Official Rileys' rules of play for 8 Ball Pool.

The object of the game is to win by being the first player to pot all of their colours (red / yellow) or (spots / stripes) and then pot the Eight ball.

The balls are set up in a triangle with the eight ball in the middle on the spot.

The cue ball is placed behind the line at the opposite end of the table.

If a coloured ball is potted on the break then that is the colour for that player.

If no coloured ball is potted then the next player can choose any colour to pot.

The following shots are classed as foul strikes:


  • Potting the cue ball
  • Potting an opponents ball
  • Failing to contact with the cue ball
  • If any ball jumps off the table
  • Missing any ball you are aiming to hit