Whether you’re just starting to line up your shots or already a pool pro, American pool brings plenty of excitement and a little challenge for everyone! With larger tables, bigger balls, and a silky smooth playing surface, this game is all about fast moves and big moments.
Have a ball playing head-to-head on our eye-catching tables – designed to impress with bright, colourful cloth, cool spots-and-stripes balls, and helpful diamond markings on the rails to perfect your angles. It’s easy to find your perfect shot (even if it’s a lucky fluke!). So, grab a cue, line up your shot, and get ready for fun with family and friends. Who’s ready to bring their A-game to the table?
The aim of the game is simple – first person to pot all their balls (stripes or spots) then successfully sink the black 8-ball is the winner! To play and enjoy American pool to its fullest, there are some established gaming rules we recommend you follow. Once you’ve mastered the basic rules, you can focus on learning the best strategies and techniques for becoming a ballin’ pool pro! The following rules are for American pool specifically, but you can play however you want.
At the beginning of the game the balls should be placed in the triangular rack at the lower end of the table (there will be a white dot where you know to put the rack).
The balls should be arranged in a random order, apart from the black 8-ball which should be placed bang in the middle of the third row. The triangle should be placed so the black 8-ball is roughly directly on top of the white dot.
Make sure the balls are tight, then remove the rack.
Take the cue ball (white one!) and position it somewhere behind the white service line at the opposite end of the table.
Decide which player is going to take the break, then hit the racked balls with your cue stick, aiming to scatter them across the table. This initial shot is called the break. Your goal is to pocket balls and choose between spots (numbered 1-7) or stripes (numbered 9-15) based on what you sink.
If no balls are potted on the first break, both players take turns to pot until a ball is potted. If a player pots a stripe, the striped balls now belong to that player.
Alternate turns with your opponent, trying to pocket all your designated balls (spots or stripes) and then the 8-ball to win.
But watch out! If you sink the 8-ball before your other balls, you lose. If you scratch (pocket the cue ball), your opponent gets ball-in-hand, meaning they can place the cue ball anywhere on the table for their next shot.
Plan your shots carefully, using the cue ball to set up your next move while aiming to pocket your designated balls. Think about angles, spin, and rebound to control the cue ball and sink your targets.
Once all your designated balls are pocketed, it’s time to go for the 8-ball. Call your pocket (the hole where you intend to sink it) and carefully line up your shot. Sink the 8-ball to claim victory and show off your pool prowess!
Let the good times roll with a classic American pool session. You’ll find American pool at selected King Pins venue across the United Kingdom.
Have questions about your American pool experience? From setting up to improving your skills, we’ve got everything covered to help you make the most of your time at King Pins. Explore the FAQs below for tips, and safety guidelines to ensure a fun and seamless night for all!
Get 50% off any second game when your first game is Ten Pin or Duck Pin Bowling.
This includes Ten Pin Bowling, Duck Pin Bowling, American Pool, Batting Cage, Shuffleboard, Ice Free Curling and Karaoke.
Valid Monday-Friday until 6pm, and after 6pm on Sundays.
Excludes school and public holidays.
Offer allows for one discounted game per full price game of Ten Pin or Duck Pin purchased per person.
