Old Nine Baller
Banned
So a quick question from a beginner - all the posts I read have the shooter trying to get shape on the 2-ball to the lower corner (using either follow or draw on the 1-ball) - which was my first inclination too (I was thinking using follow). But then looking closer, why not shoot the 1 with follow to the top corner - almost straight in, follow roughly 1 diamond, setting up 2-ball for the lower side pocket? This sets up naturally (with follow) for 3 and the rest seems pretty straightforward. If can get speed right, it seems that the shapes are easier to attain as a whole.
I guess the question is, is the margin for error trying to get speed for 1 diamond follow shot so much higher than getting angle for 2 for low corner pocket? Or is it that shooting the 2 into side pocket is much lower percentage shot so taking a seemingly harder shot (and by harder I mean to get good shape on the 2) makes more sense?
Thanks!
This. Remember that you not only have to make the 2 but you need shapes on the 3 also. No player would ever shoot the 2 in the side in this layout.
ONB
But if the lower left pocket were blocked they might try for the side as the only option with a plan to play safe if things don't go perfectly.
To answer the question a little more directly, take ball in hand on the 2 for a shot to the side and see how much margin in cue ball placement you have to be able to get on the 3. The path of the cue ball from the 1 will be crossing the line of perfect position to the side on the 2. On the other hand, if you end up short of the side position you might have a shot to the lower right corner (not shown).
The lower-left pocket is not blocked.
I did answer the question as directly as it can be answered.
ONB