Aim, breathe, and shoot! It takes a good eye (and some smart tactics) to dominate the competition in 8 Ball Pool. Try these tips and you’ll be running the table in no time.
1. Avoid the 8 ball
Whatever you do, don’t hit the 8 ball with the white cue ball until the end! It’s OK if other balls bounce off of it, but tapping black with white ends your turn—and pocketing it too early hands you an automatic loss.
2. Keep the rock safe
Scratching (sinking the cue ball) in any mode will immediately end your turn—and it usually happens when your aim’s off or you use too much power. Don’t focus solely on pocketing a ball; pay close attention to where the cue ball will ricochet, and use soft taps to keep it under control.
3. Get defensive
Can’t find a good angle? Don’t force an impossible shot. Instead try nudging the cue ball to a spot that poses a challenge for your rival, like behind a tight cluster of balls. A frustrated foe is a beatable foe!
4. Switch sticks
Even if you’re a shark, you won’t be competitive using low-tier pool cues. Upgrade your favorite ones often, and remember that you can swap them anytime. For instance, high-force cues are handy for break shots.
5. Give it some English
See the white circle in the upper right corner? Tap it to change where you strike the cue ball—and, in turn, how it spins (commonly referred to as English). Need to stop the cue ball in its tracks? Add some backspin!