Pool Masters: Ultimate Guide on How to Play 8-Ball
4 - 5 minutes
8-Ball is one of the most popular pool games worldwide, combining skill, strategy, and precision. Whether you're new to the game or looking to refine your technique, this guide will walk you through the essential rules, strategies, and features in Pool Masters to help you dominate the 8-ball table.
Basic Rules of 8-Ball#Copy URL to this article section
In 8-ball, there are two sets of balls: solids (numbered 1-7) and stripes (numbered 9-15). The objective is simple: pocket all your assigned balls (solids or stripes) and then legally pocket the 8-ball to win the game.
Breaking: The game starts with a break shot. If a ball is pocketed on the break, the player continues their turn.
Choosing Solids or Stripes: After the break, the table is "open" until a player legally pockets a solid or stripe ball. The group they pocket first becomes their assigned group.
Objective: Pocket all the balls in your group (solids or stripes). After clearing your group, pocket the 8-ball to win.
Fouls: Include hitting the cue ball off the table, failing to hit any ball, pocketing the 8-ball before clearing your group, or failing to hit the 8-ball after clearing your group.
How to Play 8-Ball in Pool Masters#Copy URL to this article section
While Pool Masters follows the standard rules of 8-ball, it introduces unique in-game mechanics and features that affect how you play. Here's a breakdown of these features:
The Home Tab#Copy URL to this article section
The Home Tab displays important game elements such as your current tables, profile information, and the number of gems and gold you have. The more you wager in games, the faster you progress toward unlocking prizes.
There are six tables you can unlock as you level up:
Level 1: Stake up to 2.5k gold
Level 2: Stake up to 10k gold
Level 4: Stake up to 50k gold
Level 7: Stake up to 100k gold
Level 12: Stake up to 250k gold
Level 21: Stake up to 1M gold
From 2.5K to 50K, every match counts! Play in the 8-ball tournaments and claim your rewards
In-Game Features#Copy URL to this article section
Once you’re in a game, the table includes several interactive elements to help you manage your shots and gameplay effectively:
Power Bar: This bar allows you to adjust the strength of your shot. The more you pull back, the stronger the shot will be.
Aiming Wheel: Use this tool to control the direction of the cue ball and fine-tune the trajectory of your shots.
Spin/English Ball: This allows you to apply spin to the cue ball, controlling its movement after contact with other balls.
Cue Selector: Switch between different cues to find one that suits your play style. Different cues offer different stats.
Shot Timer: The green border around your profile shows how much time you have left to make your shot. Stay aware of this timer to avoid losing turns.
Quick Tip: Tapping on the desired ball to aim will automatically align the power bar for the shot.
Cues and Upgrades #Copy URL to this article section
In Pool Masters, cues are a central part of gameplay, providing different stats that can give you an edge in matches. Each cue can be leveled up and ranked up, with higher-ranked cues offering more powerful attributes.
Cue Leveling and Ranking:
Power: Increases shot strength.
Spin: Enhances your ability to apply spin/English to the cue ball.
Accuracy: Lengthens your aiming guidelines for more precise shots.
Time: Increases the time you have to make a shot.
Upgrading your cue not only improves your in-game performance but also helps you unlock new tables as you progress through the levels.
Unlock powerful cues and upgrade them to boost your gameplay!
Gameplay Flow#Copy URL to this article section
Breaking the Balls: The game starts with a break shot, with the cue ball placed behind the second line (head string). No specific ball needs to be hit first during the break.
Open Table: After the break, the table remains open until a player legally pockets a solid or stripe. Once a ball is pocketed, the group is assigned.
Continuing Play: Players stay at the table as long as they continue to legally pocket balls from their group. After clearing their group, they can attempt to pocket the 8-ball.
Fouls and Losing the Rack #Copy URL to this article section
Players lose the rack under the following conditions:
Pocketing the 8-ball before clearing their group.
Pocketing the cue ball after pocketing the 8-ball.
Pocketing both the last ball of their group and the 8-ball in the same shot.
Striking an opponent’s ball before legally striking the 8-ball.
Standard fouls also apply, such as hitting the wrong group’s ball first, failing to hit any ball, or scratching the cue ball.
Strategy Tips for 8-Ball#Copy URL to this article section
To maximize your chances of winning, follow these key strategies:
Plan Your Shots: Always think one or two shots ahead to ensure you leave the cue ball in a good position for your next move.
Control the Cue Ball: Avoid using too much power unless necessary. Controlling the cue ball's movement helps you maintain better positioning for future shots.
Use Spin Effectively: Adding spin to your shots allows you to control where the cue ball will end up, making it easier to set up subsequent shots.
Defensive Play: If you don’t have a clear shot, consider playing defensively by making it difficult for your opponent to take a shot.
Winning the Game#Copy URL to this article section
Dominate the game in Pool Masters by claiming a huge victory
To win in Pool Masters, you need to legally pocket the 8-ball after completing your set of balls (solids or stripes). There is no need to call a designated pocket, but you must ensure the shot is legal. Pocketing the 8-ball prematurely or committing a foul while shooting it will result in an automatic loss. Stay patient, play strategically, and aim carefully to secure victory.
In Pool Masters, mastering the mechanics of 8-ball is key to winning matches and accumulating gold. But winning isn't just about pocketing the balls—it’s also about how you manage your resources and enhance your gameplay to climb through the ranks. For more insights on optimizing your gold earnings as you improve, check out our Ultimate Guide to Maximizing Your Gold Score, where we break down strategies to enhance your gameplay and make the most of your in-game rewards.
Conclusion#Copy URL to this article section
Mastering 8-ball in Pool Masters requires a balance of skill, strategy, and familiarity with the in-game mechanics. By understanding the basic rules, using the power and spin tools effectively, and upgrading your cues, you’ll have the edge needed to outplay your opponents.
Remember, patience and planning are key to success—focus on controlling the cue ball, anticipating your next shot, and using defensive tactics when needed. With these strategies, you’ll steadily improve your game and rise through the ranks in Pool Masters.