8 Ball Pool is a true App Store classic. Released for iOS in June 2011, it remains hugely popular to this day. Taking on opponents from all over the world, you’ll need to show all of your finesse and potting skills to claim victory. But, even the best of us can benefit from a few pointers - so we’ve (ahem) cued up five great tips.
Use the full power of your cue on your first shot
Having the break can be a huge advantage, so make sure you take advantage of the first visit to the table to get your nose in front. Power is a great strategy for the opening shot, spreading out the balls and giving you the best chance of that all-important first pot.
Add vibration to remind you of your next opportunity
Don’t throw away your shot! You’ll only have a brief time to make a decision and execute it and letting that opportunity go to waste will definitely give your opponent the edge. Adding haptic feedback will remind you when it’s time to play: tap the gear icon on the main screen of the game, scroll down to Game Options and toggle on Vibrating.
Always plan ahead
Pool is about strategy, not chance. Just taking the easy pot and not thinking about cue-ball position is not going to get you very far in this game. Try to always think a couple of shots ahead of your next one so you can attempt to leave yourself nice angles to move from one pot to the next, or just put your opponent in trouble with a devilish safety shot.
Use the diamonds to line up your shots
The markers alongside the pool table’s edges are called diamonds. They’re reference points that help you set up the angle of your shot and calculate the cue-ball’s trajectory with pinpoint accuracy. These visual references are going to be key for those vital bank shots and working out your angles.
Use topspin and backspin to direct the cue ball
Making the cue ball do what you want it to is vital to stringing a break together. Putting spin on the cue-ball will allow you to play far better positional pool, using topspin to follow through, or a little backspin to stop the cue-ball dead, for instance. Once you’ve mastered the basics you’ll soon be putting your own spin on things as you go for glory.