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Pool (also called pocket billiards) is a popular indoor game. If you’re new to pool, the many rules can seem confusing at first. In this guide, we’ll explain the basic rules of pool so beginners can understand how to play a standard game, such as the common “8-ball” format. We’ll cover the equipment, objectives, basic gameplay, and common fouls. By the end, you’ll have a solid grasp of how pool is played and the rules you need to follow to play your first game confidently.
A standard pool game uses a rectangular table with six pockets and 16 balls (one cue ball and 15 object balls). The balls are numbered 1 through 15 and are either solid-colored (1–7), striped (9–15), or a black 8-ball. Players use a wooden cue stick to hit the cue ball. The cue ball is the only ball you strike directly; it must hit the other balls to make shots. Pool tables are usually 7, 8, or 9 feet long, and have green felt covering with rubber cushions along the rails.
In the most common beginner game, called 8-ball, the main objective is to pocket either all the solid-colored balls or all the striped balls, and then legally pocket the 8-ball last. Before the balls are pocketed, the groups (solids or stripes) are not assigned until after the break. The break is the opening shot where one player hits the racked balls. The 8-ball is always last. The winner is the first player or team to legally sink the 8-ball after their group is cleared. If a player pockets the 8-ball too early or scratches (pockets the cue ball) while pocketing the 8-ball, they lose the game.
Before play, the 15 object balls are arranged in a triangle rack at one end of the table. For an 8-ball game, place the 8-ball in the center of the rack. The apex ball is placed on the foot spot of the table. The breaker stands behind the head string and strikes the cue ball to break the rack. A legal break means at least four balls must hit cushions or one ball is pocketed. If the breaker fails to make a legal break or scratches (pockets the cue ball) on the break, their turn ends and the opponent gets ball-in-hand (they can place the cue ball anywhere). After a legal break, any balls pocketed (aside from fouls) remain sunk, and play continues with the table open (no group assigned yet) until a solid or stripe is claimed.
Pool is played by alternating turns. After the break, players take turns shooting. On each turn, a player uses the cue stick to hit the cue ball into the other balls. In casual play, you often just call “eight ball” or clearly sink balls. In more formal settings, players “call” their shots for the 8-ball (meaning they must name which ball and pocket for the 8-ball shot). If you pocket one of your balls on a shot, your turn continues. Otherwise, your turn ends and the other player goes.
Beginners should watch out for these common fouls in pool:
Check specific house rules before playing, but these are standard fouls to keep in mind.
To win an 8-ball game, you must pocket all of your group’s balls (solids or stripes) and then legally pocket the 8-ball in a called pocket. The 8-ball should be the last ball sunk. If you sink the 8-ball early or scratch while pocketing it, you lose. In doubles play, teammates alternate turns but still follow the same rules. The first team or player to legally sink the 8-ball after clearing their group wins the game.
In summary, beginner pool rules center on understanding the equipment (balls and table), the goal of the game (solids vs. stripes in 8-ball), and playing turns correctly. Remember to break legally, alternate turns, and avoid common fouls like scratching or hitting the wrong ball first. As you gain experience, you can learn more advanced rules (like other game types, 9-ball, etc.). But for a beginner, following these basic rules will let you enjoy playing pool with confidence and fairness. Have fun learning the game, and enjoy sinking your first balls!
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