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Table 1: The Games of Pool
I'm setting this section up differently. I'm not going to list the (complete) rules of each game; that would be boring, don't you agree? There are many sites out there that provide complete rules and regulations, so I'm not going to waste my time.
Eight Ball
OVERVIEW: Be the first person to sink the eight ball after dropping either all of the striped balls or all of the solid balls (depending on which set you are). Sinking the 8-ball before all of your specified balls are dropped means you lose the game. In certain rules, scratching on the break also loses the game, and getting the eight ball in on the break wins the game).
When breaking- Important...you want to really move the balls so that in the event you get one in on the break, you have the possibility of running your end of the balls out. What I do on the break is aim straight for the rack, setting the cue ball about 8-10 inches off the back rail. If broken right, the rack of balls should scatter, leaving the cue ball near the center of the table. (If you've done it right, once the cue ball hits the rack, it should stop...or even back up a tad) See, you really don't want the cue ball flying all over the place. That's a no no.
Strategy- Unlike 9-ball or Straight pool, there is a little room for error when playing. A good tip I could give you would be to look at the table, and determine weaknesses and strengths for you and your opponent. If you see a weakness in your position, try to break that up, or disturb it...don't let it sit there. Also, if there is a weakness in your opponents position, LEAVE THAT ALONE...let him waste a shot to redeem himself. Capitalize on his mistakes.
My thoughts- Eight ball is a fun game. For me, it's sort of like the buffer between 9 and Straight.
(Hustler note- And boy is this a useful one. If you have a duck sitting right on the lip of a pocket, don't just drop it...you have to think...as that ball sits there, your opponent can't shoot to that pocket. So what do you have? A strength in position. Therefore, only knock it in when you absolutely have to. When you play against someone who knows what the hell they're doing, a shot like that could really mess up their game, bacause it's a REALLY tough thorn to get out. )
Nine Ball
OVERVIEW: Sink the nine ball, and you win, but you have to go in order from lowest ball (#) to highest ball. Coincidentally, the 9 ball is the highest (#'d) ball. Combo's are allowed, and any foul results in a ball in hand.
When breaking- This is THE most important shot of the game. You can win on the break if the 9ball goes in, so smashing the balls is really to your advantage. Nowadays, most people move the cue ball to the far left or far right, aiming at the 1-ball from an angle. Supposedly, this decreases the chances of a scratch, and also get's the 9ball (which is in the center of the rack) moving. Here's how I set it up when I break: Move the cue ball about an inch or so off the left rail...a little behind the 2nd diamond. I also aim a tiny bit below center. (You need to control cue ball movement). Now explode. The balls should scatter, and if you broke with enough force, the cue ball should have jumped at least one foot into the air, landing perfectly at the center of the table. Granted, this is one, fine, exceptional break, but with practice, you'll get there.
Strategy- Break well. Plat position, and when you can't do that, play a saftey. Remember one thing: defensive nine ball isn't exactly fun, but you might win a few games. Another strategy: look for combos on the nine ball!
My thoughts- Now Nine ball is definately *the* gambling game of pocket billiards. Ya better watch out though...you find a decent opponent, and you could lose a lot of money REALLY fast. To play good nine ball, you need two things: cue ball control (for position) and luck. Since combos play a major role, and the ball in hand option is VERY deadly, a game of nine ball could end in fewer than 5 shots! Be careful.
(Hustler's note: I wasn't joking when I was talking about position. 9 ball isn't at all like 8 ball. You should really get your cue ball control and position game working. If not, you'll loose terribly from some schmuck, and you'll never see the beauty held within this game. Take your time. Work your angles (banks / kicks), and learn how to play a workable safe.)
Straight Pool
(aka- 14:1 continuous)
OVERVIEW: Be the first person to reach a predetermined score...(usually 50, 100, or 150). Each called, and legally pocketed ball counts as 1 point. Every ball contains the same point value. The numbers on the balls are used merely for calling each shot. A scratch results in a subtraction of a point.
On the break- Ok...here's where talent comes in. Unlike 8 and 9, this break requiress finesse, not power. The trick is to break the balls so you commit no foul, but at the same time, you want to leave your opponent no shot. SO...you have to make at least two or more object balls and the cue ball hit a rail. Scratching on the break results in a penalty of -2, so Don't Scratch! Want an insider tip? If the choice is yours, let your opponent break. It's all to your favor. Anyway, hit the right corner ball with right hand english. This (hopefully) will drive 2-3 balls to a rail, and bring the cue ball ALL the way back up table, to set your opponent up for a tough shot. And remember, you must call all shots.
Strategy- Beware of Straight Pool players. They are very good. You need to have uncanny accuracy, as well as cue ball control. If you're good enough, you can run racks upon racks, without even the other player standing up! Why is it so hard? Becuase anything goes...you just have to call it. If you're good at Straight, you're basically good at everything else. Have fun.
My thoughts- This is my favorite game of pool! What fun! There are only about 3 other people that I know (at the pool hall I go to) that are any good at THIS game. Boy are they incredible. See, there is something different when playing Straight. Nine and Eight are fun games, and the people who play them are mostly kids, but what's so (what's the word) "scary" about Straight pool players is that they are V-E-R-Y patient, quiet, introverted, and deadly. You're being psychologically toyed with before you even step up to the table. Good luck.
(Hustler's note: If the pool hall is filled with people, don't choose to hustle the straight pool players. Their money is too hard to win.)
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