1. Setting up the Pool Table:

• At the beginning of the game the balls should be placed in the triangular rack at the lower end of the table (there will be a white dot where you know to put the rack).
• The balls should be arranged in a random order, apart from the black 8-ball which should be placed bang in the middle of the third row. The triangle should be placed so the black 8-ball is roughly directly on top of the white dot.
• Make sure the balls are tight, then remove the rack.

2. Time to Break the Balls!

• Take the cue ball (white one!) and position it somewhere behind the white service line at the opposite end of the table.
• Decide which player is going to take the break, then hit the racked balls with your cue stick, aiming to scatter them across the table. This initial shot is called the break. Your goal is to pocket balls and choose between spots (numbered 1-7) or stripes (numbered 9-15) based on what you sink.
• If no balls are potted on the first break, both players take turns to pot until a ball is potted. If a player pots a stripe, the striped balls now belong to that player.

3. Keep ‘Em Sinking

• Alternate turns with your opponent, trying to pocket all your designated balls (spots or stripes) and then the 8-ball to win.
• But watch out! If you sink the 8-ball before your other balls, you lose. If you scratch (pocket the cue ball), your opponent gets ball-in-hand, meaning they can place the cue ball anywhere on the table for their next shot.

4. Strategise and Aim

• Plan your shots carefully, using the cue ball to set up your next move while aiming to pocket your designated balls. Think about angles, spin, and rebound to control the cue ball and sink your targets.

5. Winning the Game

• Once all your designated balls are pocketed, it’s time to go for the 8-ball. Call your pocket (the hole where you intend to sink it) and carefully line up your shot. Sink the 8-ball to claim victory and show off your pool prowess!