Pool and Billiards Draft
A cue sport played on a cloth-covered table with pockets. The common game is eight-ball, where players pocket their group of balls and finish with the eight.
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How to start
What you need
- Pool cue (house cues work to start)
- Chalk
- Table time at a venue
- Optional glove
Typical cost
Table rental runs $5 to $20 per hour; a decent cue costs $40 to $150 (approximate, varies by city).
Where to play
Pool halls, bars with tables, community centers, leagues and home tables.
Rules
- Eight-ball is played with solids and stripes plus the black eight ball.
- The break starts the game and the table is open until someone pockets a ball legally.
- After claiming solids or stripes, you must pocket all of your group.
- You must hit your own ball first on each shot.
- A scratch (cue ball in a pocket) gives the opponent ball-in-hand.
- Call the pocket for the eight ball.
- Pocketing the eight early loses the game.
- Sinking the eight after your group wins the game.
Drills
Straight-in shots 8 min
Place a ball in line with a pocket and shoot with a smooth stroke. Make 10 in a row.
Cue ball control 10 min
Practice stopping the cue ball after contact by striking slightly below center.
Bridge hand 5 min
Practice a stable bridge and slow practice strokes without hitting.
Cut shots 10 min
Set up angled shots and aim by imagining a ghost ball.
Position play 10 min
Pocket a ball and leave the cue ball near a target spot.
Etiquette
- Chalk your cue away from the table.
- Stay still and quiet when an opponent shoots.
- Do not lean or sit on the table.
Safety
- Keep drinks away from the table surface.
- Watch your cue in crowded areas.
- Do not play when overly tired or distracted.
Levels
- 1Learning to aim and bridge.
- 2Can pocket simple shots and play games.
- 3Pockets angles and uses basic position.
- 4Runs several balls in a row and plans patterns.
- 5Plays tournaments with strong safeties and breaks.
Questions
What is a scratch?
When the cue ball goes into a pocket; the opponent gets ball-in-hand.
What is a bank shot?
A shot where the object ball bounces off a rail before going into a pocket.
Do I need my own cue?
No, but a personal cue improves consistency.
Draft guide: written from general knowledge and not yet checked by someone who plays pool and billiards. Costs are approximate and vary by city. Check with a coach or doctor before starting anything new.