How do you play pool? Discover the rules and how to play 8-ball with this helpful illustrated guide
You can find pool tables in many bars and basements, but do you have the courage to grab the cue stick?
Being able to confidently play pool is beneficial for social gatherings with friends who enjoy a bit of competition. The History Channel states that the game of eight ball was created soon after 1900 and gained popularity, especially after the release of the 1961 movie “The Hustler.” Billiards, a similar game played on a table without pockets, has a much older history. The introduction of pockets added a new challenge, leading to the creation of pool.
How to play pool
Pool can be played with more than two individuals, but only two teams compete at a time. If there are three or more players, rotate turns.
First, familiarize yourself with the terminology. The “cue stick” is the long stick used to strike the balls (the action is known as a “stroke”). The white ball hit by the cue stick is called the “cue ball,” which you will use to pocket other balls (either striped or solid depending on the team).
Ensure to coat the tip of the cue stick with cue chalk to boost friction, aiding in making effective contact with the balls.
The stance
If you’re new to using a cue stick, it might feel unfamiliar at first. The simplest stance is the “open bridge” – position your hands at either end of the stick, cradling the tip of the cue stick between the thumb and index finger of your non-dominant hand, which should rest on the table. Alternatively, you can use a “closed bridge,” which involves holding the cue between your thumb and index finger.
It’s wise to practice a few strokes before hitting the cue ball to get comfortable with the position and angle.
Sometimes the cue ball is near the rail, making it challenging to use the standard stance. In that case, you can hold the cue stick vertically and strike the ball at a sharper angle. Some bars or home tables may have a mechanical bridge available for tricky shots.
Rules for fouls
Players incur penalties for what is termed a scratch, a foul in pool. A scratch occurs in the following situations:
- The cue ball jumps off the table
- The cue ball falls into a pocket
- The cue ball fails to make contact with any balls after a stroke
- The cue ball hits another ball but does not bounce off the sides of the table (also known as the rail)
- A “push shot” is also considered a foul – this occurs when the cue stick remains in contact with the cue ball, pushing it rather than striking it
You’ll need to establish some house rules regarding fouls. You have two main methods to choose from in pool regarding this.
Setting up the game
With the white cue ball set aside, arrange the other 15 balls using a triangle rack. Look for a marker on the table to indicate where to place the rack; if none exists, position the tip of the triangle on the foot spot.
Ensure there is a solid ball in one corner of the triangle and a striped ball in the opposite corner. The remaining balls can be arranged in a random mix or alternated between striped and solid. The black eight ball must be situated at the center of the rack. Once ready, remove the wooden triangle before the game starts.
The break shot
Choose who will take the first shot—the player will then “break” the formation of balls. To break, position the cue ball on the head spot and take a shot at the triangle to disperse the balls as extensively as possible. You can shoot straight or from an angle.
The American Poolplayers Association indicates that a break is considered “legal” if at least four balls strike the rails or if a ball is pocketed. If the break is not legal, it becomes the turn of the other player.
One team will target striped balls while the other aims for solids. For example, if a player pockets a striped ball first, they will continue aiming for striped balls throughout the game. If both types are pocketed on the break, you can choose which to continue with.
Game play
During the game, one team will pursue striped balls while the other focuses on solids. Players take shots with the cue ball to knock their respective balls into the pockets until only the eight ball remains.
Remember that if you inadvertently pocket your opponent’s ball, it counts as a point for them.
Winning the match
Once you have pocketed all your balls, it’s time to aim for the eight ball. Declare which pocket you intend to sink it into. However, target only that pocket—if the eight ball goes into a different one, you lose. If you miss your shot, the next player gets a turn as usual.