Generalizations On Pattern Play

C

Clusterbuster

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I've been giving more attention to pattern play lately. An issue with pattern play is that, with every rack depending on the particular layout of the table, you are limited to learning general concepts and, hopefully, applying them correctly in a given instance. I thought I'd list what I understand as the general concepts for pattern play and invite anyone to point out what I am missing or maybe don't have quite right:

1. Plan at least three balls (and preferably more) in advance;

2. Break out clusters and move problem balls early and, conversely, avoid moving any other balls without purpose;

3. Clear the table by zones (attacking the table in thirds or by half). I've seen folks take issue with this but I expect their assumption is that this is a rule to be applied slavishly instead of a guideline;

4. Clear the center of the table first;

5. Be cognizant of stopping the cue ball on the right side of the line;

6. Keep an angle, generally avoid leaving yourself with straight in shots;

7. Approach a target zone by rolling parallel to it's length instead of perpendicular to it;

8. Keep an angle, generally avoid leaving yourself with straight-in shots;

9. When you have a choice between moving into a couple of target zones to get on a ball, default to the larger (strong side/weak side issue);

10. Leaving yourself with a thin cut probably means you'll be letting go of the cue ball on your next shot. Not necessarily good or bad but just be aware.

Obviously, these are guidelines, not hard and fast rules. What should I add to the list or modify and, where it may be an issue, how do you prioritize among them? I just ordered Tor Lowery's new video on pattern play, so maybe I should have waited to see it first but I was interested in what others may say.
 
Not as bad as posting the whole thing twice. Don't know how I did that. If you know how to delete one, let me know!
 
Clusterbuster said:
Not as bad as posting the whole thing twice. Don't know how I did that. If you know how to delete one, let me know!
Click to expand...

At the bottom of your post, click on the "edit" button. Make any edits to your post that you would like, and it is up to you if you want to add the reason for your edit in the field at the bottom (some do, most don't). Once you are done click the "save" button and you are done, or if you want to preview what the post will look like first, click the "go advanced" button instead, and then the "preview" button, and then when you are done with all your edits click "save".
 
Clusterbuster said:
I've been giving more attention to pattern play lately. An issue with pattern play is that, with every rack depending on the particular layout of the table, you are limited to learning general concepts and, hopefully, applying them correctly in a given instance. I thought I'd list what I understand as the general concepts for pattern play and invite anyone to point out what I am missing or maybe don't have quite right:

1. Plan at least three balls (and preferably more) in advance;

2. Break out clusters and move problem balls early and, conversely, avoid moving any other balls without purpose;

3. Clear the table by zones (attacking the table in thirds or by half). I've seen folks take issue with this but I expect their assumption is that this is a rule to be applied slavishly instead of a guideline;

4. Clear the center of the table first;

5. Be cognizant of stopping the cue ball on the right side of the line;

6. Keep an angle, generally avoid leaving yourself with straight in shots;

7. Approach a target zone by rolling parallel to it's length instead of perpendicular to it;

8. Keep an angle, generally avoid leaving yourself with straight-in shots;

9. When you have a choice between moving into a couple of target zones to get on a ball, default to the larger (strong side/weak side issue);

10. Leaving yourself with a thin cut probably means you'll be letting go of the cue ball on your next shot. Not necessarily good or bad but just be aware.

Obviously, these are guidelines, not hard and fast rules. What should I add to the list or modify and, where it may be an issue, how do you prioritize among them? I just ordered Tor Lowery's new video on pattern play, so maybe I should have waited to see it first but I was interested in what others may say.
Click to expand...
Good list. FYI, I have demos of how to do all of this stuff here:

pattern play and CB control resource page

and here:

game strategy resource page

Enjoy,
Dave
 
I would add clear the balls off the rails as soon as possible as these are the hardest to play position from.
And i also think in 8 ball clearing half the table then the other half is a good idea in most layouts.
 
Patrick Johnson said:
What's the thinking behind this one?

pj
chgo
Click to expand...
I agree this is maybe subject to a little more debate than some of the others. I think the idea is that it is easier to get shape off the rails and rail targets are easier to visualize closer to the rails. I happened upon this notion relatively recently and have to admit, until then, I was clearing the rails first. Not sure of the utility as I can see it working best either way. Again, though, none of these can be applied in every instance.
 
