15-ball rules

15-ball is rotation, the game players of the original Carom3D knew by that name. All fifteen balls are on the table, every shot must hit the lowest-numbered ball first, and each ball you pot scores its number. The balls are worth 120 points together, so 61 wins.

The goal

Reach 61 points before your opponent. The 15 alone is worth 15, so the last balls on the table often decide the game. If the table is cleared at 60 all, the game is drawn.

The rack

A 15-ball rack, the 1 at the apex and the 15 in the middle

The balls form a triangle with the 1 at the apex on the foot spot, the 2 and the 3 in the back corners and the 15 in the middle; the rest are placed at random. The break is played from behind the head string and scores whatever drops.

Lowest ball first

Every shot must hit the lowest-numbered ball first. After that a ball has to drop or some ball has to reach a cushion. Combinations count: play the 3 into the 14 and the 14 scores.

Points

Every ball potted on a legal shot scores its number for the shooter, the break included, and you stay at the table for as long as you keep potting.

Fouls

Balls potted on a foul come back to the table, the lowest first, and score nothing. If the cue ball dropped, your opponent places it behind the head string; after any other foul, anywhere on the table. Three fouls in a row lose the game.

15-ball at CueMasters tables

A table plays one game or a race to 3, 5 or 7, the break alternating, one against one or two against two, with a shot clock of 15, 30, 60 or 120 seconds or none. The score of each side shows beside the table.