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8 Ball - Billiard Term Definition

Welcome to the billiard, pool, and snooker glossary of terms. This is the definition of 8 Ball as it relates to cue sports. You can also view the entire billiard dictionary

Definition of 8 Ball

8 Ball is a billiards term that is a part of Cue Sport Game Name Terminology.

Without a doubt, 8 ball is the most popular game in all of pocket billiards history. 8-Ball is generally the first game new players learn. It is widely played in pool rooms and is the predominant game outside of pool rooms, such as in bars, franchise pool halls, and taverns. All fifteen numbered balls are used in a conventional triangle rack. Each player is assigned either the solid balls (1-7) or the striped balls (9-15). The object is to pocket all of your assigned balls and then pocket the 8-ball. The rules of 8-ball vary drastically. You are cautioned to become familiar with the house rules before entering into a game. You may also want to view the 8 ball rules in our pool rules section. Alternatively, the 8 ball refers to the actual black ball with the number 8 printed on it. This is known as the money ball, frame ball, or game ball in the game of eight ball. The 8 ball is almost always black in color, and because of it's use, it is also a symbolic item in pop culture. In eight ball pool, the 8 ball belongs to the low suit of object balls and is the last ball that must be pocketed to win the game. To pocket the 8 ball early is to lose the game.

See: eight ball for more on the meaning of "8 Ball".

8 Ball - Usage

I got off work early, and I'm going to go play a little game of 8 ball pool.

Billiards - 8 Ball

  • Title: 8 Ball
  • Author: (Billiards Forum)
  • Published: 3/8/2006
  • Last Updated: 10/26/2007 9:50:27 AM
  • Last Updated By: billiardsforum

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