8 Ball Pool
How to play 8 Ball Pool
Need a fun game to help you relax? Hit some breathtaking shots with our free game of 8-ball pool online.
Pool is one of the most fun and engaging sports games around. Now you can sharpen your skills online and tackle digital competitors.
Play Arkadium’s version of 8-ball pool for free online for a challenging and rewarding experience. Try it now!
How to Play 8-Ball Pool Online
Playing 8-ball pool online is one of the best ways to spend your free time. The game inspires your competitive spirit and requires you to refine your talents. If you’re ready to compete in a game that will test your skills from the first shot, challenge yourself with a round of Arkadium’s 8-ball pool online!
Before starting your pool game, you have the option to choose your level: easy, medium, or hard. The harder it is, the more accurate the opponent's moves will be.
You aim your pool cue and set the power of a shot by holding the mouse button. Your goal is to pocket the colored pool balls of your type, while preventing your opponent from doing the same. Players need to have a solid grasp of the game’s mechanics and must shoot accurately while considering their next move.
After you pocket all seven of your pool balls, you need to pocket the eight ball (black ball) to win — hence the name 8-ball pool. You must also pocket the black ball exactly into the pocket you choose.
Be careful! Hitting the black ball into the wrong pocket, or pocketing the black ball before the other seven, results in an instant loss.
Good luck playing our free version of 8-ball pool!
3 Top Tips: How to Win 8-Ball Pool Online
Do you lose to the computer every time you play an 8-ball pool game online? Learn a winning technique by taking note of these top tips:
Tip 1: Extend Your Aim
Play pool like a pro by extending your aim with a piece of paper. Often when lining up your shot, direction markers won’t make it all the way to the hole. Fill the space with paper to guarantee ultimate accuracy.
Tip 2: Take Your Time
When you play pool online make sure to keep your cool even if there’s a timer. Rushing your shot is a common way to make a mistake. One slip of the finger and you’ll be handing play to the computer. It’s important to focus and carefully adjust your aim before you strike — it’s easy to make mistakes if you release too early.
Tip 3: Add Some English to Your Shot
English refers to the spin on a cue ball when you play pool. Adding something extra to your shot can get you out of a tricky situation.
Ready to try these game-winning tips? Find out if you have the winning touch when you visit Arkadium to play 8-ball pool online.
5 Common Fouls in 8-Ball Pool
Online pool has many of the same pitfalls as the real thing. So, pay attention and don’t commit these five fouls:
Foul 1: Failing to Hit Your Own Balls
If the cue ball fails to hit your own ball (or any ball at all) then it is a foul and control of the games goes to your opponent.
Foul 2: No Ball Hits the Rail
To prevent overly defensive tactics, if the object ball or cue ball fails to touch the rails during a shot sequence then play will turn over to your opponent.
Foul 3: Potting the 8-Ball
Potting the 8-ball before all object balls have been potted results in an automatic loss.
Foul 4: Potting Cue Ball & 8-Ball at the Same Time
Potting the 8-ball and the cue ball at the same time also results in a loss. Even if it’s the game-winning shot!
Foul 5: Potting a Colored Ball Before the 8-Ball in the Same Shot
Even if the 8-ball is next in your sequence, potting it alongside a colored ball will lose you the game!
About 8 Ball Pool
About Arkadium’s 8-Ball Pool
8-Ball Pool is the most commonly played type of online pool in the United States and across most (but not all) of the world, and we believe our version is the best. But don't just take our word for it - try your luck with our classic online 8-ball pool game.
You can play 8-Ball Pool online without a six-pocket table and cue stick, and it’s totally free. So, you save thousands. Or tens of dollars if going to the pool hall. Regardless, and we jest, feel the thrill of the game by showing off and performing your tricks against a computer opponent now by playing Arkadium’s free online pool game!
Fun 8-Ball Pool Facts
8-ball pool is a fun game with a rich history: Here are some interesting and head-scratching facts about one of our favorite games:
- The word "cue" comes from the French queue, meaning tail.
- Pool evolved from a lawn game, which explains why the pool table is usually green.
- Pool was considered illegal in the early days of American history.
- It is hard to get hurt while playing pool as it is one of the safest sports in the world. (You still have to be careful!)
Good luck playing our highly popular game of free 8-Ball Pool online, and let us know what we can improve!
Want to try a different free pool game? Test your skills with Arkadium’s 9-ball pool. Arkadium has a variety of free games for every player out there. Play online today!