8 Ball Pool

How to Play 8 Ball Pool

The goal of 8 Ball Pool is to pocket all balls from your assigned group (solids or stripes) to then pocket the final epic 8 ball in order to win. Get the 8 ball in too early, and you lose. Everyone has played pool at some point, whether in person or digitally, but not everyone knows the rules. And those are quite important to win a classic game like pool.

8 Ball Pool Game Modes

Play 8 Ball Pool

Enter classic head-to-head matches where each player claims stripes or solids and battles to clear the table before sinking the 8 ball. Skill, angles, and cue control matter most here.

Quick Fire

A fast-paced, timer-driven mode where the goal is to pot as many balls as possible before the clock runs out. Consecutive shots build streaks, and accuracy keeps the timer alive.

Challenge Friends

Set up private matches and compete directly with friends. Great for practice, bragging rights, or testing new cues without the pressure of ranked play.

The Break Shot

The game begins with a break shot. This is where you strike the triangle of balls to “open the table”. A break means you either need to pocket a ball, which simply means get a ball in one of the table pockets, or drive at least four balls to the rails. If no ball is pocketed, the table remains open, and no one is assigned solids or stripes yet.

Who Gets Solids or Stripes

After the break, the table is open, and either player can aim at any ball, so in essence, you are deciding which you will get: solids or stripes. This is almost always dependent on which of the two is easiest to pocket first. The first player to pocket a ball claims that group for the rest of the match. Once groups are assigned, you must always try to get your own group in a pocket. The game gives you a heads-up when you are trying to strike the opponent’s balls.

If you are stripes, the cue must hit a striped ball first. Your shot needs to either pocket the ball or your ball needs to make contact with the cushion on the side of the table after the initial hit. If you don’t meet these requirements, it is considered a foul. If you foul, the opponent receives the ball in hand.

Fouls include striking the wrong ball first, failing to make a ball contact the cushion, getting the cue ball or the 8 ball in the pocket, or getting your opponent’s ball into a pocket before first making contact with one of yours.

Once you have cleared your entire group of balls, it’s your time to shine. The moment every player waits for. You get to shoot the 8-ball. If you have cleared all your balls and you pocket the 8-ball, you win!

Lucky Shot

There is an extra way to earn rewards in this game. Choose the Lucky Shot, and you get one attempt to land the ball inside the circular target on the table. Hit the bullseye to earn the highest reward, which is a 24-hour cue.

Cue Rewards (Target Zones)

• Yellow (center): Unlocks the 8 Ball Cue.
• Red ring (next to the center): Unlocks the Break Shot Cue.
• Blue ring (outer layer): Unlocks the Mongol Cue.

Quick Tips and Things to Remember

• Gentle shots are less likely to bounce off the cushion or rattle the pocket.
• Top spin makes the cue ball follow the object ball after contact.
• Backspin helps the cue ball stop or pull backward.
• Side spin (left/right) has a big impact when the cue ball hits a cushion.
• Use the table diamonds to help line up angles and rebounds.
• You can move the power bar to a different side in the settings menu.
• A ball must touch a cushion if no ball is potted during your shot.
• If you’re stripes and aim at a solid (or vice versa), a red on-screen warning appears.
• Taking too long forfeits your turn.
• Online opponents may leave mid-game. Disconnects are common.
• Always plan your next shot before taking the current one.
• Use full force on the break for maximum spread.

Controls

Mouse = interact with the game UI