It’s the start of your game, and setting up correctly is essential. Here’s our guide for how to rack up Pool and Snooker so your game gets off to a good start.

Before you rack up, check the whole pool cloth for any debris or imperfections. Gently brush it if needed, add new table spots and ensure the cloth is in perfect condition. 

If your table needs a little TLC, we have many maintenance accessories or alternatively, we offer restoration services if needed.

What is a pool rack?

A rack, also known as a triangle, is a piece of equipment you use to place pool or snooker balls into their starting position. Traditionally, racks have a triangular shape but there are also diamond-shaped racks.

How to rack English 8-ball pool

English or British pool is played on a UK Pool Table. 

Note: English 8-ball pool uses 15 red and yellow balls.

  1. Start with the two rear corners of the triangle. They need to be different colours, and then two stripes of two balls each should be placed next to those.
  2. On the right, a stripe of three of the same colour should be placed to meet the two balls of the same colour (to create a J-shape). 
  3. Then two yellows are placed inside the J, next to the black ball. 
  4. Finally, the front ball should be the same colour as the ball in the left-hand corner. The ball behind and to its right should be the same colour, leaving space for the remaining opposing colour on its left.
  5. The black 8-ball should sit on the foot spot - remove the ball and move the triangle around until the spot shows in the centre of the gap, and then pop the black in. Gently remove the triangle.

You should end up with your balls set up like this.

How To Rack Snooker

A snooker table is the most complicated to set up.

  1. The 15 reds should be placed into the triangle and positioned just behind the foot spot.
  2. In front of the triangle is placed the pink ball, and behind it, the black.
  3. On the baulk line at the other end of the table, you would place the brown in the middle.
  4. From the baulk line runs a semicircle. As you are looking down at the table with the black ball closest to you, the yellow is placed on the left-hand corner of the semicircle, and the green is on the right.

Tips for Racking

  • Use the racking cloth if the table has one. This protects the cloth on your table.
  • When the balls are positioned correctly, compress them together with your hands whilst removing the triangle for a nice, tight rack. This will ensure a neat, tidy break.
  • If you move a ball whilst removing the triangle, point it out, put the triangle back and tighten the balls up again.
  • If you want to try 9-ball but you don't have a diamond, simply use the front part of a typical eight-ball triangle to form a diamond. The black goes in the same place, but the other balls form a diamond shape instead. If you want your own diamond, we have plenty available in our Pool Triangles & Diamonds section.