Yahoo Pool

Yahoo Pool is the largest free pool rooms online. It has hundreds (or maybe thousands) game rooms for all skill levels including beginners, intermediate,  advanced game rooms and social game rooms. Yahoo Pool offers 8ball and 9ball pool games in addition to daily pool tournaments and pool leagues.  

Software, Graphics & Usability

Yahoo Pool games are played directly on the web-browser. One's must have a Yahoo I.D even just to preview the game. The graphics is 3D but not too amazing. The controls are easy to use, the game rules are explained on the site and there are plenty of beginners' game rooms that make the pool room very welcoming for newbie players. One of Yahoo Pool's main flaws is that there are lots of pop-ups, so if you are not using a pop-up blocker prepare to be introduced to new types of anti-depressions' drug.

Tournaments & Leagues

There are two types of pool tournaments: the official tournaments and the league tournaments. The format of the official tournaments is usually single elimination in which both the pairing the win/loss are reported automatically. The tournaments' prizes are trophies added to the winners' profile and can't be seen by the other players. Same rules apply for the league tournaments, except you have to join the league in order to take part in the tournament. Note that in some pool leagues the membership is restricted.

Special Features

• Members can open a game room or join and existing one.
• Members may also open a pool league and to decide whether to leave it open for membership or restrict it.
• Players can communicate with each other using Yahoo Instant Messenger.

Bottom Line

If you are new to online pool and you are not particularly looking for action, go for it.