How To Play Pool

Decide on teams and “house” rules, like if a shot has to be called for it to count.

Rack the balls by arranging them in an alternating pattern, or stripes and solids, with the 8 ball in the middle.

Tighten the rack by rolling it back and forth a few times, then move the front tip to the black rack mark on the table and remove the frame.

The first player or team breaks the rack by hitting the white cue ball from the opposite rack mark at the balls.

If a ball goes in on the break, the player takes another shot, now aiming for whichever type—stripe or solid—he got in.

If the player doesn’t sink a ball on the break, players alternate shots until someone does.

A player’s turn continues until he misses a shot.

If a player sinks the white cue ball, the opposing player takes over shooting. He may place the cue ball anywhere on one side of the table between the rack mark and the fence, and may only strike a ball on the opposite side of the table.

If the 8-ball is unintentionally sunk during normal play, the other player automatically wins.

After sinking all the balls of your pattern, you must sink the 8-ball.

If the cue ball sinks while attempting to sink the 8-ball, the opponent automatically wins.