When I take your closer look at the diagram and the angle on the 2 ball shot, there is a chance the cue ball is just a little too far off the end cushion and too much angle to play the high inside shot, which with that running spin on the cue ball off the side cushion could potentially bring the 5 in to play.
Which Way Do You Play This Shot?
- Thread starter DrCue'sProtege
- Start date
Well said!
Extend that line between the 5 and 6 and you’ll catch that third cushion. That’s a Kinister shot.
Of course you are right. Playing it over the spot, from an angle management standpoint alone, is best here, but there is more to pattern play than getting every angle right. There are many reasons to shun the best geometric paths at times and one of them is ensuring that you clear obstructions that can easily come into play if you fail to produce an intended angle.
This is a risk/reward decision, not an angle management decision. Those of us not playing the path across the spot feel that the risks are real and because we see safer, though less elegant, routes that will still give us very solid position onto the three. We see the risks associated with playing the tighter angle as unnecessary to take on.
Whether one CAN produce the tougher angle is not really the point at all.
Last edited:
The first two shots go astray as soon as they hit the two ball because the next thing hit is going to be the end rail.
This brings me to a very easy shot, deliberately hitting the five ball. That keeps me out of all other traffic and when I hit the five on purpose I am not going to snooker myself. Tangent line into the foot rail with maybe a little follow. Not doing anything special with the cue ball confidence is high that I will make the shot intended.
Hu
This brings me to a very easy shot, deliberately hitting the five ball. That keeps me out of all other traffic and when I hit the five on purpose I am not going to snooker myself. Tangent line into the foot rail with maybe a little follow. Not doing anything special with the cue ball confidence is high that I will make the shot intended.
Hu
I’m drawing this. There just isn’t any reward to the risk posed by the other routes. If I’m to take a risk on losing the frame, it better be worth it. My favourite and best games are 8 ball and straight pool, both of which are risk management games. 9 ball is more about angle management, but here there there is nothing to gain, so I default to risk as my priority.
I took it to the table recreating the image as best I could on my 8 foot table. My first answer just looking at the picture was draw it 2 rails. The safest route. I did like the simplicity of the straight up between 5 and 9. My experiments produced a surprising preference of going straight up on the top side of the 5 between it and the 7 ball. 
It is the closest to centerball strike for me on this equipment. Familiarity with the equipment and my confidence level makes a big difference. I can see preference being for 3 possible path choices depending on conditions.
It is the closest to centerball strike for me on this equipment. Familiarity with the equipment and my confidence level makes a big difference. I can see preference being for 3 possible path choices depending on conditions. 
I would say either one is ok. I would choose that high inside english shot. It won't affect my pocketing and i would get closer to object ball because speed is easier to judge. Many players would use outside english 2 cushion route and that would be right choise to them if inside follow shot would make them miss ball often or if they don't feel confident to get cueball to take right line.
I know the shot. But if you slightly mis hit the shot you can end up behind the 5. Not to mention inside english on a tight pocket table always makes the shot a little tougher. The other way there is nothing blockIng you.That makes the percentages of getting position higher. Pool is all about playing the percentages.
I think that position routes with relatively equal possible outcome results and risks are best chosen by most players according to their comfort level concerning the stroke required for either route. Pros can usually master multiple route requirements - most non pros have more defined comfort zones on handling the cue.
I have definitely chosen that in the basement.
I'll take 4 shots at it if I need to and 3is usually enough!
Confirming what I said - rolling forward is easier to control the speed vs drawing back. However, many are just more comfortable with outside spin as opposed to inside spin, if they have a choice.
Taking a fresh look trying to emulate a competition situation. Cold morning first hit of the day situation. 
My initial ass says mint is the path between the 5 and 7. It yields this. Shrug
I am pleased with that result as the angle to the 5 is in my comfort zone. Staying close to center is my secret strategy . Center ball is a natural to the 5 with simple shape on the 6. When I get to the 5 I calculate the natural angle for the 6 to 7.....oh well better do that now....Can't hurt. Having a total plan working from the 9 back before hitting a ball is my secret strategy. Of course wih 5 balls the plan could be revised multiple times but A plan inspection comes after each ball. When alls well 17 second shots are fine. Plan revisions are without time limits. Shrug
My shot choice was definitely influenced by yesterday's discussion and attempts. So I feel smarter. Thanks for the help. 
Edit: oops I said 5 but it is 3 ball ...there fixed it.
Unedited shrug nevermind
My initial ass says mint is the path between the 5 and 7. It yields this. Shrug
. Center ball is a natural to the 5 with simple shape on the 6. When I get to the 5 I calculate the natural angle for the 6 to 7.....oh well better do that now....Can't hurt. Having a total plan working from the 9 back before hitting a ball is my secret strategy. Of course wih 5 balls the plan could be revised multiple times but A plan inspection comes after each ball. When alls well 17 second shots are fine. Plan revisions are without time limits. Shrug My shot choice was definitely influenced by yesterday's discussion and attempts. So I feel smarter.
Thanks for the help. Edit: oops I said 5 but it is 3 ball ...there fixed it.
Unedited shrug nevermind
Last edited:
It's not a pocketing concern either way. The landing's just way bigger with draw. Further, you can shoot the three from in the clear if you play it that way.