The first thing about "playing" (pool) is that one must be comfortable with the "equipment". The main "equipment" needed for playing pool is a "stick", "balls", and a nicely covered "table". For most "games" 15 "balls" are used plus the white "cue ball". The "table " should have a nice, smooth "felt". This allows for a smooth "motion" of the "balls". The most important piece of "equipment" is the "cue stick". It consists of the "butt", the "joint", the "shaft", and of course the "tip". For consistant play the "cue" should be of a weight which is "comfortable" to the "player". "Joints" vary from "cue" to "cue" but should "lock firmly in place". It is key to have a nice, smooth, unblemishe "shaft" as this it what the "player" will in most contact with, and will help the players "stroke". For the "tip", most prefer medium-hard. Enough to ensure good "contact" between the "stick" and the "ball", but doesn't feel like a brick.
The most important things a "player" should learn when beginning pool are thier "stance", "stroke", and "speed-control". The most important thing a good "player" has is a nice, smooth, consistant "stroke". The "stance" should be comfortable and stable. "Speed-control" can only be learned by practice, but is key for "ball control".
There are many "games" that can be played in pool. 8-Ball is currently most popular, but there is also "strait pool" (not to be confused with "strait 8" which is bar room "8-ball", and "9-ball", along with loads of others.
One popular "gambling" game is played using "Strait pool" and "9-ball" and are called "ring games". These games are for when there are more than one "player", and nobody wants to sit around and wait. "Ring games" assign certain "balls" on the table "values" (usually a quarter, 50 cents, or a dollar). These 'balls" are called "money balls". When a player makes a "money ball" it is called a "money shot"; the ball is pulled out of the "pocket" and placed onto the center of the "foot spot" (the place where the 'balls' are "racked").
I enjoy "pool" very much and "play" almost everyday of the week to improve my "game". (I have two national tournaments to prepare for next year so improvement is important). I have several "coaches" who help me with my "game". These "players" are much better than I am, so I spend a lot of time "racking". If nothing else, this has improved so I can say with assurance that I have a "nice rack".
The End
P.S. Anyone else blushing? By the way the "cue" shown is the one I own. That's my real "blankie".
