First, understand: There is more than one type of billiards, and different types have very different ways of playing
Many people think that billiards is just about "pocketing the ball", but in fact, it is a "big family". Different types have different rules, tables and balls used. The most common ones mainly include three types: American billiards, snooker and artistic billiards.
1. American Pool: The most suitable "entry-level" for beginners
The "eight-ball" and "nine-ball" that we usually play in billiard halls all belong to American billiards. Its features are "easy to pick up and fast pace", making it particularly suitable for entertainment among friends or practice for beginners.
Table and ball: The size of American pool tables is mostly 9 feet (2.74 meters in length and 1.37 meters in width), and the pocket opening is larger than that of other types of tables, making it easier to score goals. There are a total of 16 balls in use, including 1 white ball (cue ball), 7 solid balls (sizes 1 to 7), 7 patterned balls (sizes 9 to 15), and 1 black 8-ball (size 8 ball).
Core rules (taking eight-ball as an example) : Players are divided into "solid color teams" and "color teams". After the kick-off, the color of the ball that is hit first determines which color of ball they want to hit. After hitting all seven balls of your own color and then the black eight, you will win. It should be noted that one must not accidentally pocket the black eight when hitting their own ball, nor should they directly pocket the black eight at the kick-off (otherwise, they will be judged as losing).
2. Snooker: A "Noble Sport" That Tests Accuracy
If you have watched Ding Junhui's matches, you must be no stranger to snooker. It is the type of billiards that tests skills and strategies the most, and is known as the "gentleman's sport". Its rules are relatively complex, but it is highly entertaining.
Table and balls: A snooker table is larger than an American table, with a standard size of 12 feet (3.569 meters in length and 1.784 meters in width), smaller and narrower pockets, and extremely high requirements for hitting accuracy. There are a total of 22 balls used, including 1 white ball, 15 red balls (each worth 1 point), and 6 colored balls (2 points for yellow, 3 points for green, 4 points for coffee, 5 points for blue, 6 points for pink, and 7 points for black).
Core rule: During the game, the balls must be hit in the order of "one red and one colored", that is, a red ball is hit first, and then a colored ball is selected to hit (the colored ball will be put back in its original position after being hit until all the red balls are hit). After all 15 red balls have been played, the colored balls are played in the order of "yellow, green, coffee, blue, pink and black". The person with the higher score at the end wins. In snooker, a single game can score over 100 points, and top players can even achieve a "147 full score" (that is, each red ball is paired with a black ball and all the colored balls are cleared in the end).
3. Artistic Billiards: A creative "performance" type of billiards
Artistic billiards is more like the "art of billiards". It does not aim for quick goals but rather achieves hitting through various cool techniques (such as jump balls, pocket flips, and combination balls). It often appears in entertainment performances or artistic competitions.
Features: Artistic billiards has no fixed rules. The core lies in "creativity" and "skill". Players can freely design their hitting routes and showcase their strength through exaggerated movements (such as hitting from behind and jumping from a distance). The balls and tables used are mostly the same as those in American billiards, but some auxiliary props (such as powder and cue extenders) are often used.
Ii. Must-know for Beginners: 3 Core Equipment Knowledge Points to Avoid Falling into Traps
To play billiards well, you first need to understand the "tools" in your hand - the cue, the cue powder and the table. These details directly affect your hitting effect.
1. Club: If you choose the right length and weight, the feel will be much worse
When beginners choose golf clubs, they don't have to pursue "expensive" ones, but they must be "suitable".
Length: The standard length of a club is 145 to 147 centimeters, and it can be used by people with a height of 160 to 180 centimeters. If you are particularly tall (over 185 cm) or particularly short (under 155 cm), you can choose a custom-length club to avoid excessive bending or poor force application when hitting the ball.
Weight: The weight of a golf club is usually between 17 and 21 ounces (1 ounce ≈28.35 grams). Beginners are advised to start with 18 to 19 ounces. A club that is too light can cause unstable force application, while one that is too heavy can cause arm fatigue and lead to injury after prolonged practice.
