Whether you are starting to learn how to play pool or have been playing 8-ball pool for a while and now want to learn how to play 9-ball pool, you might be interested in knowing the various ways of racking up pool balls.

Racking pool balls properly is essential to the game. It is vital to have a tight rack to ensure the break is as concise as you want it to be. A loose rack might help your opponent achieve easy, simple shots from the get-go and get a step ahead.

What is a pool rack?

Also known as a triangle, a rack is a piece of equipment used to place pool balls in their starting position. Racks are used all across cue sports, from snooker racks to billiards racks and more. Traditionally, racks have a triangular shape but there are also diamond-shaped racks and other shaped racks for different games.

Pool triangles are made of various materials, from plastic to metal and wood. At Hamilton Billiards, we stock a selection of racks in different sizes, materials and shapes, including 1 7/8 inch 15 ball plastic triangle, 2 inch wooden 9 ball rack, 2 1/16 inch racker referees triangle. We supply snooker triangles, wooden triangles and many other essential pool accessories and snooker equipment.

How to rack English 8-ball pool

Note: English 8-ball pool uses 15 red and yellow balls.

  1. Place a yellow ball in one of the rear corners and a red ball in the other corner of the triangle.
  2. Place two lines of the same coloured balls next to the corner balls of opposite colours. So, if you placed a yellow ball in the right corner, place two red balls right next to the yellow.
  3. On the right of the triangle, place a line of three balls of the same colour. These should meet two balls of the same colour to create a J-shape.
  4. Two same-coloured balls are placed inside J-shaped figure which is the opposite colour of the inside coloured balls.
  5. Place a ball of the same colour as the ball in the left hand corner in the front.
  6. To the right of this ball, place a same coloured ball. To the left, place the opposite colour.
  7. Place the 8-ball in the last spot right on top of the foot spot.

How to rack American 8-ball pool.

Note: American 8-ball pool uses striped and solid-coloured balls numbered 1 to 15.

  1. Place a solid coloured ball and a stripe in each rear corner of the triangle.
  2. The ball in the front corner can be either a stripe or solid. This ball is placed on the foot spot. It is often the ball numbered 1.
  3. Place the 8-ball in the centre of the triangle – on the second spot in the third row, sitting directly below the ball in the foot spot position.
  4. Place all other balls at random.

How to rack 9-ball pool.

Note: 9-ball pool uses balls numbered 1 to 9.

  1. Place the ball numbered 1 at the apex (the spot over the marker on the table).
  2. Place the 9-ball in the middle of the rack.
  3. Place all of the other balls randomly.

How to rack 10-ball pool.

Note: 10-ball pool uses balls numbered 1 to 10.

  1. Place the ball numbered 1 at the forefront of the triangle.
  2. Place numbers 2 and 3 in the rear corners.
  3. Place the 10-ball in the centre.
  4. Place remaining balls randomly.

Whether you need further assistance with anything pool or snooker-related, get in touch with our team. Perhaps you have been eyeing one of our pool tables? Come to the showroom to have a look at your favourite. Maybe you want to speak to a professional about crafting a bespoke table for your home? Our team can craft or restore various pool tables, from pool table dining table to American pool tables and more.