How to Play Billiard Games
Billiard games, also known as cue games, are played on a pool table. If you do not have access to a pool table, you can play billiards at many local bars, arcades, and pool halls. You can even play pool on your own computer using multiple online websites that host billiards games for free. Before playing pool, you need to understand and learn the difference between each of the games.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Play 8-ball. 8-ball is a standard pool hall game that requires a full set of fifteen billiard balls. Rack the balls into the triangle rack using alternate rows of striped and solids balls and starting with solids. Place the black "8-Ball" into the center of the triangle. The first ball scored is that player's assigned ball, so it will either be striped or solid. Each player must shoot in their assigned balls until they reach the 8-ball. The first player to score the 8-ball in after all their balls wins.
-
2
Play 9-Ball. 9-Ball only requires balls 1 through 9 and uses a diamond shaped pool rack to play. Set the balls up in the rack so that the 1-ball is at the top and the 9-ball is in the center. The object of this game is that players must shoot all of the balls in order starting with 1. Players receive a point for each ball successfully made and the play in play must be hit on each turn or the other player gets a turn and can place the cue ball anywhere on the table. The player who scores the 9-ball in receives 2 points. Games are typically played to 30 or 50 points.
-
-
3
Play Straight Pool. In straight pool, players can hit balls in any order and any type. Players are awarded a point for each ball they score in and play to a set amount of points like 50. Different rules exist for this game. Players can play a "shot calling" rule where the point only counts when ball and pocket is called. Players can also disregard this rule and play that every ball counts.
-
4
Play 3-Ball. 3-Ball is a quick game that counts the amount of shots rather than the amount of points. 3 random balls are set-up in a triangle pattern. A player shoots until all of the balls are scored and keeps track of how many shots it takes. The next player must then try to get all 3 balls in using fewer shots. The player with the least amount of shots is declared the winner.
-
5
Play One-Pocket. One pocket is a challenging game where a single pocket is assigned for the whole game. Players receive points for every ball they score in that pocket, but they lose points for balls scored in other pockets. Players can play a single game or up to a set score of 30, 40, or 50.
-
1
