How to Play Pool

Guide Note Learning the fundamentals of pool, such as how to grip a cue stick, how to stand and the proper stroke, are essential if you want to be come a good pool player. This guide will take you through the basics of how to play pool.

Table of Contents

Playing Pool Tips

  1. A cue's tip will affect how it strikes the ball.
  2. Make sure your cue stick is straight.
  3. Most people grip the cue too tightly.
  4. An open bridge is easier to use for beginners.
  5. During the stroke, only your lower arm should move.
  6. Use the ghost ball method to aim your cue ball.

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Introduction

  • Sometimes it begins after watching The Color of Money or The Hustler. Other times it begins during a visit to a local bar or a friend's house with a pool table. Of course, it doesn't really matter how you developed the desire to play pool. What matters is the game of pool. You want to know how to play, but don't know where to start. The following page will walk you through the basics.


Step 1: Learn the Terminology

(Creative Commons photo by Ernesto Andrade)
(Creative Commons photo by Ernesto Andrade)
  • Although it is not required for you to know the proper pool terms, it will go a long way to making you look like you know what you're doing. If you walk up to the table and announce you're going to hit the white ball with your pool rod, everyone will know you've never played pool before.

Equipment

  1. Cue: Also called a cue stick. The long, tapered rod, usually wooden, that is used to strike the ball in pool.
    1. Butt: The larger end of the cue opposite the cue tip.
    2. Cue Tip: The piece of material attached to the shaft end of the cue stick.
    3. Balance Point: The spot on a cue where it remains level if held by one support. This is usually 18 inches from the butt end of the cue.1
    4. Joint: The spot midway on a two-piece cue stick that allows it to be broken down into two separate pieces.
    5. Shaft: The thinner part of a cue where the cue tip is attached.
    6. Ferrule: The piece of material at the end of the cue shaft where the cue tip is attached. It is usually plastic, horn or metal.1
  2. Pool table: A billiard table with six pockets.
    1. Bed: The flat playing surface of the table.
    2. Cushion: The cloth-covered rubber which forms the outer perimeter of the playing surface. The slanted part of the cushion that is cut at an angle is known as the jaw.
    3. Rails: The edges of the table, which are not covered by cloth, which attach to the cushions.1 The short rails at the ends of the table are known as the head and foot rails. The long rails are known as the right and left rails, determined when one stands at the head end of the table and faces toward the foot.
    4. Diamonds: The markings or inlays (which are not always diamond shape) on the rails that are used as reference or target points.2
    5. Head of table: The end of the table, usually marked with the manufacturer's nameplate, from which the opening break is performed.1 If you draw imaginary lines between the center diamonds on the short rails and the second diamonds of the long rail (at the head of the table) you will find the head spot.
    6. Foot of table: The end of the table where balls are racked or positioned at the start of a game.1 If you draw imaginary lines between the center diamonds on the short rails and the second diamonds of the long rail (at the foot of the table) you will find the foot spot.
  3. Cue ball: The solid white ball. It is the only ball you can hit with your cue during a game.
  4. Chalk: A dry substance that is applied to the tip to help prevent slipping between the cue tip and the cue ball.
  5. Mechanical bridge: Also known as a crutch, bridge stick or rake. It is a grooved device mounted on a long wooden handle that is used to support the striking end of the cue when it is impossible for the hand to do so.
  6. Rack: A wooden or plastic triangle used to gather the balls into formation.

Basic Parts of a Game

  1. Bridge: The arch formed by the hand that holds and guides the striking end of the cue during play.
  2. Break: The very first hit of a new game.
  3. Frozen: When a ball is touching the wall or another ball.
  4. Kiss: When two or more balls make contact.1
  5. Miscue: A stroke where the cue's tip slips off the cue ball, usually resulting in a bungled shot.3
  6. Object ball: The first ball that a cue ball hits.
  7. Pocketing or sinking a ball: Getting a ball into a pocket.
  8. Scratch: When the cue ball gets hit into a pocket, is hit off off the table or fails to hit any balls.
  9. Shot: A shot begins when the tip of the cue touches the cue ball and ends when all balls stop rolling. There are various types of shots, but some of the basic ones include:
    1. Angle shot: A shot that requires the cue ball to drive the object ball in any other direction other than straight.1 Also known as a cut shot.
    2. Bank shot: When you hit a ball off the side of the pool table.
    3. Jump shot: When the cue ball or object ball is caused to rise off the bed of the the table.
    4. Combination shot: When the cue ball hits an object ball, which then deliberately hits a second ball. This is can also be called a carom.3
  10. Stroke: The movement of the cue as a shot is executed.

