How a game is set up and scored, the rules around the Queen, fouls, and dues — the framework every stroke in this book assumes you already know.
Setting Up and Scoring
Queen in the centre circle. Black and white coins placed alternately around her in a small circle, then an outer circle so whites form a letter Y.
As long as a player pockets his or her coins, the turn continues.
25 points to win.
Each coin = 1 point; Queen = 3 points. Winner of a board scores opponent's remaining coins plus 3 for the Queen if pocketed.
The Queen
After pocketing the Queen, the player must pocket one of his or her own coins in the same or next stroke.
Queen is removed from the pocket and placed in the centre circle by the umpire.
Fouls and Dues
A foul before pocketing a coin. The player's turn continues.
A foul during or after pocketing a coin.
Striker pocketed alone or with a coin. One coin is placed in the outer circle by the opponent; player loses turn.
Striker and coin pocketed together. Two coins placed in the outer circle; player's turn continues.
Other Rules
A player should touch both base lines while playing. The red base circle must be fully covered when playing from it. The elbow must not come onto the playing surface; feet must not cross the imaginary lines.
If a coin jumps off the board, the umpire places it in the centre circle. A coin in a standing position is kept as it is. Overlapped coins are left undisturbed.