How to Play Six-Ball Pool

With few exceptions, six-ball pool is similar to eight-ball pool. Only 6 balls are used and the lowest-numbered ball is the first one on the table that players must come in contact with to make a legal shot. The object of the game is to legally sink the six ball.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pool Table
• 2 Players or 2 teams
• Balls numbered 1 to 6
• Cue ball
• Diamond rack

1. Rack all 6 balls in a diamond rack at one end of the table. The one ball should be placed in the top corner and the six ball should be in the center of the last row of 3 balls.

2. Hit the cue ball in an attempt to come in contact with the lowest-numbered ball on the table.

3. Continue your turn as long as the lowest-numbered ball has had first contact, you have caused one of the numbered balls to fall into a pocket and you have not earned a foul. You do not need to call the ball or the pocket before your hit.

4. Get a foul if you cause a ball to jump off the table, you set up your opponent purposefully to make a near impossible shot (safety play) or you fail to hit the lowest numbered ball on the table on first contact after shooting.

5. End your turn if a foul is called, you fail to cause a numbered ball to fall into a pocket or you have caused the cue ball to fall into a pocket (scratching).

6. Lose the game if you have earned 3 consecutive fouls.

7. Win the game when you legally pocket the six ball or if your opponent has earned 3 consecutive fouls.

Tips & Warnings

• A foul is not called for jumping balls in the game of six-ball pool. However, you do lose your turn when you do so.
• After the opposing player has fouled or scratched, the incoming player may place the cue ball anywhere they like as long as it is behind the head string.

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