8 Ball Pool is one of the most popular cue sports, and it’s even more exciting when you play it online on platforms like MPL. While games like billiards and snooker have different rules and balls, 8 Ball Pool stands out because of one key element which is the black ball, known as the 8-ball.
On MPL, you’ll find a standard 8 Ball Pool setup, you can find the game by the name of Pool Champs: seven solid-colored balls, seven striped balls, one white cue ball, and the black 8-ball. The original game is named after this ball for a reason. Let’s find out!
What Does the Black Ball Mean in 8 Ball Pool?
Just like the Queen in Carrom, the 8-ball is the most important ball in the game. Once you’ve pocketed all your assigned balls (solids or stripes), you must pot the 8-ball to win. But be careful, there are specific rules for potting it. If you’re new to 8 Ball Pool on MPL, learning how the 8-ball works is key to improving your game and winning matches.
Let’s break down the rules and importance of the black ball in 8 Ball Pool:
Rules for Potting the Black Ball in 8 Ball Pool
In 8 Ball Pool, the black ball (8-ball) is the most important ball on the table. The game is won or lost based on how and when this ball is potted. According to black ball rules, you can only pot the 8-ball after you’ve cleared all your assigned balls (either solids or stripes).
Here are the rules for potting the black ball every 8 Ball Pool player should know:
1. Position of Black Ball on the Table:
The black ball is placed at the center of the rack, surrounded by both solid and striped balls.
2. When to Pot the 8-Ball:
You can only aim for the black ball after potting all the balls (object balls). Potting it early is a foul.
3. No Direct Shots:
Players can’t directly hit the black ball with the cue stick unless it’s their legal turn to pot it.
4. Break Shot Rule:
During the break, you can pot any object ball except the 8-ball. If the black ball is potted on break, it’s a foul and must be placed back on the table.
In 8 Ball Pool, the break shot is the first shot of the game. It’s the shot that one player takes to “break” the triangle of racked balls at the start of the match.
5. Correct Pocket Rule:
The black ball must be potted in the same pocket where the last object ball was potted. If the last ball was potted in a corner pocket, the 8-ball must go into the same corner. If the last ball went into a middle pocket, the player must call a middle pocket before potting the 8-ball.
6. Wrong Pocket = Foul:
If the black ball is potted in the wrong pocket (not matching the last ball’s pocket or not the called pocket), it’s considered spotted and the player loses.
7. Spotted Ball on Physical Tables:
In physical pool games, if the 8-ball bounces off the table, it is also considered spotted and placed back.
8. Points in Tournaments:
In some competitive formats or back-to-back games, the black ball is worth 7 points, while other balls have no points.
9. Deciding the Winner:
The player who legally pots the 8-ball after clearing all their object balls wins the game.
Rules for Accidentally Hitting the Black Ball in 8 Ball Pool
In 8 ball pool, if a player hits the 8-ball accidentally or indirectly with another object ball, the player is not penalized for a foul. As per 8 ball poll rules, when the cue stick hits the cue ball, the first ball that the cue ball makes contact with must be an object ball. Therefore, the concern lies in the situation when the cue ball directly touches the black 8-ball.
If you hit the black ball indirectly, there are no serious consequences. However, it is a foul if you hit and pot the 8-ball before potting the designated object balls.
When Can You Take Two Turns to Pot the Black Ball in 8 Ball Pool?
In 8 ball pool, you can take two turns to pot the black ball in one circumstance. For instance, you have potted all your designated balls and have to only pot the 8-ball to finish your game. But, your opponent has a few object balls remaining on the table. In this case, you can take two shots to pot the black ball.
However, if you and your opponent have potted the corresponding designated object balls, and are chasing the 8-ball, you only get one shot to pot the 8-ball. After your shot, the opponent gets a turn to pot it, and if they fail, the turn comes back to you. The turns continue until one player pots the 8-ball successfully.
Conclusion
Knowing the rules related to the black ball before your play 8 ball pool game online is essential to avoid fouls. Potting the 8 ball prematurely or during the break shot will give the upper hand to the opponent, which can break your game. You must also avoid touching the 8-ball directly with the cue ball to avoid a foul. The above 8-ball pool rules are a must-read for pool beginners as avoiding such fouls can increase your winning chances.
FAQs
1. Where is the black ball placed on the table at the start?
The black 8-ball is placed at the center of the triangle rack, surrounded by the solid and striped balls.
2. Do I lose the game if I pot the black ball in the wrong pocket?
Yes. If you pot the 8-ball in the wrong pocket in the pool table (not the same as your last object ball or not the called pocket), it’s considered a foul, and the black ball is spotted or placed back on the table. You may also lose the game, depending on the format.
3.What is a legal ball in 8 Ball Pool?
A legal ball is any object ball (solid or stripe) that a player is assigned. You must always hit your legal ball first with the cue ball, or it will count as a foul.
4.When do I get one free shot in 8 Ball Pool?
You get one free shot (sometimes called a “bonus shot”) if your opponent commits a foul, like potting the cue ball or hitting the wrong ball first.
