A two-on-two billiards game played with only the 8-ball and the cue ball. Simple rules. Deep strategy. All ages. All peoples.
Jamball is a team billiards game played exclusively with the 8-ball and the cue ball. Two players team up and stand diagonally across the pool table from each other, working together to sink the 8-ball before it stops rolling.
Fast, physical, and social — Jamball is here to settle all disputes and solve all world problems.
All players must shake each other's non-shooting hand before the game starts and after the game ends.
Pick your Jamball partner. Partners stand diagonally across the table from each other — never on the same side.
Place the 8-ball on the intersection of the second long-side sight marker and the middle short-side sight marker. The server gets two chances to hit the 8-ball with the cue ball using a direct shot (no bouncing off a rail first). After contact, at least one ball must touch a rail. If both attempts fail, that's a strike — two strikes gives the opposing team a point and the serve.
Once a legal serve is completed, the game is in play. Whoever scores the point gets to serve next.
Partners stand diagonally across from each other. The golden dot marks the serve position.
Everything you need to know to play a proper game.
Use the cue ball to hit the 8-ball into a pocket before the 8-ball stops moving. The 8-ball is always live — keep it rolling.
Players must shoot from behind the short ends of the table. You may only step to the long sides to retrieve the ball when necessary — then return to your end to shoot.
You may only shoot at the 8-ball when it is on the opposite side of the table from you. If the 8-ball is on your side, you must pass — wait for your partner to shoot it across, then you can act.
Reaching is when your hand crosses the 3rd sight marker on the long rail — the marker just before the side pocket. Give a few warnings before applying a shot penalty.
Once the 8-ball is struck, it becomes the other team's turn to try and hit it before it stops. A team must keep shooting until they make contact or the 8-ball stops.
When a team first reaches 12 points, all four players rotate one spot to the left around the table. This happens only once per game.
If the cue ball falls into a pocket during play, the game does not stop. Any player may grab any ball from any pocket and immediately continue play.
First team to reach 21 points wins — but you must win by at least 2 points. The score may exceed 21 if teams are tied near the end.
Whoever's team scores a point gets to serve next. Position the 8-ball and take your shot — keep the momentum going.
There are two types of penalties in Jamball: Shot Penalties and Game Penalties.
Play stops immediately. The 8-ball is placed on the intersection of the two first sight markers diagonal to the shooter. The offending team gets one penalty shot — it must be a direct hit (no rail contact first). After the hit, the game resumes. If the penalty shot is also a strike, the shooting team may reset for a serve.
Triggers a Shot Penalty:
Strike Rule:
On a serve or penalty shot — if the cue ball does not make direct contact or no ball touches a rail after contact, it is a strike. Two strikes = a point and serve for the other team.
The offending team's opponent is awarded a point and the serve.
Triggers a Game Penalty:
Blocking the side (middle) pockets is perfectly legal — goaltending at the corner pockets on your own side is not.
Jamball is a gentleman's game. This does not refer to one's gender — this refers to the code of ethics that all players must possess. If there are any disputes, always refer to Rule Number One.