How to Play Pool

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You'll never be able to hustle people at pool if you don't actually know how to play.

To complete this How-To you will need:

A pool table
Quarters
Billiard stick
And 2 or 4 players

Step 1: Find an open table

If there is an open table, snag it by placing your quarters into the slot and dispensing the balls.

Tip: If there is a line for tables, mark that you have "next game" by placing a quarter into the placeholder on the side of the table.

Step 2: Decide on rules

Decide on teams and "house" rules, like if a shot has to be called for it to count.

Tip: There are many choices for pool cues, but basically the longer one's arms, the longer the cue you should choose. And make sure the tip is in good shape.

Step 3: Rack balls

Rack the balls by arranging them in an alternating pattern, or stripes and solids, with the 8 ball in the middle.

Step 4: Tighten rack

Tighten the rack by rolling it back and forth a few times, then move the front tip to the black rack mark on the table and remove the frame.

Step 5: Break the rack

The first player or team breaks the rack by hitting the white cue ball from the opposite rack mark at the balls.

Step 6: Shoot again

If a ball goes in on the break, the player takes another shot, now aiming for whichever type—stripe or solid—he got in.

Tip: If he sank both stripes and solids on the break, he gets to choose which pattern he will try to sink.

Step 7: Alternate shots

If the player doesn't sink a ball on the break, players alternate shots until someone does.

Step 8: Continue until missed shot

A player's turn continues until he misses a shot.

Step 9: If a player sinks the cue ball

If a player sinks the white cue ball, the opposing player takes over shooting. He may place the cue ball anywhere on one side of the table between the rack mark and the fence, and may only strike a ball on the opposite side of the table.

Step 10: If a player sinks the 8-ball

If the 8-ball is unintentionally sunk during normal play, the other player automatically wins.

Tip: When setting up your shots, pay attention to where the 8-ball is and anticipate where the cue ball will ricochet as to not sink the 8-ball by accident.

Step 11: After sinking all your balls

After sinking all the balls of your pattern, you must sink the 8-ball.

Step 12: If cue ball sinks when trying to sink 8-ball

If the cue ball sinks while attempting to sink the 8-ball, the opponent automatically wins.

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Category:

Sports

Tags:

• recreation
• diy
• instructional
• tutorial
• do
• it
• yourself
• tips
• essential
• skills
• learn
• to
• games
• play
• playing

[HoshiHikari]

Does anyone know WHY billiards was illegal in Virginia?

[videoman867]

me you stupid fuck

[beansterman1998]

It is always an open table from the break, ALWAYS, however, if they get one colour/group in and they choose that one, they are automatically on that group,and if they choose the other one, it is still an open table until it is potted. And whats with this "may only strike a ball on the other side of the table" crap? I suggest you actually learn the rules before making a video.

[kingdomkey428]

What if a person hits a ball in that's not his/her pattern?

[Lolracok2]

oohhh,i know how to play pool specially thanks from facebook 8 pool game ;)

[Lloydhnash]

ooh.. I need a pool table in order to play pool... I knew i was doing something wrong, Thanks!

[liquidzero5]

@HoshiHikari something about Betting is illegal in Virginia... I read it a long time ago about it.

[KamiKazeKrepe]

@BTC141 how to play. not how to play skillfully

[daro2096]

You are wrong on that if the cue ball is potted whilst trying to pot the 8 ball and the 8 ball didn't sink that it is game over. No, it is a free shot to the opposing player.

[TheMuffins27]

@beansterman1998 no thats right soo

[Latumic]

these are just bar room rules. there are many different sets of rules when it comes to the many cuesport games. rules making bodies include BCA, APA, ACS, and a few others. all and all still a very poor video.

[BartjeOstend]

How to play pool for dummies or what ?