Game Types
8-Ball Rules
8-Ball is the most popular pool game in the world. It's played with 15 object balls and a cue ball.
16
Balls UsedObjective
Pocket all of your assigned balls (solids 1-7 or stripes 9-15) and then legally pocket the 8-ball.
Break Rules
- The balls are racked in a triangle at the foot of the table with the 8-ball in the center.
- The breaker must strike the rack with the cue ball from behind the head string.
- At least four balls must hit cushions or a ball must be pocketed.
- If the 8-ball is pocketed on the break, the breaker may choose to re-rack or spot the 8-ball.
Legal Shot Rules
- On all shots, the shooter must hit one of their balls first.
- A ball must be pocketed or any ball must contact a rail after contact.
- 'Call shot' variation: player must designate the ball and pocket (obvious shots need not be called).
Foul Rules
- Scratching (cue ball in pocket) gives ball-in-hand to opponent.
- Failing to hit your ball first is a foul.
- No ball hitting a rail after contact is a foul.
- Moving a ball accidentally is a foul.
- Pushing the cue ball (double hit) is a foul.
Win Conditions
- Legally pocket the 8-ball after pocketing all your assigned balls.
- Opponent commits a foul while shooting at the 8-ball.
- Loss: Pocketing the 8-ball before clearing your balls, or scratching while pocketing the 8-ball.
Common Fouls
Scratch (cue ball pocketed)
Wrong ball first contact
No rail after contact
Ball off table
Double hit
Push shot
Touching balls during play