Poolplaya9 said:
At the bottom of your post, click on the "edit" button. Make any edits to your post that you would like, and it is up to you if you want to add the reason for your edit in the field at the bottom (some do, most don't). Once you are done click the "save" button and you are done, or if you want to preview what the post will look like first, click the "go advanced" button instead, and then the "preview" button, and then when you are done with all your edits click "save".
Click to expand...
Thanks. I'll check about it.
 
Clusterbuster said:
Clear the center of the table first
Click to expand...
Patrick Johnson said:
What's the thinking behind this one?
Click to expand...
Clusterbuster said:
I agree this is maybe subject to a little more debate than some of the others. I think the idea is that it is easier to get shape off the rails and rail targets are easier to visualize closer to the rails. I happened upon this notion relatively recently and have to admit, until then, I was clearing the rails first. Not sure of the utility as I can see it working best either way. Again, though, none of these can be applied in every instance.
Click to expand...
Oh, I see. I thought you meant the end-to-end middle (between the side pockets).

Here's another view:
measureman said:
I would add clear the balls off the rails as soon as possible as these are the hardest to play position from.
Click to expand...
I don't know which I agree with, if either.

pj
chgo
 
Clusterbuster said:
3. Clear the table by zones (attacking the table in thirds or by half). I've seen folks take issue with this but I expect their assumption is that this is a rule to be applied slavishly instead of a guideline
Click to expand...
I agree this is preferable when possible - reduces CB travel. But I'd add one rule of thumb to your list that might impact the decision of which "zones" to attack first/last - maybe it should be #1...?

Identify the "key" ball(s) you want to use to get shape on the "money" ball (break ball in 14.1) and save them for last. Work backwards from those balls to the few balls previous to that you'll use to get there, etc.

pj
chgo
 
Last edited:
Clusterbuster said:
... point out what I am missing ...
Click to expand...
The most important rule of thumb and one that leads to several of your points:

1. Minimize cue ball movement.

If you move the cue ball six inches you should be able to place it within a fraction of that, like an inch. If you move the cue ball six feet....

Here is the introduction to the chapter "Minimizing Cue Ball Movement" in Babe Cranfield's "Straight Pool Bible":
I absolutely loved to watch Ralph Greenleaf play pool. When I was a teenager, if I heard that Greenleaf was playing a tournament or exhibition anywhere that was humanly possible for me to travel to, I'd find a way to get there. I watched him so much, and studied how he planned his frames so closely, that I could call his shots in my head (before Greenleaf actually played them) and get two racks in a row right.

Greenleaf hardly moved his cue ball. He was the master at minimizing cue ball movement. How skillful was Greenleaf at controlling the cue ball? I once saw him run 60 balls and only hit the rail with the cue ball two times over the whole run!​
Cranfield might know what he's talking about since he probably holds the high practice run record of 768 balls at straight pool. Cranfield's ability to predict what Greenleaf was going to do was confirmed to me by Jimmy Caras as they used to watch Greenleaf together.

I suppose that last leads to another suggestion:

2. Watch players who play good patterns.
Or, stated negatively:
II. Avoid watching players who have no idea how to play patterns.
 
Clusterbuster said:
I've been giving more attention to pattern play lately. An issue with pattern play is that, with every rack depending on the particular layout of the table, you are limited to learning general concepts and, hopefully, applying them correctly in a given instance. I thought I'd list what I understand as the general concepts for pattern play and invite anyone to point out what I am missing or maybe don't have quite right:

1. Plan at least three balls (and preferably more) in advance;

2. Break out clusters and move problem balls early and, conversely, avoid moving any other balls without purpose;

3. Clear the table by zones (attacking the table in thirds or by half). I've seen folks take issue with this but I expect their assumption is that this is a rule to be applied slavishly instead of a guideline;

4. Clear the center of the table first;

5. Be cognizant of stopping the cue ball on the right side of the line;

6. Keep an angle, generally avoid leaving yourself with straight in shots;

7. Approach a target zone by rolling parallel to it's length instead of perpendicular to it;

8. Keep an angle, generally avoid leaving yourself with straight-in shots;

9. When you have a choice between moving into a couple of target zones to get on a ball, default to the larger (strong side/weak side issue);

10. Leaving yourself with a thin cut probably means you'll be letting go of the cue ball on your next shot. Not necessarily good or bad but just be aware.

