Like neil mentioned, cluster manage with control. I prefer to not hit clusters very full so I know the cue wont get stuck on something. It seems the harder/fuller I hit a cluster, the likelihood of my cue sticking increases or the object ball gets stuck and stays clustered. And obviously try to keep 1 or more insurance balls available to recover from bad rolls.
8 Ball POOL TIPS on the Bar Box
- Thread starter JoeyA
- Start date
I try the 2nd ball break in APA only against SL6-7. Against weaker players I will break down the middle as hard as I can with some accuracy because I am comfortable coming up dry since they probably won't run it out.
If I am doing it right I give myself around a 10% chance of getting the 8ball break. I rarely B&R using the 2nd ball break.
If you don't mind me asking, what's your s/l in APA?
5% of my table runs
are done with a shot I should practice more, but don't, is the carom or bank carom. The tight lay brings this shot into play more often as an accident rather than a played shape with me. Joe V's Pool IQ had me looking at tangent lines that increased my accuracy on this type of shot. Good luck on your 8 Ball adventure.
are done with a shot I should practice more, but don't, is the carom or bank carom. The tight lay brings this shot into play more often as an accident rather than a played shape with me. Joe V's Pool IQ had me looking at tangent lines that increased my accuracy on this type of shot. Good luck on your 8 Ball adventure.
blah blah
Shoebat
I think every cluster is different and should be treated as such. When I attack a cluster I always do it with as much accuracy as I can. I am sure you do as well. That said...some clusters just need a subtle reminder to separate. Others are like my ex wife...no matter how hard you hit em they don't go anywhere. My advice would be to read the cluster and attack it at the optimal time and place.
Also, if you have balls stacked on side rails look to clear 'em up early. Stacked balls left to the end are more difficult to play shape on and if you end up missing can give your opponent an opportunity to hook you with your own balls.
Good luck up there!
p.s. I never hit my ex-wife
I was going to say that I'd read/ been told to clip clusters- that you'll get a better spread and leave by hitting the edge of the cluster rather than to hit it directly.
But the above post says it better and smarter.
Banks
Banned
Joey, I didn't read all reply's, but never run down to just one ball before the 8 and not be able to get out, always save yourself atleast two out balls on the table.
When I was much younger I made this mistake so many times, but I know better now.:grin:
David Harcrow
When I was much younger I made this mistake so many times, but I know better now.:grin:
David Harcrow
Something I haven't noticed anyone mention on here is the severe bevel on the side pockets the slate has on most Valley tables (it's more prevalent in older Valley's though) I've played on Valley bar box's my entire life and I have yet to see one with the stock slate without the severe bevels (some worse than others). Anyway what I am getting at is use this to your advantage. I myself countless times have made side pockets playing this bevel that would be nearly impossible on any other table. With the right English and speed on Valley's you can shoot a ball straight up the rail and it will fall into the side pocket, it takes some practice but it can be done.
Also pay attention to the short rails, sight down them and see if one sticks out further than the other, Valley's are also notorious for this. I've played brand spanking new ones and the rails be out from the factory. So unless they have been tuned up by a shop chances are this is likely.
Also depending on the table and cloth, slow rolling can be your worst nightmare. I personally would try to spend a few hours if not a day playing the tables before the tournament to get a clear idea of how it plays.
And like most others have said, unless you are 100% confident that when you pocket that last ball, that you can make the 8, do not run out. The worst thing you can do is clear that table and leave them with no road blocks.
Also pay attention to the short rails, sight down them and see if one sticks out further than the other, Valley's are also notorious for this. I've played brand spanking new ones and the rails be out from the factory. So unless they have been tuned up by a shop chances are this is likely.
Also depending on the table and cloth, slow rolling can be your worst nightmare. I personally would try to spend a few hours if not a day playing the tables before the tournament to get a clear idea of how it plays.
And like most others have said, unless you are 100% confident that when you pocket that last ball, that you can make the 8, do not run out. The worst thing you can do is clear that table and leave them with no road blocks.
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WOW! I never dreamed so many GREAT TIPS would be drummed up so quickly. This is great. This forum ROCKS!
I hope in future months and years, threads like this will help other up and coming players. In addition, I hope these type threads inspire others to create their own pool tips to guide others on their journey.
And thank you to those who wrote PM's. Your suggestions will be taken to heart.
JoeyA
I hope in future months and years, threads like this will help other up and coming players. In addition, I hope these type threads inspire others to create their own pool tips to guide others on their journey.
And thank you to those who wrote PM's. Your suggestions will be taken to heart.
JoeyA
Male sure you and your opponent are playing the same set of rules. Don't assume everyone/every place has the same rules - they do not.
Playing tips have pretty well been covered, I think.
Playing tips have pretty well been covered, I think.
Yes if you go into any 8 ball game and the runout isnt pretty straightforward play youre safe early and try to force ball in hand or a hit that will free up a problem you may have.
Hello Catman,
Are you OK? This is a pretty good thread. Take care!
Many Regards,
lock N Load.
I'd rather leave 4 or 5 or 6 roadblocks
I like this shot too because if you do miss your ball, at least you have removed the opponents blocker and probably are now blocking the pocket yourself.
Elsewhere in this thread someone mentioned the bank carom. But I don't see it in the summary. I believe they are referring to the "ticky" which is a great shot to use as well.
Lately I've also been playing more standard variety combos and caroms. Seems like the congestion causes the need for it. At the same time, what causes the congestion makes the combos and caroms easier. Since the tables are small these can often be short distance shots.
Fatz
I don't know, the more I think about this, the more I think you need to approach the 2nd ball break with a degree of caution. If you're on a table where it's unlikely you'll run out (either because it's you or the table), then hitting the second ball is a great way to go. If you're nuking the rack and getting great spreads, I'd go with that. As a 6, I understand you might feel like you can run out the entire set some days and when you're having a day like that, you should ride it.
Thank you for your contribution to this thread. lol
8-ball safeties
I use safeties a lot, partly because my pocketing skills have deteriorated in recent years, but mostly because it's the smart thing to do.
I saw Nick Varner play five consecutive safeties following the break. Only then, when he had all the OBs where he wanted them, did he run out. He was playing Efren.
Donny L
PBIA/ACS Instructor
I use safeties a lot, partly because my pocketing skills have deteriorated in recent years, but mostly because it's the smart thing to do.
I saw Nick Varner play five consecutive safeties following the break. Only then, when he had all the OBs where he wanted them, did he run out. He was playing Efren.
Donny L
PBIA/ACS Instructor