Frequently asked questions

Quick answers to the questions we are asked most often. If yours is not here, the contact page will get you to a person.

Do I need an account to play?

No. You can play the computer and use the practice table as a guest, with no sign-up. You need a free account to play multiplayer, appear on the leaderboard and chat in the lobby.

Is 8Baller really free?

Yes. All of the game is free. The site is supported by advertising, which only loads if you accept it in the cookie banner. There is no real-money play of any kind.

What is the difference between a guest and a registered player?

A guest keeps their settings and statistics in the browser on one device. A registered player has a public profile, a rating, match history and access to the lobby, and can sign in from any device.

How do I create an account?

Choose Register, pick a username and password, and enter an email address. We send a message with a link to verify the address. Verifying lets us contact you about your account and help if you forget your password.

I forgot my password. What do I do?

Use the forgotten password link on the login page. We email you a single-use link to set a new password. If the email does not arrive, check your spam folder and then contact support@8ballergame.com.

How do ratings work?

Ratings use the Elo system. Everyone starts on 1200. After each rated multiplayer match the winner gains points and the loser loses points, with bigger swings when the result was a surprise. Games against the computer do not change your rating. See the rules page for more.

How do I get on the leaderboard?

Create an account and play rated multiplayer matches. The Top rated and Most wins boards list players as soon as they have results. The Best win rate board needs at least 20 games, so that one lucky win does not put someone at the top.

How does multiplayer work?

Open the lobby, then either take a seat at a public table, create your own table, or challenge a player who is online. When two players are seated, the match starts. The server runs the physics and the rules, so both players always see the same result.

What are lobby rooms and private tables?

A room is a table where you wait for an opponent. Public tables are listed so anyone can join. Private tables are not listed: you share the invite code with the friend you want to play. A table nobody joins closes after 15 minutes.

What happens if I lose my connection in a match?

You have 60 seconds to reconnect and carry on from where you left off. If you do not return in time, the match is forfeited. Each turn has a 45-second shot clock; missing it is a foul, and three missed turns in a row forfeits the match.

How do you stop cheating?

In multiplayer the server decides every shot, so a modified browser cannot change the result. We also run anti-cheat checks and review flagged matches. Confirmed cheating leads to removed results and restricted accounts.

How do I report a player?

Use the report option on the player's lobby entry or on the match screen, choose a reason and add any detail. Reports are reviewed by people. You can also block a player. The community rules explain what is not allowed.

What data do you collect about me?

Guests: settings and statistics stay in your browser. Registered players: username, email address, a password stored only as a salted hash, match results and chat, and security logs. We do not sell personal data. The privacy policy has the full details and your rights.

Why am I asked about cookies and ads?

UK law requires us to ask before we use advertising cookies. If you choose Essential only, no advertising is loaded. You can change your mind at any time with the Cookie preferences link in the footer.

What devices and browsers does 8Baller work on?

It works in current browsers that support WebGL, on computers, phones and tablets. You can use a mouse, touch screen, pen or keyboard. A device from the last few years is plenty.

The game runs slowly. What can I do?

Close other tabs and heavy apps, make sure your browser is up to date, and try turning off music or cue animation in Settings. If it is still slow, tell us your device and browser at support@8ballergame.com.

I cannot hear anything. How do I fix it?

Check the Sound button above the table is not muted, and the volume in Settings is up. Some browsers block sound until you have clicked or tapped on the page, so tap the table once. Also check your device is not on silent.

Can I play on my phone?

Yes. Drag on the table to aim, hold the fire button to charge power and release to shoot. Full screen mode gives you the largest table, and turning the phone sideways gives a wider view.

How do I contact you?

Email support@8ballergame.com for help with the game or your account, or advertising@8ballergame.com for advertising enquiries. The contact page lists what to include so we can reply quickly.