Josephine Thunder asked:


8-ball is the most popular billiard game in the world. It is so popular, that 8-ball pool is almost a synonym for billiards. However, 8-ball is only a part of a one big happy family of billiard games.

8-ball pool, 9-ball pool, snooker, one pocket, balkline are all cue sports games. They all share a rectangular cloth-covered table, a long cue stick, a set of balls and an ambition to score, but they differ in their rules, objects, and even their terminology.

Generally, billiard games divide into two types: pocket billiard games and carom billiard games. Pocket billiard games, usually referred to as pool games, are the type of billiard played on a table that has six pockets. In pocket billiard games, the players aspire to sink the balls into the table pockets, according to specific games rules.

Carom billiard games, on the other hand, are played on pocketless tables. Only three billiard balls are involved in the carom games. The purpose of the players in most carom games is to maneuver their cue ball so it will carom off the other two balls, again, according to the specific requirements of the game.

8-ball pool is a pocket billiard game. Other popular pocket billiard games include 9-ball pool, 14.1 continuous (formerly known as straight pool) and even snooker. Snooker is the most popular cue sports in the UK. Even though snooker is played on a pocketed pool table, it is not governed by the same association that administrates pocket billiard rules. Therefore, pocket billiard general rules do not apply to snooker.

The equipment used in snooker games is also different from the one used in pocket billiard tournaments. For example, the snooker table is a bit larger than the standard pool table plus its pockets are narrower. The terminology used in both billiard games is different as well. While pool players’ goal is to “pocket” the “object balls”, snooker players aim to “pot” the “red” or the “on-ball”.



Cathy

Gerald Njuguna asked:


As with all games, we have quite a number of billiard accessories to help players maximize their influence in the pool game. Billiard gloves, also known as pool gloves or cue gloves, are considered important accessories to pool player.

Billiard gloves help reduce friction when playing and make your stroke more consistent. We have the 3-fingered glove that make the cue shaft slide better on your bridge hands making your shots more accurate. The reduction in friction makes your strokes to be better, consistent and accurate.

Like with all sports, billiard gloves can also be personalized to a player’s personal taste & preference. You have the option of left-handed & right-handed gloves. Personalized gloves are made using different materials each claiming to offer better control and smoother action over the others.

We have different prices starting as low as five dollars a pair. A good pair will cost you between ten to fifteen dollars.

Pool gloves are easily recognizable. They have the same look as ordinary gloves and they cover only three fingers; the thumb, index & middle fingers. The fabric is made of silky material that is frictionless. When you buy the gloves you will find that they have leather or leatherette patch at the palm section to help reinforce your grip over the table cloth.

The good thing with pool gloves is that they are a one-size-fits-all because of their elasticity. The more costly ones are made to be reversible in order to accommodate both left-handed and right-handed pool players. Velcro straps allow you to hold the glove more firmly to your wrist.

Spandex and Lycra are the most commonly used materials to make the gloves. These materials allow for a strong comfortable grip while at the same time allowing better traction for the cue stick. When made using these material, you won’t find the one-size-fits-all type of glove but are made with different sizes.

Over time pool players can develop a liking for one type of glove material or brand over another. We don’t have rigid rules to determine which are the best pool gloves in terms of design or material. Pricing points to the durability and built quality of the gloves.

As with most things where the personal subjective preference takes first choice, a billiard player will obviously have a liking on pool gloves no matter the pricing.

Some pros prefer not to use billiard gloves, opting to develop their skill in developing an intimate feel with the pool cue & plus the table. Pros prefer skill over assistance in devoping their game.



Melinda

Inflatable Pigeon asked:


I was playing billiards with some of my friends when i clumsily dropped the cue stick on my foot. I did this like 2 hours ago, but now my foot really hurts. Like, i tried to wiggle my little toe with my hand and it really started hurting. It’s probably not broken, but what could i do to help it? What really ***** is that i have a volleyball game at 7, and it’s the first one of the season or whatever so i really want to go. My foot really hurts and stings all over near the toe area

What could have happened?
How could i help it before 7?

i can walk on it but it really aches.

Richard