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Ingredients
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Per table (one game)
Method
Per table (one game)
Arrange the balls
Place the rack at the foot spot of the table. If playing 8-ball, use the triangle rack: place the 8-ball in the center of the triangle, a stripe in one rear corner and a solid in the other rear corner. If playing 9-ball, use the diamond rack: place balls 1–9 in the diamond with the 1-ball at the top (apex on the foot spot) and the 9-ball in the center. Tighten the rack so balls are touching, then remove the rack carefully, leaving a tight formation.
Select cues and chalk
Give each player a cue stick. Apply cue chalk to the tip of each cue before the first break and re-chalk as needed during the game to prevent miscues.
Determine break and order of play
Decide who breaks by coin flip, lag, or mutual agreement. The breaker takes the first shot from behind the head string (kitchen) unless house rules specify otherwise.
The break shot
Place the cue ball behind the head string. The breaker aims to strike the rack with enough force to drive balls toward the rails. For legal breaks in many common rule sets: the breaker must either sink a ball or drive at least four object balls to the rails. If the breaker scratches (pockets the cue ball), follow your house rules for cue-ball-in-hand (commonly in-hand behind the head string or anywhere on the table depending on rules).
Continue play
Players alternate turns according to the chosen game rules. In 8-ball, the table is open until a player legally pockets a called suit (solids or stripes). In 9-ball, players must hit the lowest-numbered ball first, and any legally pocketed balls remain pocketed. After each shot, if the shooter legally pockets a ball, they continue shooting; otherwise, the turn passes to the opponent.
Fouls and penalties
Common fouls include: cue ball pocketed (scratch), failure to hit any object ball, hitting the wrong object ball first (game-dependent), or sending any ball off the table. Penalties vary by ruleset: typical penalties are ball-in-hand for the opponent (anywhere on the table) or ball-in-hand behind the head string. Keep track of fouls and enforce agreed-upon penalties.
Winning the game
Win conditions depend on the game: in 8-ball, legally pocket the 8-ball after all of your group (solids or stripes) are pocketed and without scratching. In 9-ball, legally pocket the 9-ball (on any legal shot) after following the requirement to hit the lowest-numbered ball first. Confirm and record the winner on the scorekeeping device.
Post-game care
Collect balls and cue sticks. Wipe down chalk dust from the table and rails, re-rack balls if preparing for another game, and store cues and accessories properly. Turn off lights if the table won't be used further.