Unlike most billiard games, pool is a very contested sport. It is popular all over the world. There are many variants of this game, but the most common are the eight and nine ball pools. Pool matches are typically played over several games. The winner is usually declared after completing a certain number frame. The winner usually gets 61 points. However, handicaps can be agreed upon for different winning numbers.
The main goal of the game is to pot all the balls designated to be pounded. Each ball pocketed counts for one point, but any additional balls pocketed are also worth one point. A player is considered to win if they have the eight ball in their hand first. The game is over if a player doesn't pocket the eight balls. If the eight-ball is lost during a foul the other balls are taken and spotted. The foul does NOT count towards the points. The foul is not counted towards the points if a player commits more than one foul in a row.
The balls are grouped into three sets: solid balls, striped balls, and object balls. They are typically smaller than the American style balls, and come in a variety of colors, including dark violet for the four and twelve balls. Although they were originally all red, object balls are multi-colored nowadays. They can be made of a variety materials including wood, fibreglass and carbon fiber. The most popular ball diameters are 2+1/16 inches, 2 inches, or 3 inches.
The object of the game is to pocket the black eight ball. To do this, the ball must be pocketed by the player. However, it is important that all pockets are properly spotted so that they can be placed on the foot rail. The balls that were taken are then placed on the table and the player with the most pockets can decide whether or not he wants the game to continue.
If a player is able to pocket a ball, they can place it in the closest spot to the foot spot and call the shot. Fouls must not be committed during the shot. All other balls must be placed in line with the foot spot. The foul will not be added to the points but will result in a player receiving a free shot. This shot can be played with any ball, and the foul is suspended until the player makes a new shot.
When a player hits a shot they must put the ball in their own bag. The ball that is in the first row must be hit first. The ball in the front row must still be taken if there is a foul. Any balls other than the one in front row may be pocketed by a player.