8 ball pool is the most popular billiard game in the world and one of the most popular games in the US. Being the least difficult pool game, 8 ball pool is commonly played by professionals as well as by amateurs and recreational players.

Equipment

8 ball pool is played with a set of 15 object balls divided into two groups of solid colored balls and striped balls. Each player is assigned a group of object balls.

Game Objective

The objective of the game is to sink the 8-ball in a pocket after sinking the entire group of object balls.

Rules Variation

8 ball pool rules in the UK, Australia and Latin America are different from the American 8 ball pool rules. Additionally, the World Standardized Rules set by the Billiard Congress of America are different from those used in 8 ball pool tournaments organized by the International Pool Tour. Online 8 ball pool games are usually based on the BCA rules.

BCA 8 Ball Pool Rules

According to the BCA 8 ball pool rules, the game begins with an opening break shot, which its purpose is to break open the rack of balls. The player who was chosen to break open the game is required to send an object ball to a pocket or cause at least four object balls to hit the cushions. In 8 ball pool, as long as a player succeeds in making a legal shot, he is entitled to continue shooting at the table. A failure in making a legal shot, also known as foul, leads to a switch of turns between the players.

Choice of Group of Object Balls

The choice of group of balls is made after the opening break shot with the first legally pocketed object ball. From that point and on, the players may pocket only the assigned group of object balls, otherwise it is a foul.

Pocketing the 8-Ball

The first player who had pocketed his assigned group of object balls can try to pocket the 8-ball. Before shooting the 8-ball, the player has to announce a certain pocket. Pocketing the 8-ball to a different pocket than the announced one is a foul. If the 8-ball has been pocketed to the announced pocket, the shooting player wins the game.

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