I have the Noah's Tarp 9' but rarely use it with poles. My usual pitching practice is to tie one end to a tree. If it is not windy, tie the opposite corner to another tree. If it is windy, stake one of the other corners down first so it won't flap so much. I find the hardest part of pitching this tarp is to allow enough curve in the ridge to be able to stake it tight. If you pull the ridge too taut, the edges will always flap in the breeze. Hope this helps.