Pool
EveryoneAbout Pool
Eight-ball pool with real ball physics: break the rack, take solids or stripes, then sink the 8 to win. Turn the cue with a finger, set follow, draw or side on the cue ball, and pull back for power. Play the computer at three strengths, or pass one device between two players. A helper for younger players draws where the balls will go.
Eight-ball pool on a seven-foot table with real ball physics. One player takes the solids, 1 to 7, the other the stripes, 9 to 15, and whoever clears their group and then pots the 8 wins. Play the computer at easy, medium or hard, or pass one phone or tablet between two players.
Tips
- Aim at the ghost ball, not the object ball. The white ring shows where the cue ball will be when it touches, and the short line shows where the object ball goes.
- Most shots want less power than you think. A ball that only just reaches the pocket drops more often than one hit hard, which can rattle in the jaws.
- Think one shot ahead. Draw (hit low on the cue ball) brings it back towards you, follow (hit high) sends it on, so you can stop it close to your next ball.
- Leave the 8 until last. Potting it before your group is cleared loses the game, and so does the cue ball dropping with it.
- If there is no pot on, play safe: hit one of your balls softly and leave the cue ball somewhere awkward for your opponent.
- After a foul you have the cue ball in hand. Put it where the easiest pot on the table is a straight one.
Questions
- What are the rules of eight-ball here?
- Break, then the table is open until someone pots a ball, which decides solids and stripes. You must hit one of your own balls first, and something must reach a cushion or a pocket after. Pot all of yours, then the 8.
- What counts as a foul?
- The cue ball going down, hitting the other group or the 8 first, hitting nothing, or nothing touching a cushion after the hit. Any foul gives the other player the cue ball in hand anywhere on the table.
- Do I have to call my shot on the 8?
- No. Any pocket will do, as long as your group is cleared first and the cue ball stays up.
- Can two people play on one device?
- Yes. Choose Same device and pass it across after each turn. The game says whose shot it is and counts the wins.
- How do I add spin?
- Tap the small cue ball by the power bar and touch where the tip should hit: high for follow, low for draw, left or right for side, which changes how the ball comes off a cushion.
- Is there help for younger players?
- Yes. Turn on the helper and the game draws where the balls will really go, rings the balls you may hit, slows the roll down and makes the computer gentle.
