'Hot' Tips.

1. When you are playing your shot, especially when you are a player new to the game, try and move the white ball into areas not precise positions. But first, learn to pot balls from varying angles. If you can't pot the balls you can't take advantage of that beautiful positional shot you have just played, so take care and make sure of that pot.

2. In all cuesports, when you leave the table try and ensure that you are leaving the table with problems for your opponent. If you get the chance and have a lead, putting a high value colour safe is useful.

3. Pace yourself. Most matches are played over a number of frames and you will get your chance if you bide your time. Don't force the game onto the balls. As in football people say let the ball do the work, you lets the balls do the work in dictating what shots to play. If that stunning shot is on but there is a perfect safety remember that the win is the most important result.

4. PRACTICE. Professionals practice for up to eight hours a day so why shouldn't we? Well, time for a start but if you are serious about your game even a couple of hours a week will keep your cueing sharp and your eye in, and you will improve your knowledge of the game by playing lots of frames.

5. Vary your games. There are loads and loads of different games you can play on a variety of different tables, for example 8 and 9 Ball Pool as well as snooker. All offer different challenges, but the main thing is to enjoy yourself but don't not work on your weaknesses!!

6. NEVER leave your opponent a chance believing he will mess up leaving you with an easy win. Look after your own fate.

7. Use the internet for reference. For every ten people there are ten different opinions so read around to give yourself the best chance in that tricky situation.

8. Watch the pros. They are pros because they play the game as it was designed to be played. Ever wondered why it looks so easy? Because they put the right power and spin and aim to perfection. This comes from practice. Look how straight the cue action is. The cue comes through the white straight making it almost impossible to miss for a player on form wishing to pot a ball. Try and predict what shot they are intending to play next, shot selection is a major factor in improving your game.

9. Enjoy yourself. That's the whole point of the game. Only the few lucky ones can make money and be a professional so work hard on getting better but remember to enjoy it cos if that goes so does the enjoyment of winning. Accept losing as a learning experience, and always play for the love of the game.

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