Alden Jerry asked:


With the arrival of wonderful gaming consoles, youth and children alike have enough alternatives for pleasure now. The new video games are designed and developed in such a way that it attracts both kids and adults. Popularly known as computer or video games, they offer both fun and entertainment to the gamers. With user-friendly features like controllers, joysticks, buttons and pads, these consoles facilitate interaction between the player and the game platform. With the extended facilities, they can be connected to the personal computers, television and other output devices. With both audio and video compatibility, they allow unlimited entertainment. Today, three renowned game makers, namely NintendoWii, Microsoft XBOX360, and Sony Play Station are developing thrilling games with latest game features.

Being an ideal means of entertainment, the game manufacturing companies are constantly researching and developing gaming consoles that are user-friendly and are accompanied with mind blowing functionalities. There are various online games store which make it easier for you to access several revolutionary games. They are flooded with sophisticated gaming units, easy downloadable and free games. These latest consoles enhance interaction and offer a stimulating playing experience. You’ll be amazed to know that children and youth like to spend most of their leisure time playing these thrilling games. With the release of a wide array of consoles, it is easy to choose one’s favourite gaming titles from the online game stores. You can also select from the varied range that they provide. Online game stores offer a wide array of video games on an equally wide range of topics such as shooting, cards, billiards, boxing, war, casinos, war, military, and many more.

With excellent interactivity, these consoles promise impressive graphics and platforms. Nowadays, it is easier to install computer games as it doesn’t require any particular software. Thus, they have altered the amusement scenario altogether by providing entertainment and enhancement of mind. Browse for the interesting games ranging from arcade and adventure to role playing and action to racing. You will definitely feel enlightened to see various sports and shooting games. The puzzle and cards games will enhance your analytical skills. The most advantageous aspect is that you can enjoy online games from the comfort of your home. The Xbox 360, Play Station, Play Station 2 and PlayStation 3 are lively gaming consoles with excellent sounds and digital effects. Mind-boggling computer games like Halo Wars or Dead or Alive 4 are easily operational and are available at a cost-effective price. There are also some cheap game consoles which are available online. These provide free download games, future releases, news, reviews and the least prices of various games. They also offer different gaming platforms, accessories, controllers for the gamers.

There are Wii virtual console games like the Nintendo DS which ensure Face Training. This helps the gamer to strengthen his face muscles. The Wi-Fi Connection service enables you to play thrilling games such as Mario KartDS and Activision’s Tony Hawk’s American Sk8land. The company has introduced an enhanced Nintendo DS handheld system which is popularly known as the DS Lite. It is smaller than the older version. Redesigned in a smaller chassis, it measures 133X 73.9 X 21.5 mm and weighs 218gm. The important feature of the console is a sophisticated set ofbacklit LCD screens. It comes with different levels which allow setting brightness. The DS Lite has changed the gaming terminology and the entertainment concept.

Another major player, Sony, has marked its presence in the gaming industry. The company started its journey with the launch of PlayStation in the 1990s. In 2000, it introduced the PlayStation 2. The latest version, the PlayStation 3 has brought revolution in the entertainment sector and it supports exquisiteHD graphics and a super-fast processor. Though quite expensive, it has awesome features. It is available in 40 GB and 80 GB configurations. The one with 80 GB has Motor Storm, a notable racing game. For movie lovers, the PlayStation gaming console comes with an integratedBlu-ray Disc player (BD). To enjoy digital quality movies, you can connect HDMI cable of the PlayStation to HDTV. There are other benefits also, like surfing the Internet, playing DVDs and audio CDs and copying audio files to the gaming platforms



Ellen

Paul Travis asked:


The game of billiards, also commonly referred to as “pool” is popular in many regions throughout the world and almost ubiquitous in every bar, lounge, gaming center recreational center in America. You’ve almost certainly played the game or at least seen a pool table somewhere in your life. While you may know a great deal or very little about the items associated with billiard, this simple guide is intended to discuss briefly some details of the six major pieces of equipment involved.

The largest and most prominent piece of billiards equipment is obviously the table. The entire game takes place on the table. Pool tables are half as wide as they are long and are typically seven, eight or nine feet long. Serious pool halls will have the 9 foot tables for serious players. Bars will generally have coin-op, 7 foot tables to save space. Most 8 foot tables are designed for homeowners who need a balance of quality and size.

Billiards tables have six pockets; rubber bumpers between the pockets, a base made of thick, smooth and level solid slate, and is covered in a cloth playing surface. The cloth playing surface is commonly called the “felt.” While it has the feel of felt, it is actually a fabric called baize. Baize is a woven fabric of wool that is sometimes blended with nylon.

