Pool is becoming increasingly popular and is no longer just something for pubs. Whether you play a game with friends in your favourite pub, at a pool hall, or even at home with your own table; it is a fun way to spend an evening. Pool is a social game and a strategic sport in which technique is key. Pool can be played as a beginner or as an advanced player. If you know and understand the rules of pool well, you can then focus on your strategy and get better and better!
At StrayShop you will find everything to take your pool game to the next level. From complete pool tables and pool accessories : we have everything you need. Read on in this blog to learn more about the rules of the game and how you can improve your pool skills!
How does pooling work? The basic steps explained
Pool is played by two people. Are you with more people and do you want to play at the same time at one pool table? Then you can make two teams and alternate in the team. You determine before the game who plays with the full balls and who plays with the half balls.
The goal of pool is to shoot all of your balls (full or half) into the pockets (the holes in the pool table). You are not allowed to directly hit one of your own balls to pocket; you must always play the cue ball to hit and pocket your balls. If you pocket all of your own balls, you may then pocket the black ball. If you succeed in doing so, you have won the entire game.
The game
The game begins with the break, where the white ball is used to spread the colored balls. The balls are placed in a triangle, with the black ball in the middle.
Each player gets a chance to shoot as long as he or she pockets a ball. If a player misses or makes a mistake, the turn passes to the opponent. It sounds simple enough, but as you will find out, it is harder than it seems to pocket all of your balls.
Where does the black ball go in pool?
A frequently asked question is: where does the black ball go in pool? Once you have pocketed all of your balls, you must pocket the black ball in a specific pocket. You can choose which pocket, as long as you specify it in advance. If the ball lands in a different pocket than the one you specified, you lose the game.
If the black ball does not land in any pocket, nothing special happens and the game goes to the opponent. You can try to pot the black ball again when it is your turn again. Note! You may then choose a new pocket to pot the black ball in.
What happens if the white ball goes in?
The white ball (also called the cue ball) is not supposed to roll into the pocket during the pot. But this can certainly happen, then the opponent gets the “ball-in-hand” - in other words: he can then place the white ball anywhere on the table, which is of course a big advantage.
Please note! Potting the white ball is of course allowed during the break (start of the game).
What if black and white go in at the same time?
Potting both the black and white ball at the same time is something you definitely don't want to do! If you pot both black and white at the same time, it means the game is over and the opponent has won.
Official Rules: Pool Fouls
In addition to the basic rules, there are a number of common mistakes that can occur during a game of pool. These mistakes all result in 'ball-in-hand' for the opponent, which means that he or she can place the cue ball anywhere on the table to continue the game.
- The Break : The player who makes the first stroke (the break) must hit at least four colored balls, otherwise it is considered a foul and the opponent gets the “ball-in-hand”
- White Ball in a Pocket : If the white ball accidentally ends up in a pocket, the opponent gets ball-in-hand.
- No contact with a colored ball : If you make a shot and the cue ball does not contact any colored ball, it is a foul and the opponent gets “ball-in-hand”.
- Hitting the wrong ball : You must always hit your own balls (whole or half) first. If you accidentally hit your opponent's ball, it is considered a foul.
- No ball touches a rim : On each stroke, a ball, or the cue ball itself, must touch a rim at least once. Failure to do so is considered a foul.
- Pocketing the Black Ball Before the End : If the black ball (8-ball) is pocketed before you have pocketed all of your own balls, you immediately lose the game.
Winning at pool
The game is won by the player who pockets all the balls in his or her group (full or half) and then correctly shoots the black ball into a designated pocket.
Pool for beginners and advanced players: the right equipment
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, the right equipment can make all the difference. StrayShop offers a wide range of pool accessories that can help both beginners and advanced players improve their game. From chalk and brushes to cover plates that protect your pool table, we have everything you need.
Looking for a new pool table or pool accessories for your current table? StrayShop offers a wide selection suitable for both recreational use and professional competitions.