Most people know that pool is a game that typically requires two players. Whether it be casually playing against your buddy at the local pool hall, or on a more advanced level, pool is a competitive game, pitting one player against another.
However if you don’t have a partner to play with, you can still play. While playing pool is typically done with two people, it doesn’t have to be. You can have just as much fun and hone your skills all by yourself.
Pool Games You Can Play Alone
In this post we’re going to share with you how you can play pool by yourself along with 9 pool games you can play alone.
Solo 8 Ball
Pool Games You Can Play Alone
Solo 9 Ball
Pretty much any game of pool you can think of can be played alone with some variation to it. Below you will find some two player games and some games specifically for playing by yourself.
Fifteen in a Row
Solo 8 Ball
3 Ball
Rack all 15 balls normally, break, then try to run the table. Count your total shots per rack and track your average over time. To start, rack all fifteen balls like you would in a traditional game of 8 ball with the 8 ball in the center surrounded by the rest of the balls in random order. Break, and then proceed to sink all of the striped balls followed by the solids, or vice versa. Be sure to pocket the 8 ball last and call your pocket for good practice. Solo 8 ball is a great way to keep your skills sharp while having a good time doing so.
Tips for Playing Pool Alone
Solo 9 Ball
Act Natural
Fifteen in a Row
Practice Difficult Shots
Fifteen in a row is another great game you can play by yourself. To start, rack the balls the same way you would for a game of 8 ball then proceed to break. You must pocket at least one ball on the break. If you don’t, you have to re-rack and start over again. After the break, you then have to pocket at least one ball on every shot. If you fail to make a shot, you have to start all over again.
Use Pocket Reducers
The goal is to make all 15 balls in a row without missing a single one. You don’t have to pocket the balls in any particular order, although you can if you want to make things more challenging. Again, you can add to the difficulty by racing against the clock or adding any additional rules or caveats that you can think of.
Perfect Your Stroke
3 Ball
Take Your Time
As odd as it may sound, you could potentially run the rack on the break. While 3 ball typically doesn’t take long to play, its a great game geared towards helping you plan your shots as precisely as possible.
Make The Most of It
Speed pool is a great way to strengthen your ability to remain cool under pressure. Speed pool is basically a timed version of 8 ball. The game is played exactly like 8 ball is except for the fact that you’re racing against the clock.
In Conclusion
Target pool is more of a drill than a game. The object of target pool is help you learn position play and cue ball control by having you pocket an object ball in a particular pocket from a certain spot on the table, and control the cue ball to a specific “target” on the table.
These targets and shot instructions can be bought in the form of a kit, but its a lot cheaper to just use napkins as your target and set up your own shots instead. This is a great way to get better at controlling the cue ball and learning proper shot selection.
Ghost pool is another great solo game thats sure to help sharpen your skills. You set the game up as you would any other game you enjoy such as 8 ball or 9 ball. You then break and proceed to give yourself ball in hand.
Place the cue ball wherever you like and then proceed to run the rack in one turn. If you miss a shot or scratch, the “ghost” automatically wins. You only win the game if you pocket every ball in a single turn. Most players opt to race to a certain number of wins to determine if they won or their imaginary counterpart did.
Cowboy pool is basically a game of 8 ball played backwards. You rack the balls in 8 ball fashion and then proceed to the break. After the break, you then begin to pocket your designated balls but not in the traditional manner.
In standard 8 ball you strike the cue ball first which then hits your object ball hopefully into a pocket. With cowboy pool, you strike your object ball first, which then has to hit the cue ball before making its way into a pocket. This game is a great way to learn angles and position play.
Worth checking out: Grab a copy of the official rule book, take a look at the Official BCA Rules Book on Amazon.
FAQ
Can you really play pool by yourself?
Yes. Many traditional games have solo variations that help you practice and improve your skills without needing another player.
What’s solo 8-ball?
Rack 15 balls, break, then sink all striped balls followed by solids, or vice versa. Call your pocket when you sink the 8-ball. It’s great for keeping your skills sharp.
What is ghost pool?
Set up 8-ball or 9-ball as usual, break, then give yourself ball in hand. Try to run the entire rack in one turn. If you miss, the ‘ghost’ wins.
What’s cowboy pool?
Cowboy pool is 8-ball played backwards. You hit the object ball first, which then hits the cue ball before going into the pocket. This teaches angles and position.
How does ‘fifteen in a row’ work?
Rack all 15 balls and break. You must pocket at least one ball on every shot. Miss once and restart. The goal is to pocket all 15 without missing.
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