How would you play this? Tough leave on the 6

[klockdoc]

Mosconiac,

Had a similar shot to your kick/bank/safe/mirror shot-shot the other night in a game of single pocket (one hole). The diagram is below. I haven't ever used that shot you showed, maybe never even thought of it other than how I used it below, so, that never crossed my mind when I was confronted with the shot.

My placement of the cue ball in the diagram may be off slightly. As Joe mentioned, 1 inch or so either way. I know though that I didn't have to think twice on that angle that I had to play the 4 railer.

But, thank you for contributing this shot as I will have to put it in my arsenal for future use. Anyway, this is how I used a shot similar to the one you showed. I shot the 7 into the nine, rail first and took out both balls.

CueTable Help

 

[Jude Rosenstock]

I love that shot and play it whenever I get the chance. The reason I didn't post it on this one is because the cb is just a little too far away for me.

Yeah, I agree here. The only time you can shoot this safety is when you're very close to your work. I think the phrase "teetering on the edge" is how you put it. It is an AWESOME safety when available, though.

 

[klockdoc]

I decided to experiment with the shot using three different methods: 1) the 4-rail bank-safe, 2) Joe T's cross-safe, & 3) my rail-first.

Strategy#3: Rail-First Safe:
Success: 4 out of 6 (66%)
Comments: As I predicted, the rail-first shot looks tough on paper, but is fairly simple on the table. Once on the table I realized that the hit needed to be a bit thicker than previously diagramed but I was able to drop behind the 7 easily. When I don?t hook the CB, I give up a (near the double kiss) cross-side bank...which I tried to toss in once & dogged. Why did I do that when I was videotaping!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoG-bWtnZqE

The rail-first results in an occasional cross-bank for your opponent or return safe, but you are not at risk of leaving a cut-able shot. Fortunately, the cross-bank you leave will be near a double kiss so it may turn out OK anyway.

For me, the rail-first will yield better results in the long run. I have marginally better odds of hooking my opponent on the initial shot and when I do hit it poorly, I?ll leave lower-percentage options for my opponent.

ps: Before pelting me, go to your table or local pool hall, set the shot up, and shoot it. Let us know how it turns out. I bet you'll be surprised by your ability to hit the rail-first.

Well Mosconiac, I tested your rail-first theory at the local room tonight. Actually, I am quite impressed with the results. I found that I had to hit very close to the "tit" in order to hit the 6 ball. My hit was actually thinner. When I did, the cue came off the head rail and either placed itself behind the 7 ball or gave a VERY difficult bank to the opponent.

I actually think I like this shot better than my original 4 railer. It is actually easier to control. Glad to have this in my arsenal.

Good Job. Rep given

 

[mosconiac]

Well Mosconiac, I tested your rail-first theory at the local room tonight. Actually, I am quite impressed with the results.

Thank you for trying out the shot...I knew if someone actually tried it, they would be impressed by their ability to get consistently positive results. I was beginning to feel like I was talking alone in an empty room.