Pool etiquette: a friendly guide for your first night

You don't need to be a shark to enjoy a night at the tables. A few simple habits make the game more fun for you, your friends and the next table over.

Before you break

• Pick your cue properly. Roll it on the table. If it wobbles, it's warped. Grab another.
• Chalk often, but set the chalk down cube-side up on the rail, never on the cloth.
• Agree the house rules up front: call your pocket? Two shots on a foul? Settle it before the break, not after.

At the table

1. One player at the table at a time. Stand back and stay still while someone else is shooting.
2. Mind the neighbours. If you're both about to shoot, the player who got down first goes first.
3. Drinks on the drink rails, never on the table. Spilled drinks ruin cloth.
4. Call your own fouls. It's the fastest way to earn respect at any pool hall.

8-ball in 60 seconds

One player takes solids (1–7), the other stripes (9–15). Pocket all of yours, then call the pocket and sink the 8 to win. Pot the 8 early, or scratch on the 8, and you lose the rack.

Want to get better?

We'll be running beginner nights and friendly leagues once we open. Keep an eye on our events page.