Pool games are a family of cue sports played on a rectangular table with pockets, involving players using long sticks called cues to strike balls into designated pockets. The objective typically revolves around scoring points or pocketing balls in a specific sequence, depending on the variant. These games emphasize precision, strategy, and hand-eye coordination, blending competitive play with recreational appeal. Common variants include 8-ball, 9-ball, and snooker, each with distinct rules and gameplay styles.
• 8-Ball Pool: A classic two-player game where players aim to pocket all balls of their assigned group (stripes or solids) before sinking the 8-ball.
• 9-Ball Pool: A fast-paced game using balls numbered 1–9, where players must pocket the balls in numerical order, ending with the 9-ball.
• Snooker: A complex variant played with 21 colored balls and a cue ball, requiring players to score points by potting balls in a specific sequence.
• Carom Billiards: A pocketless table game focusing on striking the cue ball to hit multiple object balls in a single shot.
• Pyramid Pool: Players pot balls of varying point values, aiming to reach a predetermined score before their opponent.
What is the main objective of pool games?
The goal varies by variant but generally involves pocketing balls in a specific order or scoring points through strategic potting.
What constitutes a foul in pool games?
Common fouls include scratching, hitting the wrong ball first, failing to hit any ball, or touching the table during a shot.
What’s the difference between 8-ball and 9-ball pool?
In 8-ball, players must clear their assigned group (stripes/solids) before the 8-ball. In 9-ball, balls are numbered 1–9, and players must pot them in numerical order, with the 9-ball ending the game.
