7-ball pool is the most frantic, fast-paced, and interesting of all the pool game variations. As its popularity rises, it could be the next biggest pool game all over the world in the next few decades. If this game captured your attention recently and would like to know how it’s played, you could be the next star through this comprehensive guide for the 7-ball pool: all the rules and strategies to master the game.
Medium-skilled players who can run either one or two of the 9-ball 40 racks may frequently run out while playing the 7-ball pool. That’s because the table has fewer balls which can enter somewhat difficult situations to deal with.
Normally, 7-ball pool works best when played as a practice game.
What is 7 Ball Pool?
7-ball is a rotation pool with similar gameplay as 9-ball with a few rules that set it unique. The balls take a hexagonal form in the 7-ball rack. Ball 7 stays at the center while the rest are placed sequentially around 7-ball, but with ball 1 at the apex.
7-ball pool is not exactly a new game. Introduced in the mid-19th century, the first formal record of the game occurred in the 1930s in India, but it had existed long before that. You may be surprised to learn that the first published record of the game in English happened in 1946 in a country other than the USA or the UK, namely Malaysia.
It’s still a relatively obscure pool game though, compared to most other pool games, with a total of 20 countries having club competition leagues. In the US alone, the number of people playing this game has risen to roughly 400,000. Players are equipped with a size 11 ball and two standard-sized cue sticks. 7-ball pool is played in a typical table format with 10 or 11 pocket squares.
Rules for 7 Ball Pool
7-ball pool: all the rules and strategies to master the game. Are you ready to move swiftly from a novice to a seasoned player? If you’re already great at making shots, the next thing on your plate is mastering the rules.
The basic rules of 7-Ball Pool:
- The balls used are ones numbered 1 to 7 with the cue ball included
- The rack used is a circular type, but a 9-ball rack may also be used if turned sideways
- Ball 1 racks at the apex while balls 2 to 6 run clockwise (Ball 7 stays in the center)
- The objective of the game is to win through pocketing ball 7 legally
- Pocketing of the balls must be sequential but doesn’t award the player any point
- Winning the game only happens when you pocket the 7-ball legally
- An illegal pocket grants you a loss
To get started, rack the pool table balls numbered from one to seven in a circle. Make sure ball 1 is at the front and ball 7 is at the center. Start the game with an open break, ensuring that the cue ball hits the ball 1 first during the break. Give it a hard hit to whirl the balls all over the table.
At this stage, there’s nothing much to pay attention to and the game should progress like in other pool table rotation games, such as in the 9-ball. Aim and shoot at the balls with the lowest number and continue your turn if any other ball pockets, apart from the cue ball.
Additional 7-Ball Rules
Apart from the basic rules, 7-ball pool has four additional rules that make it distinct.
- You must make a call shot before pocketing ball 7 to win a game (That is, you must declare it before hitting)
- Each player can only make one deliberate defensive stroke per game; that is, you can intentionally miss a shot only once
- You may declare pocketing and safety on ball 7 for a single stroke (For instance, you can declare it this way, “ball 7 in the left-hand side pocket and safety.”)
- If none of the shots pocket a ball, the opponent will receive a ball-in-hand (One miss could grant your opponent an instant win: therefore, your intense concentration is key)
Playing Defense
Just like other pool games, 7 ball pool is a two-person game. But unlike the other games, one player controls the game at a time. When the defensive player is unable to run back, they can simply relax and just break the balls. In fact, in this game, not running at all and just playing the ball without running is considered “playing defense.”
Get comfortable with the ball
One of the biggest reasons to learn how to play 7 ball pool is to get comfortable with the ball. Due to the quick pace of the game, it is very important to get the ball into the pocket and on target within a brief period. If you are trying to learn how to play 7-ball, the best thing to do is start slow, and learn how to roll the ball.
7 Ball Pool Strategies and Tips
7 ball pool is an easy game to master, but beating your opponent easily will require you to arm yourself with some handy strategies and tips. Here are a couple of strategies to pay attention to increase your chances of winning the game.
- One of the strategies to pay attention to is taking precautions not to miss pocketing a ball as it grants your opponent a ball-in-hand. It could also end the game instantly with a loss.
- Every player has only one safety. Don’t be the first to use your safety. Always try to withhold your safety until your opponent uses theirs.
- Be the first to call safe if only you’re sure that they’ll miss their opportunity to finish the game during their next attempt.
What Other Fun Games are Similar to 7 Ball Pool?
The pool table has a rich set of games that you can play during your leisure time with family or friends. Apart from 7-ball pool, you certainly have so many other fun billiard games you can enjoy with your friends. While most of us are familiar with the 8-ball or 9-ball, you can also enjoy the following billiard games.
Cutthroat pool
Cutthroat pool game is played with groups. The main idea behind the game is that each team claims a group of numbered billiard balls when the game starts. You’ll then try to pocket the billiard balls of your opponent before they do the same to yours.
Bank pool
Bank pool is one of the most interesting yet challenging pool games. Every shot legally pocketed must bank off one cushion first before entering the pocket. The game operates on a point basis, awarding the player one point for every ball legally pocketed.
Every ball needs to be banked cleanly, that is, it shouldn’t touch any other ball as it enters the pocket. Also, if you pocket another ball once you’ve sunk your target ball, the former will not count.
Baseball billiards
In this billiard game, each player is given nine innings to allow them to score as many points as possible. Each inning earns you a point, and the more innings you get, the higher your score. It’s traditionally played with a 21-ball rack.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a game that suits a combination of skill and strategy, 7-ball pool is one of the most interesting pool games for two.
Are you a seasoned 8-ball or 9-ball pool player and want to enjoy some pool games with a pool game novice? 7-ball pool is an excellent choice. The beauty of this game is that two players with different skillsets can enjoy it, unlike other billiard games.
Simply pay attention to the rules while also bearing in mind the strategies, especially that of holding your safety to avoid granting your opponent a better winning chance. Enjoy the games!