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.
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.