1. Gather all the balls: Before you can rack a pool table, you’ll need to have all 15 object balls (1 through 15) and the cue ball. Make sure you have all the balls collected and ready. The arrangement of the balls will vary depending on the game you are playing, but the most common is for 8-ball.

2. Choose the right triangle: Select the appropriate triangle rack for your pool table. Standard pool tables use a plastic or wooden triangle rack that’s sized to fit snugly around 15 standard-sized pool balls.

3. Position the triangle: Place the triangle on the pool table so that it is symmetrically located over the foot spot – a small dot or mark near the center of one end of the table. The apex of the triangle should be pointing towards you.

4. Arrange solid and striped balls (for 8-ball): In an 8-ball game, arrange the solid (1-7) and striped (9-15) balls randomly within the triangle, making sure no two consecutive numbers are next to each other. The 8-ball should be positioned exactly in the center of the triangle.

5. Set up for other games (if applicable): If you’re playing another game type like 9-ball or straight pool, follow specific rules for arranging those balls within the rack or diamond-shaped rack.

6. Ensure a tight rack: Make sure all balls are touching each other as much as possible within the triangle in their respective positions. This creates an even break and makes for cleaner shots when striking with the cue ball.

7. Remove air gaps: Double-check for gaps between any of the balls and fill in any spaces by pushing them tightly together until they are touching their neighbors. This ensures that there’s no unnecessary separation between them during play.

8. Remove excess pressure: Be careful not to push down with too much force on the balls to prevent table damage. Instead, apply even pressure to rack them together.

9. Smoothly lift the triangle: Gently lift the triangle up and away from the balls, being careful not to disturb the formation. You should have a tightly-racked set of balls ready for play.

10. Break! You’re now ready to start your pool game by taking the first shot, known as the break. Place the cue ball behind the headstring (the line at which you break), take aim at the racked balls, and strike confidently for an even spread and a great beginning to your game. Remember, practice makes perfect when it comes to racking – with time, you’ll be able to rack quickly and evenly every time.