Learn How To Play Pool
If you’re looking to learn pool the first thing that you’ll need is a cue.
Most people have played pool at least once even if it was in a pub. Pubs often use cheap one piece cues which can often be damaged or not straight, these are ok for the odd game in the pub but if you’re looking at playing in your local league and playing for a team, you’ll soon find out that most players will have their own pool cues.
If you’re a beginner then a cheaper cue around the £20 will be fine to start out with, these cues can often be found in high street shops like Argos or JJB Sports, and you might even find branded names like Riley at reasonable prices.
Once you’ve been playing pool for a season you might want to think about getting a new cue. It’s ideal to try out team members cues so you can get a feel for other cues. Things to take into consideration are cue weights, tip size and how many pieces your cue will have.
A 1 piece cue is made from one piece of wood and is usually ok for pubs where a table as a lot of room to move around. If you find your team playing on tables where space is restricted a 2 piece cue might be ok but you’ll have nothing to hold on to so you’ll really need a 3 / 4 piece cue, these are ideal as you can often remove the lower 5 to 6 inches and place a stub end.
If you ask around your team you will often find one shop where everyone goes for cues and supplies such as chalk. These shops will often have a wide range of cues and at least one table if not more to try before you buy. Most will have a full sized snooker table and a pool table, which will be free to use as long as you’re trying out a new cue.
Heavier cues are ideal for beginners as the cue ball will stay on course for longer and making the cue ball spin will be easier and require less effort due to the heavier weights in the end.
Lighter cues will require a more accurate stroke and shot but controlling the cue ball will be a lot easier.
Larger cue tips will give less accuracy on shots but many beginners find it easier to play pool with a larger tip.
Small cue tips will give more accuracy but require slightly more skill when striking the cue ball as the spot you hit will be much smaller.
If your right handed then you will hold the bottom of your pool cue with this hand and rest your left hand on the cloth and use this as your rest and cueing hand where as your right hand will be used for aiming and power.
Chalk can be found on eBay for very low prices if you buy in bulk, but don’t be fooled a piece can often last 2 years, so buying a large box of 24 is unnecessary unless you are doing a group buy for a larger box.
Some people prefer a harder chalk over softer chalk as it can be slightly messy, but chalk choice is all down to personal preference.
Pool Balls
