Racking balls....?

Question

what is the proper and official way to rack a 15 ball set. i thought it was solid always on top. then alternating going down until you get to the last row in which you put for example XOXXO.

Answer 1

The eight ball goes in the center of course.  Aside from that it really depends who you are playing.  Someone once told me that you should always put the one ball at the head of the rack.  It is the ball that is most easily replaced in case of a broken ball on a brake.  Then again, I have seen two shattered balls in my life time, both stripes, both second row, both in Vegas.

Answer 2

wvarelo, yes thats the way you set up the ball in the official World Eightball Pool Federation rules. It also forms a J in the set up.

Answer 3

This would depend entirely on which game you were playing.  If you are playing 8-ball, the only requirements for a legal rack are that the 8-ball is to be placed in the center of the third row, and the back two corners are one solid and one stripe.  There's no requirement that the balls be alternating, although many people do set it up that way as a matter of personal preference.  For this and other racking arrangements, go to the BCA website or pick up a copy of the official BCA rulebook.  M.D.-BCA Instructor/Referee.