(FAQ) How can you handicap 8 Ball with a friend?

(About the Author)

Here are some suggestions where the weaker player can still bang away at his best speed, and the stronger player (in this example is you) has to follow one or more of these restrictions. Playing straight up is too lopsided and the fun of playing quickly fades.

Try these:

  • Last pocket – you must pocket the 8 ball in the pocket where you made your last bal, he plays normally.
  • Your friend picks the pocket for the 8 ball, after you sink your last ball, he plays normally.
  • Your friend picks 2 or 3 pockets on the table where you cannot pocket object balls. If you do, the ball stays down, but he gets ball in hand.
  • You must bank the 8 ball one or more rails to the called pocket to win, he plays it normally.
  • You play where the cue ball lies, he gets ball in hand for every shot (or every other shot).
  • You must shoot your balls in rotation, he can play his balls in any order.
  • You must call every shot, he can play slop.

As the games progress, the two of you modify the rules until you both have some kind of agreement that equalizes your skill levels. These are also good rules to use when you are playing a girlfriend/boyfriend (so that you are able to maintain good relations).

Get the Book!

The FAQs of Pool & Pocket Billiards


Get the Book!!

book-PDF PDF book (good for smart devices)
(Includes my Money-back Guarantee)

book-red Printed book
Featured Posts

(AWAP) Art of War v. Art of Pool - Chapter 11 - changing his plans

(About the author) At it's most basic, the pool table is a small battlefield. An excerpt from "The Art of War" ...

Read More

(FAQ) How can you play for long periods of time?

(About the Author) There are times when you get yourself in a playing situation where you will be playing for hours ...

Read More

(BSC) Billiard Skills Challenge - CB Maneuvers: Mid table Safety Training, Zone 2 (Intermediate)

(About the Author) Here is Today's Test Group Challenge from the book. Several run-outs in a row develops personal confidence when ...

Read More

(AWAP) Art of War v. Art of Pool - Chapter 4 - how to conquer

(About the author) At it's most basic, the pool table is a small battlefield. An excerpt from "The Art of War" ...

Read More

(AWAP) Art of War v. Art of Pool - Chapter 7 - near the goal

(About the author) At it's most basic, the pool table is a small battlefield. An excerpt from "The Art of War" ...

Read More

(FAQ) How does an instructor use a video camera to help you?

(About the Author) In every stroke, your stick forearm comes forward to make the cue tip contact the cue ball. The ...

Read More