The following are the standardised world rules 1997 for the most common form of pool, known as 8-ball. Except when contradicted by these additional rules, the General Rules of Pocket Billiards apply.

click for pop-up full-size animated image - woman racking the balls

click for pop-up full-size animated image - man chalking the cue

click for pop-up full-size animated image - man about to play a shot

Although not part of the rules as such, the "chalk" has an important role in the game. The tip of the cue is kept in the best playing condition for impact against the cue ball by being rubbed with chalk - the "chalk" is traditionally in the form of a small cube with the blue part constituting the chalk.

Instances of game terms which are heard in dialogue during pool play in [Voyager] episodes are on the page 'Playing pool at Chez Sandrine', and are noted along with the episode and context.

There is a blooper in [#6 The Cloud] since Tom Paris does not rack up the balls properly, as he fails to place a stripe ball in one corner. screenshot of balls immediately after he has racked them