How to Play Pool by Yourself: 5 Fun Solo Pool Games to Get Better

Quick answer: Yes, you can play pool by yourself, and it is one of the best ways to get better. Try these 5 solo pool games: the 3 ball run out, straight pool for a high run, 8 ball by yourself, 9 ball by yourself, and playing the ghost. Each one gives you a score to beat, so practice feels like a real game.

A lot of people ask, "Can you play pool by yourself?" You sure can. I have played pool for over 50 years, and I have played in leagues and tournaments for over 38 years. When a student named Ricky asked me how to get better, here is what I told him: "Regular practice sessions shooting by yourself will improve your game the fastest." You can read that note on our Billiards Planet questions page.

The trick is to make your time alone at the table feel like a game. That is what this page is about. If you want drills instead, see our pool drills for beginners page. The games below are for when you want to play, keep score, and still get better.

How to Play Pool by Yourself: 5 Solo Pool Games

Game 1: The 3 Ball Run Out

This game comes from part 7 of our free pool course. It is a great one to start with.

• Rack 3 balls and break them. Try to leave the cue ball near the center of the table.
• Start with an easy shot you can make. Place the cue ball by hand if you need to.
• Run the three balls in order, lowest number to highest.
• Keep going until you can clear the table 9 out of 10 times. Then add a ball and run 4.
• Keep adding balls until you can run 9 or 10.

Stop your cue ball as much as you can. The more the cue ball travels, the more chances for a mistake. You can find this game and more on our cue ball control drills page.

Game 2: How to Play Straight Pool by Yourself

Straight pool, also called 14.1 continuous, is a perfect game to play alone. You can call any ball on the table. You call the ball and the pocket. Each ball you make is worth one point.

• When only one ball is left, rack the other 14 balls again. The last ball stays where it is.
• Try to make that last ball and break open the new rack with the cue ball at the same time. That is called the break shot.
• Count how many balls you make in a row without a miss or a foul. That is your high run.
• Write down your high run. Next time, try to beat it.

Do not worry if your first high run is small. Every ball counts. If you want to see what the best in the world have done, read our 14.1 straight pool high run record page.

Game 3: How to Play 8 Ball Pool by Yourself

You can play 8 ball by yourself by trying to run out one group of balls and then the 8 ball.

• Rack the balls and break.
• Pick solids or stripes. Pick the group that looks easier to run.
• Try to make all seven of your balls, then call and make the 8 ball.
• If you miss, take the cue ball in hand and keep going. Count how many tries it takes you to clear the table.
• Your goal is to get that number down to one. That is a break and run.

Before each rack, stop and look at the table. Which balls are in trouble? Which ball should be your last ball before the 8? This kind of thinking is what wins real games. Watch this break and run from my Pool Skool channel to see a full rack of 8 ball played start to finish.

Need a rules check? See our 8 ball rules page.

Game 4: How to Play 9 Ball by Yourself

In 9 ball you must hit the lowest numbered ball on the table first. That makes it a great solo game, because the table tells you what to shoot.

• Rack the 9 balls and break.
• Shoot the balls in order, lowest to highest, and finish with the 9 ball.
• Count how many balls you make before you miss.
• If you miss, take ball in hand and keep going so you finish the rack.
• Try to beat your best count each time.

You can learn the full game on our 9 ball rules page.

Game 5: Play the Ghost

Playing the ghost means you play against a pretend player. It is a fun way to put a little pressure on yourself.

• Break a rack of 9 ball, then take the cue ball in hand.
• Try to run the whole rack.
• If you run out, you win the rack. If you miss, the ghost wins the rack.
• Play a set, like first to 5 racks. When you start to beat the ghost, make it harder. Take away ball in hand after the break.

Tips to Make Your Solo Practice Count

• Use the same routine every shot. Play each shot the way you would in a match. Our how to aim in pool page shows a simple routine.
• Think about the next shot. Do not just make the ball. Plan where the cue ball should go. Our cue ball control and stop shot in pool pages can help.
• Keep score. Write down your high run, your count, or your sets against the ghost. Then you can see yourself get better.
• Practice safeties, too. When you play alone, it is easy to only practice making balls. Set up a few safeties as well. See our safety shot in pool page.

Play Smarter When You Play for Real

Solo games teach you to plan a run. My book 8 Ball Winning Strategies takes that further. It covers safeties, getting safe or getting out, break out shots, and planning your run out, with video examples. Learn more on our 8 Ball Winning Strategies page.

Learn the Fundamentals Free

Solo games work best when your basics are good. Our free 7 part pool fundamentals course covers stance, bridge, stroke, and more, one lesson at a time by email. Part 7 is where the 3 ball run out comes from. Sign up on our free pool lessons page. For more practice ideas, visit our billiard drills page.

How to Play Pool by Yourself FAQ

Can you play pool by yourself?

Yes. You can play pool by yourself with solo games like the 3 ball run out, straight pool for a high run, 8 ball or 9 ball run outs, and playing the ghost. They are fun and they make you a better player.

How do you play straight pool by yourself?

Call each ball and pocket. Each ball you make is one point. When one ball is left, rack the other 14 and try to make the last ball and break open the new rack. Count how many balls you make in a row. That is your high run. Try to beat it next time.

How do you play 8 ball pool by yourself?

Break the rack, pick solids or stripes, and try to make all seven of your balls and then the 8 ball. If you miss, take the cue ball in hand and keep going, and count how many tries it takes to clear the table.

What is playing the ghost in pool?

Playing the ghost is a solo game where you play against a pretend player. You break and try to run the whole rack. If you run out, you win the rack. If you miss, the ghost wins it. Play a set, like first to 5 racks.

What is the best way to get better at pool by yourself?

Practice on a regular basis. Learn the basics first, like stance, bridge, and a straight stroke, then play solo games that make you think about where the cue ball goes next.

Know someone who plays pool alone? Post this solo pool games page on X.