Obviously, these are guidelines, not hard and fast rules. What should I add to the list or modify and, where it may be an issue, how do you prioritize among them? I just ordered Tor Lowery's new video on pattern play, so maybe I should have waited to see it first but I was interested in what others may say.
Click to expand...

Assuming you’re talking about 8-ball, #7 and #3 are both misleading that they actually hurt more than they help, IMO. They need better wording.

I would add one of my “Runout for Dummies” guidelines:

Stay away from using the side pocket as yout keyball pocket. It works nicely for 14.1 when you’re clearing the table and you’re looking for “the triangle,” but if you’re running 8-ball with the other guys balls in the table, side pocket key balls are doom.


Freddie
 
Patrick Johnson said:
Oh, I see. I thought you meant the end-to-end middle (between the side pockets).
Click to expand...
One good reason for clearing balls in the center of the table is it opens up natural through-the-center-of-the-table position-play routes, especially useful for moving from one ball grouping to another and for “coming into the line” of many shots.

Regards,
Dave
 
When you practice set the shot up and play each of the possible routes so you see how much easier the right one is. Don't always set up the easy shots either.


Clusterbuster said:
I've been giving more attention to pattern play lately. An issue with pattern play is that, with every rack depending on the particular layout of the table, you are limited to learning general concepts and, hopefully, applying them correctly in a given instance. I thought I'd list what I understand as the general concepts for pattern play and invite anyone to point out what I am missing or maybe don't have quite right:

1. Plan at least three balls (and preferably more) in advance;

2. Break out clusters and move problem balls early and, conversely, avoid moving any other balls without purpose;

3. Clear the table by zones (attacking the table in thirds or by half). I've seen folks take issue with this but I expect their assumption is that this is a rule to be applied slavishly instead of a guideline;

4. Clear the center of the table first;

5. Be cognizant of stopping the cue ball on the right side of the line;

6. Keep an angle, generally avoid leaving yourself with straight in shots;

7. Approach a target zone by rolling parallel to it's length instead of perpendicular to it;

8. Keep an angle, generally avoid leaving yourself with straight-in shots;

9. When you have a choice between moving into a couple of target zones to get on a ball, default to the larger (strong side/weak side issue);

10. Leaving yourself with a thin cut probably means you'll be letting go of the cue ball on your next shot. Not necessarily good or bad but just be aware.

Obviously, these are guidelines, not hard and fast rules. What should I add to the list or modify and, where it may be an issue, how do you prioritize among them? I just ordered Tor Lowery's new video on pattern play, so maybe I should have waited to see it first but I was interested in what others may say.
Click to expand...
 
Clusterbuster said:
I've been giving more attention to pattern play lately. An issue with pattern play is that, with every rack depending on the particular layout of the table, you are limited to learning general concepts and, hopefully, applying them correctly in a given instance. I thought I'd list what I understand as the general concepts for pattern play and invite anyone to point out what I am missing or maybe don't have quite right:

1. Plan at least three balls (and preferably more) in advance;

2. Break out clusters and move problem balls early and, conversely, avoid moving any other balls without purpose;

3. Clear the table by zones (attacking the table in thirds or by half). I've seen folks take issue with this but I expect their assumption is that this is a rule to be applied slavishly instead of a guideline;

4. Clear the center of the table first;

5. Be cognizant of stopping the cue ball on the right side of the line;

6. Keep an angle, generally avoid leaving yourself with straight in shots;

7. Approach a target zone by rolling parallel to it's length instead of perpendicular to it;

8. Keep an angle, generally avoid leaving yourself with straight-in shots;

9. When you have a choice between moving into a couple of target zones to get on a ball, default to the larger (strong side/weak side issue);

10. Leaving yourself with a thin cut probably means you'll be letting go of the cue ball on your next shot. Not necessarily good or bad but just be aware.

