8-Ball Pool Rules and Fouls
Most 8-ball arguments come down to two questions: when are the groups decided, and what exactly loses the game on the black.
The rack
- Fifteen balls in a triangle, the 8-ball in the centre.
- One solid and one stripe in the two back corners.
- The apex ball sits on the foot spot.
Deciding the groups
The table stays open after the break, even if a ball is potted. Groups are assigned only when a player legally pots a called ball after the break — which is why potting a stripe on the break does not make you stripes.
What makes a shot legal
- The cue ball must strike a ball of your own group first.
- After contact, a ball must be potted or some ball must reach a cushion.
- Potting the cue ball is a foul and gives the opponent ball in hand.
Losing on the 8-ball
You lose immediately if you pot the 8-ball before clearing your group, pot it in an uncalled pocket, or pot it together with the cue ball. Potting it on the break is usually a re-rack rather than a loss, but agree that beforehand.
Frequently asked questions
In official rules yes, on every shot. Casual play often only requires calling the 8-ball — decide before breaking.
The opponent gets ball in hand: they may place the cue ball anywhere on the table. It is the single biggest advantage in the game.