There are several variations of the game of 8-ball billiards, but they all start the same way: you arrange racks of 15 numbered balls in a triangular rack and then break them. Getting the rack layout right is the first step to playing this popular game.
Step
Step 1. Find the foot spot on the pool table
Most pocket pool tables are marked with a white dot in a black circle on one side of the table, around the area halfway between the corner pocket and the side. The foot spot is the point furthest from the end of the table, where the players stand at the break.
Step 2. Place the triangular shelf with the apex above the foot spot
Step 3. Place another ball besides the 8 ball inside the triangle, at the apex
You can use one of the 7 solid balls or the 7 striped balls. Many players want to use 1 ball, but the official United States Professional Pool Players Association (UPA) rules do not require it, nor do the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) rules.
However, you must place the 1 ball in the apex position when playing both 9 ball and 10 ball
Step 4. Place a solid ball in one of the far corners and a striped ball in the other far corner
This is done so that both solid balls and striped balls have an equal chance of getting into the bag at the time of the break. If this happens, the player taking the break usually chooses to shoot that type of ball and continue playing.
Step 5. Fill in the space between the corners of the shelves with other solid, striped balls
The balls don't have to be placed in a particular order or solid and striped pattern, although most players try to balance the placement of solid and striped balls, to make them equally likely to be put on the break. A common option is to place a solid and lined sphere side by side at the base, inside the spherical triangle (as shown in the image).
Step 6. Place the 8 ball at the apex, inside the ball triangle
This is done to reduce the chances of the 8 ball getting into the pocket during a break, which will automatically result in a win for the player taking the break when playing under UPA rules, as long as the break is legal.
Step 7. Make sure the balls are arranged tightly
This is usually done by pushing the triangle forward slightly and then pulling it back while using your fingers to push the ball forward, toward the apex of the triangle. Be sure to reposition the rack so that the ball at the apex of the triangle is directly above the foot spot.