More Terminology

  • For an explanation of more pool terms, check out any of the following links:
  1. TheCueStick.com: Glossary Of Equipment Terms
  2. Billiard World Web Magazine: Glossary of Billiard Terms
  3. MNBilliards.com: Glossary of Pool Terms
  4. Sportsmania: Pool and Billiards Terminology
  5. About.com: Understanding Pool Slang  WARNING: Pop-ups
  6. The Illustrated Principles of Pool and Billiards: Glossary  WARNING: PDF File

Step 2: Choose a Cue Stick

  • The most important thing that you will do before playing pool is select a cue stick. Selecting the right cue stick can make a good deal of difference in how you play, so take the time to select the right one.
  1. Check that the cue stick is straight. You can determine if the cue is straight by laying it across the table and rolling it quickly with your fingers. If the cue tip rolls unevenly or wobbles, don't choose it because it is warped.4 If the shaft of your cue is not straight, it could ruin your shot.5
  2. Check the tip of the cue; it should be curved and rough.
    1. A tip that is too flat, round, worn or smooth can cause a miscue.6
    2. You want the tip to be curved about the same amount as a nickel or a dime.7
  3. Choose a cue stick that feels right to you.
    1. The standard weight of a pool cue is between 17 to 21 ounces.8 The weight is written on the butt of the cue.9
    2. Balance point is part of the cue that can change how it feels. The balance point is the spot where the cue stays parallel to the floor when it is balanced on two fingers. Sometimes the balance point is closer to the tip, while other times it is closer to the butt.8 Since the balance point is where you will want to grip your cue, you should check to see if you can maintain the proper stance with the cue.

Chalking the Pool Cue Stick

  1. Do not chalk from side to side or spin the tip into the chalk.6
  2. Try to keep the ferrule from touching the chalk.4
  3. Chalk your cue before every shot.11
  4. Never blow on the tip or tap the tip on the table to remove excess chalk.


Step 3: The Proper Stance

  1. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart.13
    1. The tips of your feet should be pointed away from each other at a 45-degree angle.14
    2. Your rear leg will be straighter than the front leg.14
  2. If you are right-handed, move your left foot forward. If you are left-handed, move your right foot forward.
  3. Relax your leg muscles and bend your knees lightly.12
  4. Line your chin up with the aim of the cue ball and center it over the cue.13
  5. Your stroking or calling arm (the one that is moving the cue) should be bent at the elbow and should not hit your body.12 The upper part of the arm should be at a 90-degree angle to the cue.15
  6. Your bridge or leaning arm should be slightly bent.13
  7. You should be able to stay in this stance without putting your bridge hand on the table.13
  8. You can check your balance by asking someone to nudge you while you are in this stance.12 Your body should not be easy to move without having your knees locked.

Step 4: The Way to Grip a Cue Stick

  1. Form your grip with your dominant hand.
  2. Many players grip the cue too far up or down the butt of the cue. You need to grip the cue at the balance point.12
  3. Rest the cue on the inside of your index and middle fingers between the first and second knuckles.12 Your fingers should be relaxed and not clenched. The other two fingers are placed under the cue for stability, but do not actually grip the cue. Your thumb should be resting against the tip of your index finger.18
  4. Your palm should be above the cue, but not touching it.18
  5. One of the most common mistakes beginning and intermediate pool players make is that they grip their pool cue too tightly.18 A grip that is too tight or loose grip can change your aim and ruin your shot.12


Step 5: How to Bridge

(Creative Commons photo by Jorge)
(Creative Commons photo by Jorge)
  • An open bridge is one where the cue is resting on the hand.
  1. Open bridges are often used by newer players because it is the easiest type to adapt.19 21
  2. Using it provides an clear view of the length of the stick, which helps when aiming and establishing stroke direction.22 21
  3. It is very stable and will keep the stick centered during the stroke.22
  4. It is particularly useful for soft shots and follow shots and offers better sighting on long shots.19 12
  5. To see some of the different types of open bridges, check out any of the following videos:
    1. Expert Village: How to Play Pool with an Open Bridge
    2. Expert Village: Billiards Stroke Bridges
    3. YouTube: Dr. Cue - Lesson 3: The "Open, Tower, or V Bridge (Time: 1:51)
    4. Expert Village: Various Bridges on the Game of Pool
  • A closed bridge is one where one or more of the fingers are wrapped around the cue.
  1. A closed bridge offers you more control over your cue stick and eliminates unnecessary sideways movements of your cue stick.12 19
  2. It offers increased accuracy and is better for power shots.21 19
  3. It is harder to adapt and requires proper head positioning.21
  4. To see some of the different types of closed bridges, check out any of the following videos:
    1. Expert Village: How to Play Pool with a Closed Bridge
    2. Expert Village: Using a Standard Bridge Hold (closed)
    3. YouTube: Dr. Cue - Lesson 4: The Closed Bridge
    4. Expert Village: Setting up a Bridge in the Game of Pool
  • At various times during your game you may need to adapt or use a specialized bridge. If, for example, you are required to shot over another ball, you will need to use an elevated bridge. If your ball is resting against the rail, you may need to use a rail bridge. Here are some sources on how to adapt your bridge to these situations:
  1. Expert Village: How to Play Pool with an Open Bridge on a Rail
  2. Expert Village: How to Play Pool with a Closed Bridge on a Rail
  3. Expert Village: Bridge Hold Against the Rail
  4. Expert Village: How to Bridge Up
  5. Expert Village: Using an Elevated Bridge Hold
  6. Brightcove: Billiards Instruction - Bridge Lessons (Time: 4:30)

