Billiards

8-ball is the default pool variant in this catalog. Two players or teams divide the object balls into solids and stripes, then race to clear their group and legally pocket the 8 ball.

Rack all 15 object balls with the 8 ball in the center. After the break, the table is open until a player legally pockets a called solid or stripe under the rule set. That group becomes that player's object balls. On each shot, the cue ball must first contact a legal object ball, and after contact a ball must be pocketed or driven to a cushion under WPA-style rules. A legal pocket keeps the shooter at the table. After clearing all seven group balls, the player calls and legally pockets the 8 ball to win. Fouls usually give the opponent ball-in-hand, but local rules should be confirmed.

8-ball is normally win/loss per rack. Record the player or team that legally pockets the 8 ball. In race formats, record the final rack score and target, such as 5-3 in a race to 5.

For one rack, log winner and loser. For match play, log final race score and race target. Add notes for call-shot, call-pocket, scratch, and 8-ball loss rules if the group used house rules.