Learning how to play pool effectively in 8 Ball Strike takes more than choosing the easiest ball to pocket. Good decisions can start with the break and continue through cue ball control, shot planning, and knowing when a trick shot is worth trying.

To help players sharpen their approach, we asked 8 Ball Strike Cup finalists Mike Trent, Christopher Ardis, Jason McCain, Shubham Guleria, and Said Nawaz Khan to share some of the strategies they use during competitive play.

Here are four of their tips to try in your next round.

Make Your Break Work for You

The opening break can shape the opportunities you have for the rest of the round.

Mike Trent, an 8 Ball Strike Cup finalist, focuses on pocketing balls early while also looking for ways to build his trick-shot count:

“The main aim for me is getting at least 2 pots from the break and trying to build up the trick shot count as quickly as possible. However, this can be risky as they’re not easy to do.”

- Mike Trent

Once the break is complete, avoid automatically taking the first shot you see. Look over the table and consider your options.

Pay attention to:

• Clear opportunities: Which balls have an open route to a pocket?
• Follow-up shots: What options will you have after making the current shot?
• Cue ball placement: Where could the cue ball end up?
• Trick shots: Does the table give you a reasonable opportunity to earn additional points?

Finalist takeaway: Use the break to read the table and decide how aggressive you want to be with your next move.

Be Selective With Trick Shots

Trick shots can add more points to your score, but that does not mean every opportunity should be taken.

Finalist Christopher Ardis shares his approach:

“The main obvious tactic is always to try and get as many trick shots as possible to build your score even higher.”

- Christopher Ardis

The key is deciding whether the shot makes sense based on the situation.

Think about:

Difficulty → Scoring Value → Confidence

Before shooting, ask:

• How challenging is the shot?
• What scoring value could it provide?
• How confident are you that you can make it?
• Where could the cue ball finish afterward?

A straightforward pot may sometimes be the better option. When the table provides a strong setup, however, a trick shot can offer another way to increase your score.

Finalist takeaway: Choose trick shots based on the setup and potential scoring value rather than taking every opportunity you see.

Plan Ahead With Cue Ball Control

Pocketing the current ball is only one part of a strong shot. Where the cue ball finishes can determine what you can do next.

For Shubham Guleria, planning ahead and staying composed are important:

“I stay calm, think a few shots ahead, and focus on cue ball control instead of rushing my shots.”

- Shubham Guleria

Said Nawaz Khan follows a similar approach:

“I always try to plan a few shots ahead instead of focusing only on the next ball. Cue ball positioning is very important, and I try not to rush my decisions. Staying calm and making smart choices has helped me win many close matches.”

- Said Nawaz Khan

A simple way to approach each move is:

Current target → Cue ball position → Next target

Before you shoot, think about which ball you may want to play next and where the cue ball should land to create a useful angle.

The table can change quickly. If the cue ball ends up somewhere unexpected, look at your options again instead of forcing the shot you originally planned.

Finalist takeaway: Think beyond your current target and use cue ball positioning to make your next move easier.

Look for Ways to Build Your Score

Accuracy is important, but understanding the game’s scoring opportunities can also influence how you approach each round.

For finalist Jason McCain, pool trick shots and multipliers are part of that strategy:

“Trick shots for me. The 10x helps some when the tricks bonus is not offered.”

- Jason McCain

During an 8 Ball Strike round, there are several scoring opportunities to watch for:

• Trick shots: Take advantage of suitable table setups to add value to your shots.
• Multipliers: Look for opportunities that can increase your scoring potential.
• Consecutive pots: Pocketing three balls in a row can activate the Triple Shot Perk, which may award bonus points, multipliers, or an extra cue ball.
• Table Clear: Clearing all balls from the table can provide an additional bonus.

Since every successful shot changes the table, new opportunities can appear throughout the round.

Finalist takeaway: Check the table again after each shot and adjust your strategy based on the new layout.

8 Ball Strike Finalists’ Tips at a Glance

Want an easy way to remember the advice?

Break smart → Read the table → Pick your shot → Control the cue ball → Find scoring opportunities → Repeat

Across all five finalists, one idea stands out: strong play is not only about aim. It also involves reading the table, planning what comes next, controlling the cue ball, and choosing the right moment to go for a higher-value shot.

Try these strategies the next time you play 8 Ball Strike and see how thoughtful shot selection and better planning can change your approach to each round of this pool game.