Pool

About the game

Pool is an online 8-ball game you can play in your browser, on a felt table with six pockets, 15 balls and the cue ball. You face another person in a turn-based match, or a bot when nobody is waiting. Who plays solids (1 to 7) or stripes (9 to 15) is decided by the first ball potted without a foul.

The server simulates every shot and decides the rules, so matches are the same for both sides. To win, clear your group and pot the 8-ball without fouling; potting it too early, or together with the cue ball, is a loss. The game's ranking is the fewest shots needed to win.

If you like precision table sports, see other sports games. For another game with real-time matches against people, try Battleship.

How to play

1. Join a match from the lobby options: Quick match, private room with a code, or play against a bot.
2. On your turn, hover over the table (or tap) to aim; the guide line shows where the cue ball will hit first.
3. Drag the cue ball back and release to shoot: the farther you pull, the harder the shot. You can also use the power bar and the Shoot button.
4. Arrow keys fine-tune the angle and the Space key takes the shot.
5. Each turn lasts 45 seconds; running out of time counts as a foul.
6. After a foul, the opponent plays with ball in hand: drag on the table to place the cue ball and release.

Game modes

• 1 player. One player: use Play against a bot for an 8-ball match against a robot, without waiting for another person.
• PVP. Two players: create a private room and share the code with a friend, who joins with Join with code, to play a match just between you.
• Online. Online: Quick match puts you in the queue to face another person; if nobody shows up after a few seconds, a bot takes the spot.

Tips

• Before shooting, check the guide line: it shows what the cue ball will hit first, a ball or a cushion.
• While the table is still open, no ball is yours or your opponent's; pot the first one you can safely.
• Do not let the 8-ball drop before clearing your group: it is an immediate loss.
• If no ball drops, make at least one ball hit a cushion, or the shot counts as a foul.

Frequently asked questions