Billiards

Introduction to Billiards

Looking for a game that’s both entertaining and great for sharpening your precision? Billiards — particularly the popular 8 Ball Pool variant — is an excellent pick. In this cue-based game, you use a stick to strike balls into pockets, requiring steady aim and smart strategy. Even better, you can challenge real players online from across the globe. Ready to dive in?

How to Play

The gameplay controls are very straightforward. Move your mouse to position the cue stick, click and drag to adjust the strength of your shot, then release to strike. If you notice directional arrows around the cue ball, it means you’re allowed to reposition it. This usually occurs at the beginning of the match or after your opponent commits a foul.

A major skill in 8 Ball Pool is mastering spin. Spin lets you influence what the cue ball does after impact. You can make it roll forward, stop on the spot, or reverse direction. To apply spin, click the cue ball icon at the top of the interface and drag the dot to where you want the effect. For instance, dragging the dot downward adds backspin. Take your shot and watch how the cue ball behaves — it’s a powerful way to set up your next play.

Your primary mission is to pocket all the balls in your assigned category — solids or stripes. Once that’s done, you must legally sink the 8 Ball to claim victory. Be cautious: pocketing the 8 Ball too early results in an instant loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the basic rules of Billiards?

At the start of the game, players are assigned stripes or solids depending on which type they pocket first. From then on, each player must target only their group. Once all of those balls are cleared, they can shoot for the 8 Ball. Pot the 8 Ball prematurely, and the match ends in defeat.

How are Pool and Billiards different?

“Billiards” is a broad term covering all cue sports. Pool is one category within Billiards and includes game types like 8 Ball, 9 Ball, and Snooker. So, Pool is essentially a subset of the larger Billiards family.

What does “scratch” mean in Billiards?

A scratch occurs when the cue ball is pocketed, fails to hit any ball, or contacts an incorrect ball first. In many online versions, a scratch gives your opponent the option to place the cue ball anywhere. Some rule sets require placing it behind a specific line or impose other penalties.

What if a scratch happens on the break?

You won’t lose immediately for scratching during the break shot. Instead, your opponent gets control of the table. Still, avoiding scratches is important because breaking first provides a strong advantage.

What happens if I scratch when shooting the 8 Ball?

You only lose automatically if both the cue ball and the 8 Ball fall into pockets during the same stroke. If the cue ball scratches but the 8 Ball stays on the table, the game continues — but it puts you in a risky position.