9-Ball Pool Solo
9-Ball Solo is a popular "money" or "bar" pool game that computer
gaming programmers have developed into a fast paced online game. It
can be played for fun or for actual money. Although the name
suggests players are playing solo, they actually challenge other
online players of their choice.
History of 9-Ball Solo
The history behind the original game of 9-Ball began in America around the 1920's. It was played in bars as a means to win quick money, just as the online version can be played today. It has since gained a more respectable reputation and is considered to be in the same league as regular 8-Ball pool.
With the extraordinary popularity of the 9-Ball pool game in bars, such as leagues and tournaments, it caught the attention of the online gaming industry. Developers quickly turned out an online version for the various gaming sites. Many of the websites even give new players special tokens or points for registering to play at their site, which comes in handy, especially for new players.
How to Play 9-Ball Solo
The actual game play online is similar to the real pool game with the exception of it being virtual. The object of 9-Ball Solo is to simply sink all the balls starting with the 1 ball and last the 9 ball. The catch is the player must hit the correct ball with each stroke. For example, if the 3 ball is the next ball to be pocketed, the player must hit that ball and hopefully sink it. Otherwise, if the player sinks any other ball without first hitting the appointed ball, the player will not get the points for the incorrect ball being pocketed. However, if the player does strike the correct ball but sinks a different ball instead, they will get points for that.
Click Here to Play 9 Ball Pool Online
Depending on the version and the gaming website the player is competing at, the game controls may vary somewhat, but they will be basically as follows. To aim the virtual pool cue the player will use the left mouse button to position the stick where the player wants to hit the ball. The player can also, on some sites, use the space bar to lock the cue's position before setting the striking power of the pool cue.
The player will also use the mouse to set the power level. This is accomplished by pressing and holding down the left mouse button and dragging it forward and/or backward. Once the player releases the left mouse button the pool stick will fire and strike the ball the player set up for it to hit. If the player prefers for the ball to have a different spin, they will have the ability to set that as well. Depending on the website, the player just simply has to click the "Spin" button on the screen.
9-Ball Solo is not an unlimited time game. The player will have five minutes to get all the balls in the pockets. As the player clears a table within the allotted time, new tables will appear for the player to clear. The more tables cleared in the five minutes the more points and/or cash the player can earn.
Differing points are given for the various balls that are sunk. For example, a website may give the player 50 points to sink the 1 ball and 400 points to pocket the 8 ball. The player may also receive bonus points for each table they clear, such as 500 points.
It is also possible for the player to loose points during the game. There are penalties for various things, like sinking the 9 ball in the wrong order, as it must be the last ball in the pocket or hitting a ball that is not the appropriate ball. Another no-no is if the player hits the cue ball but misses the appointed ball.
Play 9-Ball Solo for Real Money
9-Ball Solo players can register and join the gaming website, or websites, that offers the game. Some may have a points system only while others have a system where players can compete and win real money. This can be offered in a number of ways, such as drawings, jackpots, winning per game and/or sweepstakes.
When playing for real money it is best for the player to practice for just points and get the hang of it first. It is a game, but it takes a fair amount of skill. Jumping right into playing for money could get discouraging if the player looses often. Another tip when playing for real money is for the player to be sure to choose an opponent that is of or near their own skill level. This will make for a fairer and more fun experience.
Strategy for Playing 9-Ball Solo
One simple strategy tip is for the player to hit the 1 ball at full power when breaking. This will hopefully cause several balls to sink in addition to spreading out the remaining balls across the table for easier shots. Another tip when playing 9-Ball Solo is for the player to take their time at first while learning the game to become familiar with the aiming and power. This will aid the player to be able to speed up in any subsequent games, as it is a timed game. The faster a player can clear a table the faster a new one will appear and the more points and/or money can be won.
Click Here to Play 9 Ball Pool Online
When playing 9-Ball Solo for real money a great strategy is for the player to not look at the timer clock. This will only add pressure and could cause them to miss a shot or make a bad shot set up decision, which could be disastrous and cause the player to lose money. All-in-all 9-Ball Solo is a fun and fast paced way to challenge your skills and win some real money at the same time.