Obviously, these are guidelines, not hard and fast rules. What should I add to the list or modify and, where it may be an issue, how do you prioritize among them? I just ordered Tor Lowery's new video on pattern play, so maybe I should have waited to see it first but I was interested in what others may say.
Click to expand...


1.

I don't know who came up with the "plan 3 balls ahead" but, I was taught to plan the entire table before ever touching the table.

I'm not saying "3 balls ahead" is a not good because I know a few players that most consider strong "a" to weak shortstop speeds that use that play as if they look at each ball as it comes up......."on the fly....so to speak". All of them are EXTREMELY good shot makers though, EXTREMELY accurate. Most all other high level players I know in person plan much closer to the entire table unless they are playing long games. Even then, I believe at the high levels they still plan out further than most think.

Bottom line on "planning on 3 ahead": I believe that is a good starting point to use as a "FOUNDATION" to build on but a VERY BAD long term goal. Again, just the way I was taught.......remember, I was taught with str8 pool.



2.

Failed attempts at cluster end a lot of runs at the intermediate level IMO. Why? I believe most do as you suggest and "get in a hurry" or become "anxious" when they see two or more balls within an inch or two of each other (str8 pool would help with that issue). I was taught that clusters should be dealt with at the "right time", not at a "set time". IMO, the later you break up cluster the better.

Also: most all players need to learn "how" to break up clustered balls. Most players just break them up....just that in itself ends a lot of runs and will most likely get you beat if you are playing a very skilled player. At that point you would be better off to not break them up or just play to the cluster and use it for a safe.

Cluster need to be looked at like the "break shot". Just hitting the cluster is not good enough. We need to know which ball, which side of the ball, how full/thin and at what speed. Most just plan and "hope" to "hit the cluster" and have a shot after the fact. That is a recipe for disaster.



3.

In 8 ball, str8 pool and the like, playing in zones, sections, tracks etc..etc... is a good idea. Otherwise, you will most likely have to do more traveling than needed and put yourself at a higher risk for error.



4.

Depends on you opponent and game your playing.



5.

Staying on correct side of shot line is ALWAYS best.

Anyone that does not agree with that, ummm, I wanna play some.

6.

The correct angle is VERY important unless you want to HAVE TO FORCE the cb around the table.



7.

Always roll "into" the shot. Never roll "onto" a shot. The landing strip analogy is good here.



8.

Address above IMO...



9.

The more room you have the better but: Always leave yourself an out or option if you will. As for getting shape on next ball or making the current shot easier to pocket......well, there one in the same to me as one without the other is disaster. So, at times you need to think: TWO-WAY SHOT.



10.

Most people worry to much about thin angles. Angles are your friend in pool. Without enough angle, you HAVE TO force the cb and forcing anything in pool is not a good idea as it will ALWAYS decrease your odds for success.

IMO, instead of worrying about angles people should worry more about BALL SPEED and knowing how much angle is good and bad.
 
Patterns

Read what Bob Jewett says and follow that. You will play great patterns. All the other “rules” are secondary to rule 1, minimize cue ball movement.

In fact, you can measure the quality of a pattern by adding up how much the cue ball moves. Less is best here.
 
mfinkelstein3 said:
Read what Bob Jewett says and follow that. You will play great patterns. All the other “rules” are secondary to rule 1, minimize cue ball movement.

In fact, you can measure the quality of a pattern by adding up how much the cue ball moves. Less is best here.
Click to expand...

Yeah this! Less movement is best! Also I was taught not all clusters need broken up, some clusters just need some precise shape!
 
Patrick Johnson said:
I agree this is preferable when possible - reduces CB travel. But I'd add one rule of thumb to your list that might impact the decision of which "zones" to attack first/last - maybe it should be #1...?

Identify the "key" ball(s) you want to use to get shape on the "money" ball (break ball in 14.1) and save them for last. Work backwards from those balls to the few balls previous to that you'll use to get there, etc.

pj
chgo
Click to expand...
Very good point and I should have added that.
 
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