TLDR: 8 ball uses 15 numbered balls and a white cue ball. One player shoots the solids (1 to 7). The other shoots the stripes (9 to 15). Sink all of your balls, then sink the 8 ball to win. Sink the 8 too early and you lose.
What you will learn:
- How to rack the balls
- How the break works
- How to pick solids or stripes
- How to win, and how to lose
- Simple tips to play better
8 ball is the game most people play first. It is the game I have played most in leagues for more than 38 years. Here is how it works. Rules can be a little different from league to league, so check your local rules too. The steps below follow the general rules from the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA).
Step 1: Rack the Balls
Put all 15 object balls in the triangle rack. The 8 ball goes in the middle of the third row. The front ball sits on the foot spot. Most rules also want one solid and one stripe in the two back corners. Press the balls together so they are tight.
Step 2: Break
One player breaks. The cue ball starts behind the head string, the line across the table near your end. Hit the rack hard and straight. A good break spreads the balls out.
Step 3: Choose Your Group
After the break, the table is “open.” That means no one owns solids or stripes yet. The first player to legally make a called ball claims that group. If you make a solid, you shoot solids. If you make a stripe, you shoot stripes.
Step 4: Take Turns
You keep shooting as long as you make one of your balls legally on each shot. When you miss, or foul, your turn ends.
On each shot, you must hit one of your own balls first. Then a ball must go in a pocket or some ball must touch a rail. If not, it is a foul.
Step 5: Call Your Shots
Under WPA rules, you call the ball and pocket on each shot, except obvious ones. Many casual games only make you call the 8 ball. Agree on this before you start.
Step 6: Know the Fouls
Common fouls include:
- Scratching (the cue ball goes in a pocket)
- Hitting the other player’s ball first
- Not hitting any ball
- No ball hits a rail after contact
- Knocking the cue ball off the table
After a foul, the other player usually gets “ball in hand.” They can place the cue ball anywhere and shoot.
Step 7: Sink the 8 Ball to Win
When all your balls are down, shoot the 8. Call the pocket. Make it, and you win.
You lose if you:
- Sink the 8 before your group is cleared
- Sink the 8 in the wrong pocket
- Scratch while sinking the 8
Tips to Play Better
- Look at the table first. Which group has easier shots? That can help you choose.
- Think one shot ahead. Where will the cue ball go after this shot?
- Do not leave easy shots for your opponent. Sometimes a safe shot is smarter.
- Save a ball near the 8. It can help you get position on the 8 later.
Learn More
I teach 8 ball strategy on my YouTube channel and in my Pool School.
FAQ
Which balls are solids and stripes?
Solids are 1 to 7. Stripes are 9 to 15. The 8 ball is black.
What happens if the 8 ball goes in on the break?
It depends on the rules you play. Under WPA rules, it is not a loss. Check your league rules.
Do you have to call every shot?
Under WPA rules, yes, except obvious shots. Many bar games only call the 8.
What is ball in hand?
After a foul, the other player can place the cue ball anywhere on the table.
Summary
How to play 8 ball pool: rack, break, claim solids or stripes, take turns, call your shots, avoid fouls, and sink the 8 last. It is simple to learn and fun to get better at.
About the Author
I am Ted Mauro. I have played pool for more than 50 years and in leagues and tournaments for more than 38 years.
Sources
- World Pool-Billiard Association, Rules of Play (8-ball rules): https://wpapool.com/rules/