How to Set up a Pool Table

A game of pool is the ultimate test of precision and skill that can take years to master. If you’re new to the game, you’ll need to know how to set up a pool table before you even think about chalking up your cue. 

Although racking up the pool table might not sound like the most thrilling part of the game, it can make all the difference when it’s time to break. So whether you’ve played before or it’s your first time testing your skills, you’ll want to make your setup as smooth as your first shot.

 

What you Need to Know Before you Start 

Before you start arranging the pool balls, there are just a few things you need to keep in mind:

Get to Know The Balls

The first step for setting up a pool table is to understand what you’re working with and how to identify each type of ball.

• Cue Ball: This is the white ball you’ll use to strike the other balls - there’s only one of these in each game.
• Object Balls: These are the coloured balls that you’re aiming to pocket throughout the game. 
• Striped Object Balls: These are white balls with a coloured stripe down the middle.
• Solid Object Balls: As the name suggests, these are solid-coloured balls.
• 8-Ball: This is the all-important black ball that you need to win the game!

The way you set up the balls will depend on whether you’re playing an 8 or 9-ball game. 

 

The Difference Between 8 & 9-Ball Pool 

The two most common types of pool games are 8 and 9-ball pool, both of which require a slightly different setup. 

For 8-ball pool, you’ll play with 16 balls - seven striped, seven solid, the 8-ball and the cue ball. The aim of the game is to pocket either all of the striped or solid balls, followed by the 8-ball for the win.

If you’re playing a 9-ball game, you’ll need 10 balls - your cue ball and numbers 1-9. For this game, you’ll want to pocket the balls in numerical order. Sink the 9-ball and you’ll be crowned the winner!

 

Familiarise Yourself with a Pool Rack

A pool rack is an essential piece of equipment that’ll help make sure your balls are arranged properly. 

There are a few different types, but the ones that are most commonly used are triangle racks, which are required for 8-ball pool and diamond racks for 9-ball games. They’re usually made from plastic but you may also come across ones made from metal, acrylic or wood - all of which have their own pros and cons. 

 

How to Set up Pool Balls for an 8-Ball Game

Grab your 16 balls and triangle rack and get ready to set up your game of 8-ball pool.

Step 1: Rack the Balls

If you want to play by the official rules, this step should be undertaken by the non-breaking player. 

The person racking should start by placing your triangle rack at the foot of the pool table (the opposite side to where you break from). The black 8-ball should be placed in the centre of the triangle (the middle of the third row) and a striped ball should be in one back corner and a solid in the other. The remaining balls can then be placed anywhere within the triangle.

 

Step 2: Roll & Remove the Rack

You want to make sure your balls are as tightly packed as possible to help you get a consistent break.  

Once they’re in place, use your fingers to gently push them towards the front of the rack, ensuring that all of the balls are touching and there are no gaps. 

Once you’re happy with the placement, you’ll need to remove the triangle rack. Try to take extra care with this step, making sure you don’t knock any of the balls out of place. 

 

Step 3: Set the Cue Ball

Once your object balls are in position and tightly-packed, it’s time to set your cue ball. Simply place it behind the line at the head of the table (known as the “headstring”). Try and get the placement as central as possible, as this can help you to achieve an even break. 

 

How Should 9-Ball be Set Up?

Although the rack and cue ball placement is the same for both an 8 and 9-ball game, the ball placement differs slightly. 

You’ll start by placing your 1-ball at the front of your diamond rack and your 9-ball in the centre (similar to the 8-ball placement). From there, the remaining balls can be placed at random and you can follow the same steps as you would for an 8-ball game, ensuring that the balls are tightly-packed. 

Once you’ve mastered the setup, all that’s left to do is to perfect your game. With a little precision, practice and planning, you’ll be cue-ed up for success! 
Want to test your new-found skills? Challenge your friends to a game of pool at Hollywood Bowl today to see who’s got the finesse to sink the competition and rack up the wins!