The popularity of online 8-ball pool has reached the record books as the most downloaded game.
Since the online version entered the market in 2013, it has seen tremendous growth in daily downloads and user base. And why not? The game is highly addictive and keeps you on the edge. Pool games have gained a dedicated audience across the globe, and their popularity keeps increasing.
While the rules are quite simple, ultimately, you want to ace the game. We hear you! That’s why we bring you the top 8 Ball Pool Tips and Tricks that can elevate your play in no time. Ready to get started? Keep scrolling!
What is The 8 Ball Pool?
The online version of 8 Ball Pool is usually played as singles or doubles on a pool table. You play the game with cue sticks, one cue ball, 15 object balls, and the black 8 ball. You use the cue ball for striking other balls.
Compared to snooker and billiards, this game is more fast-paced. With the online version easily accessible, there is no hassle in going places searching for a pool table.
14 Best 8 Ball Pool Tips and Tricks
Below, we walk you through the best tips and tricks for 8 ball pool that can significantly improve your game.
1. Practice Daily
We have all heard the saying, practice makes perfect. Well, the same logic applies here.
Log in daily to play at least a few shots every day. Regular practice helps you understand the game’s strategies, improve your aim, and refine your shots. By playing against different opponents, you also learn new techniques and adapt to various playing styles.
2. Familiarize With the Rules
There are some basic rules when it comes to 8 ball pool that you must remember:
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If you pot the black and the cue ball goes along with it, you will lose the game! Hence, aim your shot carefully.
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Always pot the black ball at the end when the object balls have been potted.
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In a tier that needs a calling pocket on the 8 Ball, potting the 8 Ball into an uncalled pocket will again end up in you losing the game.
Here are some rules, when committed, are considered foul:
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The ball needs to hit the edge around the table; that shot is regarded as a foul. It lets your opponent move the cue ball wherever they want on the table.
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You pot your opponent’s balls.
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You hit your opponent’s ball.
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You pot the cue ball.
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The cue ball doesn’t touch your desired ball.
Also Read: How to Execute the Perfect Break
3. Take That Break!
There are many kinds of breaks you can make on 8 Ball Pool. However, the effective ones are:
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Hit the first ball in the triangle straight on and use topspin. This will drive through the pack even more.
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Hit the second from the end ball as cleanly as possible using full backspin, causing the cue ball to hit the cushion and go into the pack again.
With the first one, you can get several balls in one go, and all the balls spread up nicely. Using these tips and tricks for 8 ball pool, you can keep up with the winning streak!
Helpful Read: 8 Ball Pool Rules
4. Know the Power of Cues
Each cue will have 4 different attributes:
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Spin – this is the amount of spin you can put on your shot
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Force – how hard you can hit the cueball
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Aim – this determines the length of your aim line when taking a shot
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Time – this determines how much time you have to take your shot
Knowing this will help you determine which cue will help in which situation. In a bit, you will understand why you need to buy better cues that will help you earn more rewards.
5. Buy Better Cues
With the pool coins, you can always buy better cues, which will give you a direct advantage to score better.
With advanced cues, the chances of winning huge rewards are much higher. This is one of the simple yet effective 8 ball pool tips. The initial few cues will give you a satisfactory performance, but with enough coins, you can buy cues with more shooting power, better aim, and improved cue ball control. The more coins you buy, the better cue investment it will be. This will help you make more precise shot adjustments.
6. Know Which Table To Choose
When you are a beginner, you can start by practicing at some tables that do not have high entry fees. As you perfect your cue shots and get a good handle on your pool cue, move on to higher tables. As the entry fee increases, the pots grow accordingly, so better your skills and then move on to other tables. Choose your game mode wisely.
7. Power Your Shot Accordingly
In an 8-ball pool game, the power you use to shoot your shot is equally important as its accuracy. If you hit a hard shot, the more likely it is that it will stay out. A gentle nudge often gives the ball a better chance of going into the pocket. This is one of the tricks for the game for those problematic middle pockets. Predict your shots accordingly when you have to go for the win, whether it be a soft touch or using better force.
