Sinuca (Pool & Snooker)

About the game

Sinuca is a pool hall table in 3D, lit by a three-shade lamp over the green cloth while the rest of the room stays dim. The balls are glossy resin, the cue is wood with a leather tip, and every hit, cushion and pocket sounds like a real table. It runs in your browser, free, nothing to install.

The physics is that of a modern simulator: the cue ball slides and then rolls, follow and draw work, side spin opens or closes the angle off the cushion, the cue ball squirts a little with spin and cut shots throw the object ball slightly. Pockets have jaws, so a ball can rattle and stay out.

There are three games: 8-ball (solids against stripes, the 8 last), 9-ball (always hit the lowest, the 9 wins) and Brazilian snooker (seven colored balls, the "ball on", called shots with penalties and points).

Play against the computer at three levels, or with friends online: create a room, send the invite on WhatsApp and play. Two play at the table and anyone else watches; the loser gets up and the next in line plays. Friends see your cue moving while you aim.

Highlights

• 3D table with felt, lacquered mahogany, brass and a three-shade lamp
• Real billiards physics: slide and roll, spin, squirt, throw, cushions and jaws
• 8-ball, 9-ball and Brazilian snooker with full rules
• A computer opponent that tests shots in the physics before playing, 3 levels
• Play with friends via WhatsApp, with their aim shown live
• Recorded sounds of balls, cushions, pockets and the hall ambience

How to play

1. Aim: drag your finger (or mouse) on the table to turn the cue around the cue ball. The line shows the ghost ball, where the object ball goes and where the cue ball leaves.
2. Fine aim: drag the round control (bottom right) sideways.
3. Power: pull the round control down and let go. The ring fills and the cue draws back; back to the center cancels.
4. Spin: tap the round control and choose where the tip hits: high follows, low draws back, sides add english.
5. 8-ball: after the break, the first player to pot a ball takes that group (solids 1-7 or stripes 9-15). When yours are gone, play the 8 into the marked pocket. A foul gives your opponent ball in hand.
6. 9-ball: always hit the lowest numbered ball first. Pot legally and you shoot again; whoever pots the 9 wins. Three fouls in a row lose.
7. Brazilian snooker: the ball on is the lowest value on the table. After potting it you may attack a free colored ball (points count and it is respotted). Fouls and missed called balls give 7 points to the opponent.

Tips

• Think about the next shot: potting is half the job, leaving the cue ball well placed is the other half.
• Use draw to bring the cue ball back and follow to send it forward. The farther the object ball, the less spin is left.
• On thin cuts the object ball throws a little toward the shot direction: aim a touch fuller.
• Side spin changes the cushion angle: running english opens it, reverse english closes it.
• No good shot? Play safe: touch one of your balls softly and leave the cue ball far from your opponent's balls.
• In Brazilian snooker only attack a called ball with penalty when you are sure: missing gives 7 points away.

FAQ