Heyball

Heyball, also known as Chinese 8 Ball, is a cue sport played on a 9 foot table with tight snooker style pockets. Players use a standard 16 ball American pool set and follow traditional 8 ball rules. 

Yes. Heyball is simply the official international name for Chinese 8 Ball. The rules, tables, and equipment are exactly the same. 

The main difference is the table's pocket shape. While both games use the exact same spots and stripes balls and follow the same basic rules, the tables are built differently: Chinese 8 Ball: Played on a table with tight, rounded snooker style pockets. American 8 Ball: Played on a table with wider, straight cut pockets. 

A standard Heyball table measures 9 feet in length. It features a slower napped cloth and tight, rounded pocket jaws identical to a snooker table. 

The difficulty comes from the equipment combination. Players must hit large American style pool balls into tight snooker style rounded pockets, requiring highly accurate aim. 

Yes, you can use a standard pool cue. Many serious players prefer a cue with a smaller tip for better control to navigate the tight pockets. 

Players are assigned either spots or stripes after the break. You must pot all seven of your assigned balls, followed by the black 8 ball in a called pocket to win the game.  

You can play Chinese 8 Ball at Club9 in North Strathfield. We provide professional 9 foot Joy Q7 tables approved for international tournament use.