Rotation is a straightforward game if you consider just the rules. The game is similar to 9-ball in that a player must always strike the lowest numbered object ball on the table first. For each object ball a player pockets, he scores the number on the ball in points (1 to 15). The first player to score more than half the total point value of the balls (balls 1 through 15 total to 120), wins the game. If two players tie at 60-60, then the last player who pocketed an object ball is declared the winner.
Although Rotation sounds pretty easy, try playing a game. With six more balls on the table to contend with, it's much trickier to get a clear shot at the lowest numbered ball than in 9-ball. Rotation is a difficult and demanding game which requires players to play "position". That is, players must not only concern themselves with the current shot, but must always be thinking at least one shot ahead to ensure that the cue ball will lie in an advantageous position for their following shot.
We've included a house version of Rotation with Ultimate Pool. The only major difference between our house version and the tournament version is a successive fouls penalty, similar to the one in Tournament 9-ball. For the house version, we've omitted this penalty altogether.
Rotation is played with 15 object balls, numbered 1 to 15, and a cue ball. The goal of each player is to score at least 61 points. The first person to do so, wins the game.
Players need not call shot. However, the first ball the cue ball contacts must always be the lowest numbered ball on the table. A player's inning at the table ends if he fails to pocket a ball or if he fouls (see the section called Fouls below).
The opening break in Rotation is made by the Starting Player, as set in the Preferences menu. The break must be made from behind the head string. That is the only requirement for the opening break; however, "gentlemen's play" dictates that the starting player should attempt an open break even though this is not enforced.
On the opening break, the player must hit the 1 ball first (as it is the lowest numbered ball on the table). Failure to do so is not a foul; however, the player will be asked to reshoot the break.
If a player scratches on the break, then that is a foul. The normal rules for scratching apply (see the section Fouls below).
A player must always strike the lowest numbered object ball on the table first. However, he need not pocket that ball, and may instead strike another ball off of the lowest numbered ball in an attempt to pocket it.
If a player fails to pocket an object ball, then his inning ends and the table is turned over to his opponent.
If a player fouls for any of the reasons listed below, his inning at the table ends. Any object balls that he pocketed while fouling are spotted and the table is turned over to his opponent.
Scratching. A player may not pocket the cue ball. After a scratch, the incoming player is awarded ball in hand behind the head string and if the lowest numbered object ball lies behind the head string, then it is spotted on the foot spot. The incoming player is given the choice of accepting the table with ball in hand behind the head string or of passing the table back to his opponent.
Failure to execute a legal shot. A player must execute a legal shot as defined above in the section called Legal shot. After a foul, the incoming player is given the choice of accepting the table in position and shooting or of passing the table back to his opponent.
For each legally pocketed object ball, a player scores the number on that ball in points. The first player to score 61 points wins the game. If all object balls have been legally pocketed and the score is tied at 60-60, then the player who legally pocketed the last object ball is declared the winner.