54 Platripedia—Game Tips
Cue Tips: The Advent of Online Billiards
Computer billiards or pool have become very popular games since the prominence of the internet. Computer pool games allow players to test their strategy, geometry, and dexterity against computer and online opponents. It has become a popular game among casual gamers and competitive online pool groups have formed around the game.
So which is it, “billiards” or “pool”? Pool is a type of billiards game involving four pockets simply referred to as pocket billiards. This is the most common type of billiards game today. “Pool” probably earned its name from an association with gambling. The billiards game was present where gamblers would pool their money during horse races. The name stuck, and we now refer to pocket billiards as “pool”. Even in some versions of online computer pool, gambling is a part of the game.
Computer pool is perhaps so popular because much of the actual sport is translatable to a digital representation. Computer pool still requires the same understanding of geometry and propulsion. Players must study the table and determine the precise angle to hit an exact point on the ball to knock it into a pocket. Just like in actual pool, the player must also determine how much power to use in the thrust of the pool cue. Computer pool gives players a chance to experiment with complex geometry, bouncing balls off the wall and planning complex collision courses. All of these disciplines can be carried over to the actual game of pool. Not to mention, it’s much easier to set the table on computer pool.
However, in computer pool, the player is free from the random inadequacies of the table, balls, and cue. They are also able to have more control over their shots than they could physically hope for in an actual game. Nerves and muscle control are no longer an issue, reducing the game down to its pure geometry.
Many computer pool games also have the advantage of interesting variations on the original game. Ultimate Billiards 2 has you racing against the burning fuses of bombs to clear the table. You must hit each of these bombs into their pockets with your cue ball before time runs out. If you scratch or take too long, and it’s kablooey!
It is clear that the rise in computer pool games have contributed to the growth of a new generation of pool sharks, both on wooden and digital tables.