Jumping your own ball (8 ball)

[dfweyer]

I razed someone on my pool team for jumping his own suit of balls a couple weeks ago...but it worked and he got out. Last night my opponent got fairly lucky after missing the 1 ball (wished that he'd made it), and after thinking for a bit I grabbed my jump cue. Didn't see an obvious safety, but did have the 8 blocked to one of the corners.

My estimated probabilities for jumping...

7 out of 10 - make the jump shot without scratching
1 out of 10 - Foul by scratch, cue off table (jumping my own ball...no foul for lack of elevation.)
2 out of 10 - Miss

My estimated probabilities for combo...

5 out of 10 - make without scratching
0 out of 10 - Foul by scratch, cue off table (jumping my own ball...no foul for lack of elevation.)
5 out of 10 - Miss

Did I not see a much better play?

CueTable Help

 

[cowboyup200560]

I think you did about all most anybody could do there outside of an "efren" kick (Z-kick) on the 12. Wich may be the "right" shot for someone with the skill. But unfortunatly this is not me.

 

[supergreenman]

Did you make the shot? If not, did you sell out?

Two very important questions when assesing a low percentage shot like this. I always shake my head when someone attempts a shot that has a higher than normal percentage for fouling when there's a perfectly good option with low fouling percentage available.

It looks like the 9 does not bank to the corner however it can be used as blocking ball for the bottom right corner in a safe shot situation.

CueTable Help

 

[Chest Rockwell]

shot selection depends on the caliber player your playing....

if your playing a mediocre player, then going for the combo or jump is a free shot.......if u miss then the guy will most likely miss the bank

if your playing a strong player, then the safety is probably the wiser choice......although this safety is kind of difficult

 

[dfweyer]

Did you make the shot? If not, did you sell out?

Ended up playing the jump since I figured shape would be automatic if I made it. Going for the combo seemed likely to leave a pretty tough following shot. Well I missed it, but double kissed it and came out off the rail....he made a good out as shown on the 2nd page. Still probably 50/50 against the player caliber I was facing on the leave.

CueTable Help

 

[smoooothstroke]

safety first

The jump is pretty aggressive.If you can execute that jump shot,making the ball in the side and stopping the CB right there 85% of the time then go for it.Your chances of winning the game with a very simple safe are probably over 85%.Shoot the como or call safe but just get the CB up by the 11 ball.You want to leave no chance of your opponent being able to play the 1 in the side.Since there is no reasonable bank the only option your opponent would have is to try a tough shot in the corner making in nearly impossible to get a cut shot on the 8.Your opponent could try a safe back but you have a big advantage in a safety duel here.

 

[Cornerman]

I think if you play a lot of 8-ball and are proficient at jumping balls, you're going to come across a rack a couple of times in your lifetime that jumping over your own ball is the right play.

Fred