# Playing pool

> How to start a game, take a shot and win — copy this straight into your rules or Discord.

The keys below are the defaults. Your server may have changed them; the hints on screen always show the real ones.

## Starting a game

Walk up to a pool table. A menu appears above it:

| Key   | Does                                                                       |
| ----- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **E** | **New game** — pick 8-ball or 9-ball and the aim guide, then wait at the table |
| **G** | **Practice** — play alone, no rules, no clock                              |

Someone already waiting? Press **E** to **join** them. You see their settings before you sit down. A table that's in use shows who is playing — stay close to watch.

## Taking a shot

| Input                                | Does                                           |
| ------------------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------- |
| **Mouse**                            | Aim                                            |
| **Hold Shift**                       | Fine aim                                       |
| **Hold left mouse, pull back**       | Set the power — release to shoot, push back to 0% to cancel |
| **Hold right mouse, move**           | Pick where the cue hits the ball (spin)        |
| **Arrow keys**                       | Adjust spin                                    |
| **Scroll**                           | Zoom                                           |
| **Backspace**                        | Leave                                          |

### Ball in hand

After a foul, your opponent places the cue ball: move it with the mouse and **left-click** to put it down. On the break it has to go behind the line.

### Calling the 8

In 8-ball, once your group is cleared you must call the pocket for the 8. Press **Q** to change the pocket before you shoot.

## The rules

**8-ball** — the first ball potted after the break decides who plays solids and who plays stripes. Clear your group, then pot the 8 in the pocket you called. You lose if the 8 goes in early, in the wrong pocket, or on a foul. If the 8 goes in on the break, it comes back to the spot.

**9-ball** — always hit the lowest ball on the table first. Pot the 9 on a legal shot to win.

**Fouls** give your opponent ball in hand:

* potting the cue ball
* hitting the wrong ball first
* hitting no ball at all
* no ball touching a rail after contact
* an illegal break
* running out of time

## Practice

| Key   | Does                     |
| ----- | ------------------------ |
| **G** | Change the guideline     |
| **E** | Move the cue ball        |
| **R** | Re-rack                  |

## Leaving

Press **Backspace** to leave. Leaving a match counts as a loss. So does walking away from the table, being teleported away, or being knocked out — your opponent wins by forfeit.