| Playing Internet Pool | |
| Becoming an Online Pool Shark | |
Although it's not nearly as pervasive as the real thing, virtual pool
has been around in one form or another since the early days of computer gaming.
The latest development is that you can now get into a multiplayer game with
only a Java-enabled browser and an Internet connection. As well as casual
players who enjoy the game as a pastime, there are leagues and tournaments
devoted to online pool for those who are more serious, and there are even
places where adults compete for cash prizes.
Elsewhere on the Web
• Yahoo Games
• WorldWinner
Getting Started
One popular place to play pool online is Yahoo
Games. A Yahoo ID is required, but no special software is needed and it's
free to play. After logging in and arriving at the pool section, players
choose a skill level and then pick a room. This brings up a lobby from which
you can join, start, or watch a game. Games can be public or private, rated
or unrated, and when you create the table you can set the game options. If
you just want to practice simply start a table in training mode.
Controls
Aiming and shooting in virtual pool is arguably easier
than in real pool. The direction of your shot is established by clicking
the left mouse button and dragging the cue to the desired position. Then
the power of the shot is determined by holding down the right mouse button
and dragging the cue back. When the button is released the shot is taken.
You will find that handling the cue by the end while aiming will allow you
to make finer adjustments to your shot.
8-ball being played at Yahoo Games.
Game Types
At Yahoo you have the choice to play 8-ball, a variety
of pool almost everyone is familiar with, or 9-ball. In 8-ball each player
attempts to sink their assigned set of balls (either solids or stripes),
and then finally the 8-ball. 9-ball requires players to sink a set of balls
numbered 1 through 9 in order. The player who pockets the 9-ball wins. Fouls
are based on world standardized rules and are handled automatically by the
computer. When playing 8-ball, it's important to remember that you must call
which pocket you intend to use when shooting at the 8-ball. You will notice that an arrow comes up that allows you to designate a pocket.
Computer Pool Pointers
Many of the strategies used in real-world
pool apply as well to computer pool. The force of the shot is important,
and one must try not to set the other player up. A general rule of thumb
is to plan your position at least a shot or two in advance. In practice mode,
where you can arrange the balls to suit your needs, set up shots that you
miss frequently so that you can get better at them. Don't be afraid to attempt
a bank shot when you're in a pinch, because the cushions in computer pool
are pleasantly consistent.
There are also some obvious limitations to online pool that you won't experience in a pool hall. While the physics in most of these games are very good, there is rarely any way to control the spin of the ball or do fancy things like jump shots, although some pool software is now 3D and does include such features.
As always, cheating is a concern. There are "pool aimers" circulating on the Net that make it quite easy to cheat on a service like Yahoo, and given that the game is free, catching cheaters does not seem to be their highest priority. Sites that offer cash prizes, on the other hand, are obligated to at least try to maintain a level playing field.
For those who are looking for some serious competition, or maybe even a little prize money, there are a number of online pool leagues and tournaments. Yahoo hosts regularly scheduled official tournaments, and other leagues created by users hold tournaments of their own on Yahoo. Pairing of players, advancement, and elimination are all handled automatically. These competitions can be extremely challenging, especially if there are time limits involved. Although there are places on the Web, such as WorldWinner.com, offering cash prizes, an official Yahoo tournament victory gives you only a trophy that can be seen in your Yahoo profile, the satisfaction of knowing that you've joined the ranks of the online pool shark elite, and, of course, bragging rights!
