debate on the 2nd ball break in 8 ball
- Thread starter lorider
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Back when I was in the Navy and playing in the Bars everyday. I used to make the 8 ball on a regular basis. I did it three times in a row one night when the guy I was playing bet I couldn't do it again.
One trick I used to use was to watch how the rack was turned. If the rack is turned just a little to on side I always break from the side it is turned toward.
One trick I used to use was to watch how the rack was turned. If the rack is turned just a little to on side I always break from the side it is turned toward.
That's the trick....Third ball break. Spreads them good and you have just a good of chance of making the 8 ball as the second ball break.
Also, if you are flying off the table by hitting the balls hard on a second ball break....you aren't hitting the 2nd ball full enough! Or you are scooping instead of hitting center ball.
while I agree that striking the 2nd ball results in a better chance of pocketing a ball, I use inside draw and the cue, more often than not, ends up on the short rail behind the rack with not much of an opportunity for a shot. also, breaking at 15 mph rather than crushing them seems a better chance at the 8 ball.
Sounds like your just catching the head ball. I suggest to try it again but aim even thinner on the second ball. I'm a firm believer in no English on such a break.
Breaking from the left side with outside English, I've actually scratched in the right pocket at the head of the table unabated. YMMV.
Because of World Standardized Rules, the only reasons anymore to do a second ball break are for ball pocketing or for strategic play. However, if you're in one of the leagues that still award an 8-ball on the break, and you make balls on the second ball break, then there's no debate!!!
Freddie <~~~ hasn't made an 8-ball on the break in years
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I use the break as a strategy shot.
The second ball break tends to cluster the balls on the long rail and is good to use with stronger players who often get out with one turn at the table. I usually (60 - 70% estimated) make a ball on the break but often have a difficult time getting out.
I studied Colin's break technique and learned to bring as many as 9 balls up table on the break (I am 70 years old and haven't got his moves). The CB is one ball off center and at least one ball drops about 85% of the time (yeah I counted over a series of breaks). The corner ball often goes around table four rails and drops in the corner pocket among other things. The table is usually wide open and the first shooters often runs out.
Around here 8-Ball is more like one pocket than the traditional 8-Ball. Last night after the break I had one ball left and my opponent hooked me four times in a row to win the game.
The break is a tactical shot and it depends on many things.
I agree that if the rack is tilted or if there is a gap between the 8 and another ball the second ball is the better break. I have not studied it but think that a gap between the 8 and another ball is needed to make the 8 on the break. It is much easier to do an a 7 foot table but I never play on 7 footers anymore. Break from the side away from the gap.
If the second and third balls are tight against the head ball the center break is better with a high speed break. If you can bring six balls up table something usually drops and of course the cb is usually center table.
I don't remember seeing any of the Pros using the second ball break, but then I haven't watched all the videos on Youtube.
The second ball break tends to cluster the balls on the long rail and is good to use with stronger players who often get out with one turn at the table. I usually (60 - 70% estimated) make a ball on the break but often have a difficult time getting out.
I studied Colin's break technique and learned to bring as many as 9 balls up table on the break (I am 70 years old and haven't got his moves). The CB is one ball off center and at least one ball drops about 85% of the time (yeah I counted over a series of breaks). The corner ball often goes around table four rails and drops in the corner pocket among other things. The table is usually wide open and the first shooters often runs out.
Around here 8-Ball is more like one pocket than the traditional 8-Ball. Last night after the break I had one ball left and my opponent hooked me four times in a row to win the game.
The break is a tactical shot and it depends on many things.
I agree that if the rack is tilted or if there is a gap between the 8 and another ball the second ball is the better break. I have not studied it but think that a gap between the 8 and another ball is needed to make the 8 on the break. It is much easier to do an a 7 foot table but I never play on 7 footers anymore. Break from the side away from the gap.
If the second and third balls are tight against the head ball the center break is better with a high speed break. If you can bring six balls up table something usually drops and of course the cb is usually center table.
I don't remember seeing any of the Pros using the second ball break, but then I haven't watched all the videos on Youtube.
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Most definitely.
If I'm playing a guy who is no threat to run out, I'm going head ball and hard to open them up. Playing a guy who can get out, 2nd ball and softer, purposely leaving as many clusters as possible. If I don't have the breakouts to get out, the clusters provide better safety opportunities than trying to lay him down behind one ball.
Chuck
I should have mentioned something similar to this :thumbup:
8-ball has many different strategies and many different ways to break. There are no patterns, as rotation games have, so breaking differently for each game/opponent is key.
Where to break
Here is my formula, but take into account I play mostly on 8 and 9 foot Diamonds.
If the balls are racking tight I use a head on (in the box) type of break. If they are loose racking I go with the second ball break.
With a head on break i get a better spread and pot more balls since i can put more power to the cue ball. I hit it a tip low and center. I have made the 8 on the break in league more times like this.
With a second ball break i use a tip of inside toward the rack. I have made the 8 twice in a row on a pro cut 9 footer off this break. The only bad thing about this break is it usually bunches a few balls up around the bottom corner pocket.
Here is my formula, but take into account I play mostly on 8 and 9 foot Diamonds.
If the balls are racking tight I use a head on (in the box) type of break. If they are loose racking I go with the second ball break.
With a head on break i get a better spread and pot more balls since i can put more power to the cue ball. I hit it a tip low and center. I have made the 8 on the break in league more times like this.
With a second ball break i use a tip of inside toward the rack. I have made the 8 twice in a row on a pro cut 9 footer off this break. The only bad thing about this break is it usually bunches a few balls up around the bottom corner pocket.
I rarely play 8 ball, but play a lot of onepocket. I've seen and or did myself a lot of corner balls going straight in when the break was mishit, resulting in the 2nd ball being hit full with inside.
I've notice this too, but sometimes as well I see the 2nd ball from either side is loose/more visible. Thats the side I use as I can hit it more full (less error on miss hitting the spot on that ball). I use less speed and more on accuracy with a TOI. For some reason in my stroke, if i use center or TOO, I end up scratching in the bottom corners. Almost always, when I hit full hard on the headball (in 9ball or 8ball), I'll get a funny curve to the side pockets. My objective is just to get a ball in on the break to continue. I hate getting dry breaks.