Billiard game

This software review is about a billiard game called Eight Ball. It is the most commonly played game in the United States and is played competitively in leagues in the United Kingdom. The game has a professional scene with players on the International Pool Tour being the highest paid professionals in the world. The most prestigious tournaments, including the World Open, are sponsored and sanctioned by the International Pool Tour.

Rules for 8-ball vary widely from place to place, but pool halls in North America are increasingly settling upon the International Standardized Rules. Tavern 8-ball, typically played on smaller, coin-operated tables and in a "winner controls the table" manner, can differ significantly even between two venues in the same city. However, the growth of local, regional, and national amateur leagues may alleviate this confusion eventually.

The goal of the Eight Ball game is to claim a suit (stripes or solids), pocket all of them, then legally pocket the 8-ball, while denying your opponent opportunities to do the same with their suit, and not sinking the 8-ball early by accident. Overall, this software review shows that the 8-ball game has a rich history, rules that vary widely, and a competitive scene that can be enjoyed by amateurs and professionals alike.