<Dl> <Dd> Special sets designed to be more easily discernible on television substitute a rather light tan shade for the normally darker brown of the 7 and 15 balls, and pink for the dark purple of the 4 and 12; these alternative - color sets are now also available to consumers . </Dd> </Dl> <Dd> Special sets designed to be more easily discernible on television substitute a rather light tan shade for the normally darker brown of the 7 and 15 balls, and pink for the dark purple of the 4 and 12; these alternative - color sets are now also available to consumers . </Dd> <P> To start the game, the object ball s are placed in a triangular rack . The base of the rack is parallel to the end rail (the short end of the pool table) and positioned so the apex ball of the rack is located on the foot spot . The balls in the rack are ideally placed so that they are all in contact with one another; this is accomplished by pressing the balls together toward the apex ball . The order of the balls should be random, with the exceptions of the 8 ball, which must be placed in the center of the rack (i.e., the middle of the third row), and the two back corner balls, one of which must be a stripe and the other a solid . The cue ball is placed anywhere the breaker desires behind the head string . </P> <P> One person is chosen by some predetermined method (e.g., coin toss, lag, or win or loss of previous game or match) to shoot first, using the cue ball to break the object - ball rack apart . In most leagues it is the breaker's opponent who racks the balls, but in some, players break their own racks . If the breaker fails to make a successful break--usually defined as at least four balls hitting cushions or an object ball being pocketed--then the opponent can opt either to play from the current position or to call for a re-rack and either re-break or have the original breaker repeat the break . </P>

Where does the 8 ball go in pool