Cue tip: The diameter of the cue tip also matters. The diameter of the cue tip for American billiards is mostly 13-14 millimeters (suitable for playing large balls), while that for snooker is 9-10 millimeters (suitable for playing small balls, requiring more precise ball control). Beginners can choose the size of the cue tip for American billiards, which has a higher tolerance for errors.
2. Qiao Fen: Don't Overlook the "Anti-Slip Wonder"
Before each shot, professional players will apply a layer of powder to the clubhead. Many beginners think this is a "ritual", but in fact, it has a practical function - the powder can increase the friction between the clubhead and the cue ball, preventing the clubhead from "slipping" (that is, the clubhead slipping and not hitting the expected position) when hitting the ball.
Type: Qiao fen is divided into "dry" and "oily" types. Dry qiao fen (mostly green) has a finer texture and is suitable for American pool. Oily powder (mostly blue) has stronger adhesion and is suitable for snooker. Beginners can use dry powder, which is less likely to stick to the cue ball.
Usage: When applying the Qiao fen, gently make circular motions to evenly cover the "leather head" (the soft material at the front end of the rod) of the rod. Do not press hard, otherwise the leather head will be damaged.
3. Table: Understanding "the table" and "the level" affects the goal-scoring rate
The condition of the billiard table has a significant impact on hitting the ball. When beginners go to a billiard hall, they can simply observe two points:
Table wool: Table wool is the velvet fabric on the surface of the table. High-quality table wool has dense and smooth fibers, and the ball rolls smoothly without any noise. If the table has pilling or wrinkles, the ball is very likely to deviate from the expected route.
Level: The table must be kept absolutely level; otherwise, the cue ball will "go off course". It can be judged by observing whether the cue ball is stationary - place the cue ball in the center of the table. If it doesn't move, it indicates that the table is level. If the cue ball rolls in a certain direction, just change the table.
Iii. Beginner's Tips: 3 Small Methods to Quickly Improve Hitting Accuracy
Having mastered the basic knowledge, the next step is practical skills. Novices don't need to pursue complex movements. If they first practice "aiming" and "applying force" solidly, they will quickly see progress.
1. Aiming: Use the "three points in a line" to accurately locate the hitting point
Aiming is the core of billiards. Beginners can use the "three points in a line" method: the eyes, the cue head, the hitting point on the cue ball, and the goal point on the target ball. These four points should be in a straight line.
Specific approach: Bend over and keep your eyes parallel to the table (do not stand straight and look down, as it is easy to make mistakes in judgment). First, determine which pocket the target ball is going into and find the "goal point" on the target ball (that is, the tangent point of the line connecting the target ball and the pocket opening). Then align the hitting point of the cue ball with this goal point, making sure the clubhead is directly facing the hitting point of the cue ball, and then hit the shot smoothly.
2. Exert force: Relax your arms and use your forearms to drive the club.
Many beginners tend to exert all their strength when hitting the ball, but as a result, they either lack power or hit the ball off target. In fact, the key to applying force is to "relax".
Posture: When standing, keep your feet shoulder-width apart, lean your body to one side of the ball, take a small step forward with your right leg (if holding the club with your right hand), and slightly bend your knee. Hold the stick with your right hand, let your arms hang naturally at your sides, and do not shrug or tighten them.
Force application: When hitting the ball, use the "back and forth swing of the forearm" to drive the club, keep the wrist stable, and do not deliberately swing the wrist. The shot should be steady. After the clubhead hits the cue ball, do not stop the club immediately. Let the club continue to "push" forward for a certain distance. This can ensure the continuous force application.
3. Practice: Start with "close-range straight balls"
Beginners should not start with complex Angle shots. Instead, they should practice "close-range straight shots" (the distance between the cue ball and the target ball is 10 to 20 centimeters, and they are in a straight line, aiming at the middle pocket).
Objective: Practice for 10 to 20 minutes every day, aiming to score 5 consecutive goals. Gradually increase the distance between the cue ball and the target ball, or try to hit simple Angle shots (such as 30 degrees or 45 degrees). Mastering straight shots can help you build your sense of touch and confidence, making it easier for you to learn other techniques later on.