Loose cluster management

Jodacus

Jodacus

Shoot...don't talk
Silver Member
Is there a standard approach for working balls
that are clustered together in the middle of the table?
Starting from the outside and working in or starting
on the inside (in order to open the cluster up a bit)
and working out. This probably occurs more in bar
box 8 ball than any other game. I like to work the
balls closest to the rail first and work my way out,
but if the balls are in the center of the table is there
a "preferred method" for this? I know there can be
different circumstances that require different
approaches so my question is a very general one.

Thank You
Joe
 
Clusters

Jodacus said:
Is there a standard approach for working balls
that are clustered together in the middle of the table?
Starting from the outside and working in or starting
on the inside (in order to open the cluster up a bit)
and working out. This probably occurs more in bar
box 8 ball than any other game. I like to work the
balls closest to the rail first and work my way out,
but if the balls are in the center of the table is there
a "preferred method" for this? I know there can be
different circumstances that require different
approaches so my question is a very general one.

Thank You
Joe
Click to expand...

Most of the good pool books and some of the videos address this question very well. Pool magazine articles and instructors are another way to learn shot selection and playing patterns, including how to manage clusters.

It requires one to develop imagination, which is cultivated by watching and listening to others...who know what they're doing.
 
Donny is correct.

Ideally, it helps as much to have resources outside the cluster as to bust it. 1) Know how to know before you take the shot exactly where the cluster balls will wind up. 2) Have a "safety valve" ball outside the cluster to shoot at in case the shot doesn't come out as planned.

Send me a PM for more.
 
BilliardsAbout said:
Donny is correct.

Ideally, it helps as much to have resources outside the cluster as to bust it. 1) Know how to know before you take the shot exactly where the cluster balls will wind up. 2) Have a "safety valve" ball outside the cluster to shoot at in case the shot doesn't come out as planned.

Send me a PM for more.
Click to expand...

Both Donny & Matt make excellent points.

Clearing the balls that are blocking the pocket is a good place to start and usually, if played right, will open the table a bit and let you get to work.

Plan your pattern, keep a "safety shot" and before running into a cluster, always ask yourself "what if". If, you hit the cluster from the wrong side you might get stuck. Hitting the cluster from another angle might break it open and leave you that VERY important "safety shot" to keep the run going. That is why, it is important to vision where the cluster balls will go.

While many racks are similar ... none are identical.
 
Try this and see which method works better to clear the table, shooting to the upper left pocket..
Method 1: Take ball in hand for the first shot and shoot the balls CLOSER to the rails first (they do not have to be the closest to the rail).

Method 2: Take ball in hand for the first shot and shoot the center balls first.

Which way do you find to be the easiest?

 
Of course, your first priority is to try to assure yourself of another shot, but as we know, that's easier said than done, especially when opening up clusters.

I think with balls clustered in the middle of the table, speed is a key factor. For example: if you see an opportunity to open a cluster, analyze the direction that the balls will run. Are there other balls on the table in that direction? If so, you may be creating new clusters if they collide with those balls. Look for another way to open them. If there is no other way, consider the speed of the break. A faster speed may be necessary to avoid creating new clusters.

Your order of priority:

1.) Maximize your percentages of getting of another shot or at least, staying in control of the table.

2.) Avoid creating new clusters and new problems.

With 8 Ball, another strategy comes into play, which is how a break affects your opponents balls. Creating a new cluster of balls that are your opponent's balls, wouldn't be a bad thing.
 
I like the diagram above. Shooting balls in the middle (when you have three makeable balls to the same pocket) tends to open lines for the other two, whereas picking off either end leaves two balls still too close together for comfort. Ray Martin preaches learning exactly where every ball in a busted cluster will go--it starts with you predicting the outcome then shooting, then learning and adjusting. Donny's point still stands, get a lesson from a trusted teacher.
 
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