Essential skills to work on for 8 ball

Yes for sure, I can out play and beat someone at my game and lose at their game. I feel like strategic advantage aside for both games I'm the stronger player. If we played 8 ball on a 10ft table I'd crush him.

I simply don't have a lot of experience playing 8 ball, even my pattern play gets funny at times, like I'll get down to my 2nd last ball and be like, oh I thought I was going to be out from here. I definitely feel like I can create opportunity in 9 ball better than 8 ball. Speaking of which I spent an hour just now setting up the break if I came up dry I would rerack (I wasn't getting very tight racks on this table, the headstring was worn out really bad and the rack was dirty and the balls weren't very good - but the owner unlocks it and I just eat my chicken fingers and get free time) I didn't bother to clean the rack or anything as I won't be doing that when we play.

I found that where I was coming up short was dealing with some problem balls, especially breaking out clusters. Perhaps I wasn't choosing the ideal breakout ball or I just need more practice. I'm going to be going back for an a couple hours tomorrow, the owner was around and we shot the shit after a while, I didn't want to be rude and be like yeah although we're friends I'd rather play on your table for free.

So would you guys say this drill would be the best bet for learning how to break out clusters? http://joetucker.net/4_drills_guaranteed_imp_dvd_book.htm
 
As several have stated 8 ball bible is a good book for bar box. There is a lot more to 8 ball than just trying to pocket balls as there is a ton of strategy involved. The absolute worst thing to do is remove your balls from the table and not get out. It makes it an easy run out for you opponent. I see so many people shoot the easy shots and leave the hard one or break out shot for the last. A big mistake unless they get lucky and pull position (which most of the time they don't).

If you are reasonably sure you can get out, work on getting clusters and trouble balls freed up early. With balls still on the table, you have some insurnace balls if you get in trouble while breaking clusters and trouble balls. Me, I look for safeties that put my opponent in the worst possible position. Safeties win games. Sometimes if I have a lock down safety, I will play that VS trying to run out. Don't go to the well too many times on safeties in the same game, it can bite you.
 
I've got a whole lot I normally say on this bar box 8-ball subject, but I'm tired.

Here's what I have to say... if you had two choices:

work on running out all the time

vs

work on playing safeties until a runout is somehow available


One of these strategies will get you the payday. And here's a big hint: It's not number 2, no matter how good it feels to say it. If you're not a runout player on a bar box, then you're just another also ran.

Freddie <~~~also ran
 
Cornerman said:
I've got a whole lot I normally say on this bar box 8-ball subject, but I'm tired.

Here's what I have to say... if you had two choices:

work on running out all the time

vs

work on playing safeties until a runout is somehow available


One of these strategies will get you the payday. And here's a big hint: It's not number 2, no matter how good it feels to say it. If you're not a runout player on a bar box, then you're just another also ran.

Freddie <~~~also ran
Click to expand...

I work on being able to run out but if the run out isn't there I want to develop the table in my favor.

You can't go from a 5 ball avg to an 8 ball avg over night.
 
captainkoons said:
if anyone has any resources for learning skills on 8 ball barbox specifically I'd like to finaggle with you to acquire them.
Click to expand...
FYI, lots of important advice is demonstrated and summarized here:

8-ball strategy advice resource page
bar box differences resource page

This stuff is fairly basic for people who already have 8-ball experience, but the concepts are important.

Also, as others have mentioned, "The Eight Ball Bible" by R. Givens is awesome.

Enjoy,
Dave
 
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