Game Rules

• Objective: The objective of the 8-ball pool is to pocket all of your designated balls (stripes or solids) and then legally pocket the 8-ball to win the game.
• Rack and Break: Use a triangle rack to arrange the 15 object balls (7 striped, 7 solid, and 8-ball) in a tight formation. The break shot is taken by the player who wins the lag or by a predetermined method. The cue ball is struck from behind the head-string and must hit the racked balls.
• Open Table: After the break, the table is considered “open,” meaning neither group (stripes or solids) has been assigned to the players. The player who pockets a ball legally in the first shot after the break determines their group.
• Turns: Players take turns shooting, aiming to pocket their designated balls. If a player pockets a ball legally, they continue shooting, otherwise, it becomes the opponent’s turn. Players must hit one of their designated balls first, but can pocket any ball on the table, including the 8-ball.
• Fouls: Fouls result in the end of the player’s turn. Common fouls include failing to hit any ball, pocketing the cue ball, not hitting a rail after contact, or pocketing the opponent’s ball. After a foul, the incoming player gets cue ball in hand, meaning they can place the cue ball anywhere on the table.
• Sinking the 8-Ball: The 8-ball must be pocketed after all of your designated balls are legally pocketed. It cannot be pocketed earlier, and doing so results in a loss. The player must call the pocket they intend to shoot the 8-ball into.
• Winning: The player who legally pockets the 8-ball after all their designated balls are pocketed wins the game. If a player pockets the 8-ball prematurely or commits a foul while shooting the 8-ball, they lose the game.
• Alternate Break: In many variations of the 8-ball pool, players take turns breaking the rack, regardless of who won the previous game. This ensures a fair chance for both players.