When you learn to play pool for the first time, you may get the impression that it is an art. There are several variations, strategies and expressions to learn as well as knowing how to pocket the ball. You will have so much fun, however, that learning will be a pleasure. To start honing your skills, read on.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Getting Started
Step 1. Familiarize yourself with the equipment
You will mainly use three tools: a cue, a table and some billiard balls.
- Choose a splint that fits your height. Most battens are 150cm long, but there are shorter and longer versions. The tip is the most important part of a cue (it is the narrowest part and it is the one you will use to hit). The tips can be soft or hard, although inexperienced players get the best results with medium or medium-soft tips.
- There are three standard sizes for pool tables: 2m, 2m, 5m and 3m. The Billiard Congress of America defines a regulation pool table as any table that is twice as long as it is wide. A 2m table for example is 2m long and 1m wide. If you are playing on a smaller table, use a shorter cue.
- As for billiard balls, there are even and odd, solid or striped balls, and most importantly, the number 8 ball and the white ball. The white ball is completely white, slightly heavier than the others and is the only ball that must be hit directly during the game.
Step 2. Learn the lingo
To play, you will need to be able to understand the terminology and rules. Familiarizing yourself with the game's vocabulary will make the learning process easier and quicker.
- The 'opening' occurs at the start of the game, when a player hits and opens the fifteen billiard balls. It is the first shot of the match. Some players break the castle by pulling in a straight line, others prefer to use a corner.
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A player commits an infraction when the white ball leaves the table or goes into the hole. Determine the rule in case of infringement before starting the game.
It is common for the non-infringing player to be able to place the white ball where he prefers in the kitchen before his next shot. This is the area between the edge of the table and the second set of diamonds
Step 3. Learn the rules
First, let's consider the normal 8 ball mode. Of course, knowing the rules is the only way to win.
- Use the triangle to group the 15 pool balls. People use many different ones to group the balls, but make sure the 8 ball is in the center.
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One of the players will have to break the castle. If he knocks a ball into a hole, that player will be awarded the corresponding ball type (solid or striped) for the remainder of the game and will be entitled to shoot again. The remaining balls are awarded to the other player.
If the player pockets a ball of both types, he can choose whichever he prefers
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Both players take turns trying to pocket balls of their type until only the number 8 ball remains on the table. The first player to pocket the number 8 ball is the winner.
- If one player accidentally pockets another's ball, that ball is counted in favor of his opponent.
- If a player accidentally pockets the 8-ball before pocketing all other balls assigned to him, he has lost the game.
- If a player commits an infraction by trying to pocket the number 8 ball, he has lost the game.
Method 2 of 2: Play
Play Pool Step 4 Step 1. Learn to master the shots
Each person has his or her favorite hand position method. If you are right handed, hold the base of the cue with your right hand and rest the narrow end on the left. If you are left handed, do the opposite.
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For good hand position, try placing your index finger over the splint (curving it) and placing your thumb under the splint. This is a good basic grip because it gives you total control of the cue. Hold it tight.
- Some people prefer to rest the splint on their index finger, while tall people place the tip between their fingers, using a flatter style. Experiment with a few different techniques to choose the one that gives you the best results.
- This hand will never move. Use only your dominant hand when shooting.
- Your feet should be slightly wider than your shoulders and at a 45 degree angle.
- During your practice shots, your eyes should move from the point of contact with the white ball to the point where you are aiming with the ball you will hit.
Play Pool Step 5 Step 2. Try the shots
Line up the tip of the cue with the white ball, aim and hit! Seems easy?
- As long as you are a beginner, focus on hitting the white ball straight and hard.
- Aim as if hitting the target ball directly. Find the spot where you should hit it if you could. Now try to get the white ball to that point on the target ball.
- Try slow and easy strokes. In some cases, a softer touch helps your ball slide along the edge of the table or stay in a more defensive position.
Play Pool Step 6 Step 3. Try other variations
Now that you know the 8 ball mode, why stop here!
- Try the "Cutthroat Pool." Each player chooses a section of numbers (if you are playing in twos 1-7 and 9-15; in 3 1-5, 6-10, 11-15) of the billiard balls. The goal of the game is to pocket your opponents' balls and not allow yours to be pocketed. The last player with one (or more) ball on the table wins.
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Play 9 balls. This variant carries a component of luck, but this happens in many other games. The object of the game is to pocket the balls in numerical order, from 1 to 9. Each player takes turns shooting until reaching the 9 ball. The one who pockets the 9 wins.
A player could pocket all balls 1 through 8 and still lose. This is the beauty of this variant
Play Pool Step 7 Step 4. Focus
Always stay focused and keep your eyes on the ball. Avoid distractions as much as possible.
- Don't feel too confident or frustrated - tables can change owners in no time. Focus on improving your technique, not winning.
- Indulge in a warm-up match. When kids stop running all over the place, the tv is turned off, and your muscles start remembering what you've learned, you may notice an improvement.
wikiHow Video: How to Play Billiards (Pool)
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Advice
- If you don't know how to make a shot, use the diamonds on the edge of the table and your knowledge of geometry to hit the ball after a bounce off the bank.
- Look at your cue. Focus on the corners. Do they look edgy or rounded to you? Are they square? Doing this during a game can help you.
- Look for a strong, long splint. Some have a central hinge and are actually made up of two parts.
- Watch some pros play games to learn new strategies and techniques.
