Thanks to the op for starting this thread. This is a great insight that allows us to appreciate the possible extent to which these pros consider these shots. Unfortunately, Efren doesn't allow us extensive commentary into his thought processes, but if he did, I'm sure everyone on Earth would be blown away at times by all the things that he considers when determining the correct shot. I certainly think Efren was first playing for the safe, then the kick bank into the lower right corner (while going up-table for the five), while facilitating the major aspects of the safe. The kick sending the four directly into the lower left corner pocket or off the nine into the lower left corner virtually eliminates the chance of leaving the 4 in the middle of the end rail with the cue ball up-table. I consider Efren's execution of the shot clearly the correct way to play it because the direct kick combo into the nine leaves almost no chance for a safety. Another poster brought up a great point about the 9 blocking the 4 from three railing out and back up-table towards the cue ball. It would not shock me if it crossed Efren's mind. I'm not saying he played the shot with that being his primary objective. Certainly not (first safe, then banking the four, then maybe three railing the four into the corner, or into the nine), but Efren certainly had an easier, straight angle to hit the 4 accurately and attempt a very precise shot with the peace of mind that he could easily end up with a safety if he didn't put it down. Changing the game to call-shot would certainly eliminate certain lucky rolls, but it would also eliminate the advantage that creative players have in executing the two-way shot. (sometimes three or four way shot) To me, a two way shot is often the most satisfying part of a match to watch.
