Pool

Overview

Pool is an eight-ball activity in Grand Theft Auto IV, The Lost and Damned and The Ballad of Gay Tony. Niko Bellic can play at the Homebrew Cafe and at Playboy X's Penthouse, while the episodes add a table at the Lost MC Clubhouse. Players can challenge friends or girlfriends, or a random opponent steps in. Unlike in earlier games, no money can be wagered. The aim is to pocket all of your group, solids or stripes, and then sink the 8-ball.

Walkthrough

1. Go to the Homebrew Cafe, Playboy X's Penthouse during an outing, or the Lost MC Clubhouse in The Lost and Damned.
2. Break; the first ball you pocket decides whether you take solids or stripes.
3. Pocket the rest of your group while avoiding fouls.
4. Sink the 8-ball once your group is cleared to win.

Tips

• Fouls include potting the cue ball, potting or hitting the wrong group first, missing every ball, or a shot where no ball reaches a rail; the opponent then gets to place the cue ball.
• Knocking a ball off the table costs a turn, and knocking the 8-ball off loses the game.
• Pocketing the 8-ball on the break wins outright.
• Michelle is the easiest opponent, while Little Jacob and Packie are strong players.
• The green tables have a rough surface that can bend ball paths; the pink table at Playboy X's Penthouse is truer but hard shots can send balls flying off.

Rewards and unlocks

• "Pool Shark" achievement for winning a game.
• In The Lost and Damned, Johnny keeps the Pool Cue as a melee weapon after a game.
• Required for 100% completion.