How to Break in Eight-Ball

Eight-ball is a billiards game in which all 15 balls are used. In the beginning of the game, the balls are set in a triangle of five rows, with the 8-ball in the middle of the third row. Sinking the 8-ball on the break can secure victory and end the game. If the 8-ball is still on the table after the break, then a player must sink all seven balls attributed to him (stripes or solids) before he can make an attempt on the 8. Making the 8-ball after the break but before you've made all your others balls can end the game with a loss.

Instructions

    • 1

      Set the cue ball (plain white ball) on the table, opposite the other balls, which should be in a tight, triangular formation.

    • 2

      Position the cue ball anywhere on your end of the table, so long as it is behind the head string, which is the imaginary line connecting the second dots or diamonds on your end of the table.

    • 3

      Place your less dominant hand, palm down, on the cushion at the head of the table

    • 4

      Grip the butt of the pool cue (stick) with your dominant hand and insert the tip of the cue underneath your palm on the table so that it protrudes between your index and middle fingers.

    • 5

      Take a few practice strokes, ending just before the cue ball to gauge its distance and position.

    • 6

      Pull the cue all the way back so that only a few inches of it are protruding between your fingers and thrust the stick forward with authority and confidence.

    • 7

      Continue your forward motion even after you've hit the cue ball, as hitting though the cue ball will add force and scatter the numbered balls as much as possible.

    • 8

      Follow through the cue ball, elevating the tip of the stick so it does not come into contact with any of the other balls, which is a foul that can lead to a loss of turn or a rebreak.