Playing 8 ball pool can be a little overwhelming when you don’t know all the rules. So, let us know how to play the 8 ball pool in detail.
8 ball pool game is an American style game, super engaging and fun. It is just like pool billiards where you play with cue sticks, sick pockets and sixteen billiard balls.
We know that it is quite difficult for you to visit a club to relax on a regular basis amidst your busy schedule. The popularity of the game has brought this game to your fingertips where you can play it on your mobile screen.
If you just want to relax and use your pool skills, this game is made for you. Although, if you are a beginner, you need to follow certain rules and should learn how to play 8 ball pool. Let us take a look at how you can ace the game as a beginner.
What is an 8 Ball Pool?
8 ball pool is a game from 1900, United States. This game was an improved version of Pyramid pool, that allowed any eight of the fifteen object balls to be pocketed. Soon, 8 ball pool became popular and players from all over the world started playing it professionally. Many amateur players aimed to master the art of pooling and enter into serious tournaments.
Though, there are several variations of the game and different areas follow play the game differently. But, the World Pool- Billiard Association has laid down the rules which are to be followed when playing a competitive game.
Objective of 8 Ball Pool
8 ball is a call shot game played with the help of cue sticks and 15 object balls which are numbered from 1 to 15. A group of 7 balls (solid colours) have to be pocketed by a player while the player has to pocket 9 balls through 15 (striped balls). So, the player who pockets all his group balls first along with a legal 8-ball wins the game.
Equipment of 8-Ball Pool
Pool Table
According to the world standardized rules, the pool table is of size 9 by 4.5 ft. Amaetur players can have a pool table according to the manufacturer or choose a size suitable for them. Some tournaments and competitions may use a table of size 7 by 3.5 ft.
Pool Balls
There are seven solid coloured balls numbered 1 through 7 and other striped balls that are numbered from 9 to 15. There is a common 8 ball and a cue ball that a player pockets to win the game.
Cue Stick
A cue stick can be referred to as ‘Billiard cue’, ‘pool cue’, or ‘snooker cue’. It is an essential object of the game which is used to strike the ball with a calculated speed in order to pocket a ball. Cues are tapered wooden sticks, typically about 57–59 inches long and usually weigh between 450–600 g. Generally, cues can be of size according to the player’s arm length and height.
8 Ball Pool Game Setup
At the start of the game, the balls are placed at the foot of the table in a triangular setup. The balls are placed in such a way that they are all in contact with each other. The 8th ball is placed at the centre of the triangular setup. The cue ball is placed anywhere wherever the player decides behind the imaginary line that runs horizontally on the table.
How to Play 8 Ball Pool | 8 Ball Pool Rules
8 ball pool is a skill based game with a little bit of luck factor where you pocket your group of balls (solid coloured or striped) in the pockets (that you call for).
- The object balls should be placed in a triangular setting. The object balls are positioned at the lower end of the table in a way that the apex ball lies at the foot spot. You can place the ball randomly apart from the black ball (numbered 8). This black ball is placed in the middle of the third row
- When the game starts, a coin is tossed to who’ll break first
- After this, the break is taken in turns
- To make a legal break, the player must hit the balls and ensure that four balls hit cushions and that the cue-ball doesn’t go in a pocket
- If a player pockets a 8-ball, the player is entitled to ask for a re-rack
- The player pots an object ball, he will continue to pot the balls (his group) and the opposition pockets the other group.
- Once all group balls of a player are pocketed, he is entitled to pocket the 8-ball.
Fouling in 8-Ball Pool
A player continues to make shots until they commit a foul or fail to pocket an object ball. In such a situation, your opponent is entitled to place the cue ball anywhere on the table.
- Failing to hit your own object balls
- Hitting the cue ball off the table
- Potting one of the opposition’s object balls
- Hitting the cue ball twice
- Pushing the cue ball rather than striking it
- A player taking a shot when it is not their turn
Scoring in 8-ball Pool
Scoring in 8-ball largely depends on your skill and what angles you choose to strike the ball so that it ends up in a pocket. But there are few things that you can apply to score more in a 8-ball pool game.
- Buy a cue stick according to your height and arm length
- Always extend your aim while shooting a ball
- Shoot faster otherwise if the time is up, your turn will be passed on to the opponent
- Choose a table where you have to bet a less amount of coins if you are a beginner at 8-ball pool
Frequently Asked Questions about 8 Ball Pool
Q) What are the rules for playing 8-ball pool?
A) The basic rule for playing 8-ball pool is to shoot the ball in such a way that you pocket it.And, you can shoot the ball (numbered 8), if you’ve pocketed all balls of your group.
Q) How does the 8-ball pool game begin?
A) In the starting of the game, the balls are placed in a triangular rack near the foot of the table. The setting has to be broken by a player. After the break, the players take turns and pockets the object balls of their chosen group. Once the object balls are pocketed, the player aims for the 8th numbered ball.
Q) How do you win every time in an 8-ball pool?
A) Well, there is no sure shot method that makes you win everytime. It is just that you practice the game at lower bets and then move to the game with higher bets.
Final Words
This was all about the 8-ball pool and how you can ace the game even as a beginner. We do not claim that these are the only methods to win the game, obviously, you are free to experiment your own tips and tricks regarding the game.
If you come across any tips and trick that we’ve missed out on, please let us know on our Instagram.
Till then, All the best!
