<Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> This section needs expansion . You can help by adding to it . (August 2008) </Td> </Tr> <P> Pool is popularly played in two forms . Traditionally it is played with smaller balls than the internationally standardized version, on a 4.5 by 7 foot pub - sized table, with differently shaped, smaller pockets . The cue ball is also slightly smaller than the object balls . "American - style" pool tables are also common in the UK, especially for nine - ball competition; the tables themselves are often referred to as "nine - ball tables", with that game being played only rarely on the more common, smaller traditional British - style tables . The two most common competitive rule sets used on the traditional tables are WEPF world eightball pool rules (replacing old EPA rules), and WPA world - standardized blackball rules . Most amateurs play "pub rules", meaning the local rule variation established at that venue . </P> <P> The two standardized competitive rule sets have features which some amateur pub players object . As one example, WEPF rules permit intentional fouls . Despite opponents being awarded two visits for a standard foul in pub pool, for one to cause an intentional foul or to not try to play a legal shot is seen as unsportsmanlike (as it is in pub / bar pool in the US and many other places). As another example, in WPA rules, rather than getting two independent visits after a foul, the incoming player gets one free shot and then play returns to normal . As most pub rules are based around old EPA rules, in which two visits are awarded (rather than a free shot) amateurs are often unhappy with this difference in blackball, although it is in no way as offensive as intentional fouls which are illegal in blackball and result in loss of frame . </P> <P> Not all differences are controversial . Both WEPF and WPA require a player to either pot on their visit, or drive any ball, including the white, into a cushion after hitting a legal object ball, or else they give a foul . Although the precise specifics of the rule are a mouthful, many amateur players find the it acceptable . It is primarily as a way to prevent "tucking up", whereby a player does not attempt to pot and instead just rolls up to their object ball to use it to snooker their opponent; tucking up is seen as unsporting, so being forced to play harder shots is quite welcomed . </P>

What happens when you knock a pool ball off the table