The 8-Ball is probably the most popular type of Pool game. The game is also known as "Stripes or solids" and "Hi-Low". The game is played by approximately 30 million American players as well as millions other players in the European and Asian continents. Arguably it can be called the single most played table sport in the whole world.
There are 8-Ball leagues that host millions of players. The leagues also arrange giant open tournaments that involve a total of thousands or in some cases even tens of thousands of entrants for a single 8-Ball game.
The 8-Ball rules are very simple and the game is very colorful. The players have to bust the rack by going on an open break. The players have to choose between the solids and the stripes. After choosing the balls the players have to shoot at the balls with the cue ball. To win the game the players have to pocket the 8-Ball at the last.
The 8-Ball rules look very simple however, it involves a sublime strategy. There is a need for some creative thinking in the game of 8-Ball. In fact the need of creative thinking is much more than in the 9-Ball game which basically is a rotation game. Also the 8-Ball game requires a cleverer shot sequencing with a much precise control on the cue ball.
The objective of the 8-Ball game is to pocket the set of object balls numbered 1 through 7. The players have to go for either "solids" or "stripes". Once they are done with pocketing the first 7 balls, they have to pocket the 8-Ball in the final shot.
For pocketing the 8th ball the players have to call the pocket in which they will be putting the 8th ball. This helps in maintaining a flexibility it means that whether a ball gets straight inside the pocket or it moves around the table before sinking in the pocket or even if the ball flies through the air into a pocket like a basketball, the players get to retain their turn.
According to the 8-Ball rules, the players are awarded with a Ball-in-hand after a cue scratch. The ball-in-hand is one of those 8-Ball rules measures that are designed to speed up the whole game. Also the rule helps to avoid the illegal pocketing of the balls. According to the 8-Ball rules the players are allowed to push an opponent's ball straight into a pocket on their turn.
The 8-Ball rules have a stipulation under which if they scratch the 8-Ball it does not cause a loss of game unless the player pockets the 8-Ball in the same shot. This makes the whole play enjoyable play. This is an unusual rule that was set to end the really long defensive struggles. It helps the players to get over the fear of disturb the 8-Ball close to any of the pockets.
These strategies can help an amateur to play the game like a pro.