I play the billiard off the side of the 1 into the 4 and run the 4 into the 9, it's almost dead. I can control the 1 ball so it is still on the siderail and I will never completely sell out or leave an easy lock safe for my opponent.
The only way I pass on this shot is if my opponent had a big lead and was within a game or two of winning. Even then I might shoot it because as it lies I look to make the 9 ball probably 70% of the time and again you rarely are gonna sell out an easy shot here.
Shoot the one off the eight into the nine.
*Boom goes the dynamite*
http://youtu.be/0b4PCUAkzIc?t=2m51s
Old Nine Baller I think this is your best one yet
I really don't see a best option for everyone, I feel your skill level dictates the best choice.
a C Player should pocket the 9
a B Player should play the safe (thin hit with inside)
an A Player should attempt the billiard with some speed, so the nine doesn't just hang
It's actually not your skill level that determine play, it's also your opponents.
A vs A - NO WAY you take a flyer on the nine. Total sell out.
A vs B - I still don't risk the 9 hanging. It's possible the 4 would come under the 9 and they get jammed, the 4 squirts out leaving the 9 as a hanger.
A vs C - I might risk it in a cash game, knowing that he can't run out in case I miss. But Tourny? nope.
The winning strategy here is to play safe and force your opponent to kick just to hit the 1.
Personally, I thin the 1 leaving it in back of (and maybe frozen to) the 4. Whitey will be on the short rail.
It's safe, controlled and predictable. Odds of me back at the table is >90%.
Play it rail first off the 8 to make the 9 rail first with some speed so if you miss
the 1 clears away from the 9.
Follow with the cue ball to find some cover if the 1 comes up table on the
same side.