TLDR: In 8 ball, you sink your group (solids or stripes), then the 8 ball. Hit your own ball first on every shot. Fouls give your opponent ball in hand. Sinking the 8 early or scratching on the 8 loses the game.

What you will learn:

• The ten rules that come up most
• Which ones change from place to place
• Where to read the official rules

I have played 8 ball in leagues and tournaments for more than 38 years. I have seen a lot of arguments over rules. Most of them happen because players did not agree on the rules before they started. Here are the ten rules to know. They follow the general World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) rules. Leagues and bars may have their own versions, so always ask.

Rule 1: The Rack

All 15 balls go in a triangle. The 8 ball goes in the center. The front ball sits on the foot spot.

Rule 2: The Break

The cue ball starts behind the head string. On a legal break, you must make a ball or drive a number of balls to the rails. If not, the other player can choose what happens next.

Rule 3: The Open Table

After the break, the table is open. No one owns a group yet. You can hit any ball first, except you cannot use the 8 ball as the first ball hit in most rule sets.

Rule 4: Claiming Your Group

The first player to legally pocket a called ball after the break gets that group. Solids are 1 to 7. Stripes are 9 to 15.

Rule 5: Hit Your Ball First

Once groups are set, the first ball your cue ball hits must be one of yours. Hitting the other group first is a foul.

Rule 6: Rail After Contact

After the cue ball hits a legal ball, either a ball must go in a pocket or a ball must hit a rail. If neither happens, it is a foul.

Rule 7: Scratches and Fouls

Scratching means the cue ball goes in a pocket. That is a foul. So is missing every ball, or knocking a ball off the table.

Rule 8: Ball in Hand

After a foul, the other player gets ball in hand. They can put the cue ball anywhere on the table. Some bar rules only allow it behind the head string. Ask first.

Rule 9: Calling Shots

WPA rules say you call the ball and pocket, except for obvious shots. Many casual games only call the 8 ball.

Rule 10: Winning and Losing on the 8

You win by legally sinking the 8 after your group is cleared, in the pocket you called. You lose if you:

• Sink the 8 too early
• Sink it in the wrong pocket
• Scratch or foul on the shot that sinks the 8

Rules That Change Most

• What happens if the 8 goes in on the break
• Ball in hand anywhere, or only behind the line
• Calling every shot, or just the 8
• Scratching on the break

Agree on these before you play. It saves a lot of trouble.

Learn More

I talk about 8 ball on my YouTube channel. My Pool School has more free lessons.

FAQ

Can you hit the 8 ball first on an open table?
In most rules, no. It is a foul.

What happens if I scratch on the break?
It is a foul. The other player gets ball in hand, often behind the head string. Check your rules.

Do I lose if I scratch on the 8?
Yes, in standard rules.

Where can I read the official rules?
The WPA posts its rules online. A link is below.

Summary

These 8 ball rules for beginners cover the rack, break, open table, groups, fouls, ball in hand, calling shots, and the 8 ball. Learn them, agree on house rules first, and enjoy the game.

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): https://wpapool.com/rules/