Dr. Dave 8-Ball RUN-OUTS and BREAK ADVICE

dr_dave · Sep 30, 2020

westcoast said:
thanks for putting this video together.

You're welcome.

westcoast said:
Very helpful.

I'm glad to hear it.

westcoast said:
You play really well.

Thank you.

westcoast said:
Do you enter a lot of tournaments? (in pre-covid times) If so, how do you usually finish?

The only tournaments I've played in are local league tournaments and the annual VNEA tournaments in Vegas. I've done well in the VNEA tournaments in Vegas, finishing in the top 16 or 24 in both 8-ball and 9-ball several times. I still haven't broken into the top 8, but I hope to next time I go.

Regards,
Dave

fastone371 · Sep 30, 2020

dr_dave said:
Agreed. In my video, I mentioned pocketing balls in "groupings" a few times, but I think it is better to think about natural patterns rather than trying to force thinking into "groupings" or "sectors." Sometimes the best patterns move among "groupings" or "sectors."

Regards,
Dave

Great informative video as usual, thank you.

As far as clearing the table in groups I like that as long as I dont have to make the cue ball do much more than it naturally wants to do. On a fast table like a Diamond I dont mind having to do up and down the table a couple times if I have balls close to the end rails, sometimes it takes only a little more than lag speed to do so. Maybe I am also screwing up by doing so, hopefully I will get to visit Tin Man in the near future to find out. :smile:

dr_dave · Sep 30, 2020

fastone371 said:
Great informative video as usual, thank you.

Thank you, and you're welcome.

fastone371 said:
As far as clearing the table in groups I like that as long as I dont have to make the cue ball do much more than it naturally wants to do. On a fast table like a Diamond I dont mind having to do up and down the table a couple times if I have balls close to the end rails, sometimes it takes only a little more than lag speed to do so.

In general, it is best to limit CB travel in 8-ball; but if there is no "traffic," there is no reason to not move the CB around, especially if that is what the best pattern calls for.

Regards,
Dave

westcoast · Sep 30, 2020

dr_dave said:
You're welcome.

I'm glad to hear it.

Thank you.

The only tournaments I've played in are local league tournaments and the annual VNEA tournaments in Vegas. I've done well in the VNEA tournaments in Vegas, finishing in the top 16 or 24 in both 8-ball and 9-ball several times. I still haven't broken into the top 8, but I hope to next time I go.

Regards,
Dave

Do you have a Fargo rating? It must be at least in the 650-700 range

dr_dave · Sep 30, 2020

westcoast said:
Do you have a Fargo rating?

I do not. I have not played in any CSI leagues or tournaments.

westcoast said:
It must be at least in the 650-700 range

I’m probably closer to 650 than 700.

Regards,
Dave

7stud · Sep 30, 2020

MitchAlsup said:
There is a general theory espoused by "Play Your Best Eight Ball": Philip B. Capelle

1) Pick a group based on clusters and problem balls.
2) choose a shot to get the run started
3) choose the key ball to get on the 8
4) from the first shot make a position plan to make 3 shots in a row
5) towards the key ball make a plan to make the 2 balls leading to the key ball
6) connect the plan of (5) to the plan of (6) through the middle 2 balls

Huh?

7) shoot the first ball.
8) make minor (or major) adjustments based on the position you obtain after each shot.

Another suggestion Dr. Dave: I can't really discern the true position of the balls from your camera angle. After the break, some shots seemed to be blocked, so they didn't become part of my plan of attack, but then you easily made them. I really need to see an overhead shot of the table to plan a pattern.

Flats · Sep 30, 2020

Very good video Dr....would like to see a similar on a 7 ft....Thanks for all you do....Flats

dr_dave · Sep 30, 2020

7stud said:
Another suggestion Dr. Dave: I can't really discern the true position of the balls from your camera angle. After the break, some shots seemed to be blocked, so they didn't become part of my plan of attack, but then you easily made them. I really need to see an overhead shot of the table to plan a pattern.

Good suggestion. I can’t get a good overhead camera view (due to the low ceiling and light fixture), but maybe I can provide a diagram that clearly shows exact ball positions and clearances.

Regards,
Dave

dr_dave · Sep 30, 2020

Flats said:
Very good video Dr

Thanks.

Flats said:
would like to see a similar on a 7 ft

All the strategies and advice would be the same. Although, there is greater chances for clusters and problem balls, so some of the run outs might be more interesting (although, all shot making is easier due to shorter distances). Also, the 2nd ball break is an option to consider on a bar box, especially if playing in APA, where making the 8 on the break is a win.

Flats said:
Thanks for all you do....Flats

You’re welcome. Thank you for the positive feedback.

Regards,
Dave

7stud · Sep 30, 2020

dr_dave said:
Good suggestion. I can’t get a good overhead camera view (due to the low ceiling and light fixture), but maybe I can provide a diagram that clearly shows exact ball positions and clearances.

Regards,
Dave

That would be awesome, and pardon my manners, I would like to join with the others and thank you for the wealth of pool knowledge that you provide. Thanks!

boogieman · Sep 30, 2020

Thanks for the info at the beginning. I've been pretty busy practicing something else but I tried watching the second row balls, got them pretty close to the sides, I'm sure I'll get them to drop once I get calibrated. I'm trying to get back to the point I can run a rack, been out of pool for a while so it's taking some work. I completely lost my break and have been so busy working on other stuff I've not had a chance to focus on it. I think this is a great start for me, it's tough to run out when you're break isn't working!

dr_dave · Sep 30, 2020

7stud said:
That would be awesome, and pardon my manners, I would like to join with the others and thank you for the wealth of pool knowledge that you provide. Thanks!

I appreciate that. And thanks again for the suggestions. I’m always trying to make my stuff better.

Regards,
Dave

dr_dave · Sep 30, 2020

boogieman said:
Thanks for the info at the beginning. I've been pretty busy practicing something else but I tried watching the second row balls, got them pretty close to the sides, I'm sure I'll get them to drop once I get calibrated. I'm trying to get back to the point I can run a rack, been out of pool for a while so it's taking some work. I completely lost my break and have been so busy working on other stuff I've not had a chance to focus on it. I think this is a great start for me, it's tough to run out when you're break isn't working!

You’re welcome. I hope the info helps.

Getting a good rack consistently is also important. It is a lot easier with a racking template, but I also other racking advice here:

How to get a tight rack

Regards,
Dave

westcoast · Sep 30, 2020

Since most people play 8 ball on bar tables, it would be cool if you did an instructional film on how to play bar table 8 ball. A lot more clusters come up and it is difficult for amateurs to know how to approach some of them.

dr_dave · Sep 30, 2020

westcoast said:
Since most people play 8 ball on bar tables, it would be cool if you did an instructional film on how to play bar table 8 ball. A lot more clusters come up and it is difficult for amateurs to know how to approach some of them.

I really love bar-box 8-ball, so I should do a full-length instructional series dedicated to the game. I’ll add it to my list of possible future projects. I think I would want to get a bar box at my home first (if I can fit it).

Regardless, I think VEEB already covers all important techniques and principles, including how and when to deal with clusters and problem balls.

Regards,
Dave

dr_dave · Oct 18, 2020

Tin Man said:
Another one that is tricky is the 9 ball on the spot break from the rail. Then you're blending in thickness of the hit on the one ball which changes how much spin transfers to the one ball when playing it for the side. I'd love a video on this break!

Your wish is my command:

9-BALL BREAK STRATEGY, Under All Rules

Enjoy,
Dave

Dr. Dave 8-Ball RUN-OUTS and BREAK ADVICE

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