Eight-ball (classic pool)

Each player pots their group — solids (balls 1–7) or stripes (9–15), then legally pots ball 8 in the called pocket.

Loss — if the 8 goes in before your group is cleared, with a foul, or in the wrong pocket. Match format (to 1, 3, 5 wins) is set by the organizer.

• Table is "open" until a group is set by the first legal pot.
• Black 8 stays on the table until the end — you cannot pot it before your own balls.

• 15 balls — triangle on the foot spot; cue ball — in kitchen behind head string.
• Power break: cue ball must hit the rack; minimum 4 balls — to cushion or in pocket (per pool association or hall regulations).
• First shot — by lot or "lag".
• Cue ball in pocket on break — foul; opponent ball in hand anywhere behind head string.

• Group is set by first legally potted ball (except the 8).
• If both types are potted on an open table — player chooses group.
• If group is not set after break — table stays open until next legal pot.
• Opponent's ball accidentally potted — penalty or turn passes per hall regulations.

• Hit only your balls; after the last of yours — shot on the 8.
• 8 must be called and pocket named before the shot — mandatory in tournaments.
• Run continues while you pot or opponent gets a turn after your miss.
• "Legal shot": first contact — your ball; after the shot any ball touches cushion or goes in pocket.

• 8 can be hit only after legally clearing all your balls.
• 8 in wrong pocket or with a foul — loss.
• 8 in pocket with cue ball on a foul — loss.
• On time tie — replay or "golden break" per regulations.

• Miss on your balls, cue ball in pocket, ball off table.
• First contact on opponent's ball.
• Double hit, push shot, shot not from cloth.
• After foul opponent — ball in hand: cue ball anywhere behind head string (or anywhere on table — per regulations).