1. The breaker must break with the base of the cue ball behind the head string.
2. The breaker must strike the 1-ball first and either pocket a ball or drive at least four (4) numbered balls to the cushion. If a shooter fails to meet one of these two requirements the balls are to be re-racked and the incoming shooter takes over the break with cue ball in hand behind the head string.


NOTE:  This is the ONLY condition in which the (original) breaker is no longer eligible for the Rackless Match Bonus Point.

3. 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.
4. If the cue ball is pocketed or driven off the table, it is a foul. The incoming shooter has cue ball in hand anywhere on the table.
5. If, on the break shot, the shooter causes an object ball to jump off the table, it is a foul and the incoming shooter has cue ball in hand anywhere on the table. The object ball is not re-spotted (exception: if the object ball is the 9-ball, it is to be placed on the spot).
6. Pocketing the 9-ball on the break is a win for the breaker assuming all requirements of a legal break shot are met during the shot.

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.