New Zealand eight-ball in many respects is closer to British blackball, but with numbered balls being used. A "D" is typically drawn on the table above the baulk line (as on a snooker table) and the shooting player is required to place the cue ball within it on the break-off and after an opponent scratches. The shooting player can shoot the ball in any direction from within the "D". If no "D" is drawn on the table then the "forward play" rule is followed: After a scratch, the player with ball-in-hand must shoot forward of the baulk line, i.e. towards the rack area, even if all legal balls are behind the baulk line. The "two-shot rule" of blackball may or may not be followed; this depends on individual players and/or pubs.

The "nomination" rule is unique to New Zealand: A player snookered on the 8 ball may nominate one of the opponent's balls (if any remain) to hit as an alternative, legal "ball on". However, the shooter is not permitted to pot (pocket) such a nominated ball – doing so results in a loss of game.

In North African countries (as in Latin America, but reversed), both the 1 and 15 balls must be pocketed in the sides, the 15 on the right and 1 on the left (relative to the end of the table one breaks from). The North African version of the informal game is always played "last-pocket". Ball-in-hand is not taken on fouls, and "bank-the-8" is a very common rule in addition to last-pocket.