UD5 Toolkit
Lottery Pool Agreement Generator – Simple Syndicate Rules
Enter the names of participants and the tool creates a simple, informal agreement outlining how winnings will be shared. Print and sign.
🎱 8-Ball & 9-Ball Rack Arranger
Correct ball order for official pool racks
Click a ball to select it, then click another to swap positions (fixed balls cannot be moved)
15 balls · Triangle
Solid Balls (1–7)
Stripe Balls (9–15)
8-Ball (Black)
8-Ball Rack Rules
- Use a triangle rack with all 15 balls.
- The 8-ball must be placed in the center of the third row.
- The two bottom corners must have one solid and one stripe ball.
- All other balls may be placed randomly.
- The apex ball (top of the rack) is placed on the foot spot.
9-Ball Rack Rules
- Use a diamond rack with balls 1 through 9.
- The 1-ball must be at the top (apex) of the diamond.
- The 9-ball must be in the center of the diamond.
- All other balls (2–8) may be placed randomly.
- The 1-ball is placed on the foot spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should the 8-ball be placed in an 8-ball rack?
The 8-ball must be placed in the center of the third row of the triangle rack. In a 15-ball triangle (5 rows: 1-2-3-4-5), the third row has 3 balls, and the 8-ball goes in the middle position of that row. This is a universal rule in all official 8-ball formats (BCA, WPA, APA).
What is the bottom corner rule in 8-ball?
The two balls at the bottom corners of the triangle (the widest row, closest to the breaker) must be one solid ball and one stripe ball. This ensures fairness on the break shot, as neither solids nor stripes have an advantage at both corners. The specific solid and stripe balls can be chosen randomly.
Where does the 1-ball and 9-ball go in a 9-ball rack?
In a 9-ball diamond rack, the 1-ball must be at the apex (top of the diamond, placed on the foot spot). The 9-ball must be in the center of the diamond formation. The remaining balls (2 through 8) can be placed in any random order in the other positions.
What's the difference between solid and stripe balls?
Solid balls (numbers 1–7) have a solid color covering the entire ball surface with a small white number circle. Stripe balls (numbers 9–15) have a white band around the middle with colored bands at the top and bottom. The 8-ball is solid black. In 8-ball, players are assigned either solids or stripes after the break shot.
Do official tournaments allow random racking?
Yes, in most official tournaments (including BCA and WPA rules), balls other than those with fixed positions (8-ball, 1-ball, 9-ball) can be placed randomly. However, some leagues use specific pattern racking rules. Recently, many professional events have adopted template racks (like the Magic Rack) to ensure consistent tight racks, and some use prescribed patterns to prevent pattern racking advantages.
How many balls are used in 8-ball vs 9-ball?
8-Ball uses all 15 balls (1–15) plus the cue ball, racked in a triangle. 9-Ball uses only 9 balls (1–9) plus the cue ball, racked in a diamond shape. 8-ball is generally considered a more strategic game, while 9-ball is faster-paced and the balls must be pocketed in numerical order.
Can the 8-ball be moved from the center in casual play?
While casual players sometimes vary the rack, official rules always require the 8-ball in the center of the third row. Moving it changes break dynamics significantly. For fair play and to practice properly, it's recommended to always rack the 8-ball in its correct central position.