How to Strategize When Playing Pool

Using some basic strategy when playing pool greatly increases your chances of winning. You need to consider your next shot and whether you need to play offensively or defensively. Reading your situation will help you become a stronger pool player.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Look the table over carefully. Plan at least 2 or 3 shots in advance. This information will tell you how to hit your current shot so the cue ball is where you need it to be in order to shoot the next shot.

2. Practice shooting the cue ball in different ways so you understand how the cue ball reacts. This is critical in your ability to put the cue where you need it to carry out your strategy.

3. Consider your opponent's ball positions as well as your own. You may choose to play a defensive shot to encourage a scratch. A scratch allows you to position the cue ball to your best advantage.

4. Hide the cue ball behind one of your balls. If you can't make your shot or if the shot leaves your opponent a clear advantage, hide the cue ball to make your opponent's shots much more difficult. To hide the cue, you need to hit at least one pool ball or a bank depending on your situation.

5. Continue to look ahead and reevaluate your strategy each time you're up to shoot. Depending upon how your opponent played, your options will change multiple times throughout the game.

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