TLDR: “Billiards” covers many cue games. In the US, most people mean pool. To play, learn the table and balls, hold the cue, stand steady, aim, and pick a simple game like 8 ball. Take turns and follow the basic rules.
What you will learn:
- What “billiards” means
- The gear you need
- How to take a shot
- The basic rules most games share
- Which game to play first
I have played pool for more than 50 years. I have played in leagues and tournaments for more than 38 years. People often ask me, “How do I start?” Here is the simple answer, step by step.
Step 1: Know What Billiards Means
Billiards is a family of games played with a cue stick and balls on a cloth table. Pool is one kind. It uses a table with six pockets. Carom billiards is played on a table with no pockets. Snooker is another kind, played on a big table. This page is mostly about pool, since that is what most people play in the US.
Step 2: Get to Know the Table
A pool table has six pockets: four corners and two side pockets. The rails are the cushioned edges. Small marks on the rails are called diamonds. They help you aim and plan. The head of the table is where you break from. The foot is where the balls are racked.
Step 3: Know the Balls
There is one white cue ball. It is the only ball you hit with the cue. The other balls are object balls. In 8 ball, there are 15 object balls. Balls 1 to 7 are solids. Balls 9 to 15 are stripes. The 8 is black.
Step 4: Hold the Cue
Hold the back of the cue loosely. Your forearm should hang straight down when the tip is near the cue ball. Your front hand makes a bridge to guide the cue.
Step 5: Take Your Stance
Stand behind the shot. Step in with your back foot near the line. Bend at the waist. Bring your chin over the cue. Stay still.
Step 6: Aim and Shoot
Find the spot on the object ball that faces away from the pocket. Send the cue ball to hit that spot. Take a few smooth practice strokes. Then hit through the ball and follow through. Stay down until the balls stop.
Step 7: Learn the Shared Rules
Most pool games share these basics:
- Players take turns.
- You keep shooting while you legally make balls.
- A scratch (cue ball in a pocket) is a foul.
- After a foul, the other player often gets ball in hand.
- On each shot, a ball must go in or some ball must hit a rail.
Each game has its own rules on top of these.
Step 8: Pick Your First Game
8 ball. Sink your group (solids or stripes), then the 8. Great for beginners.
9 ball. Hit the lowest numbered ball first. Sink the 9 to win. Faster and more advanced.
Straight pool. Call any ball and pocket, and score points. Good practice for control.
I suggest starting with 8 ball.
Tips for New Players
- Chalk your tip often.
- Do not hit too hard.
- Learn center ball before spin.
- Play with better players when you can. You will learn fast.
Learn More
My Pool School has free lessons for beginners. My YouTube channel shows the basics in action.
FAQ
Is billiards the same as pool?
Pool is one type of billiards. Billiards also includes carom games and snooker.
What is the easiest billiards game to learn?
8 ball is a good first game.
Can you play billiards alone?
Yes. You can practice drills or play a game against yourself.
How many players can play?
Most games are for two players or two teams.
Summary
How to play billiards: know the table and balls, hold the cue loosely, stand still, aim and follow through, learn the shared rules, and start with 8 ball. Then keep practicing.
About the Author
I am Ted Mauro. I have played pool for more than 50 years and in leagues and tournaments for more than 38 years.
Sources
- Wikipedia, “Cue sports” (billiards family includes pool, carom, snooker): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cue_sports