How to learn to play pool?

Question

what is the best way? Should I just play until it all falls into place? Are there books or classes that will help me?

Answer 1

there are some d**n good books on the subject and a person may self-teach on the subject with the right book.

many people learn through trial and error. i found that you could nudge your object ball closer to the hole and if it didn't sink it was there for next time. when that trait was perfected (lol) i moved on and experimented with other strategies.that was eight ball.

now snooker.....well you do need to study and memorize the rules. i know that it is a lot to remember but one gets a grip on just what is essential regularly and what may be referred to periodically. as for the play, practise ...steady practise is soooooooo necessary.

Answer 2

This may sound weird, but play online.  It's actually helped me.

Answer 3

There actually are classes that you can take to learn to improve your pool game.  Formal instruction will do more for your game than any book or video.  A lot of people have the wrong idea about pool instruction.  A good instructor knows that no two people play exactly the same.  We aren't trying to crank out pool-playing robots.  We give you the tools to discover your own game.  We don't tell you that you have to stand "this way" or you have to take "this many" practice strokes, etc.  I would advise against trying to copy so-called "better" players.  They are using what works for them.  Pool lessons will be the best money you ever spend on your game.  It most certainly is not a waste of money, especially when you consider the time that you'll be saving.  You can learn in a matter of months what would take years of "trial and error".  When you understand exactly what is it that you are doing at the pool table, you will then have what it takes to continually improve thoughout your life.  Mr. "house champion" will still be playing at the same level 20 years from now.  Before you know it, people will be trying to copy you.  There are a few good books on the market, but they should be used as a supplement to hands-on instruction.  You just can't ask a book to clarify a point or to demonstrate a technique in real-time.  George Fels and Phil Cappelle are two of my favorite pool authors.  If you are practicing with a "trial and error" agenda, it is a huge waste of time.  When you know "how" to practice, then you can work just fine without guidance.  It bothers me when people make blanket statements like "practice makes perfect" or "just keep practicing".  Just banging balls around will frustrate you very quickly.  Check out the BCA (Billiard Congress of America) website to find a certified instructor in your area.  M.D.-BCA Instructor/Referee.

Answer 4

well as for rules, you can read up on it on the internet, just search for the rules. As for playing it, it's mostly a game of getting your angles right and that comes with practice. I do agree that playing online will help you figure out the angles so you can send the ball hitting what you want and where you want them to go. It will also help you learn other techniques like curving and stopping the ball but you still need to play a real game to get the feel.

My opinion is get some friends, get a picther of beer or your favorite cocktail, shoot some pool and have a good time!

Just remember to never hit the ball at a downward angle so you don't rip the carpet of the table...

have fun!

Answer 5

If you really want to become decent at pool and are serious about it, all  you need to do is practice. Go to the the bar or pool hall by yourself sometime and place the balls in front of the pockets and hit them in. Practice straight in shots and get them down pat first before moving onto banks, kicks, combinations, carom shots, etc. Or just find a friend that is good or halfway decent and play with them. Im sure they will help and coach you the best they can. Dont waste your money on an instructor when you can do the same yourself or have a friend do it for free. What helped me the most growing up was watching real good players play. I would go to the pool hall and sit for hours watching real good players shoot one-pocket, eightball, nineball, straight pool, etc for big money. It helped me out tremendously. A lot of people dont agree, but playing pool online helps also. Of course it isnt the same but it will help with hitting speed, angles, cutshots, etc. Well anyway. Good luck and hope I helped out.