Everything You Need to Know About 8 Pool
Do you love playing pool games? If so, you might want to try 8 pool, one of the most popular and exciting variants of pool. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about 8 pool, including how to play it, what are its benefits, what are some tips and tricks to improve your skills, and what is its history.
8 pool
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What is 8 Pool and Why is it Popular?
8 pool, also known as eight-ball or solids and stripes, is a discipline of pool played on a billiard table with six pockets, cue sticks, and sixteen billiard balls (a cue ball and fifteen object balls). The object balls include seven solid-colored balls numbered 1 through 7, seven striped balls numbered 9 through 15, and the black 8 ball. After the balls are scattered with a break shot, a player is assigned either the group of solid or striped balls once they have legally pocketed a ball from that group. The object of the game is to legally pocket the 8-ball in a "called" pocket, which can only be done after all of the balls from a player's assigned group have been cleared from the table.
8 pool is popular because it is easy to learn but hard to master. It requires both skill and strategy, as well as concentration and mental toughness. It is also fun and competitive, as you can play against your friends or other players online. It is a great way to relax and enjoy yourself, as well as to challenge yourself and improve your game.
How to Play 8 Pool
There are different ways to play 8 pool, depending on the rules and regulations of different countries and regions. Here are some of the most common ones:
American-style Eight-ball Rules
American-style eight-ball rules are played around the world by professionals and amateurs alike. These are standardized by the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA), which is the governing body of pool. The main rules are:
The game begins with a lag shot, where both players hit a cue ball from behind the head string towards the foot cushion. The player whose ball is closer to the head cushion wins the lag and has the option to break or let the opponent break.
The break shot must hit the rack of balls with enough force to drive at least four object balls or the cue ball to a cushion. Otherwise, it is a foul break and the opponent can re-rack and break or have the breaker re-break.
If a player pockets any ball on a legal break shot, they continue their turn. If they pocket only one ball type (solid or stripe), they are assigned that type; if they pocket both types or none at all, they remain open until they pocket a ball on their next shot.
A player must call their intended ball and pocket before each shot (except for obvious shots). If they fail to do so or make an illegal shot (such as scratching or hitting an opponent's ball first), they lose their turn and give ball-in-hand to their opponent.
A player wins by legally pocketing their assigned balls followed by the 8-ball in a called pocket. If they pocket the 8-ball before clearing their group or in a different pocket than called, they lose the game.
British-style Eight-ball Rules
British-style eight-ball rules are played mainly in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and some Commonwealth countries. These are standardized by the World Eightball Pool Federation (WEPF), which is another governing body of pool. The main rules are:
The game begins with a lag shot, where both players hit a cue ball from behind the baulk line towards the top cushion. The player whose ball is closer to the baulk cushion wins the lag and has the option to break or let the opponent break.
The break shot must hit the rack of balls with enough force to drive at least two object balls or the cue ball past the middle pockets. Otherwise, it is a foul break and the opponent can re-rack and break or have the breaker re-break.
If a player pockets any ball on a legal break shot, they continue their turn. If they pocket only one ball type (solid or stripe), they are assigned that type; if they pocket both types or none at all, they remain open until they pocket a ball on their next shot.
A player does not need to call their intended ball and pocket before each shot (except for the 8-ball). However, they must make a deliberate attempt to hit and pocket their own ball on every shot. If they fail to do so or make an illegal shot (such as scratching or hitting an opponent's ball first), they lose their turn and give two visits to their opponent.
A player wins by legally pocketing their assigned balls followed by the 8-ball in any pocket. If they pocket the 8-ball before clearing their group or on a foul shot, they lose the game.
Chinese-style Eight-ball Rules
Chinese-style eight-ball rules are played mainly in China and some Asian countries. These are standardized by the Chinese Billiards and Snooker Association (CBSA), which is affiliated with WPA. The main rules are:
The game begins with a lag shot, where both players hit a cue ball from behind the head string towards the foot cushion. The player whose ball is closer to the head cushion wins the lag and has the option to break or let the opponent break.
The break shot must hit the rack of balls with enough force to drive at least one object ball or the cue ball to a cushion. Otherwise, it is a foul break and the opponent can re-rack and break or have the breaker re-break.
If a player pockets any ball on a legal break shot, they continue their turn. If they pocket only one ball type (solid or stripe), they are assigned that type; if they pocket both types or none at all, they remain open until they pocket a ball on their next shot.
