How to Rack a Game of 8-Ball

What is 8-Ball?

Did you know there are a couple different ways to play pool? Some of the most well-known games include 8-ball, 9-ball, and even 10-ball. Both 9 and 10 ball are played by sinking each ball in numerical order, where the only difference is the number of balls played with, as indicated by the names. If you’ve ever seen a diamond shape rack, those are used for 9-ball and 10-ball games. The game of 8-ball is the most common type of pool table game, often synonymous with the game of pool itself. Although it seems counter-intuitive, 8-ball uses more balls than 9 and 10-ball, using all 15 balls available. The traditional triangle shaped rack you are likely more familiar with are used in games of 8-ball. Since this style uses the most balls, it’s important to learn how to properly rack a game of 8-ball. Read on to find out the right way to rack a game in 8 easy steps!

The Proper Way of Racking a Game of 8-Ball

#1: Make sure you have all fifteen pool balls and a triangular rack. You should have seven striped balls and seven solid color balls, along with the black 8-ball. You will need the white cue ball as well, but you won’t need to rack that one!

#2: Find the black and white dot on either end of the pool table, this will be your guide to placing your rack in the correct position. The dot is also known as a foot spot and should be found in the center of either end of the table, situated between the middle and end pockets. Set the rack on the table so one point of the rack, or an apex, touches the dot.

#3: Position the rack so the base is parallel to the shorter end of the table and straighten it out if the base is a little crooked. If the base ends up crooked or angled weirdly, one side may have a better chance of going into a pocket, giving the person who breaks an unfair advantage.

#4: Place any ball besides the 8-ball inside the rack at the apex, use the dot to center the ball over it. The yellow 1-ball is commonly used for this, but you may use whichever ball you like.

#5: Fill the rack halfway with a mix of striped and solid balls until you get to the center of the rack and place the 8-ball there. Since the game will end if you sink the 8-ball, it is crucial the 8-ball stays in the middle of the rest of the balls to prevent a game from ending before it begins!

#6: Fill the rest of the rack with the remaining balls in no particular order, except for making sure the bottom two corners opposite the apex have one striped ball and one solid ball.

#7: Grasp the bottom of the rack opposite the apex and roll the rack up and down so the balls fit tightly within the rack. Pull the rack back so the apex ball and the rack are aligned correctly.

#8: Carefully lift the rack without moving any of the balls. Lift directly upward to ensure this. If you are struggling, try giving yourself a little move room to lift by pushing the apex forward with the back end of the rack.

Commonly Asked Questions

How do we decide who breaks? Although not an official rule, let the person who will break rack the balls. A common and fun way to show off your skills to determine who will break first would be to do a “lag.” To do this, players will simultaneously shoot a ball from one end of the table toward the other end. Whether the ball doesn’t reach the other end, or ricochets slightly off the other end doesn’t matter, the player whose ball comes closest to the other end wins the choice to break first. Of course, if this sounds too complicated, you can always flip a coin!

Where do we rack if there is no foot spot? Look for other indicators on the table, such as diamond markers on the rails. Regardless if there are other markers or not, you can line up where the rack should be placed by putting it between the center and end pockets. It may take some eyeballing, but you should be able to get it close to where it needs to be without ruining the game.

How do you know what balls to shoot at after the break? The kind of balls you shoot is determined by whether you pocket a striped or solid ball after you break. If you sink both kinds, you get to choose! When you rack a game, you should make sure the two kinds are evenly distributed so you don’t have an uneven break.

Freetime Fun: Pool Tables and Much More!

If you're looking for exceptional recreational products for your family, start with Freetime Fun! Our designs and functionality will upgrade the look of any room and blow away your previous expectations of existing game tables, saunas, patio, and swimming products. Simply put, these products put some wow factor into your free time.

With careful and quick shipping, strong warranties, and excellent customer services, you can expect more than just a fun time. Browse our many products today to get the fun started as soon as possible.