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When playing Free Pyramid, the General Rules of Pyramid apply, together with the following specific rules.
1. Objective of the Game
The objective is to score eight points before the opponent.
2. Balls Used
A standard set of sixteen Pyramid billiard balls is used:
- Fifteen white (ivory-colored) balls;
- One colored (preferably yellow), unnumbered ball.
In Free Pyramid, there is no permanent distinction between a cue ball (the ball struck by the cue) and object balls (balls struck by the cue ball).
On any stroke (except the break shot), the player may designate any ball on the table—regardless of number or color—as the cue ball.
All remaining balls on the table then serve as object balls.
3. Initial Rack
See §§9.1 and 9.2 of the General Rules of Pyramid.
4. Break Shot
The break shot is played with ball-in-hand from baulk, in accordance with §13 of the General Rules of Pyramid.
5. Rules of Play
5.1 Before each stroke (except the break), the player has the right to choose the cue ball.
5.2 If, as a result of a legal stroke, a ball is pocketed, the player continues play and again has the right to choose the cue ball.
5.3 If no ball is pocketed on a legal stroke, the turn passes to the opponent, who gains the right to choose the cue ball.
5.4 Either an object ball or the cue ball may be pocketed off any object ball.
5.5 Calling shots is not required. All balls pocketed on a legal stroke are counted.
5.6 Any stroke (except the break) must be completed in full compliance with §20 of the General Rules of Pyramid. Otherwise, a foul is assessed.
6. Penalties
In the event of a foul, the opponent removes any ball of their choice from the table and places it on their scoring shelf. This ball is referred to as a penalty ball.
The penalty ball is removed after all incorrectly pocketed and jumped balls have been respotted.
Note: The penalty ball must be removed before the next stroke. If not, it remains on the table and the score does not change.
7. Spotting Balls
All incorrectly pocketed and jumped balls are respotted in accordance with §25 of the General Rules of Pyramid.
Any respotted ball may be chosen as either the cue ball or an object ball.
8. Scoring
Each legally pocketed ball counts as one point.
When a penalty ball is removed following a foul, one point is added to the opponent’s score.