McDonald Billiards

Want to start playing smarter pool? Stop thinking about just ONE shot.

Before you shoot, ask yourself two questions:

Can I make this ball?
Where do I want the cue ball to end up afterward?

Planning your next shot before you take your current one can help you avoid those awkward angles that leave you wondering, "Now what?"

The best shot isn't always the flashiest one — sometimes it's the one that leaves you perfectly set up for what comes next.

Do you plan a few shots ahead, or figure it out as you go?

Did you know the “head string” on a pool table is an imaginary line that runs across the table near the breaking end?

It marks the area “behind the line” where the cue ball is placed for the opening break — and in some games, it also matters after certain fouls.

It’s one of those pool terms you may hear all the time without ever really thinking about what it means!

Have you heard the term “head string” before?

When was the last time you took a good look at your cue tip?

A worn, flattened, glazed, or damaged tip can make it harder to get a clean, consistent hit on the cue ball. Keeping your tip properly shaped and in good condition can make a noticeable difference in your control.

It's a small part of your equipment — but an important one!

Need billiards supplies or help keeping your game room equipment in top shape? Stop by McDonald's Billiard Supply Co. and see us.

If you could choose ONE pool-playing superpower, what would it be?

Never miss a bank shot
See the perfect angle every time
Have a flawless break
Put the cue ball exactly where you want it

You only get ONE! Which are you choosing?

Tell us below — and no, "all of the above" isn't an option. 😂

Okay, we've got a question...

Say there's $100 on the line and you have ONE shot to make.

Which are you choosing?

A long straight-in shot
A short bank shot
A fairly easy shot... but everyone in the room is watching

Which one are you trusting yourself to make?

Drop your pick below!

You can line up the perfect angle, but how hard you hit the cue ball can completely change what happens next.

A softer shot can help keep the cue ball nearby for better position, while a firmer shot may send it farther around the table. Learning to control your speed is one of the simplest ways to start thinking one or two shots ahead.

Next time you play, try making the same shot at three different speeds and watch where the cue ball finishes each time.

Good pool isn't just about making the shot — it's about setting up the next one!

Here's the real test of a great game room...

Does everyone naturally end up there?

A pool table has a way of turning an unused room into THE room — the place where the kids hang out, friends gather, and "one quick game" turns into an entire evening.

If you've been thinking about adding a pool table to your home, come see us at McDonald's Billiard Supply Co. We'll help you find the right table for your space, style, and game.

Because the best game rooms aren't just nice to look at — they're actually used. 🎱

Why Is It Called a "Scratch"? You've probably said it a thousand times at the pool table — "I scratched!" But have you ever wondered where the term came from?

The word "scratch" has been used in cue sports for generations to describe a foul, particularly when the cue ball is pocketed or leaves the table. Over time, it became part of the everyday language of pool players — and today, every player knows that sinking the cue ball is one shot you definitely DON'T want to make.

Pool has a language all its own, built through centuries of play and tradition. What's another billiards term you've always wondered about?

Let's settle another friendly debate...

Who should rack the next game?

The winner racks.
The loser racks.
Whoever gets to the table first!

There's no right or wrong answer—just different traditions and house rules. We're curious to see where everyone stands!

Tell us your vote in the comments below.

Making the shot is only half the battle. Great pool players are already thinking about where the cue ball will stop for their next shot.

The more you control cue ball position, the fewer difficult shots you'll have later in the game.

Here's a challenge: During your next game, focus on cue ball placement instead of just pocketing the ball. You might be surprised how much your game improves!

Have you ever practiced cue ball control, or do you mostly play by feel?