English pool

Arrange the 15 balls in a triangular rack as per the attached image. Place the rack at the table’s foot spot, then remove it carefully to start the game. 

The game begins with a break shot from behind the baulk line. The player who breaks must hit the cue ball to break up the rack. At least three balls should pass the middle of the table, or a ball must be pocketed and 2 past the middle to be a valid break. If 2 balls are potted then one ball must pass halfway, etc If the breaker pots a ball they continue. If the black is potted off the break it is re-spotted, then if the player has potted another ball they continue, otherwise the turn passes. Any other balls off the table get re-spotted too. If the white ball is potted off the break play continues from behind the baulk line. If balls go off the table then it is a standard foul, ball anywhere on the table. 

After the break, the first player to pocket a ball claim’s either yellows or reds. To legally pot a colour you must hit that ball first. If you hit a yellow but pot a red it is not a foul, just a loss of turn. They then continue to aim for only their designated set for the remainder of the game. 

Players take turns, aiming to pocket all balls in their designated set. Each successful shot allows the player to continue. If they miss, the turn goes to the opponent. If a ball is not potted, an object ball or the cue ball must hit a cushion after initial contact. If you pot your ball and pot an opponent’s ball at the same time, you continue. If you contact your ball first but pot an opponent’s ball only, it is a loss of turn.

The 8-ball is the last ball to be pocketed. A player must sink all their assigned balls before attempting the 8-ball. Pocketing the 8-ball prematurely or illegally results in a loss. If you pot the black legally then in the same shot pot an opponent’s ball the win is good. You cannot, however, pot your last colour and the black in the same shot. 

Common fouls include scratching (when the cue ball is pocketed), failing to hit any ball with the cue ball, or hitting the opponent’s ball first, or not hitting a cushion after contact. When a foul occurs, the opposing player can place the cue ball anywhere on the table for their next shot. Playing intentionally directly into an opponent’s ball is a loss of rack foul. 

To win, a player must legally pocket the 8-ball after clearing all their assigned balls. However, pocketing the 8-ball by accident or fouling while attempting to pocket it results in an automatic loss. 

Always respect other players, take care not to lean, sit or place drinks on the table, and be mindful of your turn to keep the game enjoyable for everyone.