Q&A for How to Play Pool Like a Pro

A slightly rounded cue tip is better. You will have better control over the cue ball.

This has to do mainly with learning how to position the cue ball. There are countless "cue ball control" or "pool positioning" videos online that can start to help you with this. The main elements of positioning begin with what ball you are aiming for next, the speed at which you hit, the right English/spin you need, and using rails to place the cue ball in the desired position so that you can easily make your next shot. After some practice and studying/application, you should begin to understand and execute positioning for your next shot.

Of course! Cues don't come in only one size. The smallest you may get is a 54".

If you scratch at a break, the turn goes to the other person. You won't lose unless you pot the 8 ball last. If you pot the cue ball (white) and the 8 ball at the same time, you lose.

No shot is a given. Concentrate on these shots as much as you would on harder shots.

Break from the side on the second ball. This should drop at least 2 to 3 balls on break.

As long as you don't scratch, you win.

If you are in a snooker which means surrounded by the other person's balls. Stripped or solid, depending on which player is which.

Numbers are painted onto each ball, and each number corresponds to the color of that ball.

Fiberglass sticks are good as long as they are tightened together. They are a bit sticky on your hands, so powder is recommended.

Yes.

No, you have unlimited chances to sink the 8 ball, unless your opponent pots the 8 ball first. You could also lose if you pot the cue ball after you sink the cue ball.

You lost. If you put the 8 ball in before all your other stripes or solids, then the other player automatically wins.

Yes. You would consider it the same way you would as regular pool, as it is still the same concept, but just with a smaller table. However, some tricks normally performed on a regular sized table will be harder on the smaller table, or nearly impossible.

Throw is caused by the friction between the cue ball and the object ball. In an ideal situation, throw never happens. But, when the balls are dirty or the cue ball has chalk marks on it, sometimes you will see the object ball drift off its path a little, which is called throw. The max throw effect happens when the cue ball hits the object ball half ball with medium speed stun shot.

If you are shooting the 8 ball as your final ball and are playing "called pocket", and you get it in a pocket other than the one you called, it would be a loss. If you fail to pocket the 8 ball in the called pocket and it remains on the table it, remains in play until you or your opponent pocket the ball legally.

As long as you haven't taken your shot, then yes. So for instance, if you call a side pocket and change your mind, as long as you haven't shot, you can change pockets. Everyone plays by different rules, but that is a general rule of thumb.

You have to strike it on a side, rather than hitting it in the center.

Hit the lower half of the ball. The lower the contact point, the larger the spin. The balance on that is that the further from the middle of the cue you make contact, the harder it is to maintain accuracy and control.

A cut shot is when you have to pot the ball, but at a 90 degree angle. Throw is the tendency of the object ball to cling to the cue ball for an instant, throwing the shot off line.

Hit the cue ball into another ball, and use that ball to hit your targeted ball into the pocket.

Gloves should be thin, comfortable and slippery. It's a good idea to buy a pair.

Instead of using a traditional bridge, use a rail bridge, where you make a bridge on the rail/bumper.

Practice, lean lower so you can imagine the guideline, and f you encounter better player than you, don't be afraid to ask for help with your technique.

Imagine a line from the center of the pocket through the middle of the object ball. The point where the line 'exits' the object ball is your point of aim. Remember, that balls are round. Beginners tend to aim too thick into the object ball and miss the pocket. After getting used to the aiming system, you will see the shots without it. Just practice!

It depends on consistency. The more consistent you are practicing each skill, the better you will get. Just have fun practicing and you should be a pro in possibly months to maybe a year. It's all about consistency, following the lesson and having fun while learning the game.

You can use a wooden rack to arrange the balls properly. The balls are arranged in alternating solid-stripe order, with the 8 ball in the middle.

Long shots amplify minute errors in your stroke and/or aim due to the length the balls must travel. Focus on setting up the shots properly and do not hit the cue ball too hard. A good exercise to check how accurate your stroke is is to set two balls next to each other with just enough space in between for your cue tip to go through. Practice your stroke between the balls without touching either of them.

Yes. Pool isn't a physical sport at all, so it doesn't matter what sex you are. The only sports that are sex-divided are those that require physical strength, such as basketball or soccer.