Objective of the Game
Billiards is a precision sport game where players use a cue, a long stick, to strike balls on a rectangular table with six pockets or holes (except in Carom billiards). The objective can vary depending on the variant, but generally, it involves pocketing balls into the table's pockets to score points or fulfill specific conditions.
Materials
- A billiard table (different sizes depending on the variant)
- 15 numbered balls (typically 1 to 15) in pool variants or unnumbered balls in snooker or carom
- 1 white cue ball
- Cue: The strike device
- Chalk: To rub against the cue tip for better grip
Setup
- Table Preparation: Balls are assembled in a triangle (for pool variants) placed at one end of the table, with the triangle's apex pointing towards the other end.
- Opening Break: A player is chosen randomly or by prior success to start the game with a break.
Basic Rules
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Round Objective: The goal is to pocket specific balls. In 8-ball pool, the goal is to pocket all "own" balls (either 7 solids or 7 stripes) and finally the black 8-ball.
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Shooting Procedure:
- The player uses the cue to strike the white cue ball, ideally causing it to strike the target colored or striped balls into the pocket.
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Directly hitting a colored ball with the cue tip without the cue ball striking it first is a foul.
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Turn Change: If the player fails to pocket a ball, the turn ends and passes to the next player.
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Fouls:
- If the cue ball is pocketed (scratch) or leaves the table, it is a foul, and the opponent places the cue ball anywhere on the table.
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If the cue ball doesn't touch any target balls.
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Free Cue on Foul: After a foul, the next player has a free shot, allowing them to position the cue ball anywhere on the table.
Strategic Considerations
- Positioning: Ensure you leave the cue ball in a position where you have a clear shot at the next target ball.
- Placement: Avoid leaving the cue ball in a difficult position for the subsequent shot.
- Defense: Sometimes, it's better to place the cue ball in an awkward position for the opponent rather than attempting a risky shot.
Winning the Game
Depending on the variant, the player meeting the objectives wins. In 8-ball, this is the player who correctly pockets all their object balls and the black eight ball last.
Variants and Special Features
- Snooker: A challenging variant with specific rules for potting red balls and colored balls on a larger table.
- Carom: Played without pockets, the aim is to achieve specific contact patterns by striking balls in a particular way.
With practice, both precision and strategic understanding improve, enhancing the game's enjoyment and challenge.
