Playing 8 Ball Pool for the first time and unsure what to do after potting the white ball or how to pocket other balls? While potting object balls is the goal, sinking the cue ball is a foul, and gives the upper hand to your opponent when the player strikes.
Whether you’ve tried 8 Ball Pool, billiards, or snooker, or are just getting started, you’ve probably noticed the white ball always takes center stage. Most players are familiar with the cue ball and its key role, but many beginners remain unclear about its exact position, meaning, purpose, and the rules surrounding it.
If you’re new to 8 Ball Pool, this guide will help you understand the white ball’s relevance and the official rules that come with it. The cue ball is a universal standard across cue sports, including pool, snooker, and billiards. But the gameplay and objectives in each are different. Here, we’ll focus on its role in 8 Ball Pool, how it works on the table, and what not to do with its setup.
And the best part? You can experience all of this on your mobile with Pool Champs on the MPL app. Play real-time matches, test your skills, and enjoy the skill-based gameplay, all from the convenience of your phone.
What is the White Ball called in a Pool, Snooker, and Billiards Game?
In 8 Ball Pool, as well as in snooker and billiards, the white ball is called the cue ball. Think of it like the striker in a carrom game, it’s the only ball you can hit directly with your cue stick to target other balls on the table before the incoming player takes their turn .
History of the Cue Ball
The cue ball’s evolution is quite fascinating and reflects changes in the billiards industry. Back when table games (inspired by lawn games like golf and croquet) were first introduced, balls were made of wood. But wood wasn’t durable and would chip easily. So over time, better materials were developed.
- From the 1580s to the early 1900s, cue balls were made of ivory; however, concerns about elephant hunting led to an end to this practice.
- Later versions used Sorel cement and celluloid.
- Today, modern cue balls are made from high-quality plastics and resins, ensuring precision and durability.
In British Pool, you’ll even find cue balls with special markings, like dots or sections, designed to help beginners practice spins and cue control. In traditional billiards, there were once two white cue balls, while the black ball served a crucial role in determining the outcome. To avoid confusion, one was swapped for a yellow ball that serves the same function.
And now, thanks to digital technology, cue ball physics and gameplay have also made their way to mobile screens. Online versions of pool games simulate the same mechanics, making it easy to learn, practice, and enjoy the game anywhere, anytime.
What is the Importance of the Cue Ball in Pool?
The cue ball is the most important ball on the table in pool, snooker, billiards, and similar cue sports. It’s the only ball you’re allowed to strike directly with your cue stick. If you touch any other ball with the stick, it’s considered a foul.
When you take a shot, your cue transfers energy to the cue ball, which then hits the object balls to pot them. But there’s more going on than just a simple hit. Cue balls are usually made of phenolic resin or polyester, which makes them slightly heavier than other balls. This added weight helps the ball store and transfer more energy, giving you better control over spins, rebounds, and angled shots.
Cue Ball Rules in 8 Ball Pool
Potting the White Ball
Sometimes, while taking a strike, you might pot the cue ball along with an object ball. That’s called a “scratch” from knocking, and it’s a foul. When you scratch, you lose your turn, and your opponent gets ball-in-hand. With ball-in-hand, your opponent can place the cue ball anywhere behind the headstring, giving them a significant advantage. That one mistake can swing the momentum of the game.
Moving the White Ball
You’re allowed to move the cue ball freely behind the headstring at the beginning of the game, during the break shot. But after that, you’re not allowed to reposition it whenever you want. If you pot your opponent’s ball by mistake, that’s a foul too. The opponent will then get ball-in-hand and can place it behind the headstring before their next shot.
In tournament play, however, players may be allowed to place the cue ball anywhere on the table when they get ball-in-hand, so always know the format you’re playing according to the rules.
Hitting an Opponent’s Ball with the White Ball
If you aim at and hit your opponent’s object ball directly, that’s another foul. When playing 8 Ball Pool online, which is among the most common games, the game shows a red cross as a warning if you’re aiming at the wrong ball. If you ignore it and go ahead with the player strikes, you’ll lose your turn, and once again, the opponent gets the cue ball in hand. Always aim for your own set of balls (stripes or solids) unless you’re playing a legal combo.
Conclusion
When playing online pool, following the rules isn’t optional. And the cue ball is at the heart of every move you make. Understanding its role and the key dos and don’ts will help you avoid fouls and missed opportunities. So next time you’re lining up a shot on MPL’s 8 Ball Pool, keep the cue ball in check, plan your moves smartly, and turn the tables in your favor if you’re an accomplished player. In this game, the smallest white ball often makes the most significant difference.
FAQs
What is the white ball called in 8 Ball Pool?
The white ball in 8 Ball Pool is called the cue ball. It’s the only ball you’re allowed to hit directly with the cue stick to strike other balls on the table.
How can I play 8 Ball Pool online on MPL?
You can play Pool Champs on the MPL app, a real-time 8 Ball Pool game that tests your skill against real opponents. The game follows standard rules and gives you an exciting platform to improve your cue control and win matches on the go.
What happens if I pot the white ball while playing online?
That’s called a scratch, and it’s a foul. Your opponent will get ball-in-hand, which allows them to place the cue ball in a specific area (usually behind the headstring) to take their next shot.
Can I hit the 8 ball directly during an online match?
Only if all your assigned balls (solids or stripes) are already potted. If you aim for the 8 ball too early in an online game, you’ll either get a foul or lose the game, depending on the rules of that specific match.
