In pool, players use the cue stick to strike a white ball called the cue ball to hit other balls into pockets. Pool is a popular billiards game. Billiards games involve skill, angles, ball physics and strategy.
To play pool, chalk the cue tip then hold the butt end in your dominant hand. Place the other hand on the cue. Take aim, then strike the cue ball to sink the object balls. Players alternate turns, scoring points for sinking balls and hitting cushions. The game ends when a player fails to sink a ball.
The player strikes first. If any balls fell into the pocket, the player continues. If not, the other player takes a turn. There are two strikes in billiards. One is when the player hits the cue ball, which pushes another ball into the pocket. The other is when the cue ball hits another ball then flies into the pocket. This strike is typical for Russian billiards.
American billiards rules differ from Russian. Here the game is faster and more fun. For beginners, this billiards is most acceptable since the pockets are wider and you can run several balls at once.
Scoring in billiards can confuse anyone. There are 3 simple ways to score points:
- A cannon is when the cue ball hits the red ball and other cue ball, scoring 2 points.
- A pot occurs when the cue ball sends the red ball into the pocket, resulting in 3 points.
- An in-off refers to the cue ball going into the pocket after hitting another ball, resulting in 3 points or 2 points if hitting the opponent’s cue ball.
Some key billiards rules:
- The cue ball must be played out of baulk.
- Legal shots require the cue ball be struck only with the cue tip.
- Points are scored by striking balls in specific ways.
- Fouls include pocketing the cue ball or touching an object ball with it while in hand.
- The game involves skill, strategy, and concentration.
The foundation of playing pool comes from the stroke. A stroke is the movement made by your cueing arm as it moves to contact the cue ball. A good stroke leads to better-looking, more comfortable shots. It is essential that the stroke arm is in alignment with the cue and cue ball.