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A. Tournament Format

• Primary Criterion: Goal difference of individual racks (Frames Won/Lost difference).
• Tie-Breaker: If the rack difference is identical, a single Best-of-9 (first to 5 frames) playoff match will be arranged to determine the ranking.

• Round-Robin Stage: Players arrange their own match times and locations. All matches must be completed before the designated deadline, using a Best-of-9 (first to 5 frames) format.
• Finals Stage: The Grand Final uses a Best-of-11 (first to 6 frames) format. Semifinals and Grand Finals are fully sponsored by the organizer.
• Table Selection: Players may mutually agree to use either a Chinese 8-Ball table or an American Pool table. However, Chinese 8-Ball rules must be strictly followed.
• Table Fees: For the Round-Robin stage, the table rent is covered by the losing party or split equally (to be negotiated before the match).
• Forfeit Penalty: If a player fails to attend a mutually scheduled match and disagrees on rescheduling, the absentee forfeits. The winner receives 2 points, the loser receives 0 points, and the loser covers all venue expenses. Any unplayed matches past the deadline will be scored as 0 points.

• Lagging: Both players simultaneously shoot a ball from the kitchen line (baulk line) toward the top cushion. The player whose ball rebounds and stops closest to the bottom cushion (baulk cushion) wins the opening option.
• The Break:
  • The cue ball must be placed behind the break line (head string/baulk line).
  • Legal Break: At least one object ball must be pocketed, or a minimum of 4 object balls must driven to a cushion.
  • Pocketing the Black 8 on the Break: In most official tournaments, potting the 8-ball on the break does not win the frame. The Black 8 must be spotted (respotted), and the breaking player continues their turn.
• Determining Group Selection: The table remains "Open" immediately following the break. The player's designated group (Solid balls 1-7 or Striped balls 9-15) is only officially determined after they legally pocket a specific group ball.

• General Object Balls: No nomination (Call Pocket) is required. As long as a player legally strikes their own group ball, any ball entering any pocket is considered valid, and the player may continue their turn.
• The 8-Ball (Black 8): A mandatory Call Pocket is required. The player must clearly declare their target pocket to the referee before making the shot.
• Instant Loss of Frame: If the 8-ball enters a non-nominated pocket, or if the 8-ball is accidentally pocketed before the player clears all their own group balls, the player instantly loses the frame.
• Safety Shot: If a player declares a "Safety", control of the table transfers to the opponent after the shot, even if a ball is pocketed.

1. Cue Ball Scratch or Off-Table: The cue ball is pocketed or jumps off the table playing surface.
2. Missed Shot (No Contact): The cue ball fails to strike any object ball on the table.
3. Wrong Ball First: The cue ball makes first contact with an opponent's ball or the Black 8 (before the player has cleared all of their own group balls).
4. No Cushion After Contact: After the cue ball strikes an object ball, if no ball is pocketed, at least one ball (including the cue ball) must driven to a cushion.
5. Body Contact: The player's body, clothing, or any part of the cue (except for the cue tip during a legal stroke) touches any ball on the table.
6. Illegal Jump Shot: A legal jump shot must be executed by striking the upper half of the cue ball; lifting the ball by driving the cue tip underneath it (scooping) is a foul.

• Foul While Potting the 8-Ball: Committing a foul at the same time the Black 8 is pocketed (e.g., cue ball scratch, or touching any ball with the body/clothing during the shot).
• Simultaneous Potting: Pocketing the player's final object ball and the Black 8 in the same single shot.
• 8-Ball Off Table: Driving the Black 8 off the table playing surface (except during the opening break).
• Wrong Pocket: The Black 8 enters any pocket other than the nominated (called) pocket.

⚖️ Handicap and Winning Streak Rules

• Special Privileges: Female players and players aged 14 or under automatically receive a "Last Ball Handicap" at the start of each match (non-cumulative).
• Streak Handicaps:
  • If Player A wins two consecutive frames, they must concede a 1-ball handicap to Player B in the next frame (i.e., Player B receives a "Last Ball Handicap").
  • The maximum handicap allowed is 3 balls (Last 3 Balls Handicap).
  • If the handicapped Player B wins, the handicap for the next frame is reduced by 1 ball.
• Execution: A "Last Ball Handicap" means the receiving player can skip their final group ball and legally shoot the Black 8 directly once they have only 1 object ball remaining on the table.

Reference link:  [2025年喬氏大師賽標準規則](https://alison-chang.com/rules-of-heyball/) and [WPA 中式台球規範](https://joybilliards.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/World-Chinese-8-Ball-Masters-Rules-of-Play-Chinese-8-Ball.pdf)