Artistic pool is similar to the conventional game of pool in that the player tries to get balls to land in the pockets. However, in artistic pool players can use many different special techniques to do so and can even use props as a part of the shot. Most trick shots that are preformed in artistic pool are quite amazing and are a testament to the expert skills of the player.

Some of the most popular trick shots are ones that involve the use of props. Props can be anything that the player uses as an obstacle or as part of the shot besides the balls including cue sticks, racking triangle, cue tip chalk, glasses, coins, bills, or any other items. These shots are often very amazing with the cue ball jumping, swerving, or other wise traveling around props, or even landing inside glasses or other objects.

Bank shots are also popular trick shots. These types of shots involve the cue ball and/or object balls hitting the cushion one or more times and bouncing off to land in the pocket. These shots can be quite amazing as balls bounce and ricochet around the table many times before landing the pocket. Skilled artistic pool players can sink many different object balls with a single shot using a bank shot.

Jump shots can be quite amazing as well and are an integral part of artistic pool. Jump shots require the cue ball to jump off the felt, sometimes over props, and continue on to hit object balls. Sometimes jump shots involve the cue ball leaving the table entirely and landing in a prop or container on the floor.

Some of the most challenging shots for artistic pool players are masse shots. These shots are when the cue ball is hit so that it swerves or turns as it is rolling without touching any other ball or object. These shots are hard to pull off but are very interesting to watch. Sometimes a masse shot is used to maneuver around obstacles other times it is used to hit balls that are at an awkward position.

The trick shots used in artistic pool require great skill to carry out. Many professional pool players hone their artistic pool skills and compete in artistic pool tournaments around the world.