8-Ball Rules

The object of the 8-Ball Pool game is for one player to pocket their set of assigned balls 1-7 (solids) or 9-15 (stripes), and then to legally pocket the 8-ball.

The Break

The 1st player who starts (breaks the rack to start a game) is determined randomly. The break will then alternate between players in future games at the same table, regardless of who won that last game. The player who breaks must strike the rack with the cue ball. Otherwise, the break becomes illegal and the turn switches to the opponent. Any balls pocketed on the break remain pocketed. 

If during a break the player pockets a ball, other than the 8-ball or cue ball, the same turn continues. If no balls are pocketed on the break, the turn switches to the next player. Regardless of whether a ball is pocketed or not on the break, the table is still considered "open" (i.e., the choice of playing solids or stripes is still up for grabs). 

Choice of Solids or Stripes 

The choice of stripes or solids is not determined on the break. The choice is determined only when a player legally pockets the first ball after a break. If the player pockets both a solid and a stripe in the same shot, he/she must choose which group of balls they wish to play. If the table is open and a player strikes the 8-ball first, this is considered a foul and the turn rotates to the next player who gets ball in hand. If any balls were pocketed on this foul, they remain pocketed and the table is still considered "open." If the 8-ball is pocketed when it is not a legal shot the game ends and the player who illegally pocketed the 8-ball loses the game. Once solids and stripes have been assigned, it's considered a foul to strike the other player's ball before your own. If this happens, the player's turn is over and any balls pocketed remain pocketed. 

Legal Shots 

A shooter must hit a ball that belongs to his group of balls before the 8-ball is struck or a ball in their opponent's group is struck (unless the table is open or the 8-ball is the only legal shot). It is legal to have the cue ball make contact with a rail before striking a ball. 

Illegal Shots 

Pocketing the cue ball - this is called a 'scratch'. Source: Game Colony