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As one of the most popular pool table games, 8 ball pool is played by people all over the world. It’s important to understand the rules of the game to ensure fair play and an enjoyable experience.
Objective of the Game
The objective of 8 ball pool is to sink all of your assigned balls (either the solid colored or striped balls) and then pocket the 8 ball before your opponent does the same. If you pocket the 8 ball before you have pocketed all of your assigned balls, you lose the game.
Game Setup
8 ball pool is typically played with two players, but can be played with teams of two as well. The game is played on a standard billiards table with six pockets. The balls are arranged in a triangle formation at the start of the game, with the 8 ball placed in the center.
Gameplay
The game begins with the break shot, where one player hits the cue ball into the triangle of balls with the intention of scattering them across the table. If a ball is pocketed during the break shot, it does not count towards the player’s assigned balls. If the cue ball is pocketed during the break shot, the opposing player gets ball in hand (meaning they can place the cue ball anywhere on the table for their next shot).
Once the break shot is complete, players take turns hitting the cue ball and attempting to pocket their assigned balls. If a player pockets a ball, they continue to shoot until they miss or commit a foul. A player’s turn ends once they miss or commit a foul, and the opposing player then gets their turn.
Fouls
There are several common fouls in 8 ball pool:
- Pocketing the cue ball (giving ball in hand to the opposing player)
- Hitting the wrong ball (giving ball in hand to the opposing player)
- Failing to hit any ball with the cue ball
- Not having at least one foot on the ground while shooting
- Touching any ball with your hand or cue stick (other than the cue ball)
- Hitting the cue ball more than once during a shot
- Failing to hit a rail after contact with a ball
If a player commits a foul, the opposing player gets ball in hand and can place the cue ball anywhere on the table for their next shot.
End of the Game
The game ends when one player pockets all of their assigned balls and then pockets the 8 ball without committing a foul. If a player pockets the 8 ball before they have pocketed all of their assigned balls, they lose the game. If a player pockets the 8 ball and commits a foul, they also lose the game.
In conclusion, 8 ball pool is a fun and challenging game that requires skill and strategy. By understanding the basic rules of the game, you can ensure fair play and enjoy a competitive and engaging experience. We hope this helps whoever reads this to have fun and fair games of pool!
