The USBA Board of Directors have made some minor changes to the official USBA 3-Cushion Rules.

Changes are highlighted in red.

Previous Rule # 1:

1. USBA-sanctioned tournaments will be governed by the following rules. Any exception must be stated in the tournament notice, or discussed and approved by a majority of the players present before the start of any USBA tournament.

New Rule # 1:

1. All USBA tournaments will be governed by the following rules.

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Previous Rule # 2:

2. A three-cushion billiard is valid and is a count of one when the cue ball has touched both of the object balls and has touched one or more cushions at least three times before striking the second object ball. The following illustrate this rule:
(a) The cue ball strikes the first object ball and then strikes three or more cushions before striking the second object ball;
(b) The cue ball strikes three or more cushions and then strikes the two object balls;
(c) The cue ball strikes three or more cushions, then strikes the first object ball, then strikes one or more cushions and then strikes the second object ball;
(d) The cue ball strikes a cushion, then strikes the first object ball, and then strikes two or more cushions before striking the second object ball;
(e) The cue ball strikes two cushions, then strikes the first object ball, and then strikes one or more cushions before striking the second object ball.
(f) A three-cushion count means three impacts. These impacts need not necessarily be on three different cushions to be considered a valid count. A valid count may be executed on one cushion or on two cushions if it is the result of the spin on the ball.
(g) A shot is completed after all 3 balls have stopped moving or spinning.

New Rule # 2:

2. A three-cushion billiard is valid and is a count of one when the cue ball has touched both of the object balls and has made three or more cushion impacts before striking the last object ball. The following illustrate this rule:
(a) The cue ball strikes the first object ball and then strikes three or more cushions before striking the second object ball;
(b) The cue ball strikes three or more cushions and then strikes the two object balls;
(c) The cue ball strikes three or more cushions, then strikes the first object ball, then strikes one or more cushions and then strikes the second object ball;
(d) The cue ball strikes a cushion, then strikes the first object ball, and then strikes two or more cushions before striking the second object ball;
(e) The cue ball strikes two cushions, then strikes the first object ball, and then strikes one or more cushions before striking the second object ball.
(f) A three-cushion count means three impacts. These impacts need not be on three different cushions. A valid count may also be executed on one cushion or on two cushions.
(g) A shot is completed after all 3 balls have stopped moving or spinning.

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Previous Rule # 3:

3. Lagging for the Break Position.
(a) Each player selects a ball, which is placed on the table on the head string, and then strokes the ball to the foot rail. If a player's lag does not contact the foot rail first, then that player will lose the lag. If the two cue balls touch while being lagged, the player whose ball strayed across the center of the table will lose the lag. If it cannot be determined which player is at fault, then the lag shall be repeated. If a player's ball hits the red ball, or if the player's ball jumps the table, he will lose the lag.
(b) The player whose ball comes to rest nearer to the head rail wins the lag.
(c) The winner of the lag has the right to the break shot or to assign the break shot to the opponent.
(d) The winner of the lag has the choice of cue balls, which is then used for the duration of the game.


New Rule # 3:

3. Lagging for the Break Position.
(a) Each player selects a ball, which is placed on the table on the head string, and then strokes the ball to the foot cushion. See table diagram as shown in PDF file: 3CushionTableMarkings

If a player's lag does not contact the foot cushion first, then that player will lose the lag. A player's ball cannot contact the long cushion before hitting the foot cushion, but can contact the long cushion after contacting the foot cushion. If the two cue balls touch while being lagged, the player whose ball strayed across the center of the table will lose the lag. If it cannot be determined which player is at fault, then the lag shall be repeated. If a player's ball hits the red ball, or if the player's ball jumps the table, he will lose the lag.

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Previous Rule # 4:

4. Break Shot.
(a) Spots shall be marked on the table according to UMB rules as shown in the following PDF file: 3CushionTableMarkings
(b) The opponent's ball is placed on the head spot. The player's cue ball is placed on a spot 18.25 centimeters to the right or left of the head spot. The red ball is placed on the foot spot.
(c) The player executes the break shot by stroking the cue ball intending to contact the red ball first. Failure to contact the red ball first and directly is a foul and the player's inning ends.
(d) On subsequent shots either the red ball or the opponent's ball may be used as the first object ball.

New Rule # 4:

4. Break Shot.
(a) Spots shall be marked on the table according to UMB rules as shown in the following PDF file: 3CushionTableMarkings
(b) The opponent's ball is placed on the head spot. The player's cue ball is placed on a spot 18.25 centimeters (7 and 3/16 inches) to the right or left of the head spot. The red ball is placed on the foot spot.
(c) The player executes the break shot by stroking the cue ball intending to contact the red ball first. Failure to contact the red ball first and directly is a foul and the player's inning ends.
(d) On subsequent shots either the red ball or the opponent's ball may be used as the first object ball.