8 Ball Pool

Sep 18

2 min read

Let's Play 8 Ball Pool

The goal of 8-ball pool is to legally pocket all your designated balls (either solids or stripes) and then the 8-ball.

Equipment: You’ll need a standard pool table, a cue ball, and a set of 15 numbered balls (1-15).
Rack the Balls: Use a triangular rack to set up the balls. Place the 8-ball in the center, with one solid ball at the bottom corner and one stripe at the other corner.

Break: The game starts with a break shot. The player must hit the racked balls and either pocket a ball or drive at least four balls to the rails. If they fail, the opponent can choose to take the next shot from the current position or re-rack and break again.
Choosing Groups: After the break, players must determine their group (solids or stripes) by pocketing a ball. The first player to legally pocket a ball of their group continues their turn.
Taking Turns: Players alternate turns, trying to pocket all their designated balls. A player continues to shoot as long as they legally pocket a ball.
Legal Shots: A shot is legal if the cue ball first contacts one of your own balls and then either pockets a ball or drives any ball to a rail.
Fouls: Common fouls include:
- Not hitting your own ball first.
- Failing to hit any balls.
- Pocketing the cue ball (scratch).
- Leaving the opponent with no legal shot.
After a foul, the opponent usually gets ball-in-hand, meaning they can place the cue ball anywhere on the table.
Winning the Game: After pocketing all your designated balls, you must then legally pocket the 8-ball. If you pocket the 8-ball early or commit a foul while pocketing it, you lose.

Practice Your Aim: Focus on your shot alignment and follow-through.
Control the Cue Ball: Learn how to apply spin and control the speed of your shots.
Plan Ahead: Think about your next shots while playing to create better opportunities