8 Ball POOL TIPS on the Bar Box

[TheNewSharkster]

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.

I am torn on the 2nd ball break and find myself going back to the first ball from time to time. A scratch on the break is always a reminder that there is a big risk.

The thing is I have gotten pretty good at the 8ball break. Winning a game in one shot is too big of a advantage to ignore. I will add the disclaimer that I only break on the 2nd ball in league and tournaments.

On another note, I had a chance to play Dan Louie a couple weeks ago and he was breaking on the 2nd ball in 8ball. He made the 8 once and spotted it (probably going by BCA rules). I have to think he was doing it for some reason. Of course his break is a lot better than mine and he was making a ball on the break every time.

 

[JDB]

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.

The 2nd ball break doesn't have to be a deterrent to getting a runable table. I generally use the 2nd ball break and have not seen a material difference between my break and runs with it as opposed to with a traditional break. Honestly, the B&R percentage is probably slightly lower than with a traditional break; however, I don't think the difference is material, particularly if you factor in the 8 balls made on the break.

 

[Jude Rosenstock]

I am torn on the 2nd ball break and find myself going back to the first ball from time to time. A scratch on the break is always a reminder that there is a big risk.

The thing is I have gotten pretty good at the 8ball break. Winning a game in one shot is too big of a advantage to ignore. I will add the disclaimer that I only break on the 2nd ball in league and tournaments.

On another note, I had a chance to play Dan Louie a couple weeks ago and he was breaking on the 2nd ball in 8ball. He made the 8 once and spotted it (probably going by BCA rules). I have to think he was doing it for some reason. Of course his break is a lot better than mine and he was making a ball on the break every time.

I have seen very good players use it even when making the 8 is not a win which is exactly why I can't say it's wrong. Yeah, I think it can get very subjective and can depend heavily on how the table is breaking. As well, sometimes the 2nd ball break yields a good spread so it shouldn't necessarily be dismissed as a non-run-out break.

When I play 8ball, I tend to think I have a brunt-force approach. I hit them as hard as I humanly can, hoping for multiple balls on the break with a wide spread. In other words, I'm trying to make the table as easy as possible for me. Admittedly, the down side to this is, if I fail to make a ball on the break (or scratch, God forbid), I'm often toast. In the end, I often go with what's working but on a barbox, breaking head-on and hard often works for me.

 

[BasementDweller]

I have seen very good players use it even when making the 8 is not a win which is exactly why I can't say it's wrong. Yeah, I think it can get very subjective and can depend heavily on how the table is breaking. As well, sometimes the 2nd ball break yields a good spread so it shouldn't necessarily be dismissed as a non-run-out break.

When I play 8ball, I tend to think I have a brunt-force approach. I hit them as hard as I humanly can, hoping for multiple balls on the break with a wide spread. In other words, I'm trying to make the table as easy as possible for me. Admittedly, the down side to this is, if I fail to make a ball on the break (or scratch, God forbid), I'm often toast. In the end, I often go with what's working but on a barbox, breaking head-on and hard often works for me.

With which break are you more likely to have the cue ball get kicked into a scratch? I was having a bad night breaking recently and switched to the 2nd ball break to avoid the scratch and it seems like it's a pretty safe break in that regard.

After hitting the 2nd ball, the cue ball quickly gets to the side rail and out of the way of the initial onslaught of object balls. When I hit the head ball, there's the possibility of going straight into one of the side pockets or getting kicked into 1 of the corner pockets at the head of the table. I'm still not positive about this that's why I'm just throwing it out there.

I also like your idea (think it was yours) of actually putting some follow on the break shot. I'm so used to trying to get the cue ball to stop in the middle of the table from playing 9 ball, I hadn't even thought about letting the cue ball loose a little bit.

I think the break is the most important part of the game and I'm still sorting out all the percentages myself so I appreciate all this info.

 

[JoeyA]

Breaking....

My goodness, my 8 ball break sucks..................... Far too inconsistent results for my tastes.

Change it up and good results for a couple of breaks, then back to squadoosh.

 

[Jude Rosenstock]

With which break are you more likely to have the cue ball get kicked into a scratch? I was having a bad night breaking recently and switched to the 2nd ball break to avoid the scratch and it seems like it's a pretty safe break in that regard.

After hitting the 2nd ball, the cue ball quickly gets to the side rail and out of the way of the initial onslaught of object balls. When I hit the head ball, there's the possibility of going straight into one of the side pockets or getting kicked into 1 of the corner pockets at the head of the table. I'm still not positive about this that's why I'm just throwing it out there.

