How would you run this rack?

I'm going to consider this thread from the vantage point of what the plan should be for the eight and nine before a single ball is hit.

I believe the best pattern is to play for the eight and the nine in the same corner pocket. Playing the pattern for the nine in the side is acceptable, but the position you'd need on the eight is slightly harder to get than the other pattern, which would just require the cue ball to be almost anywhere near the middle of the table.

Mike Mosconi is right in noting that eight and nine in the same corner offers a short position line, but that's only true if it is played one rail. The path from the eight to the nine would be two rails, not one, so as not to cut across the next position line, and if played this way, the position zone onto the nine will be absolutely huge, with tons of room for error in speed.

I think, to some extent, this is as much about the tendencies of today's players as anything, but eight and nine in the same corner is, to me, just slightly better than the alternative, which is still acceptable.
 
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ChrisinNC said:
Everything will depend on the angle that is left on the 5-ball, which the ball before the 8-ball. I think it's pretty obvious the 8-ball is played in the corner, with the cue ball coming around end rail, side rail for shape on the 9-ball in the same corner you pocket the 8-ball.

The only issue is if you happen to come up straight in or nearly straight in on the 8-ball in the corner, which obviously eliminates the 2 rail shape for the 9-ball and might require you to consider shape for the 9-ball in the side pocket or a possible draw shot or one rail for shape on the 9-ball in the other corner pocket.
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I think this is the best explanation of how to play shape on the 9 ball correctly- either you should go 2 rails past the 9 and put it in the same pocket as the 8 or hold up short and put the 9 in the side. In either of these 2 cases your cue ball is moving ALONG the final shot line- so you have greater room for speed control.

Despite what some say- I would say that MOST of the time- there is a right or wrong way to run a pattern- and the right way always presents the higher success percentage. Playing patterns with either multiple stop ball positions or having your cue ball run along the shot line to a pocket instead of across the shot line to a pocket is much more forgiving- thus a higher percentage to complete successfully.

You will very seldom see a 100 ball run in 14.1 unless most of the key ball shots involve a stop shot or a position route that ran along the line of cue ball to key ball pocket
 
longhorns2 said:
Your videos are great. I think it would be helpful if you had a video focused on patterns where the cb has to go from one side of the table to the other. I feel like a lot of my runs break down on shots where I have to go from near one short rail to the other short rail. Apologies if you've already done one like that
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Sounds like not enough angle is your issue. As the shot angle decreased, the shot speed must increase to make CB go to other side of the table.
 
Black-Balled said:
Sounds like not enough angle is your issue. As the shot angle decreased, the shot speed must increase to make CB go to other side of the table.
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George Fels had excellent commentary on not getting to flat.
His books are great for beginners and as a refresher course.
 
1 northwest corner.
2 southwest corner or west side depending on angle.
3 south east corner.
5 north west corner
7 east side
8 & 9 south east corner
 
RDeca said:
1 northwest corner.
2 southwest corner or west side depending on angle.
3 south east corner.
5 north west corner
7 east side
8 & 9 south east corner
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thats just weird.

What do you do if 2 people are looking at the same table from different angles?

We do need some standard, but some people who have been around pool for decades still have trouble discerning the head from foot of the table.
 
I thought the 4 was the seven ball that changes shit. I thought the four and six was dropped. Pink is fourball. I'm not used to the odd colors (4 is purple seven is maroon dammit)
 
North would be the,upper corners,south bottom ones east,west same as looking at a paper map with north,orientated up
 
RDeca said:
North would be the,upper corners,south bottom ones east,west same as looking at a paper map with north,orientated up
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I got it, but it only works when two people see the same thing from the same perspective.

if i want to tell you about how Fast Betsy Ross ran out on No Eye Chuck the Painter in 1962 when he only needed one and I tell you she had to shoot for the southwest pocket and play shape on the tropic of cancer...nobody knows with 100% certainty what that really means.

We need a standard.
 
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If you look at the picture and the picture only the origional poster used, the method is perfect. I never watched the video. I call it like that at home too...but I know Wich way is north south east west. I guess some dont
 
From the viewpoint shown (assuming all goes wellish)...

1 - Head Left - stun
2 - Foot Left - follow
3 - Foot Right - dbl corner
4 - Head Left - stop
5 - Foot Left - draw
8 - Foot Right - stop
9 - Side Left - don't scratch

pj <- 10 - pay me
chgo
 
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RDeca said:
If you look at the picture and the picture only the origional poster used, the method is perfect. I never watched the video. I call it like that at home too...but I know Wich way is north south east west. I guess some dont
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Again, I fully understand.

My observation is that your choice of descriptors is really only a single use kind of thing. It is also reliant upon speaker/ listener(s) viewing the table from the same vantage point.

Our pool world would be a little better off if there was a standard, like pockets 1-6, counted from the head (breaking/ kitchen end) around, clockwise. that way, pocket 2 is the same pocket always, no matter what.

Surely you can see that?
 
started playing BINGO awhile back, went and lettered the pockets,
calling pockets hasn't been the same. My fav's: B2, 5G, Black i
B_I.jpg

8NGO.jpg

8.jpg
 
@ 605 fargo I haven't the slightest ability to play more than two balls ahead.

The only thing I look for beyond that is trouble balls that need to be moved early.

Can I run that open rack? Most likely.

Do I know where the last three balls are going right now? Not a chance.

Anyone who doesn't play substantially better than I do is just guessing.

BTW I absolutely love your videos. I always learn something.
 
JC said:
@ 605 fargo I haven't the slightest ability to play more than two balls ahead.

The only thing I look for beyond that is trouble balls that need to be moved early.

Can I run that open rack? Most likely.

Do I know where the last three balls are going right now? Not a chance.

Anyone who doesn't play substantially better than I do is just guessing.

BTW I absolutely love your videos. I always learn something.
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I feel the same. Every game is like a thrill ride.

Honestly, I feel sorry for those players that plan and execute accordingly, every rack. they are missing out on all the fun.

I'd like to spin the wheel again, Sajak.
 
Black-Balled said:
I feel the same. Every game is like a thrill ride.

Honestly, I feel sorry for those players that plan and execute accordingly, every rack. they are missing out on all the fun.

I'd like to spin the wheel again, Sajak.
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Someone wise once said:

"Sometimes running out is like driving drunk, other times it's like making toast."
 
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