Tag: elbow rule

14. Elbow Rule

In a nutshell: your elbow can’t cross the edge of the table while you shoot. If it does, the shot doesn’t count.

Watch those elbows! It’s the unspoken rule at nearly every house party, and the most argued-about rule in the game. Take a good step back from the table and you’ll never have to worry about it.

How the elbow rule works

1. Elbow behind the edge. Your elbow stays behind the table edge until the ball leaves your hand.
2. Leaning is fine. Your body can lean over; your elbow can’t.
3. Cross it and the shot is void. A made cup goes back on the table.

Avoiding elbow arguments

• Take a step back from the table and it never comes up.
• The best view is from the side, not the other end. Have someone on the side call it.
• It matters most on short tables, where leaning makes shots much easier.

Elbow rule on regulation tables

Some competitive players skip the elbow rule on an official 8-foot table, since the length makes leaning less of an advantage. At house parties it’s nearly universal.

FAQ

Who calls an elbow?
The defending team, and the house settles disputes.

Does it apply to bounce shots?
Yes. Every shot follows the elbow rule.

Keep the arguments off the table. Post the elbow rule and end the arguments: house rules signs from the Beer Pong All-Stars shop.

See all the rules in the complete beer pong rules guide.

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