NOT profit from any tournament fees collected; all tournament fees are paid to the winner. WINNER TAKES ALL! Any disputes will be decided by THE SUSSEX SALOON, LLC, and THE DECISION IS FINAL. Tournament fees will be collected by THE SUSSEX SALOON, LLC before the tournament, then paid IN FULL to the winner of each 1-on-1 tournament.
Note: APA and TAP LEAGUES HAVE THEIR OWN RULES IF PLAYED ONSITE.
(Skill over luck – every shot must be earned)
1. Call Every Shot
- All balls and pockets must be called (no slop, flukes, randomness)
- Any uncalled or unintended pocketed ball is spotted, and the shooters turn ends.
2. The Break
- Racking must be tight and square.
- 8-ball and 9 ball on the break does NOT win and are spotted, not a win on the break. Breaker continues ONLY if a legal called ball was pocketed.
3. Legal Shots
- Cue ball must contact the called object ball first.
- After contact, a ball must be pocketed or ANY ball must contact a rail. (even if its another ball that gets bumped and touches a rail)
- Double hits, pushes, or scooping = foul.
4. Fouls (Penalty for any foul is ball in hand anywhere on the table for incoming player)
- Cue ball scratches
- Cue ball Jumps off table
- failure to strike called object ball first.
- Disturbing balls with body, clothing, or equipment.
- After contact any ball must hit a rail after legal contact
5. Ball in Hand
- On any foul, incoming player receives ball in hand (may place anywhere on table).
- No “behind-the-line only” — full table ball-in-hand keeps game skill-based.
6. 8-Ball Rules (if game is 8-ball)
- 8-ball must be called and pocketed “clean and unobstructed”
- Pocketing 8-ball early or in wrong pocket = loss of game.
- Loss of game if:
- 8 ball is pocketed early
- 8 ball is pocketed in the wrong pocket
- Scratching while pocketing the 8-ball
7. 9-Ball Rules (if game is 9-ball)
- Shots must strike lowest-numbered ball first, but combinations allowed if called.
- 9-ball must be called and pocketed clean.
- 9-ball on break is spotted, not a win.
8. Jump & Masse Shots
- Allowed only if controlled and executed properly (no scooping).
- Jump cues may be used but must comply with league/tournament specs.
9. No Luck Wins
- Any accidental pocket (slop) is spotted not rewarded, and turn passes.
- Games cannot be decided by chance; only called, legal shots end a game.
10. Behavior
- No coin tossing or gambling of any kind.
- DO NOT sit on tables, slam cues, misuse equipment, you agree to pay for damages.
- Chalk over the floor, not over the table
- No food or drinks on or near the tables. No smoking, vaping, etc.
- Harassment, fighting, or disruptive behavior results in disqualification and removal.
- Have fun!
The Sussex Saloon, LLC will make the FINAL determination on any game dispute. All players agree not to hold The Sussex Saloon, LLC liable for any lose in participating tournaments.