8-Ball Pool Rules and Terms

Pool is an umbrella term for several cue sports, one of which is the 8-ball game. Of the different pool games, such as 9-ball, 10-ball, blackball and straight pool, the 8-ball is the standard game and probably the most popular. The 8-ball pool rules and terms are generally similar to those of the other games.

However, note that there are minor differences in the official rules depending on the regulatory organization. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, paying attention to these rules — even the slight variations — is good for your gameplay. This in-depth guide gives you an overview of the 8-ball pool rules.

Overview of 8-Ball Pool

8-ball pool is a popular pool game or discipline. It originated in the United States around the 1900s and became popular enough that a few decades later, companies started making 8-ball-specific object balls. The game is played on billiard tables of varying sizes, materials and purposes, which is why buying the right pool table matters. 

In addition to the table, players use cue sticks, a rack, a cue ball and 15 object balls that are divided into solids or stripes. The object of the 8-ball game is for any of the players to pocket their group of colored and numbered balls and then be the first to pocket the 8-ball.

As a player, you would know whether your balls are solids or stripes since solid-

colored balls are numbered one through seven while the stripes go from nine to 15. The left-out ball, number eight, is the unique black ball you must pocket to win the game.

Basic Terms in 8-Ball Pool

Playing 8-ball pool becomes much easier once you understand the terminology. You'll know what item you're holding and what you need to do with it. Here are some of the common terms that offer a clear picture of what the game is about:

• Cue stick and cue ball: The cue stick is the long, slender stick you use to strike the cue ball. The cue ball is the white ball that comes into direct contact with the cue stick.

• Rack or racking: This is the triangular frame you use to arrange the balls before play. It's also how you position the balls within the frame.

• Object balls: These are the colored balls that you aim to pocket by hitting them with the cue ball.

• Break: This is the opening shot that kicks off the game. Any player can break, depending on your agreement.

• Scratch or scratching: This is when you pocket the cue ball with or without the object balls. When that happens, it's your opponent's turn to play, and they can place the cue ball anywhere on the table.

• Bridge: The bridge is either a mechanical device or the position of your other hand, which aligns the cue stick for a shot.

• Foul: This is an illegal move that attracts a penalty. It is divided into standard, nonstandard and loss of frame.

• Inning: The inning refers to a player's turn at the table.

• Head spot: This is a spot on the table where you place the cue ball before breaking.

• Call shot: This is when you call out the ball and pocket you intend for a shot.

• Safety: This is a safe but strategic shot you make to intentionally miss pocketing a ball, forcing your opponent to play next.

The Rules of 8-Ball Pool

Knowing the terms lets you grasp the rules much faster for effective play. Here are the basic rules of 8-ball pool:

Starting the Game

The game starts with racking. Remember that racking varies depending on the pool game. The way you rack the 8-ball is not the same as the 9-ball or any other game. Proper racking requires placing the 8-ball or the black ball at the center of the triangle and the first ball at the top of the triangle on the foot spot. Then, place one solid and one striped ball in each of the remaining corners, and fill the remaining rack space with the rest of the balls.

With the racking done, the opening player must make a legal break shot and maintain their turn. According to the 8-ball pool shot terms, a legal break means hitting the cue ball from behind the head string and pocketing an object ball or touching the rails with at least four object balls. If the shot doesn't meet the legal break requirements, it's a foul that results in re-racking and re-breaking.

Gameplay Rules

After a legal break, the table is open, allowing you or your opponent to decide on the color group. During an open table, you can hit a ball from the solids or stripes with the intention of pocketing a ball from your chosen group. You become a solid or stripe when you pocket the right ball after the break. If you choose one color and pocket another, you're on the pocketed color. But if you pocket both a solid and a stripe, you can decide which color you want.

With colors chosen, you make legal shots by always hitting a ball from your group first. If you're solids and hit a stripe, it's a foul. Additionally, hitting the right ball is not the end. You must pocket any of your chosen balls or make the cue ball or any object ball touch the rail (cushion).

Fouls and Penalties

Throughout the history of billiards and pool, fouls were a fascinating part of the game. They make you strategic and alert and offer each player an opportunity to get ahead. Fouls happen when you fail to meet the rules. Here are common fouls in 8-ball:

• Scratching: Any time you pocket the cue ball, it's a foul.

• Hitting your opponent's ball: This is when you hit your opponent's ball directly without first hitting one of your balls.

• Failure to hit a ball: You take a shot, and the cue ball does not hit any ball.

• Hitting the 8-ball: A foul occurs when the cue ball hits the 8-ball without first touching your chosen group.

• Touching a ball: This is when you take a shot and touch a ball with a cue or your hand.

• Pocketing the wrong ball: You pocket your opponent's ball instead of yours.

• Playing out of turn: You take a shot when it's not your turn.

• Off the table: Any object ball that jumps off the table results in a foul and a loss of turn.

8-ball shots that result in fouls have penalties that vary depending on the offense. A common penalty is called the ball in hand. If you get a ball in hand due to your opponent's foul, you can lift the cue ball and place it anywhere on the table, except when it's a foul on the break.

Pool rules on scratching on a break dictate that it's a foul, pocketed balls remain as they are and your opponent gets a ball in hand but inside the head string. According to the rules on scratching on the 8-ball, your opponent gets a ball in hand, but you lose the game if you pocket the 8-ball as well.

Winning the Game

You win the 8-ball when you clear all of your object balls off the table and then legally pocket the 8-ball. You'll also win if your opponent pockets the 8-ball outside the break, knocks it off the table or pockets it while one or more of their object balls is still on the table.

Get Quality Pool Tables and Accessories From Imperial

A good pool table adds a fresh take on game night, allowing you to enjoy 8-ball pool and other games with friends and family. For quality pool tables and accessories, you need a reliable provider who can vouch for their products with industry-leading warranty terms.

Choose Imperial, the largest billiard distributor in the country with over 65 years of industry experience. Our dedication to quality and exceptional customer service defines our reputation in the leisure home market. Find an Imperial dealer near you, or shop online for reliable game room products!