Setting up the pool balls correctly is crucial for a game of 8-ball. The goal of 8-ball is to pocket all of your assigned balls (either solids or stripes) and then pocket the 8-ball. To begin the game, the 15 object balls are racked in a triangle, with the apex ball placed on the foot spot. The 8-ball is then placed in the center of the triangle. The two cue balls are placed behind the head string.
The player who breaks the balls first is determined by a lag. The players each hit a cue ball toward the opposite end rail. The player whose cue ball comes closest to the opposite rail without falling into a pocket breaks first. The breaking player can choose to hit any ball on the table, but they must pocket at least one ball on the break. If the breaking player pockets the 8-ball on the break, they lose the game. If the breaking player pockets all of their assigned balls on the break, they win the game.