Step 6: Aiming

  1. When aiming, it is important that you have your head and chin centered over your cue.12
  2. One of the most popular methods of aiming is called the ghost ball method. also known as the "ball behind the ball" method.24 Here is how it works:
    1. Draw a straight line from the center of the object ball to where you want it to go.24 This is called the impact line.25
    2. Now, imagine where the cue ball would have to hit the object ball for this to happen. Usually this means that the center of the ghost ball is aligned with the impact line.26
    3. Then draw an imaginary line from the center of the cue ball to the center of the ghost ball.26 This is your aiming line.
  3. When hitting the ball, keep your eyes focused on the object ball and not the cue ball.27
  4. For most shots, you will want to strike the cue ball directly in the center.28


Step 7: The Proper Stroke

  • Now that you're in position, you're ready to strike the cue ball. This is considered your stroke. During your stroke, nothing but your lower arm should move, which acts like a pendulum.12 Here are some things to remember during your stroke.
  1. When in your stance, your forearm should be pointed straight down when your cue is touching the cue ball.29 This is known as the set position.
    1. When in this position, your forearm should be at a right angle to the cue.30
    2. Keep your cue stick as level as you can.31
  2. Take a three or four warm-up strokes to ensure that your aim is consistent before taking your shot.29
  3. Keep your back swing slow and don't rush it.32
  4. The cue should swing back at the same speed as it swings forward.33
  5. You want to push the cue past the ball about 4 to 8 inches, or follow through, rather than stopping prematurely. 13
  6. Make sure not to drop your elbow or forearm.30
  7. Pause after the stroke and don't lift your body out of position until the shot is over.12 Take a moment to check your position.
  8. You can use the diamonds on the rail to help you practice keeping your cue stroke straight.34


Step 8: Understand the Rules of the Game

(Creative Commons photo by John Lewis)
(Creative Commons photo by John Lewis)

Eight Ball

  1. The Illustrated Principles of Pool and Billiards: 8-Ball and 9-Ball Rules Summary  WARNING: PDF File
  2. Billiard Congress of America: Eight Ball Rules  WARNING: PDF File
  3. Expert Village Video Series: How to Play 8-ball | How To Play Eight-Ball Pool

Nine Ball

  1. TheCueStick.com: Nine Ball (9 Ball) Rules
  2. The Illustrated Principles of Pool and Billiards: 8-Ball and 9-Ball Rules Summary  WARNING: PDF File
  3. Billiard Congress of America: Nine Ball Rules  WARNING: PDF File
  4. Expert Village Video Series: 9 Ball Pool Game | How to Play & Win 9 Ball Pool

Straight Pool (14.1 Continuous)

  • Straight pool, also known as 14.1 Continuous, is played with all 14 balls and the cue ball. Each player calls which ball and pocket they are going to make before taking their shot. For example, "seven ball in the corner pocket." When all balls have been sunk, the player racks the ball and breaks so the game can continue until a specific point goal is reached, usually 120 or 150 points.38 For additional information, check out:
  1. Billiard Congress of America: 14.1 Continuous Pool Rules  WARNING: PDF File
  2. Be Good at Billiards: 14.1 Continuous Rules

One Pocket

  1. One Pocket.org: Official One Pocket Rules
  2. MNBilliards.com: Mark on One Pocket
  3. Billiard Congress of America: One Pocket Rules

Cutthroat (Cut Throat)

  • Also known as elimination, cutthroat is played with three players. The balls are divided into three groups (1-5, 6-10 and 11-15). Whomever sinks a ball first choose which group they want. The remaining two groups are decided by whomever is second to sink a ball. The object of the game is to sink your opponents balls before yours are gone.40 For more information, check out:
  1. Pool Halls Directory: Cutthroat Pool
  2. Generation Pool: Cut-throat Pool and Billiards Rules
  3. Expert Village: How to Play Cutthroat Pool | What Happens When you Scratch in Cutthroat Pool

Other Games

  • A number of other pool games are also played in various homes and pool halls. For more information on these games, check out any of the following sites:
  1. About.com: Learn the Subtleties of Great Pool Games WARNING: Pop-ups
  2. Be Good at Billiards: Billiard Rules
  3. Billiard Congress of America: Pocket Billiards Rules and Specifications
Some Popular Pool Games

Conclusion

  • Now that you know the basics of the game, you can move forward and learn about how to create different types of shots, perhaps even trick shots. Remember, that the best thing you can do to improve your game is practice.44 The more you play, the better you will become.

