How to play pool online and win
Posted On Monday, December 10, 2007 at at 1:23 PM by WorldWideClasified.com
Playing pool online is more convenient and accessible than playing traditional real-life pool, but not necessarily easier. In order to play pool online, you must learn the game rules as well as apply the same strategies and techniques you would have used playing pool at a pool hall or any other offline location. If you think that when choosing to play pool games online you are spared of thinking, practicing and strategizing, think again. Here you can learn how to play pool online and win (or at least, lose less).
Training Mode
Most online pool rooms include a training mode feature, which allows you to practice the functions and getting used to the aiming and shooting in a competitive-free environment. So use it. Even if you are confident about your online pool playing skill, don't hurry to compete with some actual players before getting used to the controls of the game.
Practice, Practice, Practice
When it comes to practice – the more is the better. You wouldn't be engaging in a real-life game without performing some warm-up shots, hopefully. Therefore, even when you intend to play pool online, especially if you are in the real money mode, play some single player games so you'll arrive to the real match as prepared as possible.
Strategy
Speaking of pool strategies, when playing pool online, not all techniques and difficult shots can be applied. Leave the jump shots, masse shots and cut shots to the real-life pool hall and focus on the mental game, which is a subject for a whole different article…
When it comes to pool games, there are two main types of strategies: the offensive strategy and the defensive one. Since many pool players claim that the winning strategy in pool game is a combination of these two strategies, this article will help you out with understanding each of the strategies, so you can use them in your play.
Defensive and Offensive strategies
Play Safe
Playing defensive strategy in pool games means playing safety. According to most pool professionals, mastering your offensive skill, knowing how to handle difficult shots and an ability to play safety is the key to success in most pool games including 8 ball, 9 ball and straight pool (14.1 continuous).
Combine Safety with Offensive Pool Strategy
When you look at professional pool matches, you might not notice that appliance of a defensive billiard strategy at first sight. Since the offensive strategy, the shot making and the pocketing of balls is more notable to the spectator, many people mistakenly believe that the offensive play has more weight. However, skilled pool players know how to combine the safety play in their offensive pool strategy so it appears as a natural part of the play.
Playing pool using a defensive strategy allows you to have more time to plan your offensive strategy by holding back your opponent's offense. Playing safety can have a negative effect on your opponent's mental game, which will give you a meaningful edge that would eventually lead to your victory.
The best pool strategy would be to combine offensive and defensive strategy. It not only gives you the benefit of the defensive play, but it also confuses your opponents, cause them to make more mistakes and in the bottom line, cause you to win in more and more pool games.