Q&A for How to Play Pool

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Question

How many players are needed to play pool?

Community Answer

There is not exactly a certain number. You can actually play by yourself, but many people usually like to play with a friend or two.

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Question

How do I decide who goes first?

Community Answer

Typically in sports lounges, one flips a coin for either heads or tails. It is also up to you, you can use some creativity.

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Question

Can I use my opponent's ball to hit my own?

Community Answer

Typically the cue ball must hit one of your balls first, then bounce off and hit any ball except the 8-ball.

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Question

If I call a shot and my ball hit the opponent's ball before going in, do I pull the ball out of the pocket?

Community Answer

No. Legal shot according to BCA rules: 3.4 Calling Shots: For games of call-shot a player may shoot any ball he chooses, but before he shoots, must designate the called ball and called pocket. He need not indicate any detail such as kisses, caroms, combinations, or cushions (all of which are legal). “Any additionally pocketed ball(s) on a legal stroke is counted in the shooter’s favor.

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Question

If I shoot my ball in first, but then my opponent's ball falls in, whose turn is it?

Community Answer

According to the rules, when an opponent's ball is knocked in along with your ball, you forfeit your turn and give it to the next person in play.

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Question

Are there any different scratch rules?

Community Answer

Yes, some leagues play ball in hand. Meaning if you scratch the cue ball can be placed anywhere on the table, not just in the "kitchen."

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Question

Where exactly on the table is the triangle set up for breaking?

Community Answer

Usually, pool tables have some landmark diamonds on the edges. You should put the rack (triangle) on the central longitudinal axis of the table, between the first two diamonds on the edges, with the tip (first ball) pointing to the other end of the table.

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Question

Where does the ball go if I make a scratch in the middle?

Community Answer

You default the location for the ball on the same side of the table you initially broke from.

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Question

What happens when the cue ball goes into the hole?

Community Answer

When this happens, it is called a scratch. So, what you do is the other player gets to put the cue ball on one side of the table on the line on each end. Then you put it on the side you want. Then you hit the ball in the opposite direction.

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Question

How do I do a left-handed position and form?

Community Answer

Hold the back of the cue with your left hand and hold the narrow end with your right, and follow other steps in the article.

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Question

How do I set a good angle for the ball?

Community Answer

This is a very general question and the answer can be different depending on the shot and your cue ball control. If you are a beginner and have ball in hand, give yourself just a little angle on your shot to prevent yourself from scratching. You can also use larger angles to position your cue ball where you want it to go.

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Question

If I call a shot and my ball went into a different pocket from what I called, do I forfeit my turn?

Community Answer

That depends on the type of game you are playing. If you're playing call all shots, then yes, you forfeit your turn.

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Question

What are the diamonds on the side of the table for?

Community Answer

They are to help you to aim better.

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Question

If I picked a combination and the two balls go in, do I have to call the shot for both of them?

Community Answer

No, you only have to call the first one that is expected to go in in the combo.

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Question

Which ball do we pocket last?

Rylee Wiskup

Community Answer

You will want to pocket the eight ball last, because that is the ball you can't pocket any other time or you will lose.

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Question

How old do I have to be to play?

Community Answer

There is no age limit to play this game for fun, although a lot of billiard tables are found in bars and pubs where you have to be of drinking age to enter.

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Question

When I break and pot a ball and the cue ball goes in as well, does my opponent get to decide to have that ball as well as a free shot?

Community Answer

Yes, if you pot your ball along with the cue ball, then your opponent will get either placement or double chances.

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Question

To get to my ball, can I hit my opponent's balls?

Community Answer

No, if you hit your opponent's ball first, before hitting yours, then the opponent gets to go and place the cue ball anywhere they want.

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Question

If I break and the eight goes in, who is the winner?

Community Answer

If you break and the eight ball goes in and you don't scratch, then you win, but if you sink the eight ball and you scratch, then you lose.

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Question

What do I do after I got all the balls I need into it?

Community Answer

Once you've got all of your balls in the holes, you'll want to try and get the 8 ball in the hole to win the game, but don't forget to announce which pocket you'll be trying to hit.

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Question

When playing stripes and solids, do I have to call my ball?

Community Answer

It depends on which league you're playing for. Those rules can be decided on before the game if you're just playing with a friend.

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Question

When a player is breaking all of the balls and makes the 8 ball go into a pocket on the opening break, do they win or lose?

Community Answer

They would lose.

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Question

What happens if the cue ball goes in after the eight ball?

Joshua

Community Answer

What will happen is either you lose because you got the 8-ball in, or because it was a scratch when you got the 8-ball in.

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Question

What happens if the cue ball doesn't touch my colored ball?

Community Answer

It will be considered a scratch, it will be your opponent's turn, and the cue ball will be in your opponent's hand (meaning he can place it anywhere), or it is placed in the "kitchen," depending on what you agree upon ahead of time.

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Question

If I scratch in the game, do I need to make both the white ball and my target ball leave the kitchen?

Community Answer

The white ball needs to be in the kitchen, but you cannot hit a target ball that is lying within the kitchen.

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Question

Can I hit the 8 ball to force a ball in front of it to go into a pocket?

Community Answer

Not really as that will be considered as a foul. You are only allowed to hit the 8 ball when you are done netting your objects.

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Question

Can I call 8 ball off of an opponent's ball?

Community Answer

No,until you have potted all your balls and your opponent has too the 8 ball becomes a ball you both are trying to pot.

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Question

How do I prevent the cue ball from over jumping?

Community Answer

Shoot near the center of the ball, and use more chalk if that does not work.

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Question

If I play a shot and hit another ball instead of the cue ball, what does that mean?

Community Answer

If you do not hit the cue ball, but another random ball, you have broken the rules. This means you forfeit and automatically lose.

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Question

When playing 8-ball and I'm done with my balls, do I aim for the 8 or hit my opponent's balls?

Community Answer

After you've pocketed all your balls, you should pocket the 8 ball to finish the game.

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