8 Ball Pool is a very strategic game. Remember to use all of the resources that you possibly can. This includes putting spin on the ball to get different angles, as well as using the edges of the table to get different shots. This is one of the parts that beginners often overlook - the edge of the table can be one of your best friends if you know how to use it correctly.
Another tip - 8 ball pool is as much a defensive game as it is offensive. There will be times when you wont have any real chance of making a shot. Instead of just hitting the cue ball hard and hoping you get a lucky ricochet, try placing the ball in an area that wont give your opponent a good look at sinking any shots.
Although "house rules" vary, this version of 8 Ball Pool uses WPA rules.
Solids and stripes are assigned to players based on the first ball potted after the break. The player who potted the ball is assigned that type.
If a player pots one or more of their balls on their turn, or any ball on the break, they get another shot, provided they also did not commit a foul.
If a player commits any of the following fouls, their opponent may take the cue ball in hand, place it anywhere on the table and shoot anywhere on the table:
- Potting the cue ball
- Failing to hit a ball with the cue ball
- Failing to hit one of your balls first with the cue ball
- After hitting one of your balls, failing to pocket a ball or strike a side of the table with either ball
Additionally, if a player pots their ball AND an opponent's ball on their turn, play passes to their opponent.
When a player has potted all of their (solid or striped) balls, they must pot the black 8 ball to win the game. Caution: if you pot the 8 ball BEFORE your other balls, you automatically lose. Fouling when shooting for the 8 ball does NOT result in a game loss, except if you pot BOTH the cue ball and 8 ball with your shot.
