How to Play Pool Like a Pro

Pool is a great skill to learn. Not only will you be less bored at bars, you will impress your friends, your girlfriend or boyfriend and maybe even be able to win some money. Read on to learn how to play pool like a pro.

Things You'll Need

• A friend or two
• Lots of quarters

Instructions

1. Take note of the basics. Pool playing isn't all about aim. A large part of your success will come from just following a few simple rules. First, select a stick (or cue) that is the proper weight and length for you. The only way to be sure which works best is through experience. However, try the 20 first. Also, select a stick that has a nice round and even end. Pass over those that are worn down as these sticks are more likely to cause a "miscue." Next, test the stick for uniformity by rolling it across the pool table. Watch to make sure that it rolls evenly. Finally, stance and grip can make a world of difference in pool playing success. Be sure that your feet are shoulder width apart and that your grip is not too far back on the stick. The further back your grip on the stick, the less control that you have over it. Put chalk and the end of the cue and on your hands and you are ready to play.

2. Learn the game. Rules can vary widely depending on who you are playing and where. Find out if "slop" is allowed. Some players call every shot before they take it and if they miss, they lose their turn. Others just hit balls and see where they land. Get clear on the rules before you begin. If you are a beginner it is probably best to find opponents who are relaxed about the game and will let you make a few mistakes. Suggest a game of nine ball as it's great for beginners. To start, the first nine balls are racked in a diamond shape. Place them in numerical order from left to right, except the nine, which goes in the center of the diamond. You then aim for the balls in numerical order, the one ball first, then after it goes into a pocket, the two ball and so on. Nine ball is slop, so you can sink any ball as long as you have hit your object ball first. Your turn continues until you miss your object ball. The goal is to sink the nine ball. The first person who does this, whether intentionally or not, is the winner.

3. Improve your game. Learning to break is probably the biggest challenge that any pool player faces. Breaking has quite a bit to do with the amount of power behind your shot and everything to do with practice. One way to do it is to place the fingers of your left hand over the edge of the bumper and shoot in between your middle and index fingers. The cue ball should be placed a foot or less away from you. This is perhaps not the best method for sinking a bunch of balls on the break, but it will get you through your turns until you learn power. To learn fancy shots, watch other players and tournaments on television and practice whenever you can. Being a great pool player though, is less about skill in executing fancy shots than it is about being "in the zone." This is a widely discussed topic in the world of sports, and every person has different ways to achieving their own personal zone state. The easiest way to describe how to get in the zone, is simply to relax and focus. If you let nerves get the best of you, or if you spend more time talking than watching the game, it will be hard to win.