The best game in the world (Pool, 8 ball)

Member Name: bruffyboy

Product:	Pool, 8 ball
Date:	16/06/09 (23 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: so many levels to play on

Disadvantages: need a slate bed

8 ball pool is the classic British version of the game. Ideally, you want to play on a slate bed table that is 6ft by 3ft. Like a snooker table, there are pockets in each corner, with two on either middle length too. Using a white ball to strike the coloured balls, your aim is to pot the balls from your colour, and finally the black ball. There are seven red balls and seven yellow, with colour allocation being based on who pots what first.

This game has taken many many nights of my attention. I love it for a lot of reasons.

First off, the striking of the cue ball. Different things happen depending on where and how you hit the ball. Strike it down low and it will return to you when you've hit your ball, hit the top and it will run on forward. Like in snooker, the real skill is in controlling the white ball so that it always ends up in the position you need it in to pot your ball. This is a lot harder said than done!

Secondly, the tactical play. If your oponent has a ball near on corner pocket, but yours is blocking its way, then don't pot yours. Leaving it there will tie up your opponent, which can easily lead to you winning the game. This sort of tactical play is essential for being a winner.

There are plenty of home tables available, but only slate bed ones (Around £200 up second hand on Ebay) will offer the accuracy you need. Likewise, the cushions need to have the right bounce in them to play position shots, and this is another thing lacking in non-slate bed tables.

In pubs, you'll pay anywhere from 40p to £1 for a game, and there always seems to be a queue of people lining up to play.

Finally, you'll need a good cue if you're going to get any good. Detachable tips and a good weight are essentials. The Ronnie O'Sullivan range of snooker cues can be recommended from me.

All in all, an excellent game, but non slate bed tables are for kids only.

Summary: do it