How to Play 7-Ball in Pool

A great game for beginners and sharks alike, 7-ball is similar to 9-ball except it uses fewer balls and takes less time to play.

Things You'll Need

• Billiard Lighting
• Bridges For Pool
• Cue Stick Chalk
• Pool Balls
• Pool Cue Carrying Cases
• Pool Cues
• Pool Table Covers
• Pool Table Horsehair Brushes
• Pool Tables
• Pool Triangles

Instructions

1. 

   Rack by placing the 7-ball on the foot spot and surrounding it with balls 1 through 6 in a tight circle.

2. Rack the 1-ball at the apex of your rack and the rest in ascending order and clockwise. All balls should touch each other.

3. Decide which side of the table will be your side. The other side is your opponent's. (The player who doesn't break makes this decision after the break.)

4. 

   Sink all the balls in ascending numeric order.

5. Continue shooting each time you sink a ball in its proper order.

6. 

   Win the game by pocketing the 7-ball on your side of the table.

Tips & Warnings

• The key to winning 7-ball is to maneuver the 7-ball to your side of the table.

• You can sink the 7-ball early, provided it is hit by another ball in the proper sequence and that ball falls as well. The 7 must fall on your side for you to win.

• If you sink the 7 on the break, you win.

• All normal pool fouls apply in 7-ball.

• Commit three fouls and lose.

• Lose if you pocket the 7-ball out of order, on the wrong side, or on an illegal shot.