How to play 8 ball pool

Rules and controls for CueClash, the free online pool game

CueClash is real-time multiplayer 8 ball pool that runs in your browser. Play a quick match against another player, challenge a friend, or practise on your own, even offline. Every shot is simulated with realistic physics, so spin, cut angles and cushions behave like a real table. Start playing now.

The aim of the game

There are 15 object balls on the table: solids (1 to 7), stripes (9 to 15) and the black 8 ball. Pot every ball in your group, then pot the 8 to win.

The break

• Break from behind the line.
• A ball that drops on the break doesn't decide the groups.
• If the 8 drops on the break, it goes back on its spot.

Solids or stripes

The first ball you pot after the break makes that group (solids or stripes) yours, and your opponent gets the other group.

A legal shot

• The white (cue ball) must hit one of your own balls first. On an open table, that means any ball except the 8.
• Any touch on your own ball counts, however thin. No cushion is needed after contact.

Fouls and ball in hand

• Fouls are: potting the white, missing every ball, hitting the wrong ball first, and running out of time on the shot clock.
• After a foul your opponent gets ball in hand: they can place the white anywhere on the table.

Potting the 8 ball

• Once your group is cleared, pot the 8 to win.
• Potting the 8 early, in the wrong pocket or on a foul loses the game.

Controls

• Aim: drag on the table. Use the arrow keys or mouse wheel for fine aim (hold Shift to move faster).
• Power: use the power slider, or the up and down arrow keys.
• Shoot: press Take Shot or the Space bar.
• Spin: tap the spin control where you want the cue to strike the white: top for follow, bottom for draw, left or right for side spin. Double-tap to reset to centre ball.
• Ball in hand: drag the white to where you want it.

Playing online

• Each shot has a shot clock. Run out of time and it's a foul.
• If you lose your connection, you have a short time to reconnect before the game is forfeited.
• Use quick chat, or turn on your microphone to talk to your opponent with voice chat.
• Multiplier mode: both players put in the same stake times the multiplier, and the winner takes the whole pot. Coins are play money.

Common questions

Is CueClash free?

Yes. It's free and runs in your browser on phones, tablets and computers.

Do I need to download anything?

No. Open the site and play. You can also add CueClash to your home screen to use it like an app.