How To Play Pool
Pool is played by two players who take turns using a cue stick to strike the cue ball and pocket their assigned balls. One player is assigned the solid-colored balls (1–7) and the other the striped balls (9–15). The objective is to pocket all of your group's balls before legally sinking the 8-ball.
Starting the Game
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Rack the 15 object balls in a triangle with the 8-ball in the center.
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The opening player performs the break shot by striking the cue ball into the rack.
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If a ball is pocketed on the break, the player continues shooting. The table remains "open" until a player legally pockets a solid or stripe after the break.
Taking Your Turn
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On each shot, the cue ball must first contact one of your assigned balls.
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If you legally pocket one of your balls, you continue shooting.
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If you miss, commit a foul, or pocket your opponent's ball without pocketing one of your own, your turn ends.
Common Fouls
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Failing to hit one of your own balls first.
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Scratching (pocketing the cue ball).
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Knocking the cue ball off the table.
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Failing to contact any ball with the cue ball.
After most fouls, your opponent receives ball in hand, allowing them to place the cue ball anywhere on the table before their next shot.
Winning the Game
Once you have pocketed all seven of your assigned balls, call a pocket for the 8-ball and sink it legally to win. Pocketing the 8-ball early or scratching while pocketing it usually results in an immediate loss.
Success in pool depends on careful aim, cue ball control, and planning several shots ahead.
