How do you play 8-ball?
B · Beginner · 8-ball · 4 of 68-ball uses fifteen numbered balls and the cue ball. One player takes the solids, 1 to 7, and the other the stripes, 9 to 15. A player must pocket all seven of their group before pocketing the 8-ball, in a called pocket, to win the rack. Every shot except the break is called.
How it works
- Balls: fifteen object balls: two groups of seven and the 8-ball.
- The rack: a tight triangle, the apex ball on the foot spot and the 8-ball in the middle, directly behind it.
- The corners: one ball from each group at the two back corners; the rest placed with no deliberate pattern.
- Groups: decided after the break, by the first legally pocketed called ball.
- Continuing: the shooter stays at the table while pocketing balls of their group legally.
- Calls: every shot except the break names a ball and pocket; balls must be from the player's group until it is cleared.
- Safety: a player may call a safety; any ball pocketed on it stays down.
- The 8-ball: called and pocketed after the group is cleared, to win the rack.
- Spotting: only the 8-ball is ever spotted, and only after the break.
The glossary has the eight-ball, the groups, the rack, the call shot, the open table and the safety.
Tricky cases
A player pots one of their balls and one of the opponent's on a called shot. Do they carry on?
Yes. They pocketed their called ball legally, so their turn goes on, and the other ball stays down.
Is a ball of the opponent's group ever put back?
No. No object ball other than the 8-ball is ever spotted.
Does a player have to call the obvious shots?
Only if the ball or pocket is not obvious. The referee or the opponent can ask.
Is 8-ball the same as blackball or pub pool?
No. Blackball is a separate WPA game with uncalled shots, a baulk area and free shots after fouls.
Why the rule exists
Requiring the whole group first means a player cannot win by an early lucky pot of the 8-ball. Placing one ball of each group at the back corners keeps the rack fair for both groups.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| WPA 8-ball | Called shots; ball in hand anywhere after fouls | WPA 4 |
| Blackball | Shots not called; free shot after a foul | WPA 8 |
| IEPF international rules | A separate 8-ball code, not in this document | WPA 14; Not saved |
| Snooker | Reds and colours in order, no groups | WPBSA Snooker 3.1 |
From the rule book
World Pool-Billiard Association, Rules of Play (effective 15 September 2025), 8-Ball 4 (introduction), 4.2 and 4.4 to 4.7. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the WPA Rules of Play, revised from time to time.