One of the newest features on iOS 10 iMessage is the GamePigeon app. It gives users the chance to play 8 ball pool as well as other types of games with their contacts. The aim of the game is to ‘pocket’ balls in number order 1-7 whilst the second player tries to ‘pocket’ the balls 9-15.
To win the game you have to be the first player to pocket all of the balls in your group and finally pocket the 8 ball. It is the basic rules of 8 ball pool, just played in app form. To play this game and win there are tips and tricks you can use that we will examine in this article.
How to win 8 ball pool – iMessage games
You will first need to download and install GamePigeon on your iMessage app; this way you can play 8-ball pool and a variety of other games like Sea Battle. To do this follow the steps below:
- Open a conversation in iMessage and click the ‘A’ icon.
- In the options go to ‘Store.’
- Select GamePigeon to download the app.
- It will then display the game controller interface.
- Go back to iMessage
- The games will be listed in a group along with 8 ball pool.
What is ‘English’ in 8 ball pool?
English isn’t what you probably immediately think of when you read the word. In this case, it means putting a spin on your cue ball when taking a shot, and it’s a good idea to use this when making your opening play.
This is an ideal technique that you would use in real life pool too, as it can help you to get the perfect angle on your next shot. So, make sure to learn how to do it on the app too, as it will help you pot the trickier shots like when a ball is over the pocket. And as mentioned, it is great to use when you break and take your first shot.
What tips can you use when playing 8 ball pool?
One thing you should do when you play 8 ball pool is regardless of whether or not you want to play a game that day you should open the app to use up your daily free spin on the ‘Spin and Win level.’ Spins give you coins to build better pool cues to help improve accuracy in-game.
Power isn’t everything in this game – in fact, the whole point of pool is finesse over power. So make sure to limit how much power you use and opt for a light touch to play this game, it will ensure better chances of success.
The best chance you have is to extend your aim in-game, to do this use post-it notes or a ruler to find your angle and extend the aim but keep an eye on the timer.
What is the importance of buying a better cue?
Once you have enough coins to buy a better cue, it will be essential in helping you to find success in this game. The better your cue, the more chance you have at winning games of 8 ball pool, as it’s the best way to get way to gain advantage over the other player.
When you wait too long to take a shot your turn will be up before you manage to shoot. So, tap and drag on the pool table surface just in front of the tip of the cue in order to speed up your shots, then you won’t get skipped over.
What tricks can you use to win 8 ball pool?
Firstly, aim for the second to last ball on the last row of balls when breaking. Once you aim for this ball, power up the shot to maximum power on the bar. At least one will be potted by doing this and the rest of the balls will line up more easily for further shots.
When playing take notice of the aim circle before you take the shot. If the aim circle has lines in the middle of it then DO NOT take the shot, adjust the aim until it disappears, keep note of the timer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there aren’t a whole load of cheats for 8 balls but some of the things we have listed here will help you improve your techniques in order for you to have a better chance at winning against your friends. The main thing you can do though is practicing a lot and make sure you understand the rules of play because if you pot the 8 ball illegally you lose.
It goes without saying too, but just in case, don’t pot the cue ball because you’ll get penalized for that. Practice, practice, practice is the best tip you can follow, the more you play the more you will get familiar with how to take certain types of shots.
The ability to play some simple games in iMessage was introduced back in iOS 10. Most of the games are social ones you play with friends and can be useful for whiling away a spare hour or keeping in touch with people without having to talk to them. This tutorial will show you how to install games in iMessage, including 8-ball pool.
These games aren’t going to blow you away with their complexity or their graphics but a good game doesn’t need them to be entertaining. Just look at Minecraft. A well designed game can be addicting whether it uses the latest graphics engine or looks 8-bit. Most of the games you can play in iMessage aren’t quite 8-bit but they are a bit of fun!
Play games in iMessage
To be able to play games in iMessage, you will need to install them. There is a slightly different method to install iMessage-compatible games and I’ll talk you through it here. You still use the App Store and the games are still vetted and quality checked but the process is ever so slightly different.
To load a game, we need to visit the Apple iMessage App Store within iMessage.
- Open iMessage on your phone and open a new conversation with the person you want to play the game with.
- Select the menu icon and then Store (the blue ‘A’ button). This takes you to the Apple iMessage App Store.
- Browse games and download one you like.
- Open the game and select Create Game.
- Take a turn and challenge your contact to a game.
The ability to send a challenge is within each iMessage game. You open the game, take your turn and then issue your challenge. The recipient receives a game-specific message with the challenge and the opportunity to take their turn and return the challenge. You can also send messages back and forth from within the game.
iMessage games create a temporary ecosystem where you can play the game and send messages back and forth about that game. They use iMessage but are also slightly apart from it, being specific to the game. It’s a neat little system that sits comfortably within the message app.
iMessage games
there are a bunch of games available for iMessage. Some are free and others are premium. As per usual, the App Store tells you which is which before you download. The list of iMessage games includes, Truth Truth Lie, Four in a Row for iMessage, Truthy: Truth or Dare, Polaroid Swing, Trivia Crack, GamePigeon (collection of games), Words with Friends, Genius: Song Lyrics +, MsgMe WordGuess and a few others.
Particular standouts include:
8-ball pool is included within the GamePigeon download and is a pretty good game. You do have to install the GamePigeon suite but it offers a range of arcade-style games you can play on your phone. It’s turn based like most iMessage games. You take your shot and send it over and the other player returns the shot and the turn. It’s simple but very effective and manages to require some skill during play.
Simon Says
iPhone users of a certain age will have fond memories of Simon Says. It was huge in the 80s and 90s as a physical game and this iMessage version does that old game justice. It is turn based of course and has the same system of patterns you need to follow in order to pass the turn. The game will then show the other player your score and offer them their own pattern. It is simple but very effective.
Checkmate!
Checkmate! Is a chess game which is perfect for iMessage. It is the ultimate turn based game and will challenge, frustrate, annoy and delight as a ‘normal’ game of chess might. It’s a 2D board but otherwise is great at what it does, provide entertainment using iMessage.
Wordie
Being a writer, I am particularly fond of Wordie. It’s a Pictionary-like word game that shows you images and blanks and asks you to fill them. You can create games with one other or with many others and it is supposed to have up to 600 games built in and offers the ability to upload your own if you have the patience to create them. Another simple game done well and perfect for iMessage.
The games in iMessage have been done well and offer light relief from boredom or a way to keep in touch with people without having to have inane conversations. The are basic but well executed and well worth checking out.