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References for How to Play Pool

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Billiard World Web Magazine: Glossary of Billiard Terms
  2. ↑ TheCueStick.com: Glossary Of Equipment Terms
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 MNBilliards.com: Glossary of Pool Terms
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Border Billiards: Pool Cue Maintenance Guide
  5. ↑ Expert Village: How to Test a Cue Stick in Pool  WARNING: Auto-plays video
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Billiards Digest: Cue Maintenance
  7. ↑ Expert Village: Pool Cue Tip Curvature  WARNING: Auto-plays video
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 TheCueStick.com: Pool & Does Cue Weight Matter?
  9. ↑ Expert Village: How to Pick a Cue Stick in Pool  WARNING: Auto-plays video
  10. ↑ Expert Village: How to Chalk a Billiard Cue  WARNING: Auto-plays video
  11. ↑ Expert Village: Using Cue Chalk in the Game of Pool  WARNING: Auto-plays video
  12. ↑ 12.00 12.01 12.02 12.03 12.04 12.05 12.06 12.07 12.08 12.09 12.10 12.11 TheCueStick.com: Pool & Billiard Fundamentals
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 MNBilliards.com: Do You Want to Learn How to Play Pool? or Just Continue to Hit the Balls?
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Pool Pro Plus: Lower Body Stance  WARNING: PDF File
  15. ↑ The Illustrated Principles of Pool and Billiards: Stance
  16. ↑ Denton County Pool League: Proper Grip
  17. ↑ Inside Pool Magazine: A Gripping Effect (August 14, 2007)
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 About.com: The Classic Pool Grip  WARNING: Pop-ups
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3 19.4 Denton County Pool League: The Bridge
  20. ↑ Expert Village: How to Stroke a Pool Cue  WARNING: Auto-plays video
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 21.3 Pool Pro Plus: Hand Positioning  WARNING: PDF File
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 The Illustrated Principles of Pool and Billiards: FAQs: Bridge
  23. ↑ Sport2Net: Beginner Pool Lesson No. 5 (February 20, 2008)
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 San Francisco Billiard Academy: Aiming: The Secret of Pool? or Basic Instinct... (July 1995)
  25. ↑ The Illustrated Principles of Pool and Billiards: Aiming
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 About.com: Aiming the Cue Ball and the "Ghost Ball"  WARNING: Pop-ups
  27. ↑ About.com: A Classic Pool Stroke, Step by Step  WARNING: Pop-ups
  28. ↑ Expert Village: Tips for Hitting a Cue Ball in Pool  WARNING: Auto-plays video
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 The Illustrated Principles of Pool and Billiards: Stroke "Best Practices" Routine  WARNING: PDF File
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 The Illustrated Principles of Pool and Billiards: Stroke
  31. ↑ Expert Village: Tips on Keeping a Level Pool Cue  WARNING: Auto-plays video
  32. ↑ Sports2Net: Beginner Pool Lesson No. 4 (February 20, 2008)
  33. ↑ Pool Pro Plus: Stroke  WARNING: PDF File
  34. ↑ YouTube: Dr. Cue - Lesson 20: Stroke Practice With Barrier Training! (Time: 2:27)  WARNING: Auto-plays video
  35. ↑ Billiard Congress of America: General Rules of Pocket Billiards
  36. ↑ TheCueStick.com: Eight Ball (8 Ball) Rules
  37. ↑ About.com: 9-Ball Game Rules & Strategy  WARNING: Pop-ups
  38. ↑ TheCueStick.com: Straight Pool (14.1 Continuous) Rules
  39. ↑ TheCueStick.com: One Pocket
  40. ↑ Be Good at Billiards: Cut Throat Rules
  41. ↑ Be Good at Billiards: Billiard Rules
  42. ↑ About.com: Learn the Subtleties of Great Pool Games WARNING: Pop-ups
  43. ↑ Billiard Congress of America: Pocket Billiards Rules and Specifications
  44. ↑ AZBilliards.com: Shut up and Practice!

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