8. Time Your Shot
To win the game in a limited time, nothing can be worse than the time running out before the shot. To improve your shot time, tap and drag the pool table surface in front of the tip of the cue, which will move the cues faster. Then, make more precise shot adjustments by dragging from the cue’s handle until the position is exactly where you want to shoot. This will solve your timing problem, and you can shoot faster.
9. Plan Your Shots Beforehand
Always plan your shot two or three moves beforehand. Once that is done, plan what kind of spin or how much power you need to shoot it, like if you want to swipe sideways or make your shots quicker. The basic thing about planning is that you can hit the pocket in a timely manner.
In every pool game, you will find the white guideline and the direction it points in. Then, adjust the white guideline to see where you can prepare your next shot. The next step is to think about which strategy you would apply to hit the remaining balls and how hard or soft you need to be to hit the next target.
A harder hit means more deflection, while a softer hit means it will run through. (another one of many tips and tricks for 8 ball pool!)
10. Keep Playing!
To win the whole game, you need to practice eight-ball pool to refine your skills. Skilled players know how much power is required to shoot the shot, when to cue faster, which spin to use, and how to plan the series. So, learn all the nuances. This only comes with eight-ball practice.
Practice against better opponents so that you know where your strengths and weaknesses are.
11. Master The Spin
One of the best 8-ball pool tricks is to master the Ball Spin. First, select the cue ball and aim at the ball you want to strike. Remember, cue ball movement is influenced by spin as well. Next, before taking your shot, apply spin by dragging the cue stick up or down on the screen. Dragging up adds topspin while dragging down adds backspin.
Adjust the spin intensity by how far you drag. Aim carefully to ensure the spin aligns with your intended direction.
When you shoot, the spin will affect the ball’s movement. Hence, it will help you control the shot and position the cue ball for your next shot.
12. Experiment With Shots
Don’t hesitate to experiment. Advanced players also embrace this as one of the 8 ball pool game tricks. Try different types of shots, like bank shots, cut shots, and combo shots, to see how they affect the outcome.
Adjust your aim, spin, and power to understand how each shot behaves. Playing around with different techniques helps you learn new strategies and solutions to tricky situations.
You can always try practice modes or lower-stakes games to test these shots without high risks.
13. Deals With Problem Balls Early
One of the 8 ball pool tips is to deal with problem balls early on. Identify and address difficult balls or those in tricky positions at the beginning of your turn. This way, you don’t face challenges with these balls later in the game.
Plan your shots strategically to either pocket or clear these problem balls before focusing on easier shots. This helps you clear the path for your other balls.
14. Play Defence
Playing defense is one of the best 8 ball pool game tricks. It makes it harder for your opponent to make their shots.
To play defensively, position the cue ball and your balls in ways that block your opponent’s easy shots or leave them with tough angles. You can also use defensive shots to place the cue ball in a less favorable position for your opponent, such as behind a cluster of balls or close to a cushion.
A strong defensive play can disrupt your opponent’s strategy and give you an advantage and ensure you only have fewer balls on the table. It is a great strategy especially if you are not able to make a direct offensive shot yourself.
FAQs
How to be really good at 8-ball?
To be really good at 8-ball, practice regularly, master different shots, plan your moves, play defense, and stay calm under pressure. Learn from each game and keep improving your skills.
How to aim better in an 8-ball pool?
To aim better in the 8-ball pool, align your cue stick. Next, make sure you focus on the strike point, visualize the shot line, and ensure a stable stance. Also, practice regularly to develop accuracy and confidence.
What is the best way to break in 8-ball?
To break well in 8-ball, hit the cue ball hard and squarely into the racked balls. Aim for the center of the rack or just off-center. This spreads the balls and gives you a good start.
Which is the key ball in 8-ball?
The key ball in the 8-ball game is the 8-ball. It’s the final target ball you need to pocket to win the game. All other balls, whether solids or stripes, must be cleared from the table before you can aim for the 8-ball.
