General Game Rules Introduction

Basic Rules:
At the start of the game, players must break by placing their balls in a triangular group and striking them with the cue ball. After the break, if a ball is successfully pocketed, the player continues to play; otherwise, it's the opponent's turn.

American pool has several variations, with the most common in Hong Kong being "8-ball" and "9-ball":

- 8-ball Rules:

Players must first choose either solid balls (numbers 1-7) or striped balls (numbers 9-15). Players must pocket all balls belonging to their assigned group. Players can continue playing until no balls are pocketed or a foul is committed, at which point the opponent's turn.

The player who pockets the black 8-ball at the end wins.

- 9-ball Rules:

There are nine balls numbered 1 to 9 on the table. Players must strike the balls in numerical order (1-9). If a player fails to pocket the balls in order or commits a foul, the opponent's turn.

The player who first pockets the 9-ball wins.

- Pocketing Rules:

A player must choose an object ball for each shot and ensure the cue ball hits the object ball first. If the cue ball is pocketed during a shot, it is called a "fault," and the opponent gets a free ball.

- Fouls:

If a player fails to hit the object ball, pockets the cue ball, or hits the wrong ball during a shot, it is considered a foul, and the opponent gets a chance.