The table starts open. The first player to legally pot a numbered ball claims that group — Solids (1–7) or Stripes (9–15) — and the opponent takes the other.
Taking a Shot
Once groups are set, your cue ball must strike one of your own group's balls first. Pot one of your own and you shoot again; miss or foul and the turn passes.
Fouls
Scratching the cue ball, or hitting the wrong ball first, is a foul. Your opponent gets ball in hand — placed anywhere on the table.
Winning
Once your group is fully cleared, pot the 8-ball to win. Pot it early, or scratch on that shot, and you lose immediately.