Another obvious part of a billiards game is the balls. Most commonly in modern play there is fifteen balls number from one to fifteen, plus the solid white cue ball. However, a popular game variation uses only nine. The balls are colored, with balls 1 through 8 being solid colors and balls 9 through 15 being marked with a colored band. In billiards the game is played by trying to hit balls into the pockets buy first hitting them with the cue ball. The cue ball is set in motion by a cue, often referred to as a “pool stick” or “pool cue.”

Cues are made of wood, are round and taper down from the grip to the tip. The tip is made of leather and is the point which strikes the cue ball. The tip of a billiards cue is usually covered in applied chalk.

A more subtle piece of billiards equipment is the chalk. Chalk comes in cubes that are roughly 1 inch. Before each shot players apply the chalk to the tip of their cues. The chalk creates friction as the tip of the cue strikes the cue ball and allows for some forgiveness for less than perfect shots.

Another subtle piece of billiards equipment is called the rack. The rack is only used to help set the game up. It’s a wood or plastic triangle used to form up to 15 balls in a triangle formation.

Finally, there is a tool called the bridge, sometimes called a “rake”. The bridge is much like a cue with the addition of a rake shaped piece of metal at the tip. The bridge is used to assist a player in making long shots on the cue ball. The bridge is placed on the table, the cue is rested in the rake and the bridge increases the players reach to make the shot. While there are other items associated with billiards, these are a few of the basics that every player should know.



Allen

Nisha Garg asked:


Today free online adventure and action games can now be easily downloaded from different websites. Game lovers are preferring and love to play online adventure games today. For this, they register themselves on different gaming websites. Computers games are gaining popularity among the masses of different age group these days. Computer gaming has gained a wide popularity among the masses of all age groups. Now there is wide variety of adventure and action games available online. Even many of the gaming sites offer various types of games which can be download ‘free of cost’ to PC or laptops.

The adventure games are more popular among the masses than video games. Action and adventure games involve exotic games like wrestling, fighting, space travels, star wars, fictional adventures and situational games. Often this type of games come with rich graphics and animation. The adventure games involve issues like puzzle-solving etc, where the players have lot of opportunities to take active participation. Action games are more interactive. Action and adventure games consist of single-player game and multi-players games. In single-player mode, narration is used to be the main focus of the game. Many of the gaming sites, offer free adventure games which can be easily downloaded to the PC.

Computer games are important means of entertainment for kids, teenagers and to all age group people. Today masses spend most of their time playing online adventure games. With the coming up of various websites, it is easy to download games, free of cost. Now you can play exciting online games, as users would be getting it free. Games like shooting, billiards, war, puzzle, poker and lots more are there and users can choose from many options.

These interactive games are a good source to ensure maximum fun. The games could be automatically installed without any specific software. Games have changed the entertainment scenario completely in many perspective. They not only entertain the users, but also soothe the user’s mind. There are different options to choose from amongst the fun games. This include action and adventure, arcade, driving and racing, role playing, etc. Users can also buy games online at low cost or download free games on their computers following easy steps. Online games are available 24 hours without a single minute break. Games include various types and categories like adventures, action etc. But adventure games are most attracted by all ages. These games are easy to play and easily down-loadable. The games are loaded with sophisticated gaming features, these advanced technology games ensure interactive and thrilling gaming experience to the players.

But many people have to face problems finding the best free online games. Though it is not tough for those who regularly play games they don’t have a problem finding suitable games. There are free online games available on every second game website. If you are looking for a specific game, you can search the Internet, type the name of the game in the search box, and then you will have it right in front of you. There are games available for all age group whether a child, a teenager or an adult. Everyone can find many suitable games according to their likes and preferences.



Bernice

Laura asked:


We recently went to a neighbors for a party. There were at least 20 people from the neighborhood. It had been raining outside so everybody was inside the house. Some of the group were playing billiards, and a couple of the people decided to play twister. I hadn’t eaten much and I probably drink too much wine. I decided to play a round of twister. The problem was I was wearing a very open blouse and a skirt. Clearly not the apparel that you should wear if you’re going to play twister. To make a long story short my crawling around on the floor playing twister resulted in my being the entertainment pretty quickly.

The guys now think I’m fair game for future fun, and the women think I’m a ****? What do I do now?

Carlos

Jimmy Cox asked:


Billiards is essentially a game of precision, and to play it at all well you must have the right implements to play with. A cue of your own is not a luxury, it is a necessity. It is no use trying to play billiards – ‘on a cloth untrue, with a twisted cue, and elliptical billiard balls,’ – as W. S. Gilbert has it.

Of late years, Willie Smith has set the fashion for a heavy cue tipped with a brass ferrule. His cue weighs 18 oz. John Roberts said: As regards the weight of a cue, I think 15 oz. to 16 oz. is heavy enough for anyone.

