Chinese 8-Ball Pool

Join us at our pool hall and play on some of the finest pool tables in the UK including our Chinese 8 Ball table

Featuring Our Chinese 8 Ball Table

Come join us and play on the very best Chinese 8 Ball Pool table.

Our high-quality, brand-new table is a great addition to our playing facilities at the club.

Chinese 8-ball is played on a 9-foot table, which is similar in construction to a 9-foot snooker table. It has rounded pocket openings, napped cloth, and flat-faced rail cushions.

Chinese 8 Ball Pool Table

Chinese 8-Ball Pool
Table Pricing

Chinese 8-Ball Pool

Reserve our Chinese pool table.

  • Members – £10 per hour
  • Monday membership special – 50% off all table pricing, strictly for members only from 5 pm to 11 pm.
  • Off-peak midweek special – 50% off all table pricing, Tuesday to Friday, 12 noon to 5 pm. Strictly for members only.
  • Guests£15 per hour and £3 per person per day guest fee.

To view all our table hire options, check here.

Pool & Snooker Table Floor Plan

Spots & Stripes Table Layout Floor Plan

Rules, FAQ & how to play

You can reserve and book a table online, which we recommend to save you time & guarantee you a minimum hour session of Pool, Snooker or Darts. Simply click Book A Table to get started.

Yes we do and it is included in the cost of hiring out a table. Of course, you are always welcome to bring your own cues to use. We also provide chalk and pool balls.

No you don’t need to be a full member of our Pool Club, but you will have to sign in as a guest for the day, which is a small fee. Learn more about our pool club membership.

The most common rules that are played in local leagues and adobted in recent years are called International Rules. They were endorsed in January 2023 by the WEPF, Ultimate Pool, and accepted by the EPA

We use the very best pool table cloths on the market and our choice is the Z9 Billiard Cloth. Produced in Germany under the most modern “Webtechniken” (DIN 9001) quality control.

Yes we provide the Super Aramith Pro Cup League Pool Balls.

BOOK

Book online

We get very busy at times, so we recommend you book a table online and take advantage of any offers or our off-peak hire periods.

PLAY

Superb quality

We pride ourselves on the quality of our tables, so come experience our Chinese 8 Ball. All levelled and ready for you to play. 

REPEAT

Join online

Get the best table hire pricing, offers and key benefits from our annual club membership. Click to learn more about our club membership

About Chinese 8-Ball Pool

The origins and evolution of the game

Chinese 8-Ball, often referred to as “Chinese-style 8-Ball,” was first played in China in the early 1980s. The game started as a hybrid of English 8-Ball and American 9-ball pool, played on snooker tables. The Chinese made subtle changes, eventually developing a unique version of the game.

Its rise in popularity coincided with China’s growing interest in cue sports during the 1990s, which led to the establishment of dedicated Chinese 8-Ball tables with tighter pockets and faster cloths, increasing the challenge and appeal of the game.

The Rise of Chinese 8-Ball

The game rapidly grew in popularity across Asia, becoming a staple in Chinese sports bars and clubs. By the early 2000s, professional leagues and tournaments were established, with significant prize pools attracting international talent.

The game became especially popular because it combined elements of snooker’s precision and the strategy of English 8-Ball, making it a challenging yet exciting game to play and watch. In recent years, the Chinese 8-Ball World Championship has become a prestigious event, drawing top players from across the globe.

Key Differences from Other Pool Games

Table and Equipment:

  • Chinese 8-Ball Table: The table is 9 feet long, like American 9-Ball tables, but with smaller, rounded pockets that are more challenging to play on.
  • Balls: The game uses standard 2.25-inch pool balls, similar to American pool, but the gameplay requires a blend of the tactical approach found in snooker and the strategic play of English 8-Ball.

Gameplay and Rules:

  • Like the English 8-Ball game, the objective is to pocket either the solid or striped balls and then legally pot the 8-ball to win the game.
  • Differences: The rules require calling shots (as in the American pool), but the precision needed is more akin to snooker, given the tighter pockets and the table’s design.
Famous Players and Global Influence

Gareth Potts: An English 8-Ball legend, Potts is one of the most prominent players to transition to Chinese 8-Ball. His success in international tournaments has made him a key figure in popularizing the game outside China.

Zhao Xintong: A dual-threat in both snooker and Chinese 8-Ball, Xintong is known for his tactical brilliance and precision, making him a dominant player in both sports.

The Future of Chinese 8-Ball

Chinese 8-Ball continues to grow in popularity, with more international players entering the scene and an increasing number of tournaments being held worldwide. The game’s blend of precision, strategy, and skill offers something unique, and as more players take up the challenge, its global reach will likely continue to expand.

Chinese 8-Ball stands as a unique and challenging variant of traditional pool games, offering a rich blend of strategy, skill, and precision. Its history reflects the growing interest in cue sports within China, and its rise to international prominence showcases its appeal.

As the game continues to evolve, it promises to remain a significant part of the global cue sports landscape, drawing in new players and fans alike.

Cue Sports & Darts

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