8 Ball Billiard

Overview

“The game of golf would lose a great deal if croquet mallets and billiard cues were allowed on the putting green.”  -Ernest Hemmingway, 1899-1961

8 Ball is no doubt the most popular billiard game in many places for it is really fun to play and wouldn't require much tactical thinking in the beginning because in 8 ball there's most likely an open shot for every inning of a player.  Therefore, it is probably the first billiard game to lean by most newcomers in the sports. The rule in 8 Ball is also quite straight forward. and not too confusing to learn.  I will give you an overview of the objective of the game. If you want to learn the complete rules go to the BCA rules link.  For simplicity sake, 8 Balls is played with a full rack of fifteen balls (1 to 15). One player will be assigned to either solid (1 to 7) or stripe balls(9 to 15).  The player should make all of the designated colors before pocketing the last ball, which is the 8 ball. If the 8 ball is legally pocketed, it marks the end of the match and victory to the player.   Now, the color assignment is done during the break...here's how it works...if only one type of ball is pocketed during a break, (stripe or solid) the breaker is assigned that ball type. If both types are made, the breaker shoots again and assignment occurs when one type of ball is pocketed. If no balls are made the table remains open, then it’s the next player’s turn to shoot and has chance to pick the best color group.  Now depending on the house rule, if the 8ball is pocketed on the break it is either spotted back on the foot spot or already a victory to the breaker.  During the play, a player should only deal with the assign color, and should always pocket a ball...otherwise the player would lose his turn.  This is most simplified version of the game. 

Good Luck!