How to beat the computer at Pool
Winning at pool is less about big shots and more about leaving yourself an easy next shot. The players who control the white ball clear the table, and the ones who do not run out of shots.
This guide uses the UK pub rules on Beat Pete: reds and yellows, two visits after a foul and the black to finish.
The break and the open table
The table stays open after the break, so you can choose reds or yellows. Look at what is potted and which colour has the easier first shots. The first colour you pot is yours. Pick the group with more balls clear of the cushions and clusters.
Think one shot ahead
Before you play, decide where the white should finish. Aim to leave it with a clear view of your next ball, in the middle of the table, away from the cushion. A pot that leaves you snookered is worth less than a miss that leaves your opponent nothing.
Control the white
Use gentle power for most shots. Hitting hard sends the white around the table and out of your control. Use the spin control sparingly: top spin to follow the object ball and bottom spin to stop it. A soft, accurate shot beats a hard one.
Break up clusters early
Balls that are touching or sitting against a cushion are hard to pot later. Clear them while there are still other balls on the table to help you, rather than leaving them to the end.
Fouls give two visits
After a foul your opponent has two visits, so avoid them: do not pot the white, do not hit the wrong colour first, and always hit a ball. If you are in trouble, a safe shot that hides the white behind one of your opponent's balls is better than a risky pot.
The black
Once your colour is cleared you are on the black. Potting it early, or on the same shot as a foul, loses the game. Think about where the white will finish after your last coloured ball, so that the black is an easy shot.
Use the aiming guide
The dotted aiming line shows where the white will hit first. On the lower levels the guide is long and helpful. On the higher levels it shrinks, so learn to judge angles without it.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to win at 8-ball pool?
Pot your balls and leave the white in a position where the next ball is easy. Position matters more than power.
What happens after a foul in UK pool?
Your opponent gets two visits. If the white was potted they also have ball in hand behind the baulk line.
When can I pot the black?
Only after all your colour is potted. Potting it earlier, or potting it on a shot where you also foul, loses the game.
How do I beat the computer at pool?
Keep your shots soft, think about where the white ends up and avoid fouls. Higher levels punish a foul with a run of shots.
Put it into practice
Start against Trevor, the friendliest opponent, and work your way up the ladder of ten computer players to Pete, the hardest. It’s free and works in your browser.
Play Pool now