Learning how to use spin in 8 Ball Pool is a must if you’re ready to level up. Spin adds to that control on the cue ball for you to plan your shots like a pro and outplay your opponents. In this guide we cover the basics of spin in 8 Ball Pool: what types of spin are available, and when and how you should be using them. Here’s hoping this may well be the trick to getting more wins.
But before you learn how to spin, let us emphasize that the cue matters most in spin. You can buy 8 Ball Pool coins to upgrade your existing cues or purchase a better one.
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Getting to Know Spin: The Basics
1. Top Spin and Back Spin
Topspin and backspin are the two types of spin in 8 Ball Pool and they’re both spot on for setting up shots.
Top Spin: Picture you hitting that cue ball just under the top. What happens? When that hits your target, it keeps rolling forwards. When you want to drive the cue ball forward, and continue for your next shot, top spin is great.
Back Spin: Here’s a picture of me hitting the cue ball at the bottom. Perfect because that back spin helps to get the ball bouncing back toward you after contact. It will help you get into position and prepare for your next move.
As for controlling what goes where on the ball, the two types of spin are important in determining where your cue ball goes after it hits your target and that has a huge effect on the rest of your shots.
2. Using Left and Right Spin
But you also have left and right spin, which means you have total control over where the cue ball goes after a shot, and there is top and back spin, besides. Here’s the rundown:
- Left Spin: Adds a curve to the left after impact. Perfect if you’re dodging obstacles or aiming to bounce off a cushion at a sharp angle.
- Right Spin: Curves the cue ball to the right. Same idea as left spin but heading in the other direction, giving you options to maneuver around balls on the table.
Side spin helps you nail trickier angles, so use it to keep the cue ball exactly where you need it next.
How to Apply Spin in 8 Ball Pool: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Position the Cue Ball Smartly: Before even thinking about spin, start by setting the cue ball in a good spot. Get a sense of the angles and plan whether top, back, or side spin will help you most.
- Applying Top Spin: To use top spin, strike the cue ball above its center. Let’s say you’re aiming at a ball near the side pocket—you’ll want a slight top spin to make sure the cue ball rolls forward smoothly after contact.
- Using Back Spin: Hit the cue ball from underneath for back spin. This is your go-to when you need the cue ball to come back toward you, keeping it in position for your next shot.
- Adding Left or Right Spin: Left and right spin can be game-changers. Use these when you’re navigating around other balls. For example, if you need to avoid an obstructing ball and still hit your target, adding a little side spin helps you steer the cue ball just right.
Real-Game Examples: Spin in Action
Using spin in 8 Ball Pool isn’t just theory—it’s the real deal in matches. Here’s how it can actually save the day in a live game:
- Breaking Up a Cluster: Say you’ve got a cluster of balls blocking your next shot. Use top spin to break it up, sending balls out of the way so you can keep scoring.
- Setting Up the Winning Shot: You’re down to the eight ball, and you need the cue ball to end up in a perfect spot. A little back spin will control its final position, so you’re all lined up for that game-winning shot.
