Category Archives: (FAQ) Frequently Asked Questions

Lots of useful details and information for players at all levels.

(FAQ) Game Rules - Straight Pool

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These series of "Game Rules' provide rules of many different games for the pool table. The rules here have been simplified from the official versions - to make them a little easier to understand.

There are other games that have been invented, copyrighted and generally available to the playing public. Web searches will turn these up and the rules printed out for use.

Continue reading →

(FAQ) Got any pool jokes?

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Two shooters play a "4-ahead" race. The first player wins the toss, breaks and runs four games in a row. The second player says he needs a spot. The first player says, "Can't do that. I haven't seen you play." Continue reading →

(FAQ) How do you play a cue ball on the rail?

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This is one of the more difficult locations to shoot from. Because the cue ball is so close to the rail, it is impossible to contact the ball with other than a top spin. Draws and any variations are impossible, unless you are an expert in shooting masse shots with a near-vertical stick. Continue reading →

(FAQ) You are obsessive about pool when…

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This checklist tell you if you have a pool addiction. If you discover this is a personal problem - good for you!! Continue reading →

(FAQ) What makes a smooth stroke?

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A good stroke implies following a complete shot routine. The routine begins once a commitment to the shot selection is made. Continue reading →

(FAQ) What is Gamesmanship & Sharking?

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Random House Dictionary definitions:
gamesmanship - 1. the use of methods, esp. in a sports contest, that are dubious or seemingly improper but not strictly illegal. 2. the technique or practice of manipulating people or events so as to gain an advantage or outwit one's opponents or competitors.

shark - 1. (v) to obtain by trickery. 2. (n) a person regarded as ruthless.

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(FAQ) How do you coach a new player on a team?

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If you are one of the better players on a league team, eventually you will be called upon to coach a playing situation for a new player or a lower-skilled team member. Your superior knowledge and experience is needed to make sense of a confusing table layout. Continue reading →

(FAQ) Do you perform a post-shot routine?

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If you watch players compete, there is one habit that the winners consistently have in common. Those are the shooters who always stop after a shot and appear to be momentarily frozen in time. What they are really doing is going over their shot, comparing the new table layout with what they were attempting to achieve. These are the players that learn from their mistakes. Continue reading →

(FAQ) Game Rules - 9 Ball

(About the Author)

These series of "Game Rules' provide rules of many different games for the pool table. The rules here have been simplified from the official versions - to make them a little easier to understand.

There are other games that have been invented, copyrighted and generally available to the playing public. Web searches will turn these up and the rules printed out for use.

Continue reading →

(FAQ) How do you find a good pool instructor?

(About the Author)

It is surprising, but the vast majority of pool players have never taken any kind of lesson from a qualified pool instructor – not even a basic check on their fundamentals. They will spend hundreds (even thousands) of dollars on a cool cue stick. They aren’t willing to spend $20, $50, or $100 for lessons that will improve their game for the rest of their lives. They are perfectly happy to go on for years and years (and years) believing they are just too intelligent to need an instructor. Continue reading →