A pool table embraces the beauty of a bar. On this day, Millions of people love to play Billiard Pool – including General Class & Elite Class. But starting the pool game was a whole different thing.
We believe the pool game started its journey in the 15th century in Northern Europe. Back in the days, only the elite persons had the privilege of playing a pool game, which was classified as an outdoor game.
Now things have changed – as all the general people can enjoy this game too. This game can now be played at home, hence categorized this game as an indoor game. You have to know how to rack pool balls properly to master this game.
There are several types of pool games played around the world, such as – 8 Ball Pool, 9 Ball Pool, 10 Ball Pool & Straight Pool. I’ll go through all of them to efficiently master the art of racking pool balls. But for this, You will have to know about the Best Pool Balls available in the market, won’t you?
Table Chart of Page Contents
Our Ultimate Beginners Guide On – How to Rack Pool Balls Correctly?
Racking balls is the most crucial element of Pool games. In this segment, I will be discussing the types of racking and the ways (rules) to implement a perfect rack.
Rack in 8-Ball Pool Game
This variant of pool games is trendy and player-friendly. In the 8-Ball pool, you’ll be given a total of 16 balls to rack and play.
You will find two types of balls – solid & stripe. The main object of this game is to pocket the 8-Ball legally.
Pool Ball Types
- Stable: Seven balls will be solid
- Stripe: Seven balls Will Be Striped
- 8-Ball: The black ball numbered ‘8’ is the 8-Ball.
- The Cue Ball: The white ball without any number on it.
Instructions
The racking of 8-Ball pools is simple. It can be done in four simple steps with a triangular-shaped rack. Here’s how:
- Place the 1-Ball in the apex – the upper corner position of the rack. You can determine any corner as the upper corner.
- Place the 8-Ball in the middle area of the rack.
- Place a stripes ball (any striped ball) in one bottom corner and a solid ball (any solid ball) in another bottom edge of the rack
- Now place the remaining balls (in an intentional or unintentional pattern) in the rack.
That’s it. You are all set to play your beloved 8-Ball Pool Game.
Rack in 9-Ball Pool Game
The 9-Ball Pool Game is gradually gaining popularity among billiards. You can use either a rectangular-shaped rack or a diamond-shaped rack in this game. I’ll suggest using a diamond-shaped rack while racking your balls.
In this game, you’ll be given a total of 10 balls to rack. The main object of this game is to pocket the 9-Ball legally.
Pool Ball Types
- Stable: 1 to 8-Ball are solid balls
- Stripe: Only 9-Ball is the striped ball.
- 9-Ball: The striped ball numbered ‘9’ is the 9-Ball.
- The Cue Ball: The white ball without any number on it
Instructions
The racking of the 9-Ball pool is the easiest. You can perform an excellent rack in only three steps using a diamond-shaped rack. Here’s how:
- Place the 1-Ball in the apex position of the diamond-shaped rack. You can use any corner of the rack as ‘The Apex’.
- Place the 9-Ball in the middle position of the rack.
- Place the remaining balls in the rack. You can place them in any type of pattern – intentional or unintentional.
That’s it. Using those steps above, you can rack the 9-Ball pool within 10 seconds or less.
Rack in 10-Ball Pool Game
The 10-ball Pool Game is like the lite version of 8-Ball Pool. The main difference is that you’ll be given only 11 balls in total, instead of 16 balls. The main object of this game is to sink the 10-Ball legally.
Pool Ball Types
- Stripe: Besides 10-Ball, the only striped ball is the 9-Ball.
- Solid: 1 to 8-Ball are solid balls.
- 10-Ball: The striped ball numbered ’10’ is the 10-Ball.
- The Cue Ball: The white ball without any number on it.
Instructions
If you know how to rack an 8-Ball pool, then racking 10-Ball will be easier for you. You’ll be using a triangular-shaped rack in the following instructions:
- Place the 1-Ball in the apex position of the rack. The apex position isn’t pre-determined, you can call any corner ‘The Apex.’
- After that, Place the 10-Ball in the middle area of the rack.
- Then Place 2-Ball & 3-Ball in the bottom corner of the triangular rack.
