Pool Rules - Pool 101

How To Play Pool

The goal of the game is to pocket all of the balls in your group and then the 8 ball before your opponent. To “pocket” a ball you hit a ball with the solid white cue ball into one of the six holes around the table. Use the Pool Cue Stick and the aim line from the white Cue Ball to hit other balls. Each player will be assigned a group of balls, “Solids” or “Stripes”, that they need to pocket. Whoever sinks a ball first will decide what group of balls they need to pocket. For example, if a player pockets a solid colored ball they will need to keep pocketing solid colored balls. The game will start with someone “breaking” the striped and solid balls. Stripes and Solids will be decided. Players will take turns trying to pocket all of their balls until the last ball they need to pocket is the 8 ball. Both players, regardless if you need to pocket striped balls, will need to pocket the 8 ball. The game will not end until someone pockets the 8 ball. The 8 ball is the solid black ball. 

Basic Pool Rules

If a player pockets one of their balls they are able to keep taking shots until they do not pocket at least one of their balls or foul. 

When a player fouls their turn is over and the other opponent will have “Ball in Hand”. Ball in hand allows the other player to place the cue ball anywhere on the table. Once it is placed you can not pick it up again. There are several foul conditions. 

You want to only pocket your own group's balls. The 8 ball is hit last. There are different gameplay options that are decided at the start of the game. The game follows the World Pool Association rules for 8 Ball. Check out this article to see more on those options Advanced Pool Rules

How To Win

Pocket all of your groups balls and then the 8 ball before your opponent. 

How To Lose

There are several ways to lose the game, so it is best to be proactive when planning out your shots! Listed are the ways you could lose the game: 

• If you sink the 8 ball early, before all of your balls have been pocketed. 
• If your opponent sinks all of their groups balls and the 8 ball before you. 
• You can also lose the game if you hit the 8 ball off the table. 
• Incorrectly calling the pocket for the 8 ball. (If Pocket Calling is set as a Pre Match Setting.)
• Disconnecting or leaving the match. 
• Game Loss: Pocket the eight ball early or drive it off the table.
• Game Loss: Pocket the eight ball into the wrong pocket.
• Game Loss: Commit a foul the same turn as successfully pocketing the eight ball. 

Fouls 

When you foul you lose the turn and your opponent will have ball in hand. It is best to avoid fouling. Here are a list of foul conditions: 

During the Break:

• Less than 4 object balls strike the cushions without an object ball being potted. - this triggers a reset.
• The Cue Ball is pocketed or driven off the table.
• The eight ball is pocketed or driven off the table – this triggers a reset.

During Play:

• The Cue Ball is pocketed or driven off the table.
• The incorrect object ball is struck first.
• The incorrect object ball is pocketed.
• The correct object ball is pocketed into the wrong pocket. (If Pocket Calls are set as a Pre Match setting.)
• Failing to hit an object ball.
• Neither the cue ball or an object ball strike a cushion.
• An object ball is driven off the table.
• The shot clock runs outs (If selected as a pre match setting.)

How To Break 

Breaking is something that will happen each game so it is ideal that you become familiar with how to break! Breaking happens at the start of the game. A coin will be flipped and a person will be chosen to break. To break, you first need to place the cue ball on the table in a desired location with the behind the head line. We recommend offsetting the ball to the left or right and targeting the center of the center ball. Once the ball is placed you can not pick it up again, so when you go to place it make sure you are happy with its location. To release the ball press the trigger button. You will then line up your shot with the goal of dispersing the gathered balls at the other end of the table. If they do not move enough the balls will reset and the opponent will get the chance to break. If a ball is pocketed during the break that will decide with balls you will need to pocket. If you sink multiple balls of different groups the table remains 'open' for the next shot, which remains with the same player giving them another opportunity to sink a ball to lock their group. 

Other Helpful Articles: Pool Glossary, Starting A Game, Lining Up Your Shot!