8‑Ball — Quick Rules

Overview

• Fifteen object balls in play (solids 1–7, stripes 9–15) and the 8 ball. One cue ball.
• After the break, groups are not assigned until a player legally pockets a called ball on an open table.
• Win by legally pocketing the 8 ball after clearing your group.

Rack & Break

• Rack 15 in a triangle with the 8 in the center. A stripe in one rear corner and a solid in the other.
• A legal break requires pocketing any ball or driving at least four object balls to cushions.
• Scratch on the break is ball‑in‑hand behind the head string (common local rule); re‑rack only if balls leave the table.

Open Table & Calling

• On an open table, the 8 may not be used to pocket a called ball except by legal combination as allowed locally.
• Call obvious shots not required in many leagues; close shots and kisses/banks may be called.

Legal Shot

• On each turn: strike your group first (once groups are set) and then pocket a called ball or drive a ball to a cushion.
• Safety is allowed: call “safety,” make legal contact, and relinquish the table.

Fouls

• Failing to strike your group first (once set).
• No rail after contact, unless a ball is pocketed.
• Scratch or cue ball off the table: opponent gets ball‑in‑hand (table, unless local rule is behind the head string).
• Illegally pocketed 8 or 8 pocketed on the break (options vary: spot the 8 or loss of game per local rules).

End of Game

• Legally pocket the 8 in a called pocket after clearing your group, without fouling.
• Loss if the 8 is pocketed early, in the wrong pocket, or on a foul.

Common Local Options

• Bar rules may allow the breaker to shoot again after a dry break.
• Some leagues require call‑shot on the 8 only; others on all shots.