This page follows Section 13 of the WPA Rules of Play, effective 15 September 2025, which builds on the general rules. Bank pool is a call-shot game in which only one kind of shot counts, so most of its rules are about what makes a bank valid.
Equipment, the rack and the target score
The WPA allows two versions:
| Version | Object balls | Racked like | Points to win |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nine-ball bank pool | 9 | Nine-ball | 5 |
| Fifteen-ball bank pool | 15 | Eight-ball | 8 |
The break
If nothing is pocketed on the break, at least four object balls must reach a rail. If they do not, your opponent may take the table as it lies or require a re-break.
What makes a bank count
For a shot to score, you call three things: the object ball, the cushion or cushions it will hit, and the pocket. Then:
- Hit the called ball first. The cue ball must contact the called ball before touching any other ball or a rail.
- A clean path. The called ball may not touch another ball, hit the cue ball a second time, or touch any rail you did not call.
- The pocket's own cushions do not count against you. If the called ball brushes the two rail sections next to the target pocket as it drops, that is ignored.
Scoring and spotting
Each valid bank scores one point. Any other ball that drops on the same shot does not score, and is spotted after your turn ends.
Fouls and penalties
- Standard foul. Costs one point.
- Scratch. The cue ball is in hand behind the head string.
- Three consecutive fouls. Lose the rack.
For definitions of the standard fouls, such as a double hit or a push shot, see the rules overview.
Winning
You win the rack by reaching five points in the nine-ball version or eight points in the fifteen-ball version, or when your opponent commits three consecutive fouls.
Stalemate
After a bank pool stalemate, the balls are re-racked and the players lag again, keeping any owed-ball markers. The parts of the bank pool section we read did not explain how owed balls arise in bank pool, so we do not describe that here.
Bank pool and one-pocket compared
The two games share several WPA rules, and differ in what scores:
| Rule | Bank pool | One-pocket |
|---|---|---|
| What scores | Called banks only | Any legal pot in your own foot pocket |
| Points to win | 5 (nine balls) or 8 (fifteen balls) | 8 |
| Break requirement | Four balls to a rail if nothing drops | None beyond cue ball behind the head string |
| Foul penalty | 1 point | 1 point, paid by spotting a scored ball |
| After a scratch | Cue ball in hand behind the head string | Cue ball in hand behind the head string |
| Three consecutive fouls | Loss of rack | Loss of rack |
For how bank shots are aimed, see banks and kicks.