8-Ball Pool Rules

1. Objective of the Game

8-Ball is a call-shot game played with a cue ball and fifteen object balls, numbered 1 through 15. One player must pocket balls of the group numbered 1 through 7 (solids), while the other player has 9 through 15 (stripes). The player pocketing their group first and then legally pocketing the 8-ball wins the game.

2. The Break

• The balls are racked in a triangle at the foot of the table with the 8-ball in the center of the triangle.
• The opening break is not a call shot.
• To execute a legal break, the breaker must either (1) pocket a ball, or (2) drive at least four numbered balls to the rails. If they fail to do so, it is a foul.
• If the 8-ball is pocketed on the break, the breaker may ask for a re-rack or have the 8-ball spotted and continue shooting.

3. Determining Groups (Solids or Stripes)

The table is considered " open " after the break. The choice of group is not determined by a ball pocketed on the break. The table remains open until a player legally pockets a called object ball after the break. Once a group is assigned, the players are locked into that group for the duration of the game.

4. Call Shot

In Call Shot, obvious balls and pockets do not have to be indicated. It is the opponent's right to ask which ball and pocket if they are unsure of the shot. Bank shots and combination shots are not considered obvious, and care should be taken in calling both the object ball and the intended pocket. When calling the shot, it is never necessary to indicate details such as the number of cushions, banks, kisses, caroms, etc.

5. Fouls

When a player commits a foul, their turn ends. The incoming player gets "ball-in-hand," which means they can place the cue ball anywhere on the table to start their turn. Common fouls include:

• Failure to hit one of your own group of balls first.
• Scratching the cue ball (pocketing it or knocking it off the table).
• No ball hitting a rail after the cue ball makes contact with an object ball.
• Hitting the 8-ball first when you are not shooting at the 8-ball.

6. Losing the Game

A player loses the game if they commit any of the following infractions:

• Fouling while pocketing the 8-ball.
• Pocketing the 8-ball on the same stroke as the last of their group of balls.
• Jumping the 8-ball off the table at any time.
• Pocketing the 8-ball in a pocket other than the one designated.
• Pocketing the 8-ball when it is not the legal object ball.