How Do You Rack Pool Balls Properly?

Pool is a popular game than includes both eight-ball and nine-ball variations. To start a pool game, the balls are racked in a diamond shape for nine-ball and a triangle shape for eight-ball so that the first player can break the rack to begin. The World Pool-Billiards Association sets specific rules on how the balls should be aligned in the rack.

Things You'll Need

  • Triangle or diamond rack
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Instructions

  1. Nine Ball

    • 1

      Use a diamond-shaped rack for racking balls for nine-ball pool, setting up the rack so the ball in front is on top of the spot on the table.

    • 2

      Place the one-ball at the front of the rack.

    • 3

      Place the nine-ball in the center of the rack.

    • 4

      Fill the remaining balls around the one-ball and the nine-ball. According to the World Pool-Billiard Association, the remaining balls do not have a pattern.

    Eight Ball

    • 5

      Use the triangle-shaped rack for playing eight-ball pool. Set the rack so the ball on top is on the spot.

    • 6

      Place the one-ball at the top of the rack.

    • 7

      Put a stripped ball and a solid ball (not the eight-ball) in the second row with the stripped ball on the left when looking at the rack from behind.

    • 8

      Place a solid ball, the eight-ball and a stripped ball in the third row of the rack.

    • 9

      Put a stripped ball, a solid ball, a stripped ball and a solid ball in the fourth row.

    • 10

      Place a solid ball, two stripped balls, a solid ball and a stripped ball in the fifth row to complete the rack.