How To Play Pool

How to Play Pool in American Style

Pool, also known as pocket billiards, is a cue sport in which players use a cue stick to strike billiard balls and pocket them in designated holes on a billiard table. It is a popular pastime enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels worldwide.

Equipment

• Pool table: A rectangular table with six pockets, one at each corner and one in the middle of each long side.
• Billiard balls: A set of object balls numbered 1 to 15 and one cue ball, which is unmarked.
• Cue stick: A long, slender stick used to strike the cue ball.

Setup

1. Rack the balls: Place the 15 object balls in a triangular rack at one end of the table, with the apex of the triangle facing you.
2. Place the cue ball: Position the cue ball anywhere within the "kitchen," an area behind the head string (the line parallel to the short rails, 28.5 inches from the end of the table).

Gameplay

1. Break: The player who breaks (starts the game) hits the cue ball into the racked balls to scatter them.
2. Call your shot: Before shooting, a player must announce which ball they intend to pocket and which pocket they aim to sink it in.
3. Take a shot: Use the cue stick to strike the cue ball and propel it towards the object ball.
4. Pocket the ball: If the object ball falls into the designated pocket, the player scores a point.
5. Continue playing: The player who sinks a ball keeps shooting until they miss, scratch (sink the cue ball), or foul.
6. Foul: A foul occurs when a player:
   • Scratches
   • Hits the cue ball twice
   • Interferes with the balls while they are in motion
   • Does not call their shot before shooting

Scoring

• Sinking an object ball: 1 point
• Sinking the 8-ball: 2 points

Winning

• 8-ball: The object of the game is to pocket all of the balls of your designated group (solids or stripes) and then legally pocket the 8-ball.
• 9-ball: The object of the game is to pocket all of the balls in numerical order and then legally pocket the 9-ball.

Tips for Beginners

• Aim accurately: Use the pool cue to line up the shot and aim at the center of the object ball.
• Control the force: Apply the appropriate amount of force to hit the object ball with enough power to pocket it but not too much to knock it off the table.
• Use English: English is a technique used to impart spin to the cue ball, allowing you to control its direction after it strikes the object ball.
• Be patient: Pool requires patience and focus. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t pocket every ball right away. Practice makes progress.
• Have fun: Pool is a game meant to be enjoyed. Relax, socialize, and don’t take it too seriously.

FAQ

Q: What is the difference between a solid and a stripe ball?
A: Solid balls are colored solid, while stripe balls have one or more white stripes around their circumference.

Q: What happens if I sink the 8-ball early in 8-ball?
A: If you sink the 8-ball before sinking all of your designated balls, you lose the game.

Q: What is a "safety shot"?
A: A safety shot is a shot that does not attempt to pocket a ball but instead positions the cue ball in a way that makes it difficult for your opponent to score.

Q: How do I play a bank shot?
A: A bank shot is a shot where the cue ball strikes the rail before hitting the object ball. To play a bank shot, aim at the rail first, then adjust your shot so that the cue ball will bounce off the rail and hit the object ball.

Q: What is the etiquette of pool?
A: Pool etiquette includes being respectful of your opponent, not interrupting their shot, and being honest about your shots. Remember to shake hands with your opponent at the end of the game, regardless of the outcome.