What set of rules is most followed by eight-ball players worldwide?

Question

Are WPA or IPT rules more widespread? How is the rack set up to begin a game? Is it true that the ball at the apex of the triangle is always striped? After a scratch, does the cue ball have to be placed behind the headstring, exactly at the headspot, or anywhere on the table?

Answer 1

Everyone I know plays by APA/CPA rules and that means the 8 ball is in the middle of the rack but it doens't matter how the rest of the balls are racked.  If you scratch on the break your opponent gets a ball in hand but can only shoot from behind the headstring and has to shoot up the table.

Answer 2

World standard-

A rack must have the 8 in center of the 3rd row"center Rack"

and not all the same suite on the corners

A scratch on the break-It is ball in hand behind the line

After the break any cue ball foul is ball in hand anywhere on the table

Ck the BCA website for a complete set of rules for all games

Answer 3

WPA rules are definitely more widespread regarding tournament play. Now if you're referring to your local banger playing down at the bars on any given night, who knows?

But Johnny's right on all the rule details. The link is below.