Pocket Pool Games

Virtual pocket pool games provide many of the same challenges as the real thing.

Pocket pool, is played on a pool table, with a pool cue (stick) and a set of pool balls. The cue ball is the only ball a player can touch directly, and she may touch it only with the pool cue. The cue ball is used to knock the other balls into the pockets around the pool table. There are different types of pocket pool games, and how you win depends on the specific game you’re playing.

Pocket Pool

This free online game takes a bit of skill and practice. At the start, the table is set up with the racked balls at one end and the cue ball at the other. To shoot, left click on the cue ball. This causes the pool cue to appear. The cue moves up to and away from the cue ball. When you release the mouse button, it will shoot the cue ball. The closer the cue (stick) is to the cue ball, the softer the hit. The hardest hit will come when the pool cue is at it furthest from the cue ball. When the cue appears, the game also displays a shooting line, indicating where the cue ball will go when it is shot. Points are scored for every ball sunk into a pocket. You can post your score online and compare it to what others have done.

Pool Hall Pro

Made for both the PC and the Nintendo Wii, Pool Hall Pro includes several different pool games, including classic pocket pool. You can choose to play in arcade mode, tournament mode or one of four other modes available with this game. The PC version uses the mouse to control the action, but for the Wii version you can use the standard Wii controller or you can get the Wii pool cue, which comes separately from the game. Practice on your own or challenge friends and family. Pool Hall Pro can be purchased starting at under $10 (as of July 2010) from online sources. You can also find it in stores which specialize in video games.

9 Ball

9 Ball is an online Flash game that is simple to operate. You control the placement of the pool cue and the direction the cue ball will go when hit. Click and drag the strength control bar to regulate how hard the cue ball is hit. Set the cue ball with the mouse where you want it to start the game. Sink the balls into the pockets in numerical order to get the highest score. Miss a shot and you lose points. This game is easy enough to control that younger players will enjoy it, but it still takes some skill to make all your shots.

References

• Gamebrew: Pocket Pool
• Tea Games: 9 Ball Pool