Racking in 8-ball pool refers to the arrangement of the billiard balls on the table before the start of the game. The objective is to position the balls in a specific formation to facilitate fair play and strategic shot-making. Proper racking is essential for maintaining the integrity of the game and ensuring an enjoyable experience for all participants.
The standard 8-ball pool rack is a triangle shape, with the apex ball positioned at the foot spot (the bottom of the table) and the remaining balls arranged in a tightly packed configuration behind it. The apex ball is usually the black ball, which is the primary target in the game. The other balls are randomly distributed within the triangle, with no specific pattern or orientation. Once the balls are racked, they are broken by the opening player, who attempts to scatter them around the table.