A player must call their intended ball and pocket before each shot (except for obvious shots). If they fail to do so or make an illegal shot (such as scratching or hitting an opponent's ball first), they lose their turn and give ball-in-hand to their opponent.
A player wins by legally pocketing their assigned balls followed by the 8-ball in a called pocket. If they pocket the 8-ball before clearing their group or in a different pocket than called, they lose the game.
Tips and Tricks for 8 Pool
Now that you know how to play 8 pool, you might want to learn some tips and tricks to improve your game and beat your opponents. Here are some of them:
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How to Choose Your Table and Cue
The first thing you need to do before playing 8 pool is to choose your table and cue. Depending on where you play, you might have different options for both. Here are some factors to consider:
The size of the table: The standard size of a pool table is 9 feet by 4.5 feet, but you might also find smaller tables such as 7 feet by 3.5 feet or 6 feet by 3 feet. The smaller tables are easier to play on, but they also require more accuracy and finesse.
The condition of the table: The quality of the table can affect your game significantly. You should look for a table that has a smooth and level surface, clean and tight cloth, well-maintained rails and pockets, and consistent lighting.
The type of cue: The cue is your main tool for playing pool, so you should choose one that suits your style and preference. You should look for a cue that has a comfortable weight, length, balance, tip and shaft. You should also try different cues and see which one feels the best for you.
How to Break Effectively
The break shot is one of the most important shots in 8 pool, as it can determine the outcome of the game. A good break can give you an advantage over your opponent, while a bad break can leave you in a difficult position. Here are some tips on how to break effectively:
The position of the cue ball: You should place the cue ball anywhere behind the head string, but not too close to the side cushions. You should also aim for the center of the front ball or slightly off-center, depending on your preference.
The speed and power of the cue ball: You should hit the cue ball with enough speed and power to scatter the balls and make some of them in the pockets. However, you should not hit it too hard or too soft, as that can cause the cue ball to scratch or stay in the center of the table.
The control and accuracy of the cue ball: You should hit the cue ball with a level or slightly downward stroke, and avoid any side spin or english. You should also follow through with your cue and keep your body and arm steady.
How to Aim and Spin Your Cue Ball
Aiming and spinning your cue ball are essential skills for playing 8 pool, as they can help you make difficult shots and position your cue ball for the next shot. Here are some tips on how to aim and spin your cue ball:
The basic aiming technique: You should use the ghost ball method, which is imagining where the cue ball needs to be to hit the object ball at the right angle and direction. You should then align your cue stick with the center of the cue ball and the center of the ghost ball.
The basic spin technique: You should use different types of spin or english on your cue ball, such as top spin, back spin, left spin, right spin, or a combination of them. You should hit the cue ball at different points depending on the type of spin you want to apply.
The effects of spin: You should understand how spin affects your cue ball and object ball, such as changing their speed, direction, angle, and trajectory. You should also know how to compensate for spin when aiming and adjusting for table conditions.
How to Think Ahead and Play Strategically
Thinking ahead and playing strategically are crucial for winning 8 pool games, as they can help you plan your shots and outsmart your opponent. Here are some tips on how to think ahead and play strategically:
The pattern play: You should try to clear your balls in a logical order, starting from the ones that are more difficult or obstructed, and ending with the ones that are easier or closer to the 8-ball. You should also try to leave yourself an angle on each shot, so you can move your cue ball around the table.
The safety play: You should try to play safe when you have no clear shot or when you want to put pressure on your opponent. You should try to hide your cue ball behind your own balls or cushions, or leave it in a position where your opponent has no easy shot.
The tactical play: You should try to play tactically when you have an advantage or when you want to create one. You should try to break up clusters of balls, block pockets with your balls, force fouls from your opponent, or set up traps for them.
History of 8 Pool
8 pool has a long and rich history that dates back to centuries ago. Here are some of the highlights of its history:
How it Evolved from Pyramid Pool
8 pool is believed to have evolved from pyramid pool, which was a game played in England in the 18th and 19th centuries. Pyramid pool involved 15 red balls arranged in a triangle on a billiard table with six pockets. The object of the game was to pocket as many balls as possible using a white cue ball. The game was popular among gamblers and aristocrats, who often wagered large sums of money on it.
