Billiards is a popular and familiar sport, especially among the youth and in Vietnam. There are many different types of billiards, each with its own unique rules. Today, Billiards jun88 would like to introduce the rules of the 8-ball pool for beginners.
Table of Contents
- What is Billiards?
- What is an 8-Ball Pool?
- 8-Ball Pool Rules
- Arranging the Balls in 8-Ball Pool
- Playing Order in 8-Ball Pool
- Proper Break Shot
- Handling the Cue Ball in Pocketed Break
- Choosing Ball Groups
- Valid Shots
- Fouls
- Invalid Pocketed Balls
- The 8-Ball
- Conclusion
What is Billiards?
Billiards, also known as pool, is a sport played with cues and colored balls on a flat table. Each player has a cue ball of a different color.
When visiting billiards halls, there’s no need to buy additional equipment as everything is provided by the venue. Simply show up and practice.
According to the rules, a triangle formation is set up on the table with 1 white ball, 1 red ball, and 12 other colored balls. Players use wooden cues to strike the balls, with varying rules and scoring methods depending on the type of billiards being played.
What is an 8-Ball Pool?
8-Ball pool is a subtype of pocket billiards, internationally known as pool 8 ball. The game is straightforward: choose your group of balls to pocket and then pocket the designated 8-ball to win. You can explore and install the 8 Ball Pool game here.
8-Ball Pool Rules
The table has 15 balls in total. Two players each choose their group of balls (striped or solid). Solid balls are numbered 1 to 7, and striped balls are numbered 9 to 15. The game ends when a player pockets all of their balls and then the 8-ball. The player who pockets their group of balls the fastest wins.
Arranging the Balls in 8-Ball Pool
The arrangement of balls is an important rule in an 8-ball pool. The 15 balls are placed in a triangle with the 8-ball in the center. The striped and solid balls are alternated, ensuring a balanced setup.
Playing Order in 8-Ball Pool
The player who wins the previous game goes first. In some cases, the organizer may decide:
- The loser of the previous game breaks.
- Players alternate breaking.
- The winner of the previous game breaks.
Proper Break Shot
The cue ball must be placed behind the head string. The break is valid if at least 4 balls hit the rails. If not, it is considered a foul. The second player can either continue from the current position or re-rack and break again.
Handling the Cue Ball in Pocketed Break
If the cue ball is pocketed during the break, it’s a foul. The pocketed balls are not counted and are re-spotted, except for the 8-ball. The opponent can choose to re-rack and break again or continue with the current layout.
Read more: bida online
Choosing Ball Groups
Ball groups are determined after a legal pocketed ball following the break shot.
Valid Shots
After selecting their group, a shot is valid if the player legally pockets one of their balls or if the cue ball or any target ball hits a rail after the shot.
Fouls
To prevent deliberate fouls aimed at putting the opponent at a disadvantage, 8-ball pool rules state that after a foul, the opponent can place the cue ball anywhere on the table.
Invalid Pocketed Balls
- Balls that don’t go into the designated pocket.
- Shots made illegally but still result in pocketed balls.
- Announced safety shots before the shot is made.
The 8-Ball
The 8-ball is the final target after all other designated balls are pocketed. Failing to pocket the 8-ball or causing it to leave the table is not a foul, but the opponent then has a cue ball in hand.
Conclusion
This guide covers the fundamental rules of an 8-ball pool for beginners. We hope it gives you a clear understanding as you start learning this engaging sport.
For reliable billiards table purchases, JUN88 specializes in manufacturing high-quality billiards tables, including carom, three-cushion, and pocket billiards, at reasonable prices. Additionally, they sell various billiard accessories like cues and gloves.
