Rotation (pool)

Some spectator attractions of rotation include performing unconventional or difficult shots to reach the correct ball, and quite often making risky attempts to score a higher amount of points.

The object of the game is to acquire the most points, by pocketing higher-scoring balls than the opponent(s).

A frame (individual game) is won when a player or team reaches a number of points (usually 61) that makes it impossible for the opponent(s) to win.

The primary rule of the game is that the lowest numbered object ball on the table at any time is the "ball-on" and must be struck first (including on the break shot – a side break is a foul), regardless of the player's intentions of which ball to actually pocket.

Consequently, this not being a call-shot game, points are also counted if a ball is unintentionally, but legally pocketed (a "fluke" or "slop shot").

A player's turn at the table continues until a shot fails to legally pocket a ball, a foul is committed, or the frame concludes.

Unlike in many games, there is no provision for a called, intentional safety play that pockets a ball.

If the exiting opponent's foul was scratching the cue ball into a pocket or off the table, the incoming player's shot is necessarily ball-in-hand, and must be taken from behind the head string (in baulk), though the incoming player may optionally require the fouling opponent to shoot again instead, with ball-in-hand behind the head string.

However, if the ball-on is behind the head string, the player with ball in hand (including a fouling player who has been forced to take the shot by the opponent) may optionally have that ball spotted on the foot spot before shooting.

The player's inning starts with a break shot and continues until the lowest numeric ball was not played into a pocket.

In the Philippines, rotation pool is popular, especially among advanced players, but eight-ball, nine-ball and, increasingly, ten-ball, are widely played.