Perhaps quite obviously, the fundamental skill required for success in billiards is the ability to pocket balls. As with the acquisition of any skill, practice is crucial. However, the following provides some advice on the correct method of potting a ball:
1. Always chalk the tip of the cue before a shot to avoid an error or inadvertent side spin of the cue ball.
2. Look along the line formed by the pocket with the ball to be pocketed (the object ball). Establish and remember the spot on the object ball that is formed by that line.
3. Keep that point in sight and align the cue with the desired point on the cue ball and the target point on the target ball.
4. Hit the shot by following and staying as still as possible until the shot is completed.
Pots from the break
The rules of some versions of 8-ball billiards state that a game is won immediately if the 8-ball (black) is pocketed from the break. The initial key to success is correctly placing the cue ball. The “main chain” is a line that runs across the pool table, similar to the balk line in pool. Place the cue ball on the head line, about 2″ from the side rail. Hitting the cue ball a little below center, hit the second ball, on either side of the lead ball in the triangle. The 8-ball should go in in the corner pocket.
In 9-ball pool, a “trick” break shot can be achieved which ensures that a ball is pocketed from the break shot every time. Place the cue ball about 4 inches from the right rail. Hit the shot with rhythm, to hit the left hand rail about 3 inches below the center pocket. The second ball on the left side of the clustered ball diamond will “bend” across the table into the opposite center pocket. This type of break shot, with a lot of practice, not only ensures a bounce from the break, but also widely distributes the balls, making it much easier to hit them later.
putting snooker
There are so many ways to play pool that it would be impractical to discuss them all. The simplest form of billiards is the flick behind one of a player’s “own” balls. However, many novices make a bad shot by missing the object ball. However, this shot can be simplified by playing the cue ball sideways, allowing it to be hit with more force. The essence of good snooker is to make the breakaway as difficult as possible. This can be achieved by leaving the cue ball as close to the pool ball as possible and the object ball away from a rail, eliminating any simple escape routes and making it much more difficult for an opponent to judge escape angles.
Escaping from Snookers
Many players find that playing the shot “backwards”, i.e. object ball against cue ball, is an effective method of calculating angles to escape from snookers. It’s easy to impart an inadvertent side spin on the cue ball when playing down, thus ruining the shot. Make sure the center of the spike hits the highest part of the cue ball.