billiards pool game for beginners

Pool, also more formally known as pocket billiards or pool billiards , is the family of cue sports and games played on a pool table having six receptacles called pockets along the rails, into which balls are deposited as the main goal of play. Popular versions include eight ball and nine ball. An obsolete term for pool is six pocket.

Familiarize yourself with the equipment.There are generally three things youll be using: a cue stick, table, and pool balls. You can probably guess which is what.

Pick a cue stick appropriate for your size. Most are 58 inches (147 cm) in length, but shorter and longer ones are available. The tip is the most important part of a cue (its on the narrow end youll be hitting with). Tips vary from soft to hard, though inexperienced pool players are best served with a medium to mediumsoft tip.

There are three standard sizes to a pool table: 7, 8, and 9 feet (2.7 m). The Billiard Congress of America defines a regulation pool table as any table that is twice as long as it is wide. For example, a 7foot table is 7 feet (2.1 m) long and 3.5 feet (1.1 m) wide. If you are playing on a smaller table, you may want a shorter cue.

As for the pool balls, there are evens and odds, solids and stripes, and, most importantly, the 8 ball and the cue ball. The cue ball is solid white, a bit heavier, and should be the only ball directly hit during the game.

When youre first learning how to play pool, it can seem like an art. There are different variations, strategies, and terminology to learn in addition to just getting the ball into the pocket. However, youll have so much fun youll forget all that. To start learning and hone your skills, read on.

In order to play the game, you have to be able to understand the terminology and rules. Familiarizing yourself with the vocabulary of the game will make it easier and quicker to learn.

The break happens at the beginning of the game when a player breaks up the fifteen pool balls. It is the first shot. Some players break straight on while others break at an angle.

A scratch occurs when the cue ball jumps off the table or rolls into a pocket. Determine the scratch rules before you start any game.It is common for the player who did not receive the scratch to be allowed to place the cue ball anywhere in the kitchen upon their subsequent turn. This is the area between the head rail and the head string; or, more simply put, the area between the edge and the second set of diamonds.

For now, lets stick to standard 8ball. Quite clearly, knowing the rules is the only way to win.

Use the triangle to rack up the 15 pool balls. Different people have different preferences for the set up, but make sure the 8ball is in the middle.

A player breaks. If he or she makes a ball into a pocket, he or she claims that type (solid or stripes) for the duration of the game and shoots again. The other player receives the variation they did not claim.

If the player makes a ball of each variation, they may choose which one they prefer.

Both players sink all their pool balls into the pockets until just the 8 ball is left. The first player to sink the 8 ball is the winner.

If a player inadvertently sinks a ball of the other players, it counts to the other players benefit.

If a player inadvertently sinks the 8 ball before all their other balls are in, they lose.

If a player scratches on the 8 ball, they automatically lose as well.

Master the stroke.Each person has a different preferred hand position. If you are righthanded, hold the base of the stick with your right hand and rest the narrow end on your left. If you are lefthanded, do the opposite.

For a good hand position, try putting your index finger on the top of the stick (curving it) and put your thumb at the bottom of the stick. This is a good, basic way to put your hand in position because you have total control of the stick. Hold it tight as well.

Some will prefer to rest the stick on their index finger while others may rest the cue in between their fingers in a flatter style. Experiment with a few to see what yields the best results.

This hand will never move. Only move your back arm when shooting.

Your feet should be a little wider than shoulderwidth apart and at a 45degree angle.

During your practice strokes, your eyes should switch from the contact point on the cue ball to the point youre aiming for on the object ball.

Line the pool tip up with the cue ball, aim, and hit away! Sounds easy, huh?

As a beginner, focus on hitting the cue ball straight and with power.

Aim as if you were to directly hit your object ball. See that spot youd be hitting if you were allowed to? Alright. Now, aim to get the cue ball to that spot on your object ball.

Experiment with slow, easy shots. Sometimes a softer touch helps your ball to ride the edge of the table or stay in a more defensive position.

Now that youve got 8ball down, why stop there?

Try Cutthroat Pool. Each player chooses a section of the numbers (if 2 players, 17 and 915; if 3 players, 15, 610, 1115) on the correlating pool balls. The object of the game is to sink your opponents balls and only have yours left on the table. The last one with a ball (or balls) on the table wins.

Try 9ball. This one can be a bit about luck, but that can be said about most games. The object of the game is to sink the balls in the pockets in numerical order, from 19. Each player takes turns going up to the 9 ball. The one to sink the 9 ball wins.

One player could sink 18 and still lose. Thats the beauty of it!

Always focus and keep your eye on the ball. Tune out distractions as best you can.

Dont get too confident or frustratedthe tables can turn in a second. Focus on improving your shot, not winning.

Allow yourself a game to warm up. Once kids stop running around, the TV gets turned off, and your muscles start remembering what youve learned you may see an improvement.