Some players requested some tips!
So I'm digging this old thread back up!

http://www.funkypool.com/viewTopic.do?topicid=6833&page=1

Some really good tips in there not just for newbies but for everyone!
(that ain't big headed and think they are the best )

If anyone has some new tips please add them here, i got some tips for killer!

Just go for the easiest ball on the table, if you manage to do this for a few racks I'm sure you will end up winning.

if you have 3 lives and feel greedy and want to pot the black, go for it.. IF its an easy pot!

Try to snooker after you potted

practice your spins a lot, it really helps!

Edited at 18:37 Sun 6/07/08 (BST)

Not really tips i can give really because you still need skill to play your safeties and pots. I just suggest you persist with the game no matter how frustrating you will feel the benefits in aroubd 6months.

edit: There is one tip i suppose many high ranked players tilt there heads in the direction of the pocket they are aiming for this really does work.


If not you are a genuine loser

Edited at 18:29 Sun 6/07/08 (BST)

Sorry if repeating anything old, but too much to read through to avoid..

Always - ALWAYS - aim by placing the circular target exactly touching the target ball. The single exception to this is when resolution prevents you from doing so, but as a rule, always. (sure that's an old one, but can never be repeated too much)

Identifying target ball direction by tracing the tangent lines (the line that touches both the aiming circle and the target ball) on both sides, verifying that neither of those lines miss their respective side of the target pocket.

This would been a LOT easier with a simple drawing, but in short, follow the imaginary line from the side of the aiming circle, touching the same side of the target ball, and look for where it ends up. The left side should end up close to, but not hitting, the left side wall of the pocket you are going for. Same for the right side.

I do this exclusively on feel and eye-sight, but it can be supplemented by using a ruler or other straight object placed on the monitor.

A third line that can be used is through the centre of both the aim and the target ball, but in my experience this is a less good option, since it does in less degree tell you whether or not each SIDE of the target ball will catch on the sides of the pocket. Also, identifying the exact centre of the target ball can be a lot harder and more inaccurate than using the tangents.

And again lol, for any of this to have any value what so ever, the aiming circle must touch the target ball EXACTLY. Any gap or overlap = huge impact on the resulting target ball direction.


Lastly, a couple of killer tips:

1. As mentioned, pretty much always go for the easiest ball. Playing a good safe is a BONUS, not the goal.

2. When only two players left, focus more on preventing your opponent from playing good safes and playing them yourself.

3. Avoiding a miss is 10000000 times more important than causing your opponent one.


And one more: There's a practice table. USE IT. The only way of getting good length control and eye for the game is through practice. A LOT.

And mouse at lowest possible resolution that still enables you to get 100% power when moving it as fast as you can. The lower mouse speed, the more power control you get (simple physics)

Edited at 21:37 Sun 6/07/08 (BST)

It helps a lot if you tilt your head while aiming.

I hate that, but like with all things that work for some, it's well worth giving a try

Another related aspect worth mention: Keep your head positioned more or less directly at the part of your monitor where the shot is taking place (or over the table centre). Most LCDs are pretty sensitive to viewing angle, and introducing varying lighting on different parts of the table introduces perception errors that will help you miss more when tracing direction lines.

and if you have a pda you can tilt the screen for maximium position lol

I disagree with this point, i don't use the practice table at all, the best way for practice is actually in a match. I generally play friendlies at start of the day to get my eye in on snooker and it works.

Also think a couple of shots ahead, not too many or you will lose concentation on the shot you are playing. But get the basic stuff right first before doing this though. Using this technique gives you less chance of losing position throughout the rack (or break on snooker)

and squinting your eyes at the same time makes it almost impossible to miss!!

I can't get out of the habit of playing like i did before the target appeared on here but i suppose if it works for me then its not soo bad

I'm not too bad with angles so i have a knack of picturing where i need the cue ball to hit the target ball and its just without thinking really so on that front i have no tips.

Also this has been hinted on i think.. just place your balls over the pockets if you are unsure if you can pot them or not, that way you limit your opponents options of where to pot their balls

EDIT: If near the start of the game (after atleast one ball has been potted)... you find yourself in a position where the only ball you can pot is one directly over the pocket.... that is not always the best option!! just take your time to think about different possibilities

Edited at 17:17 Wed 9/07/08 (BST)

I agree damee its nothing like a real gaming atmosphere. You will find youself shocked when your opponent plays it tactical with some snookers and safeties.

dont start or continue playing if you're really tired

I never meant to say the practice table is the only way to ... well, practice ;)

It does however hold a few advantages playing real games do not (such as practicing particular shots, not worrying about the results of future shots etc)

The message in either case is to practice - particularly what you are worst at and dislike the most during games - regardless of how you go about doing it.



Another small practice related tip: Clearing tables without using cueball spin.

This forces you to use power and minute angle adjustments as your only tools for lining up new shots. The benefit of this is to gain better feel for the power needed on different shots, better power control, as well as understanding how you can use angle variations to your advantage on shorter shots. (basically on short enough shots where the ball will be pocketed even with a certain freedom in terms of angle. That angle can be used to further gain positioning on your shots - both with and without spin)

You should obviously pratcice spin as well, the above tip is just an example of how you can focus your practice to improve a particular aspect of your play ;)

Edited at 23:18 Wed 9/07/08 (BST)

Absolutely, then again you guys clearly got me wrong if you think for a second I was saying practice tables can replace real game experience. The point is you (imo) need both. JUST playing games, never practicing alone, prevents a lot of focus that ultimately will help improving the aspects of your game that need it the most.

But yeah, game tactics is a huge part of it, and something you can't practice in any large degree at all, apart from actually playing games.

Bump

Agreed!