Eight Ball is a game played with a cue ball and fifteen object balls, numbered 1 through 15. One player must pocket balls of the group numbered 1 through 7 (SOLID), while the other player has 9 thru 15 (STRIPES). The player pocketing its group first and then legally pocketing the 8-ball wins the game
Breaking (Random)
Break Shot (first shot)
The following rules apply to the break shot:
(a) The cue ball begins in hand behind the head string (second line).
(b) No ball is called, and the cue ball is not required to hit any particular ball first.
(c) If the breaker pockets a ball and does not foul(see below), Player continues at the table, and the table remains open.
(d) If no object ball is pocketed, at least four object balls must be driven to one or more rails, or the shot results in an illegal break, then the incoming player can take the cue ball in hand.
(e) If the 8-ball is pocketed on the break, the table will be re-rack and player can continue shooting.
Open Table / Choosing Groups
Before groups are determined, the table is said to be "open." If the player legally pockets a ball, the corresponding group becomes theirs, and the opponent is assigned the other group. If the player fails to legally pocket any ball, the table remains open, and play passes to the other player. When the table is "open," any object ball may be struck first, except the eighth ball.
Continuing Play
The player remains at the table as long as the player continues to legally pocket the group balls, or the player wins the rack by pocketing the eight ball legally.
Losing the Rack