I also like your idea (think it was yours) of actually putting some follow on the break shot. I'm so used to trying to get the cue ball to stop in the middle of the table from playing 9 ball, I hadn't even thought about letting the cue ball loose a little bit.

I think the break is the most important part of the game and I'm still sorting out all the percentages myself so I appreciate all this info.

Yeah, in 9ball, there's a huge advantage to keeping the cueball in the center of the table because you want a shot at the 1. In 8ball, that's far less important. Being in the center of the table is nice but given the fact that most of your work will likely be on the bottom half of the table, you're probably better off keeping the cueball down there. Regardless, a little follow should eliminate most scratch possibilities.

 

[Guapo]

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

Agreed.

Thanks for starting this thread!

As a newer player, these are the types of threads I love subscribing to.

 

[JoeyA]

Agreed.

Thanks for starting this thread!

As a newer player, these are the types of threads I love subscribing to.

You're welcome.

Don't forget to make your own contributions as you continue your journey. There will be others that follow you.

 

[Matt90]

Good luck Joey A .

Hope you have a great time at this 8 ball tournament . Bar box or not I
don't care much for 8 ball compared to rotation games .However the best
advice anyone gave me on run out 8 ball was after the break look at the
pocket the 8 will likely play in and work backwards from there ,then play it
forward.On a valley bar box over confidence has been a big enemy for me .
It's easy to make balls from anywhere on them but I have to remember to
keep playing serious and like someone on here has in there signature
"a barbox is not a toy" Enjoy your trip ,I'm sure I will be watching the stream.
Regards Matt

 

[Banks]

I am torn on the 2nd ball break and find myself going back to the first ball from time to time. A scratch on the break is always a reminder that there is a big risk.

The thing is I have gotten pretty good at the 8ball break. Winning a game in one shot is too big of a advantage to ignore. I will add the disclaimer that I only break on the 2nd ball in league and tournaments.

On another note, I had a chance to play Dan Louie a couple weeks ago and he was breaking on the 2nd ball in 8ball. He made the 8 once and spotted it (probably going by BCA rules). I have to think he was doing it for some reason. Of course his break is a lot better than mine and he was making a ball on the break every time.

Yeah, spotting the 8 is a BCA(PL) thing. And when I did watch the GM tournament at the coast(last spring), that's the break they were using. A medium (2nd ball)break on those diamond tables spread 'em real sweet like.

 

[BilliardTravel]

Before playing in the tournament, practice on the same barboxes with the same cloth, of course. But I think it is also important to not even touch a 9-foot table during the run up to the tournament...
This is especially important if the cloth on the barboxes is significantly slower or faster than what you are used to.
If I play 2 weeks of barbox, then play 9-footer for a few hours, returning to barbox is pretty rough especially regarding overrunning position and kick speed management.
I play lots of safeties against weak opponents but switch into an aggressive gear against really good players. Same concept as score management in one-pocket really.

 

[TheNewSharkster]

Before playing in the tournament, practice on the same barboxes with the same cloth, of course. But I think it is also important to not even touch a 9-foot table during the run up to the tournament...
This is especially important if the cloth on the barboxes is significantly slower or faster than what you are used to.
If I play 2 weeks of barbox, then play 9-footer for a few hours, returning to barbox is pretty rough especially regarding overrunning position and kick speed management.
I play lots of safeties against weak opponents but switch into an aggressive gear against really good players. Same concept as score management in one-pocket really.

I don't know if I agree with that. I always seem to play good when I play for a couple hours on a 9' diamond and then move over to a valley with the big pockets. Maybe its just me.

 

[BilliardTravel]

I don't know if I agree with that. I always seem to play good when I play for a couple hours on a 9' diamond and then move over to a valley with the big pockets. Maybe its just me.

Yeah, the balls and pockets look bigger, shots seem easier to make for sure. But I think a lot of that is a question of perception.
But I've definitely encountered problems moving from 9-foot to 7-foot if the barbox happened to have fast cloth.

 

[DocHutch]

..........

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bF6JDz6ePBU&feature=youtube_gdata_player


Jimmy Reid has a few videos available on YouTube on 8ball.


Jamie

 

[Tokyo-dave]

Things I've learned in my relatively limited and recent time spent playing BB 8 ball.
1) Pockets are huge, so trust your shot making ability more than position play. Be willing to settle for shots that might otherwise make you feel uncomfortable on the big table (they will go). The less CB movement, the less likely you're gonna end up in trouble.