- In the end, Place the remaining balls in the rack, whether in an intentional pattern or unintentional pattern.
By those four easy steps, you can rack a 10-Ball pool game within 10 to 15 seconds.
Rack in Straight Pool Game
If you’re bored with 8-Ball Pool Game, then you can try Straight Pool Game. You have to rack the same amount of balls like 8 Ball Pool Game – 16 balls. The difference is in the rules and regulations.
Unlike other games, you won’t have any pre-targeted object ball to the pocket. Instead, you have to call every time (by ball number and targeted pocket) before performing your shots.
Straight Pool Ball Types
- Solid: Eight balls will be solid
- Stripe: Seven balls Will Be Striped
- The cue ball: The white ball without any number on it.
There are no official rules about racking straight pool balls. However, you can follow the ‘traditional rule’ to get the best racking possible.
Instructions
Follow these simple three steps, and you’ll be good to go.
- Place the 1-Ball in the rack’s right corner
- After that, Place the 5-Ball in the rack’s left corner
- Place the remaining balls in the rack in any pattern.
That’s how you can perform a perfect racking in a straight pool game. A tight rack can make this game even more enjoyable. In the next segment, I’ll be discussing how to make a tight rack in a pool game.
How to make a tight rack in pool
There are several types of rack available in the market—different types of frames used in different kinds of pool games.
Triangular Rack – Ideal For 8 Ball Pool Game
The triangular billiard pool rack is the most common type of rack, generally used for 8-Ball Pool & 10-Ball Pool. However, this rack can be used for 9-Ball Pool too – which won’t be that efficient.
If you’re willing to create a sturdy rack using a triangular-shaped rack, follow the following instructions:
First of all, place all the balls in the rack. Make sure all of them are touching each other. Now put your fingers and thumbs behind those balls as you have to move the whole assembly at a time.
Make sure you slide balls, not rolling over the cloth – while moving the rack.
After doing all these things, gently lift the rack. In this way, you can make a tight rack in a triangular-shaped frame. If you’re looking for a triangular rack, I suggest you buy a Viper Billiard Triangle Rack.
Diamond Rack – Ideal For 9 Ball Pool Game
This type of rack is used for 9-Ball Pool Games. A diamond-shaped rack can hold a total of 9 balls at a time. Here’s how to make a tight rack with diamond rack:
Like every other rack, place all the balls in it according to rules. Also, make sure they are touching their neighbor. If not, give a mild shake holding the rack.
Now move the rack mildly – up & down. It will organize all the balls of it. At last, gently lift the rack. Make sure lifting the rack didn’t cause any motion to the balls. I’ve used several diamond racks in my life. But I loved “Nine Ball Billiard Rack” the most.
Magic Rack – It is Used in Any Pool Game
If you’re looking for something universal, then a Magic Rack will be the perfect fit. You can use this rack in any pool game – 8 Ball, 9 Ball, 10 Ball & Straight Ball.
This type of rack can bend for making an appropriate shape. It usually remains as a Triangular Rack. However, you can bend the bottom corner and make it a Diamond Rack. That’s why it’s also called The Automatic Rack or Universal Rack. Here’s how you create a sturdy rack with a magic rack:
Like every other rack, place all the balls in the rack. Give it a mild shake so that balls can touch each other. Move the rack up & down and gently lift the rack. That’s how you can make a tight rack using a Magic Rack. If you’re looking for the best Magic Rack, I would suggest buying CueSports Magic Ball Rack.
Final Words – How to Set Up Pool Balls
Pool Games can be an excellent choice for passing your time. It’s both enjoyable and requires intellectual talent. In this way, playing pool games can sharpen your thinking & executive capability.
Most of the people can’t afford to buy a pool table. They can still enjoy this game just by visiting nearby bars. However, if you’re serious about pool games – you can try to buy one. You can play various types of games just in one table.
I hope you got the answer to ‘How to rack pool’ as I have explained everything in detail. Make sure to check out my recommended racks if you own a pool table and want the best rack at a reasonable price. You might also find interest in our Eastpoint Sports 87-inch Brighton Billiard Pool Table Review.
