Setting up the pool balls before the game starts isn’t something to give you much thought. Before starting a new game, you must arrange the pool table then get ready for the play. The game features several variations that need a particular type of setting up the ball.
However, the task may look a bit simple, but there are other tricks and rules for setting the balls properly. Read on to get an insight on how to set up the pool balls the right way.
- Eight Ball Set Up
Begin by positioning the rack on top of the table, then put the 15 balls randomly. With that done, set the balls and make sure a single solid-colored ball and another striped ball are on the rack’s last row.
Now place the eight ball at the central part of the rack’s third-row then place the remaining balls randomly after you finish the second and third steps,
Then slide the rack on top of the poker table to ensure that the balls on the first row remain fixed on the upper side of the foot spot. That’s the light spot in the middle of the table that you can use as a guide to place the rack properly.
Plastic triangle billiard racks always work properly but if you have a pool table and wish to class it up, make sure you purchase a wooden rack.
- Nine-Ball Set Up
Place the rack on the table, then arrange the balls labeled 1 to 9 on the rack. Then split them randomly among the five rows to come up with a diamond shape; both the fifth and the first row must have a single ball each, then place two balls on the fourth and the second rows. Lastly, place three balls on the third row.
Most pool tables come with a diamond rack, so there’s no need to shape the balls on the rack.
Additionally, place one ball on the triangle, then the ball labeled nine in the middle of the third row. Place the other balls randomly without following any pattern.
Place the rack in a position that one ball stays on the upper side of the foot spot.
- The Straight Pool
With the triangular rack placed on the pool table, randomly place all the balls. Having done that, place the rack so that the first ball stays on the foot spot.
Now put the empty rack on its end, resting position over the foot spot on the table.
Then all the 14 balls, but ensure you don’t rack the final ball if it doesn’t drop inside the rack and leave the upper position open. If it rests within the rack, be sure to add it. Keep on doing this until a player gets to the determined points then wins the game.
- Ten Ball set up
Place the rack on the table, then arrange the balls labeled 1 to t0 randomly in a triangular pattern. In this setup, the rack will have up to four rows. Place one ball on the front position, then the ten ball at the center within the third row. Then move the rack swiftly on top of the table to make one ball move on the foot spot.
That’s how to set up pool balls before starting the game. However, if you want the set up to be good, ensure that the rack is held firm more so when racking a ten-ball or nine-ball match using the rack. You’ll get more space on the rack when arranging the balls on for these matches. You must take utmost care if you want the balls to maintain their position.
How to Set Up Pool Balls in A Triangle
To arrange the balls in a triangle, you must have a triangular rack. This is one of the common types of rack, as it’s widely used in many games.
- Arrange the balls in the triangular rack depending on the game rules that you are playing, and immediately you have the balls in the right manner, move the entire rack up to the foot spit in a single swift movement. Doing this will sock the ball in the right manner.
- After that, apply some pressure using your fingers through placing them in the space at the back of the last row of balls, then push forward.
- Once more, if there’s still some space between the balls in the rack, the balls might have been slightly warped, damaged, or misshapen. You can solve the problem by moving the balls around as you rotate them to get a better fit.
- If the rack looks tight and properly arranged, make sure you gently lift the triangle back and forward. Please be careful not to relocate any ball while removing the rack. Depending on the game rules, you are not allowed to touch any ball immediately after the rack is removed. Therefore, try to make this properly the first time,
While playing a friendly game in the bar or at home, it’s advisable to fix the rack then place it properly before getting to the break.
David Nilsen is the former editor of Fourth & Sycamore. He is a member of the National Book Critics Circle. You can find more of his writing on his website at davidnilsenwriter.com and follow him on Twitter as @NilsenDavid.