2) Angles and diamond systems aren't as predictable as on the big tables.

3) If you can't pocket one of your balls, do your best to at least move it into a position that hurts your opponent.

4) Pick your group wisely. Even if you're facing a more difficult (but comfortable) shot right after the break, take it if it means getting the better group of balls.

5) Know the rules. In most rules, you can call safe and still pocket one of your balls, forcing your opponent to have to shoot. Example: One of your balls is in the Jaws of a corner pocket. You're last ball and his last ball are tied up together on the rail on the opposite end of the table. Call safe, pocket your ball while parking the CB in the jaws of the same pocket, and let your guy take the low precent shot while at the same time breaking both balls out.
Also, this kind of relates to NO 4 again, but when the table is still open, you can use any ball other than the 8 to combo any other ball. Example, stripes are wide open, solids are all clustered up. You have a reall easy shot on a solid to establish your group. Look for an opportunity to combo a shot in, even if it means using a solid to combo in a stripe.

6) Jumping-I've noticed that the slate is thinner and with more 'flex' than on the big tables thus making it easier for me to jump.

Have fun!

 

[mortuarymike-nv]

saftey

what are the rules you're playin under? BCAPL? if so safeties can be important.

never call a saftey in bca or apa just call another pocket.
bca you can only call 1 saftey per rack.
i never want to shoot a ball in aturn the table over.
i block pockets or set up a duck.
MMike

 

[irock]

Picking solids or stripes is a huge factor in every game, if I see a ball frozen to the rail close to the side pocket, I usually shy away from that group, too hard to get a shot without scratching. If the ball is right by the pocket, no problem, you can carom a shot off it and break it out. If you are close to a cluster when breaking it up, pay close attention to the english you are using, and you can usually get a shot on one of those balls. When playing a safety, and it is not easy to hide the cue ball, concentrate on distance instead, even though it is on a bar box, leaving a long hard shot can be the ticket, especially if you have some blocker balls, a longer shot for your opponent, will even make it harder for him to get a good safe on you.

 

[JoeyA]

Things I've learned in my relatively limited and recent time spent playing BB 8 ball.
1) Pockets are huge, so trust your shot making ability more than position play. Be willing to settle for shots that might otherwise make you feel uncomfortable on the big table (they will go). The less CB movement, the less likely you're gonna end up in trouble.

2) Angles and diamond systems aren't as predictable as on the big tables.

3) If you can't pocket one of your balls, do your best to at least move it into a position that hurts your opponent.

4) Pick your group wisely. Even if you're facing a more difficult (but comfortable) shot right after the break, take it if it means getting the better group of balls.

5) Know the rules. In most rules, you can call safe and still pocket one of your balls, forcing your opponent to have to shoot. Example: One of your balls is in the Jaws of a corner pocket. You're last ball and his last ball are tied up together on the rail on the opposite end of the table. Call safe, pocket your ball while parking the CB in the jaws of the same pocket, and let your guy take the low precent shot while at the same time breaking both balls out.
Also, this kind of relates to NO 4 again, but when the table is still open, you can use any ball other than the 8 to combo any other ball. Example, stripes are wide open, solids are all clustered up. You have a reall easy shot on a solid to establish your group. Look for an opportunity to combo a shot in, even if it means using a solid to combo in a stripe.

6) Jumping-I've noticed that the slate is thinner and with more 'flex' than on the big tables thus making it easier for me to jump.

Have fun!

I appreciate your contributions but I am just wondering about #6. I would have thought it would be MORE difficult to jump on a slate that was thinner and more flexible........................

 

[JoeyA]

never call a saftey in bca or apa just call another pocket.
bca you can only call 1 saftey per rack.
i never want to shoot a ball in aturn the table over.
i block pockets or set up a duck.
MMike

In the process of making your own object ball, but not wanting to continue shooting, you may call a safety and your opponent will have to shoot again. This is not the case in the APA if I am not mistaken; as I recall, you do not have to call a pocket in the APA except for the 8 ball. Rules change periodically, so again, you must know your rules.

If you were only talking about a safety in the sense of not making an object ball, I see no point in calling a safety of any kind, just call a pocket.

On the other hand, I did not know you could only call 1 safety per rack, in the BCAPL??

 

[trob]

Wow! Are some Of you still Playing 8 on the break is a win!! All our leagues got rid of that terrible rule a long time a go!

Great advice In this thread!:thumbup: