Eight Ball - The Ball And The Game

The term eight ball refers to two things in pool and billiards - the black ball with the eight on it and the game of the same name. It is one of today's most popular pool games and is played all over the world.

The game setup consists of seven striped balls, seven solid color balls, the 8-ball, and the cue. Either the solids or striped balls are shot at until they are all pocketed, and then the eight goes in for the win.

The game can be played by two players or two teams. After breaking the rack, the current shooter continues to shoot if he made a ball on the break, and gives up the turn to his opponent if he didn't.

If the breaking player made one of each type of ball, he can choose which he will continue to shoot. If he made only a solid or a striped one, that will be the kind he will have for the remainder of the game.

When the entire seven balls of stripes or solids have been pocketed, the player may then attempt to shoot in the eight. Sinking the eight without scratching or fouling wins the game.

That is the basic game in a nutshell. There are many pool leagues that play 8-ball, and they may have slightly different rules on playing the game. Rules and regulations that define the game further may be found at the BCA or WPA websites.

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