Official Pool Rules

There are many different games and variations to be played when shooting pool, each with its own rules and regulations.

  1. 8-Ball

    • Each player is assigned either striped or solid-colored balls. A player must get all of their balls into the pocket plus the black 8-ball in order to beat the opponent. The black 8-ball must be made on the last shot, and if any of a player's own balls remain on the table when the 8-ball is sunk, he automatically loses.

    9-Ball

    • Only the 1 through 9 balls are used during this game, where players must pocket the balls in number order to win (1 first, 9 last). The player who pockets the 9 ball wins.

    One Pocket

    • One billiard table pocket is assigned during the game and every ball must be shot in this pocket. Whoever makes the most balls in this pocket wins the game.

    Straight Pool

    • In straight pool, players can shoot any ball in and whoever scores the most balls in at the end of the game is declared a winner. Points can be tallied for single games or as a best-of-three series.

    3 Ball

    • Three balls are placed on the table and each player takes as many turns as needed to knock them all in. Whoever gets all three in with the fewest amount of shots is declared the winner.