8-Ball Pool is the most popular billiards game worldwide. Here's the complete ruleset.
Objective
Legally pocket all balls in your group (solids 1–7 or stripes 9–15), then pocket the 8-ball. The first player to pocket the 8-ball legally wins. Pocketing the 8-ball early (before your group) is an immediate loss.
The Break
The breaking player must strike the rack with the cue ball. At least 4 balls must hit cushions, or a ball must be pocketed, for a legal break. If the 8-ball is pocketed on the break, the breaker wins (or re-racks, depending on house rules).
Group Assignment
Groups aren't assigned until the first ball is legally pocketed after the break. If you pocket a stripe on the break plus a solid afterward, you're still choosing groups.
Common Fouls
Scratching (cue ball in pocket), failing to hit your group first, not hitting any cushion after contact, or pocketing the 8-ball before your group is cleared.
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