Billiards Racking Rules

The technique of racking is an important aspect of billiards, as it determines the effectiveness of the initial break and, therefore, a fair yet competitive game. Racking is a simple task. There are two types of racks, the commonly used triangle rack and the diamond rack, depending on the game. In any game of billiards, it is important to start off with a tight rack, meaning to set the balls up with no gap between the balls. Racks must always be set on the table with the point or apex directly over the foot spot of the table (located at the middle of the small side of the table in line with the second diamond on the long side). The Billiard Congress of America regulates the rules for professional billiards, including the racking requirements. Variations to these rules may be applied in amateur billiards, provided that the rack still conforms to the stated requirements.

  1. Eight Ball

    • Eight ball utilizes the common triangle rack.

      Eight ball uses the triangle rack and 15 colored balls. Place the rack on the table with the point or apex directly over the foot spot of the table. Racking rules mandate that the eight ball be in the center of the rack (second ball in row of three), a solid colored ball in one corner, and a striped ball in the other corner. A common variation of these rules has players place the one ball (solid colored ball) at the apex and alternate stripes and solids around the outer edge of the triangle. Others may arrange the balls in numerical order, starting with the one ball, followed by the two and three in the second row, and so on. This method conforms to the requirement for a stripe and solid in each corner, however the eight ball must be placed out of numerical order in the center of the rack.

    Nine Ball

    • A diamond rack is used in Nine Ball.

      Nine Ball is one of few billiard games that utilizes the diamond rack and balls numbered one through nine. If a diamond rack is not available, a triangle rack can be substituted but the diamond shape must be maintained and a tight rack may be more difficult to achieve. Place diamond rack on the table with the apex at the foot spot. Nine ball rules require that the one ball be placed at the apex of the rack with the nine ball at the center. It is common for amateurs to place the other balls in numerical order. One method is to begin with the one ball at the apex and then the two ball and three ball and so on, continuing around the outer edge of the rack to end with the nine ball at the center. Others may place the one ball at the apex, the two ball and three ball in the second row and so on. In this instance, the nine ball must be placed out of numerical order in the center of the rack.

    Straight Pool

    • Racking rules for straight pool (also known as 14.1 Continuous Pool) are unique in that there is a standard initial rack as well as an additional rack during the game. All 15 balls are placed within the triangle rack to begin, with the one ball in the corner to the racker's right and the five ball in the left corner. The remaining balls are placed randomly in the rack. Game play proceeds until 14 balls have been pocketed. The 15th ball remains in its position on the table and the other 14 balls are removed from the pocket and racked, leaving an empty space on the foot spot in the apex of the rack. All 15 balls should be re-racked if the 15th ball was pocketed with the same shot that sunk the 14th ball or if the position of both the cue ball and the 15th ball interferes with the new rack.