How it Became Standardized by WPA and Other Associations
8 pool became standardized by WPA and other associations in the 20th century, as pool became more popular and widespread around the world. WPA was founded in 1987 as an international governing body of pool, with regional affiliates such as BCA (Billiard Congress of America) in North America, EPBF (European Pocket Billiard Federation) in Europe, APBU (Asian Pocket Billiard Union) in Asia, CP B (Confederation Panamericana de Billar) in South America, and ABSC (All Africa Billiards and Snooker Council) in Africa. WPA and its affiliates established the official rules, regulations, and rankings of 8 pool and other pool disciplines, as well as organized and sanctioned various tournaments and events.
How it Produced World Champions and Tournaments
8 pool produced many world champions and tournaments over the years, as pool became more competitive and professional. Some of the most notable ones are:
World Champion
Country
Year(s)
Earl Strickland
USA
1990, 1991, 2002
Johnny Archer
USA
1992, 1997
Ralf Souquet
Germany
1996, 2001
Mika Immonen
Finland
2001, 2009
Thorsten Hohmann
Germany
2003, 2013
Darren Appleton
England
2008, 2010
Niels Feijen
Netherlands
2014, 2018
Fedor Gorst
Russia
2019
TournamentVenueDate
World Pool Championship (WPA)Different countries each year (e.g. Qatar, UK, Philippines)Annually since 1990 (except for 2010 and 2020)
US Open 9-Ball Championship (BCA)Different cities in the USA each year (e.g. Las Vegas, Norfolk, Chesapeake)Annually since 1976 (except for 2020)
Mosconi Cup (Matchroom Sport)Different cities in Europe and USA each year (e.g. London, New York, Las Vegas)Annually since 1994 (except for 2001)
World Cup of Pool (Matchroom Sport)Different countries each year (e.g. England, China, Austria)Annually since 2006 (except for 2010 and 2020)
World Pool Masters (Matchroom Sport)Different countries each year (e.g. Gibraltar, Spain, Netherlands)Annually since 1993 (except for 1999 and 2020)
All Japan Championship (JPA)Tokyo, JapanAnnually since 1967 (except for 2020)
China Open (CBSA)Shanghai, ChinaAnnually since 2005 (except for 2020)
Conclusion
8 pool is a fascinating and enjoyable game that can provide you with hours of fun and entertainment. It can also help you improve your skills, strategy, concentration, and mental toughness. Whether you play it casually or competitively, 8 pool can offer you a lot of benefits and challenges. If you want to learn more about 8 pool, you can check out some of the resources below or visit your local pool hall or online platform. We hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new about 8 pool. Now go ahead and try it for yourself!
FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about 8 pool:
What is the difference between pool and billiards?
Pool and billiards are often used interchangeably, but they are not exactly the same. Pool is a general term that refers to any game played on a table with pockets, such as 8 pool, 9 ball, snooker, etc. Billiards is a specific term that refers to any game played on a table without pockets, such as carom billiards, three-cushion billiards, etc.
What is the best way to practice 8 pool?
The best way to practice 8 pool is to play as much as possible, either with yourself or with other players. You can also watch videos of professional players and learn from their techniques and strategies. You can also use drills and exercises to improve your specific skills, such as aiming, spinning, breaking, etc.
What are some common fouls in 8 pool?
Some of the common fouls in 8 pool are:
Scratching the cue ball (pocketing it or driving it off the table)
Hitting an opponent's ball first or not hitting any ball at all
Pocketing an opponent's ball or the 8-ball before clearing your group
Moving or touching any ball with your hand, cue, clothing, etc.
Taking too long to make a shot (usually more than 60 seconds)
What are some variations of 8 pool?
Some of the variations of 8 pool are:
Bank pool: A game where only bank shots (shots where the cue ball or the object ball bounces off a cushion before going into a pocket) are allowed.
Cutthroat pool: A game where three players each have five balls (1-5, 6-10, or 11-15) and try to eliminate each other by pocketing their balls.
Last pocket: A game where the 8-ball must be pocketed in the same pocket as the last object ball of your group.
One pocket: A game where each player has only one designated pocket to shoot all their balls into.
Where can I play 8 pool online?
There are many websites and apps where you can play 8 pool online, either for free or for real money. Some of the most popular ones are:
Miniclip: A website that offers various games, including 8 Ball Pool, which is one of the most played online pool games in the world.
Zynga: A website that offers various social games, including Pool with Friends, which is a multiplayer game that allows you to chat and play with your friends.
Skillz: A website that offers various skill-based games, including Pool Payday, which is a real-money game that lets you compete with other players for cash prizes.
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