Rocket Run-Out©
A revolutionary pool format created by Rodney "Rocket" Morris
Fast-paced • Offense-driven • Statistically precise • Fan-friendly
Overview
Rocket Run-Out© is part of the Saratoga series—a revolutionary pool format created by World Champion Rodney Morris designed to maximize offensive opportunities, create dramatic scoring moments, and enable accurate statistical tracking.
This format has been tested and refined over years of development to create the perfect balance between skill, strategy, and entertainment value.
How It Works
The Rack
Rack 5 solids, 5 stripes, and the black ball (8-ball).
- • The lowest stripe or lowest solid must be on the top and bottom (doesn't matter which)
- • One solid and one stripe must be in the corners
- • The black ball (8-ball) is racked in the middle
The Break
Break from anywhere behind the headstring. The table is always open after the break, no matter what balls are made.
Special rule: If the 8-ball is made on the break, you have the option to re-break or spot it and shoot from there. If it's the only ball made on the break and you elect to spot it, it counts as a pocketed ball (eligible for 200pts if you run out).
Choose Your Suit & Run Out
After the break, choose either solids or stripes and run them out, making the black ball (8-ball) last.
You can shoot from where the balls lay for higher points, or take ball in hand at any time (but this affects your scoring).
If You Miss
If you miss at any time, you get 10 points per ball pocketed in that game (whichever suit is highest).
Incomplete runs score whatever balls were pocketed.
Scratch on the Break
If you scratch on the break, it's not loss of turn—you get ball in hand but are only eligible for a Salvage (up to 60 points max).
Scoring System
Break and Run
Make a ball on the break, shoot from where the balls lay, and run out (choosing either solids or stripes, making the black last).
Dry Break and Run
Break dry (don't make a ball on the break) and run out from there.
Ball in Hand Run
Take ball in hand after the break (you always have this option) and run out.
Salvage
Maximum points after scratching on the break (you get ball in hand but can only score up to 60pts).
Incomplete Run
If you miss before completing your run, score 10 points per ball pocketed (whichever suit is highest).
Every shot matters. The scoring system rewards aggressive play while creating dramatic tension and exciting comebacks throughout each match.
Two Ways to Play
Same rules, same scoring, same name. The rack above is the Pro format.
Rocket Run-Out
4 solids, 4 stripes, and the 8-ball
The everyday game. Same rules, same scoring, faster racks. This is the format played in venues, leagues, and qualifiers.
Rocket Run-Out Pro
5 solids, 5 stripes, and the 8-ball
The tour format. Longer runs, higher difficulty, same 200-point ceiling.
Every rack in either game produces a score. That's what makes the next part possible.
Rating & Handicap
The first point-based rating system in pool.
Because every Rocket Run-Out rack produces a score, every player has a number. No win/loss guesswork, no "who did you beat." Your rating is how you actually play.
Your Rating
Your average points per rack, based on your best 8 of your last 11 matches. Scale of 0–200.
- • You get a rating after 2 matches (10 racks)
- • Early on, fewer matches count, so your number stays fair while you build history:
| Matches played | Rating uses |
|---|---|
| 2 | best 1 |
| 3–4 | best 2 |
| 5–6 | best 4 |
| 7–8 | best 6 |
| 9–10 | best 7 |
| 11+ | best 8 of last 11 |
- • Calculated from raw scores only, never from handicapped results
- • Updated at the end of each match, never mid-match
- • Tracked separately for Rocket Run-Out and Rocket Run-Out Pro
Your Handicap
The points added to your score each rack so players of any level can compete.
Handicap = 80% of (200 − your Rating),
rounded to the nearest 5.
| Rating | Handicap per rack |
|---|---|
| 40 | +130 |
| 80 | +95 |
| 120 | +65 |
| 160 | +30 |
| 200 | +0 |
The 80% keeps an edge for the better player. A handicapped match is winnable by anyone, but it still rewards skill.
In a Match
A match is 5 racks per player. Each player shoots their own racks; score = raw points + handicap, totaled over the 5. High score wins, like bowling. Ties go to the higher raw score.
Works one-on-one, in groups, and in team play. Everyone carries their own handicap, so no pairing math at the table.
On Tour
No handicaps. Ratings are the stat. The tour is raw points only.
Your Player Card
Why It's Different
Fast-Paced Action
Continuous offense, minimal defensive play, and constant scoring opportunities keep fans engaged.
Fan-Friendly
Easy to understand, exciting to watch, and perfect for both pool enthusiasts and new fans.
True Statistics
For the first time in pool history, enables precise, meaningful statistical tracking and analytics.
Perfect for Sports Betting
The Rocket Run-Out© format creates unprecedented betting possibilities through its precise scoring system and statistical tracking capabilities.
From break-and-run props to player scoring averages, comeback scenarios to high-score predictions—the format opens new opportunities for fan engagement and sports betting integration with partners like Railbirds.
Experience the Future of Pool
The Rocket Run-Out© format is the foundation of the Rocket Pool Tour and represents a new era in professional billiards.