Pool 101 - How would you play this?

Blackjack said:
From the layout provided, it is not likely to open up. When you play the percentages, you will learn how to avoid going for a runout that isn't there - but - you have to recognize it first.
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Blackjack has brought up some good points. Playing high percentage sequence is all about balancing the difficulties of your shots.

Wade Crane used to state that if he didn't have over a 60% chance of making a ball, he would play safe. That was a while ago. Now days there is a cumulative percentage ratio that involves the 2 shot sequence. You could be at 90% on the first shot, but, only 72% on the 2nd shot. This gives you a cumulative percentage of about 67% for both. Is that worth it? Are you willing to risk the game on those percentages? Only your ability and skill level will be able to determine that.

The 1 ball is not a hard shot to make, but, it is a difficult one to get the exact position to be able to make the 2 and get to the three (remember 3 balls a head sequence).

Sometimes one needs to evaluate and re-address the moment at hand. Are the percentages in my favor to be able to get out after making the 1 ball?

Is playing safe on the 1 the correct shot, or, is there another safe further into the rack that will benefit me more?

Do I have the option available to duck on the next shot if I miss the necessary position?

What is boils down to is what you are most comfortable performing when at the table.
 
I just can't picture any TV player choosing not to shoot the one in a rack where there's a great look at it, a decent chance to get on the 2, and every single ball is open. And I think I want to be like the TV players even if I don't have the talent. If I can keep the other guy sitting and give him no chance then I should.

I had the shot earlier tonight, almost exactly the same except the cue ball was a touch closer toward center table. There was a ball in the same area as the 5 and I had to dodge it. If there is any fraction of draw on the ball, anything at all that qualifies as backspin but isn't nutty... you beat the 5.

Shape on the 2 is a bit touchy, but I think there's about 1.5 feet of error (depending on whether or not you like caroming off the 4 as a legit option, and depending on how well you can make an ugly cut from the short side of the 3). If you really overrun it you can get the other angle on the 2 and still go across to the 3. So it's more like there's an 'anti-position' zone that you have to avoid. Avoid it through skill or luck and sink that three and you're home free.

Get in that too straight zone and you STILL have that safety option.

edit: I'd take that pepsi challenge and video it if I had the equipment. I think this is one of those shots where from the overhead view, it looks hairy, but when you're actually down over the stick and shooting it, you're like "what was I even worried about? I can do this."
 
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There's always this...

CueTable Help



Of course, I might just clip the 5 and hook myself somewhere, or miss my window between the 6/7, but I enjoyed making a 3 page Cuetable for the first time, so there you have it. :)

Also, with the angle I got on the 3 ball, I'd probably rattle it trying to get the cue ball where I wanted for the 4, but I'm too lazy to fix it now. ;)
 
Wow...first thing I saw with this rack is the 5 ball. Getting to the 5 looks like trouble with the 6,7, and 8 all in the middle of the table. The safe behind the 5 is alright. But I like making the 1 and bumping the 5 (just don't get hooked behind the 8). The 2 has a huge pocket and the 3 has a good safe if you can't get good on it. But by moving the 5 you won't have to deal with all the traffic.
 
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