The length of a cue should be from 4 feet 8| inches to 4 feet 9 inches. Tom Newman uses a 17-oz. cue measuring 4 feet 10 inches in length, and as Smith’s is heavier still, it is evident that the best of modern billiardists favour distinctly heavier cues than were used by the old past master of the game

Weight and Length of Cue

I advise my readers to be up to date as regards using a cue of useful weight. The reason is mainly this – one of the principal things in billiard playing is to ‘let the weight of the cue do the work.’ Therefore, provided it does not feel clumsy and awkward in your hand, you should select a cue which is heavy rather than light. Then the ‘weight of the cue’ will do all the ‘work’ you want it to perform ; there is a lot more in this than you may think.

A point in favour of a fairly heavy cue is that, if it is made as it should be, it will have enough wood in it to be stiff. And the stiffer a billiard cue is, the better it is. A cue which shakes and quivers as it strikes a ball is good for but one thing – to lend to the man you want to beat.

Pick a cue with a fair-sized tip, have it fitted with a brass ferrule, and polish it with a dry cloth, plain paper, or constant play, the latter preferred. If you are in the habit of sandpapering the woodwork of your cue, buy a cheap one, the cheaper the better, because it will only be fit for firewood before long, and it is a mistake to pay too much to keep the home fires burning. In any other case, pay enough for your cue to get one of the best from a firm of standing and reputation.

Balls, Ivory and Composition

As regards balls, there is no getting away from the fact that ivory balls are the only kind officially recognized for the championships, which makes them the standard ball for billiards

There is nothing else for it, as far as I can see. Ivory balls really worth playing with are an expensive luxury, and a set of ivories fit for first-class play is worth a fancy price. The fact of the matter is that ivory suitable for billiard ball manufacture must be getting more and more scarce every year, while the demand is at least as great as ever

A time must come, and I think it will arrive sooner than many people think, when the law of supply and demand will bring composition balls on the table for championship billiards. The question is one for the Billiards Association and Control Council, and I should like to hint that the makers of composition balls would assist their own interests if they conducted exhaustive experiments to produce a ball which comes off at as near the ivory angle as possible, and is less apt to pick up dirt than composition balls usually are.

Once you have the proper cue and ball as outlined above, there will be no stopping you, and you will quickly learn to become a very good billiards player!



Leo

DS1992 asked:


When you listen to the commentators, some of them describe Santoro as a “tricky opponent”…

I’ve seen him play before, and I watched part of his match with Roddick tonight (before I got seriously bored).

Sure, he comes up with some seemingly impossible shots, but he reminds me of myself when I’m “playing” billiards. I make amazing shots without meaning to. i.e. I get amazingly lucky!

Tonight, he looked like he was going through a practice session with Roddick, as opposed to playing a primetime match at the US Open.

So, seriously, what’s up with Fabrice Santoro? What is so “TRICKY” about his game?

Claude

im a fire that cant be put out asked:


starts with a “M”, ends with an “O”..

its a common pool game (pool like water, not billiards)
=]
too easyy lol

Ella

Jim Harves asked:


A new site offering online pool and snooker plus exciting tournaments.

Billiard Magic is a brand new site dedicated to online billiard games. Catering for anyone who enjoys a game of pool or snooker, this site has everything you need to know about playing online.

Offering a variety of billiard games, backed up by top of the range software and graphics, Billiard Magic welcomes both experienced players wishing to perfect their technique and newcomers who would like to learn a new game.

Not only can you play fun billiard games at Billiard Magic, but there are lots of exciting opportunities to enter tournaments and win cash prizes. Regular promotions means it’s never dull at BilliardMagic.

Playing online can be a lot of fun, especially when you start to meet the other players. Hundreds of pool and snooker fans from around the globe may be logged on at any one time, giving you access to an amazing choice of opponents. By watching others play, you can learn new techniques and strategies and generally improve your game.

Choose from 8 ball pool, 9 ball pool or snooker. Online pool is played just like real live pool, except players use the mouse to line up the cue and hit the ball. By varying the speed of the mouse, the shot can be varied in strength – as in reality. Accurate technology means that shots work on angles the same way as in live pool, and players must calculate the correct angle for their shot.

Helpful software gives tips for beginners on how to figure out your angle, making this complicated process a little easier for the technically challenged. If you’re serious about improving, you could even watch the pros playing in tournaments to see how they do it.

Players have the choice of playing for fun or for money at Billiard Magic. To play for money, there is a simple deposit process by which players add money to their account. Any winnings can then either be used for further play, or can be withdrawn, according to the terms and conditions.

All games can be played either against the computer, or against other real players. Or better still, get your friends to sign up, and play against each other. Get a head start by practising online before you invite them to a match.

