Rack'em up: Mastering the game of pool!
From the Mailbox
Is it easier to play on the smaller coin operated tables?
Generally speaking yes. You don’t have really long shots because the typical “bar box”, as it’s often called, is only 7 feet long. Although, it is a little more likely the balls will get bunched together because there is less playing area. The corner shelves are usually shorter, so balls will rattle and drop in more often than on a larger table where they will rattle out. Good luck!
Fun Fact
In the movie “The Color of Money” Tom Cruise performed all the trick shots himself. There is one a shot where Tom Cruise’s character jumps two balls to sink another ball. This shot was actually performed by Professional Player Mike Sigel.
Checklist before each shot
- Stand back and visualize the shot.
- Get down on the ball slowly and line up your shooting arm with the stick. (Notice how the cat’s chin, paw and elbow are lined up with the ball)
- Bring the cue back slow and smooth and flow through the shot smoothly.
- Use the same routine on every shot.
American Snooker vs International Snooker
Snooker is a fantastic game but it is much less popular in the U. S. than other countries like England, India and China so finding a snooker table is not easy. Once you start playing you’ll be hooked!
The main differences:
International
1. Fouls = 4 points
2. No rail required after contact
3. Played on 12 foot table
American
1. Fouls = 7 points
2. Must hit a rail after contact
3. Played on 10 foot tables
