How to Set Up a Pool Table
Playing a good game of pool or billiards can provide for an entertaining night. If you're new to pool, you should first learn how to set up the table before playing either a game of 8 ball or 9 ball. This article will describe how to set up a pool table.
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Things You'll Need
- Pool table Pool cue Diamond rack Triangle rack Set of pool balls and pool cue
Instructions
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How to Set Up a Pool Table
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1
Make sure the pool table has room for you to walk around and comfortably take shots. You can test this by setting up for a shot over each hole. Draw the pool cue back at a 45 degree angle. If you hit anything (or anyone) with the pool cue, then you need to move the objects or re-center the table.
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2
Clear the surface of any other objects such as pool chalks, pool sticks and beverages. You can also use a brush specifically designed for the pool table surface to brush dust and other debris from the table.
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3
Get all the balls from the pool table. For pay tables, the balls usually fall into a holding area right below one of the pool table ends. There should be 15 numbered balls to play with in addition to the solid white cue ball.
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4
Align the triangle rack on the center spot located at the center-point between the top of the table and the middle pockets if you are playing 8 ball. The mark should fit right inside the tip of the triangle, with one side of the triangle exactly parallel to the pool table's edge.
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5
Place the 8 ball in the center. One corner of the triangle must be solid ball and the other must be a stripe. Remove the rack when all balls are positioned inside.
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6
Use the diamond rack if you are playing 9 ball. Align the rack with the center-point in the tip of the rack like in Step 3. The one ball must be placed at the top corner nearest the pool table edge. Remove the rack when all balls are positioned inside.
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7
Put the cue ball anywhere behind an imaginary horizontal line that runs through the cue mark. The first shot of either 8 or 9 ball can take place anywhere behind this line.
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