In online pool the same rules apply as in traditional pool, so if you make a foul, the turn passes to your opponent. Foul shots include not hitting any ball on your shot and pocketing the white cue ball. Other shots can cause the player to lose immediately, such as pocketing the black by mistake.

Tournaments are held regularly at Billiard Magic, with sit and go, or freerolls available. Win a tournament and as well as the cash prize, you’ll go into the hall of fame.

Playing pool and snooker online is fun and challenging and the more you play, the more skilled you will become. The thrill of winning real money by playing online pool is a huge adrenalin rush. Start playing today and discover the winner in you!



Esther

Nathaniel Jacobson asked:


Playing billiards is an extremely popular pastime, both in America and abroad. Although the game has been with us for a very long time, there has been an incredible resurgence in interest surrounding the game in recent years. The pool halls of today are markedly different from those of yesteryear, due mainly to the increasing popularity of the game.

Pool players today demand a different sort of pool hall. Gone are the days of smoky pool halls filled with shady characters and shifty crooks. The pool hall owners of today are making valiant efforts to meet the needs of their new found customers. The billiard aficionados of today have a higher set of expectations, and many pool hall owners have made great strides to get with the times. It is not uncommon to find a restaurant or a martini bar inside the modern pool hall.

Slate is one such example. After receiving a much-anticipated renovation back in 2000, it has become one of the hottest pool spots in New York City. With over 16,000 square feet of space on two floors, Slate is one of the most unique and exciting places in the city. It boasts a massive 54 foot glass bar, a full service restaurant, 30 championship pool tables, a stellar sound system, and a collection of plasma TV’s placed throughout the venue. It also has an incredible glass staircase in the shape of a pool triangle. Believe the hype; Slate is the place to be and be seen.

The Continental Modern Pool Lounge is another fine establishment. It is located in Arlington, Virginia and is quite possibly the funkiest billiard room in America. This venue is the perfect combination of fun and sportsmanship. The décor speaks volumes about the type of establishment they are trying to operate. It is very much a 70’s inspired spot, reminiscent of The Jetsons or something to that effect. This pool hall is, without a doubt, a flashback from way back.

There are three main things that separate a good pool hall from a great pool hall; respect for the game, quality equipment, and stylish décor. Shakespeare’s Pub and Billiard Room in Denver, Colorado is without a doubt, a great pool hall. They have an excellent menu, a fine selection of ale and lager, and some of the best equipment and players in America. It is not uncommon to discover some of the best and brightest players playing alongside relative beginners. Shakespeare’s is considered one of America’s top pool spots, even garnering a recent mention in USA Today. If you are ever in Denver, be sure to drop in for a game and a pint.

Nathaniel Jacobson is an avid pool player who is actively trying to master his game. When he is not practicing his shots or trying to stay on top of the latest industry news, he writes for pooltablesandbilliardsgames.com – an excellent online resource for information about Pool Tables, Billiard Rooms, and Quality Pool Cues.



Alvin

Jimmy Cox asked:


To begin with, I want you to understand how much of the surface of a billiard ball you really can hit. This is a good deal less than is often supposed. There is only a small part of the ball that you can hit effectively. That is the key to becoming a billiard champion in a short amount of time. Picture a bulls eye on a dart game. Now draw a circle around it.

If you can hit your ball fairly in its centre, that will do splendidly for a multitude of plain ball strokes. If you hit it as far to the right or left as the black circle indicates, you will be able to impart enough right or left side for any stroke on the table.

The same is true vertically. You can get any amount of ***** back by striking your ball properly at the bottom of the circle. Remember this; the centre of your cue tip will only strike the centre of the ball, or a point very near it. In every other case a sector of the cue tip does the work. The small white sector on the right of the black circle makes this clear. It shows how the cue tip would operate when imparting a maximum of right hand side, the portion which stands away from the black circle never touches the ball; all the work is done by as much of the cue tip as is merged in the black circle.

Position of Arms and Elbows

When you shape at your ball, the elbow of your cue arm should be as directly over the **** of the cue as possible. Advance your cue until the tip is quite close to the part of the ball you wish to hit your cue arm should then point straight at the floor. Draw your cue back then let it go forward and through the ball with all the freedom. No matter whether you are hitting your ball high or low, or to the right or left, keep your cue as level as you can. If you raise the **** of your cue, you will poke at your ball instead of striking it cleanly.

The level the cue is very important. Of course, the cushion rails will prevent you from cueing with such a level cue on all occasions, but the ideal is one you should always strive after. You must also keep your cue straight. It is no use keeping the **** well down if your cue wobbles sideways as you deliver it. To prevent your cue from straying out of line in this way, keep the elbow of your cue arm as close to your side as you can while the cue swings home. Believe it or not the position of your arms and elbows can make or break your game.



Charlie