How to Run the Table in Pool

There's no better feeling when you're playing pool than when you run the table. This is when you break (and sink something) then proceed to pocket the rest of your balls and the 8-ball without giving your opponent a shot. If you can run the table, you have a guaranteed win every time.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Line up your break, after your opponent racks the balls. To regularly sink a ball when breaking will require some practice. If you don't sink anything, you'll have another chance to run on your next turn (provided you get one).

2. Look at the pool table carefully. Consider the position of all the balls and plan your run. If you think you can run the table better if you take low balls as opposed to the high balls, do that, and vice versa. Note that if you play by the American Poolplayers Association (APA) rules, the suit of the ball you pocket on the break is the suit you take.

3. Think before taking each shot. You'll need to be very cautious of where you leave the ball to make sure you're lining up your next shot properly. It's good to be well-versed in how to put English on the ball if you want to run the table in pool.

4. Take your time and line up your 8-ball shot after you've pocketed all the other balls. This will be the hardest shot since there are seven other balls on the table still. Remember to put proper English on the ball so you don't scratch.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice makes perfect. The more you play, the easier it'll become to see runs and to successfully run the table. In addition, once you know how good your skills are, you can plan runs better (e.g., banking your object ball into the corner pocket by "combo-ing" it off one of your opponent's ball).
• Many bar leagues consider the table open after the break, even if a ball has been pocketed. In this case, when following Step 2, what you sink on the break doesn't really matter since the table is still open. If you automatically take the low balls because you sank one already, you may be overlooking the fact that the highs offer a better run situation.
• Bar rules trump APA rules (unless you're playing an APA league match, then bar rules are superceded). Figure out how your opponent plays before you start the game to avoid misunderstandings. The biggest arguments tend to occur over whether a "slop" (unplanned) shot counts.
• Don't let your opponent distract you. It doesn't matter if he thinks you're taking too long.

Resources

• Check out the APA rulebook on their website.

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