4. COMMENCEMENT OF THE GAME OR A RE-START.
The opening break shot is determined by lag. The player winning the lag decides who breaks. Opening breaks alternate in subsequent frames. The exception is a re-rack for slow or negative play (rule 8g).
LAGGING PROCEDURE. Balls should be of equal size and weight.
Ideally use two cue balls, but when unavailable two object balls.
With ball in hand behind the baulk line, one player to the left and one to the right of the table, balls are struck simultaneously towards the top cushion to return as close as possible to the baulk cushion. The player whose ball comes to rest closest to the edge of the baulk cushion wins.
It is automatic loss of lag if a ball...
(a) Crosses into the opponent's half of the table.
(b) Fails to contact the top cushion.
(c) Drops into a pocket.
(d) Jumps from the table.
(e) Touches a side cushion.
(f) Comes to rest on the playing surface within the area of a pocket past the nose of the baulk cushion.
Players will lag again if both players fall victim to automatic loss of lag rules or the referee is unable to determine which ball is closer.
