How do you plan a runout?

Pidge

Pidge

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Apparently I've been planning my runouts backwards, according to all my playing buddies.

What I do is, identify any problem balls, if there isn't any I will then start at the 9, find a pocket, then the 8, find the best pocket so I can get shape to shoot the 9 into desired pocket etc all the time picking a spot on the table I want the CB for each ball. On the 1 ill go into any pocket that allows me an easy pot as long as I can get ok shape on the 2. Then my runout usually starts as planned after I pocket the 2nd lowest ball available.

I've just assumed this is the way everyone does it because it just comes so natural to me...apparently I was wrong.

So how do you plan a run out?
 
There is no rIght or wrong way as long as you are getting it done.

I look at it from both ends & connect somewhere in the 'middle'. I look 9 ball down & 1 or lowest ball up & identify any problems that need attention & plan for them. Once I start, if anything does not go exactly as planned, naturally the whole road map can be re-drawn or perhaps a simple detour can get you right back on track.

Just my $0.02,
 
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Yeah I'm not planning on changing the way I plan a runout. I was just curious. I was just shocked when all my friends said they start at the lowest numbered ball al work up. Its completely alien to me.

I think 80% of my runouts involve some kind of detour but when they do I start to plan from the 9 again.
 
Actually, I normally do it the other way, but your way makes total sense. Plan on where you want the cue to end, figure the shot on the ball before to end there, and repeat
 
I think you're doing it fine. That's what I do as well. You have to decide if the 'detour' has gotten you back on the map or does the map need to be 'totally' re-drawn.

Bottom line is get it done. Hi road, low road, does not matter. Just get it done. However, if a big road block 'pops up' remember you do not have to 'bull doze' through it. You can & perhaps should put your opponent behind it & see if he/she can 'bull doze' it for you. (safety or two way)

Play Well,
 
Identify problem balls and plan from the lowest ball on up. Although I do usually thumb through magazines from back to front, so maybe there is something to it !!!
 
Haha yeah you have to read a newspaper backwards! Start at the sport and work your way to the front and doom and gloom sections
 
Identify problem balls. Play 2 balls ahead.

If you're honestly planning from the 9 on down from the break, you either take too long to shoot or you're just leagues above me.
 
Listened to a Johnny Archer interview a few months ago and he talked about going from the 9 back.

As many people have said already, do whatever works for you.

BTW, do you consistently beat your friends?
 
There's usually no reason to plan the whole run out with 9 ball. As a previous poster said, look for your problems in the rack then plan 2 balls ahead.

8 ball is a different animal. Most successful 8ball players plan the entire run before they start shooting.

They usually start with the 8 ball and work backwards. Sometimes it's easier than that and you only need to find your key ball to the 8 and your first couple of shots then improvise from there.
 
Yeah I beat most of my friends, 1 maybe 2 are of a similar abilty to myself.

I dont take too long playing I'd estimate my average runout takes around 3-4 minutes.
 
supergreenman said:
There's usually no reason to plan the whole run out with 9 ball. As a previous poster said, look for your problems in the rack then plan 2 balls ahead.

8 ball is a different animal. Most successful 8ball players plan the entire run before they start shooting.

They usually start with the 8 ball and work backwards. Sometimes it's easier than that and you only need to find your key ball to the 8 and your first couple of shots then improvise from there.
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What he said!
 
s'portplayer said:
Listened to a Johnny Archer interview a few months ago and he talked about going from the 9 back.

As many people have said already, do whatever works for you.

BTW, do you consistently beat your friends?
Click to expand...


We must have seen the same show..History channel? On accuracy?
Covered everything from bombs to rifles, etc. One segment had Archer doing a run out in 9 ball, with him describing how he plans from the 9 backwards.
 
Pidge said:
Apparently I've been planning my runouts backwards, according to all my playing buddies.

What I do is, identify any problem balls, if there isn't any I will then start at the 9, find a pocket, then the 8, find the best pocket so I can get shape to shoot the 9 into desired pocket etc all the time picking a spot on the table I want the CB for each ball. On the 1 ill go into any pocket that allows me an easy pot as long as I can get ok shape on the 2. Then my runout usually starts as planned after I pocket the 2nd lowest ball available.

I've just assumed this is the way everyone does it because it just comes so natural to me...apparently I was wrong.

So how do you plan a run out?
Click to expand...
The backward runout as part of the process of "how do you runout a game" makes sense in 8-ball, but I think most good players do a variation of "play two balls ahead" style of runout when playing 9-ball.

A lot of players will call this "playing three balls."

Freddie <~~~ plays with the extra ball
 
Cornerman said:
The backward runout as part of the process of "how do you runout a game" makes sense in 8-ball, but I think most good players do a variation of "play two balls ahead" style of runout when playing 9-ball.

A lot of players will call this "playing three balls."

Freddie <~~~ plays with the extra ball
Click to expand...
Ill give that a try. In theory it shouldn't make any difference to the way I do it.

Coming from an english 8 ball back ground I've just been used to planning the entire rack before I play.
 
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