When do you become solids or stripes? Learn official WPA rules with examples.
1. What is Pool?
Pool is a game played on a table with 6 pockets where you use a cue stick to hit balls into the pockets. The most popular format is 8-ball, where players compete using solids (1-7) and stripes (9-15).
History of Pool
Pool evolved from billiards that started in 15th century Europe. It gained popularity in America, leading to the creation of formats like 8-ball and 9-ball. It is one of the most widely enjoyed cue sports worldwide.
The Appeal of Pool
Art of Physics: Harmony of angles, force, and spin
Strategic Thinking: Planning several shots ahead
Precision Skills: Satisfaction of executing accurate shots
Social Game: Great game to enjoy with friends
2. Types of Balls
In 8-ball, 16 balls are used: 1 cue ball, 7 solids, 7 stripes, and the 8-ball.
Solids - 1-7
①
Yellow
②
Blue
③
Red
④
Purple
⑤
Orange
⑥
Green
⑦
Brown
Solid colored balls. The entire ball is painted in that color.
Stripes - 9-15
⑨
Yellow stripe
⑩
Blue stripe
⑪
Red stripe
⑫
Purple stripe
⑬
Orange stripe
⑭
Green stripe
⑮
Brown stripe
Balls with a colored stripe in the center.
8-Ball
⑧
Black
The key ball of the game. You must pocket it last after all your balls to win.
3. WPA 8-Ball Rules
This guide explains group assignment and play using the official WPA (World Pool-Billiard Association) 8-ball rules.
Controls: without a selection bar, your aim and assigned group automatically determine the target ball and pocket, highlighted in yellow. Check the highlights as you aim. The call is fixed before the shot starts. Your assigned group stays the same; after clearing it, aim for the 8-ball. Breaks need no call. With ball in hand, press the cue ball again to move it before shooting. A separate dialog opens only for break exceptions or special spotting choices.
Am I solids or stripes?
Solids are balls 1–7; stripes are balls 9–15. Going first or hitting a ball first does not assign your group. Until groups are assigned, the table is “open.”
At the start: neither player has a group. You are not yet solids or stripes.
After the break: groups remain unassigned even if solids or stripes were pocketed. Pocket a ball without fouling and the same player shoots again.
On a shot after the break: choose the ball and pocket. Legally pocket that ball in that pocket to claim its group. This is a call shot; an obvious shot need not be announced aloud every time.
Once assigned: you play your group and your opponent gets the other. Pocketing another kind of ball later does not change either group.
Example: you pocketed the 2-ball on the break
Pocketing the solid 2-ball on the break does not make you solids. On your next shot, call the striped 10-ball into the right corner and pocket it without a foul: you are stripes (9–15), and your opponent is solids (1–7).
What if I miss or foul?
Before assignment, missing the called shot or fouling leaves the table open and passes play to your opponent. Pocketing the 3-ball and cue ball together is a foul, so it does not assign solids.
What if both kinds go in?
On the break, groups remain unassigned. Later, the legally pocketed called ball determines your group, not which ball falls first. Call and legally pocket the 10-ball while also pocketing the 3-ball: you are stripes.
What can I hit first on an open table?
After the break, either a solid or a stripe may be struck first while the table is open. Hitting the 8-ball first is normally a foul. WPA 4.4 provides a special exception when an entire group has already been pocketed.
Game Start
Rack 15 balls in a triangle
8-ball must be in the center
Break from behind the head string. If no ball is pocketed, at least four object balls must reach a cushion. Balls pocketed on the break do not assign groups.
After the break, legally pocket your called ball in the called pocket to claim its group; your opponent gets the other. A miss or foul before assignment leaves the table open.
Under WPA rules, pocketing the 8-ball on a legal break is not an automatic win or loss. The breaker chooses to spot it and continue or re-break. If it goes in with a foul, the opponent chooses a re-break or spotting it with cue ball in hand behind the head string.
Gameplay
Once assigned, hit your own group first while any remain. Hitting an opponent’s ball or the 8-ball first is a foul. After clearing your group, hit the 8-ball first on the next shot.
Legally pocket your called ball in the called pocket to continue. A miss or foul passes play to your opponent. A declared safety passes the turn even if a ball is pocketed.
Turn passes to opponent on miss or foul
Clear all seven balls of your group, then legally pocket the 8-ball in the called pocket on a later shot. Do not pocket your last group ball and the 8-ball on the same shot.
Foul
Fouls occur when:
Cue ball doesn't hit any ball
Cue ball goes into a pocket (scratch)
Once assigned, hit your own group first while any remain. Hitting an opponent’s ball or the 8-ball first is a foul. After clearing your group, hit the 8-ball first on the next shot.
Ball leaves the table
If no ball is pocketed, the cue ball or an object ball must reach a cushion after the cue ball contacts an object ball. Otherwise it is a foul.
After a standard foul, your opponent may place the cue ball anywhere on the playing surface. Break fouls have separate rules, including placement behind the head string.
Win Conditions
Clear all seven balls of your group, then legally pocket the 8-ball in the called pocket on a later shot. Do not pocket your last group ball and the 8-ball on the same shot.
Except on the break, call the intended ball and pocket. Obvious shots do not need to be announced aloud every time.
Lose Conditions
On a shot other than the break, you lose by pocketing the 8-ball early, in an uncalled pocket, or while fouling. Pocketing it on the break has separate rules.
Scratching while pocketing the 8-ball
Pocketing the 8-ball in wrong pocket
4. Basic Stance
Stance (Foot Position)
Front foot points toward shot direction, back foot slightly to side
Spread slightly wider than shoulder width
Center of gravity slightly forward
Maintain stable and comfortable position
Bridge (Hand Position)
The bridge guides the cue stick. A stable bridge is fundamental for accurate shots.
Open Bridge: Make a V with thumb and index finger. Recommended for beginners
Closed Bridge: Curl index finger around cue. Provides more stable guidance
Grip (Cue Hand)
Don't grip too tightly - keep it relaxed
Keep wrist straight
Swing from the elbow
Stroke in a straight line
Aiming
Visualize where to hit the target ball
Visualize the collision point between cue ball and target
Take a few warm-up strokes before shooting
5. Shot Techniques
Basic Shots
Stop Shot: Hit center of cue ball so it stops after contact
Follow Shot: Hit top of cue ball so it rolls forward after contact
Draw Shot: Hit bottom of cue ball so it comes back after contact
English/Spin
Left English: Hit left side of cue ball to deflect left off cushion
Right English: Hit right side of cue ball to deflect right off cushion
Power Control
Soft Shot: Good for position play, easy to control
Medium Shot: Most common shot power
Hard Shot: Used for breaks or special situations
💡 Tip: First master basic shots (stop, follow, draw). Spin comes after.
6. Strategy & Tips
Position Play
More important than pocketing is cue ball position for the next shot.
Always plan 2-3 shots ahead
Send cue ball to an easy angle for the next ball
Save difficult balls for later, clear easy ones first
Safety Play
When pocketing is difficult, consider safety shots to make it hard for opponent.
Hide cue ball behind opponent's balls
Send cue ball to far end of table
Force difficult shots near clusters
Tips for Beginners
Maintain consistent stance - same routine every shot
Don't rush - aim thoroughly before shooting
Complete your follow-through
Analyze missed shots - why did it miss?
Watch professional matches to learn
💡 Key: Pool is said to be "90% mental." Staying calm and focused is most important.