5. LEARN SOME OTHER POPULAR GAMES

8-ball isn't the only pool game out there; some of the other most popular games include 9-ball and cutthroat. Here are the basics of how to play each one:

9-ball

This is the game that the professionals on TV play. But you can try too.

  • In 9-ball, the only balls you'll use (besides the cue ball) are 1 - 9.When you rack them, line them up with one ball in the first row, two in the second, three in the third, two in the fourth, and one in the last, so that the balls form a diamond shape.

  • The 1-ball should be at the head (front) of the rack, and the 9-ball in the center. All the other balls can go anywhere you want.

  • The object of 9-ball is to sink the 9-ball. Here's the catch: all the other balls must be eliminated first in numerical order, starting with the 1-ball, then the 2-ball, 3-ball, etc.

  • The only way to get another turn is to sink the correct ball in the pocket.

  • If you sink the wrong ball, then you lose your turn, but you don't take that ball out of the pocket.

  • All the rules of scratching apply. There's one exception to this: the 8-ball now counts as any other normal ball.

  • If a scratch does occur, the next player can place the cue ball anywhere he/she wants on table (this is called "ball-in-hand"). So whatever you do, DON'T SCRATCH!

  • Some people play tougher variations of this game. For instance, one version requires the shooter to not only sink the lowest number ball on the table, but he/she must also hit that ball first with the cue ball (virtually eliminating the option of using combination shots).

Cutthroat or Elimination

This is a great game if you're playing pool with people you hate, or if you happen to be an annoying person by nature.

  1. Before the game starts, the balls are divided evenly and assigned amongst the players. So in a three-person game, Player A will get balls numbered one through five, Player B - six through ten, and Player C - eleven through fifteen.

  2. If the balls can't be divided up evenly, give the more experienced player(s) fewer balls.

  3. Rack the balls as you would for a game of 8-ball.

  4. The object of the game is to eliminate all the balls on the table that are not yours. So if you're Player A, you want to sink balls six through fifteen.

  5. Once all of a player's balls have been pocketed, he/she is out of the game. The other players continue playing until the bitter end.

Because pool, like most sports, is easier to grasp when you see it being done, you should consider watching an instructional tape. With practice, perseverance, and a well-rehearsed pool face, you will soon be well on your way to becoming a pool shark. We're scared of you already!