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The best and fastest way to learn the game, is to play with an "established" player - someone who has played for many years and is comfortable at the table. This person must be a patient person and willing to watch and offer suggestions; they should not have the "do it my way" style, but be willing to suggest subtle improvements each time you are out. Along with personal instruction, there are plenty of instructional videos out on the market place that can improve your knowledge of game tremendously! The following are highly recommended: Video: Byrne's Standard Video of Pool & Billiards: Volume 1 - Robert Byrne
First tip: always know what rules your are following BEFORE you start the game! There are so many variations of this game that will make you wish you'd never heard of it. Don't be alarmed; a few questions before the start of a game should clarify MOST of the rules. Do we need to call each shot, including rails and caroms? Breaking If you want a solid break, position the cue ball near the the center of the head string and hit the first ball in the rack as full as possible. You want to hit the cue ball dead center or just below center (maybe a ½ tip below). If you want to move as many balls as possible, maybe even sinking the 8-ball on the break (which is usually a win!), then position the cue ball near either side rails and aim to hit the second ball as full as possible. Becareful NOT to hit the first ball, otherwise you may scratch in the corner; if you hit the second ball as full as possible, you will never scratch in the corner. Remember to hit the cue ball just below center. Choosing Sides After the break, you must choose whether to play solids or stripes - always choose the group of balls which has direct routes to the pockets. If any ball is tied up in a cluster, then the rack is more difficult to run out. Remember, even the best players play safe if they cannot run out... we should too!
Position play! Never play a shot without leaving yourself for another shot! This tip is important for all pool games, but more so in 9-ball. If you cannot get position on the next ball, then you MUST consider playing safe. Never play a shot that you can lose with.
Straight Pool (14.1 Continuous) Watch the videos! Straight Pool is a game of knowledge, and however you get this knowledge will serve you well. Some videos that you may want to consider: Video: Break Shots and Key Balls - Grady Matthews
Some tips to consider if buying a pool cue: 1. Determine the cost you want to pay. You can buy a good, playable pool cue for around $80-$200. Any amount above that price is for the decorative inlays and the "name" of the cue. 2. Go to a local pool room and review the sticks that they have on offer there. The proprietors of the hall are usually agreeable to allow you to hit a few balls with any stick that interests you (though some may not want you to chalk the tip).Once you have a price in mind, ask the proprietor for the best stick that THEY would consider buying (within your price range) - they are usually pool players themselves are are good sources for information. Before buying any pool cue, you should find someone that owns that model of stick and ask them if you can play a few games with it. You really want to be comfortable with the stick, how it glides through you fingers and how it feels when you strike a ball. Once you have decided on a cue, you should check and compare prices from online sources. Use the search engines, such as Alco Billiards, to find billiard sites that sell cues. Some local pool rooms you can visit to check pool cues (and play!) are Shooters Billiard Club in Burnsville, Billiard Street Cafe in Fridley, New City Billiards in Minneapolis, and CR Billiards in Coon Rapids. Remember, the most important part of a pool cue is the last 20 inches of the shaft - this must feel comfortable! Make sure that the stick feels "balanced" in your hands - you may be owning this stick for the next 15-20 years. |
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