Billiards is a popular indoor sport that is enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels around the world. The objective of the game is to strike a white cue ball with a cue stick in order to pocket the colored balls on a billiard table. Here is a list of the basic rules of billiards:
- The game is played on a rectangular table that measures 9 feet x 4.5 feet, with six pockets placed at the corners and in the middle of the sides.
- Each game is played with a set of billiard balls, which usually consist of a white cue ball and 15 colored balls (7 solids, 7 stripes, and the black 8-ball)
- The objective of the game is to legally pocket the designated set of balls (solids or stripes) and then legally pocket the 8-ball, while following the rules of the specific game variation you are playing.
- The player or team that legally pockets the 8-ball wins the game.
- The game begins with a break shot, where the cue ball is struck to spread the colored balls across the table.
- The player or team who pockets a ball on the break shot gets to continue shooting until they miss or commit a foul.
- Players must not touch the colored balls with their hand or any part of their body, except when placing the balls on the table at the beginning of the game or when retrieving them from a pocket.
- Players must not strike the cue ball with the cue stick below the equator.
- If a player commits a foul, the opponent gets ball-in-hand, meaning they can place the cue ball anywhere on the table before their next shot.
- There are various variations of billiards, including 8-ball, 9-ball, straight pool, and one-pocket.
Billiards is a fun and exciting sport that requires skill, precision, and strategy. It can be played competitively or recreationally, and it’s a great way to spend time with friends and family or to improve your skills. If you’re interested in trying it out, look for a local billiards club or table where you can learn the proper techniques and join in the fun!