8 ball patterns

A

accustatsfan

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
When you have a bar table that is wide open with no problem balls and every ball has a pocket. Is there a recommended best guide as to whether you should clear balls more in the middle (not near a side pocket) of table or clear balls on or near the rails first?

I'm familiar with the concept of identifying a pattern for the 8 ball, key ball and a ball that leads to the key ball.

I'm asking if there's a "guide" that suggests with everything being equal should you clear the middle or the rails first when picking a pattern? I realize opponents balls can decide which balls to play first so let's say his balls have been cleared.

For my example the middle of the table means any ball on or near a line that runs from the end rail middle diamond to the other end rail's middle diamond. Those balls on or near this line can be played in more than one pocket.

Bill Incardona on an old Accu-stats 8 ball match (9 foot table I don't remember the match) said balls in the middle of the table can be problem balls because often you need to be on one side or the other to shoot them and you should clear them as soon as you can.

The straight pool videos talk about clearing the rails first and working towards the balls more in the middle of the table.
 
Since every layout is different, there is no standard rule. I usually divide the table into thirds if possible to keep my shots shorter. Then I try to save the area where the 8 is for last. Of course, if you have problem balls, the whole thought process changes.
Steve
 
pooltchr said:
Since every layout is different, there is no standard rule. I usually divide the table into thirds if possible to keep my shots shorter. Then I try to save the area where the 8 is for last. Of course, if you have problem balls, the whole thought process changes.
Steve
Click to expand...

When you say divide the table in thirds...is that length wise or side ways?
 
Patterns are driven by doing what is easiest. Look for balls that lead to other balls without having to do much with your cue ball.

Working backwards from the 8, find a ball that leads to the 8 that doesn't take any or much cue ball work, then find a ball that leads to this ball that doesn't take a lot of cue ball work, etc. Now you have a pattern!

In my experience, most players try to do too much with the cue ball. Stop and roll should be your key weapons when planning a pattern.
 
Thank you to all who replied.

I understand there are considerations to any pattern I was just trying to see if there was a pattern principle to follow.

I found this on Dr Dave's website. http://billiards.colostate.edu/threads/strategy.html#8-ball

Scroll down to "Here's a summary of important 8-ball strategy"

Number 15: Clear balls in the center of the table early in the rack.

I tried it today only leaving balls in the center when there was a ball along the rail that gave automatic position to a ball in the middle of the table. Liked it very well
 
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I started this thread because I got "drilled" (I know I'm not alone in this) in a local 8 ball tournament by none other than Frank "the barber" Almanza.

He's double tough to play because he's "old and crafty" with quite a bit of skill.

When I lose I used to just get mad now I try to get even or at least a better showing next time. LOL
 
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