Set up the balls in a triangle rack with the 8-ball in the center
Break by striking the cue ball to scatter the rack
Determine your group of balls after the break if playing 8-ball
Call your shots if using house rules that require it
Use the cue stick to hit the cue ball only
Aim the cue ball so it contacts your target ball and sends it into a pocket
Take turns with your opponent
Keep shooting as long as you legally pocket your own balls
Avoid scratching by pocketing the cue ball
In 8-ball, pocket all of your assigned balls before the 8-ball
Pocket the 8-ball in the called pocket to win
In 9-ball, always hit the lowest-numbered ball first
In straight pool, score points by pocketing called balls
Win by completing the objective of the specific pool game being played