Each side of the pool table features a ball pocket; two are located at the end opposite the foul line, known as the top pockets, and two are at the end opposite the rack, known as the bottom pockets. Additionally, there are two pockets centered on each of the long sides of the table, called the center pockets. The width of the pockets should comply with the standards set by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA).

Separate the red and colored balls by alternating into the pockets until all red balls are off the table. Then, continue with the colored balls from the lowest value to the highest until all are off. Shots must be taken in the sequence of one red and one colored ball. If after a shot, the opponent is unable to hit the cue ball to allow it to pass completely straight through both sides of any ball due to a ball being in the way, it is called a snooker.

When playing a free ball, the colored ball counts as 1 point, and the maximum score for a single stroke is 147 points. During the match, players use the same main ball to strike the target balls. There are a total of 21 target balls, including: 15 red balls worth 1 point each; 2 yellow balls worth 2 points each; 2 green balls worth 3 points each; 2 coffee balls worth 4 points each; 2 blue balls worth 5 points each; 2 pink balls worth 6 points each; and 2 black balls worth 7 points each.