To execute a legal break, the breaker, with the base of the cue ball behind the head string must either

1. Pocket any ball other than the cue ball.
2. Drive at least four unique numbered balls to a cushion.
   
   If either of the two bullet points above do NOT happen, the opposing player takes over the break. (see next rule, #1.9)
   
   NOTE #1: 
   If four unique numbered balls DO make contact with a cushion and NO numbered balls are pocketed it becomes the opposing players turn.
   
   NOTE #2: 
   It is NOT required to hit the head ball of the rack first when breaking and the cue ball is allowed to hit any number of rails first before making contact with the rack.
   
   NOTE #3: 
   In the event a shooter places the base of the cue ball over the head string the opposing shooter must call it before the break shot is made, not after.
   
   NOTE #4: 
   If the shooter performing the break shot, during their stroke, completely misses and makes no contact with the cue-ball (basically a "swing and a miss"), this is not considered a foul and the shooter may try the break shot again.
   
   NOTE #5: 
   If any ball is jumped off the table and comes to rest off of the playing surface, it is a ball in hand foul and loss of turn, unless it is the 8-ball, which is a loss of game. All balls that come to rest off of the playing surface are placed on the same foot spot where the rack took place in numerical order. If there are any balls on the foot spot or blocking the foot spot the balls that were knocked off the table are to be placed directly behind the balls blocking the foot spot toward the foot cushion.
   
   NOTE #6: 
   If the breaking shooter miscues and the cue ball does not make contact with the racked balls or the breaking shooter interferes with the cue ball at any time before making contact with the racked balls, it is a foul. The incoming shooter takes over the break with cue ball in hand behind the head string.