Learn Pool
Theme
A visual guide · 8-ball Pool
Learn Pool
Break the rack, claim a group, and finish on the 8-ball.
Section 01 · Setup
Start with a full rack and an open table.
The opening player breaks. Solids and stripes are not assigned until a legal pocket establishes a group.
Solids are 1–7, stripes are 9–15, and the 8-ball is the final target after your group is clear.
Section 02 · Your move
Aim the cue, set power, and release the shot.
Use the aiming line to choose contact, then control shot strength. Legal pockets can keep your turn; a miss normally hands play to the opponent.
Section 03 · Tactics
Plan the cue ball, not only the current pocket.
A simple shot that leaves an easy next angle is often stronger than a difficult pot that strands the cue ball.
Section 04 · Turn flow
A turn, in order.
①
Break the rack.
Send the cue ball into the rack and open the table.
②
Claim solids or stripes.
A legal pocket establishes your group while the table is open.
③
Clear your group.
Pocket your legal target balls while avoiding scratches and no-contact fouls.
④
Finish on the 8-ball.
Once your group is gone, legally pocket the 8-ball to win the rack.
Section 05 · Legal vs. illegal
What counts — and what does not.
Legal
Contacting a legal target ball first.
Pocketing your assigned group and continuing the turn when the shot stays legal.
Placing the cue ball when ball in hand is awarded after an opponent foul.
Not allowed
Scratching the cue ball.
Failing to contact a legal object ball.
Pocketing the 8-ball before your assigned group is cleared.
Section 06 · Winning
Clear your group, then pocket the 8-ball legally.
An early 8-ball ends the rack as a loss. Once all of your solids or stripes are gone, the 8-ball becomes your finishing target.
Section 07 · Try it
Now play a quick game.
Use Solo Practice to learn aim and power, then start a private room to play a full rack with a friend.