Question about last-pocket 8-ball

Guapo

Guapo

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
How the hell do you guys get the 8 out of the jaws on a pocket that isn't your last?

I occasionally drop into a few Mexican bars to shoot a bit and it seems like last pocket is as common as beans and tortillas. That's all they play.

It's a joke folks, I can do that, I was born in Mexico:grin:

But seriously, any tips you guys can offer?

I know sometimes the 8 gets too far into the jaws that it can't be saved no matter what but I've seen some of these guys bust it out while it was pretty deep in there.

I figure it's a bit harder if it's in the middle as opposed to near a pocket point.

I just need some help, everything and anything is greatly appreciated.
 
I get your drift. I like last pocket 8 ball, BUT when that situation comes up either don't run your balls out and try to position one of their balls in front of the eight, or jar it out if it's possible. Playing one pocket is the game to practice to know if you can jar the 8 ball out.
Good luck, Jason
 
I agree....if its that deep in the pocket they are in the same situation you are. That pocket can't be their last pocket either as there is no way for them to pass a ball. IF you must try get it out and its too deep to "jar" I have seen two ways...

1 - If the pockets aren't perfect on the table, Fire the 8 as hard as possible at the side of the pocket and see if it will "roll around" the back of the pocket and out. This typically will not work on good pockets.

2 - Jump the cue ball off the back of the pocket and hit the 8-ball out. 99.9% of the time, you will scratch, so if your playing scratch on the 8 is a loss, your s.o.l. :)

Good luck, teach them how not to play last pocket. lmao. Like I said, your both in the same situation, so offer up a re-rack. :)

Carl
 
Guapo said:
How the hell do you guys get the 8 out of the jaws on a pocket that isn't your last?

I occasionally drop into a few Mexican bars to shoot a bit and it seems like last pocket is as common as beans and tortillas. That's all they play.

It's a joke folks, I can do that, I was born in Mexico:grin:

But seriously, any tips you guys can offer?

I know sometimes the 8 gets too far into the jaws that it can't be saved no matter what but I've seen some of these guys bust it out while it was pretty deep in there.

I figure it's a bit harder if it's in the middle as opposed to near a pocket point.

I just need some help, everything and anything is greatly appreciated.
Click to expand...

Last pocket 8 is pretty much the game for many latinos ---Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, Cubans, etc.

By degree of difficulty: Depending on where the 8 ball is within the pocket opening, you may be able to come off an adjacent cushion with speed and english to get it out while stunning the cue ball (to prevent a scratch). Another way is to wail the hell out of the 8 and make it bounce back onto the cloth. And one other, is to jump the cue ball into the back of the pocket causing it to kick the 8 out.

BTW, have you ever played a game that Mexicans call "Pool Armado" or "Billas"? The game is also known as "Chicago" by Cubans and "Jardinera" by Chileans and others. It's a good game. It's a rotation game with all the balls lined up along the diamonds frozen to the cushion in ascending order (no balls along the diamonds on the short rail in the kitchen).
 
Last edited:
They might not go for it, but....

The 1982 BCA rule book had some rules for last-pocket eight ball. One suggestion was that you could shoot the 8 into the "wrong" pocket if the cue ball hit at least three cushions first. If you try to introduce this rule, wait until it is to your opponent's advantage.
 
Where I play we play last pocket every Friday.....all day. I also grew up playing it in the mid-west and have only played the eight last pocket or three rails.

In other words you have a choice to bank or kick in the eight ball on a shot that is three rails or more. This works great and gives a option for the money ball that is stuck deep.

Do yourself a favor and explain this rule before the game:grin:.
 
Bob Jewett said:
They might not go for it, but....

The 1982 BCA rule book had some rules for last-pocket eight ball. One suggestion was that you could shoot the 8 into the "wrong" pocket if the cue ball hit at least three cushions first. If you try to introduce this rule, wait until it is to your opponent's advantage.
Click to expand...

Darn Bob we must of been typing at the same time;).
 
Your opponent is in the same boat unless there is a 3 foul rule.

I used to play at the Senior center in a small town where they played bank last pocket 8-ball.
 
If its an impossible situation for both players, and you both agree, you should spot it.
 
I like the idea Bob suggested. You can make it in the "hung" pocket, but you have to go at least three rails.
 
I think to get the 8 ball out, some jumping is required...Maybe you can make the 8 ball jump by jumping the cue ball ontop of it. If luck is on your side it might hit the back of the pocket's edge and come out.
 
SirNoobs said:
I think to get the 8 ball out, some jumping is required...Maybe you can make the 8 ball jump by jumping the cue ball ontop of it. If luck is on your side it might hit the back of the pocket's edge and come out.
Click to expand...

Why chance that when it's most likely you will lose the game trying something like. Your opponent will have the same trouble unless that is his last pocket.

In this scenario we usually agree to replay the game. Stalemate.

This has also happened in regular eight ball when the eight ball is hanging in the pocket but is surrounded by a couple of the opponent's balls with no way to remove them.
 
Secaucus Fats said:
Last pocket 8 is pretty much the game for many latinos ---Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, Cubans, etc.

By degree of difficulty: Depending on where the 8 ball is within the pocket opening, you may be able to come off an adjacent cushion with speed and english to get it out while stunning the cue ball (to prevent a scratch). Another way is to wail the hell out of the 8 and make it bounce back onto the cloth. And one other, is to jump the cue ball into the back of the pocket causing it to kick the 8 out.

BTW, have you ever played a game that Mexicans call "Pool Armado" or "Billas"? The game is also known as "Chicago" by Cubans and "Jardinera" by Chileans and others. It's a good game. It's a rotation game with all the balls lined up along the diamonds frozen to the cushion in ascending order (no balls along the diamonds on the short rail in the kitchen).
Click to expand...

I've never played that game but see played frequently in a mainly Latino pool hall I frequent. I've always wondered how to play but never ask anybody. I believe that u get points?

I also enjoy the Latino bars when I'm in the mood for Spanish music, its great to drink to, I think. And yes, all they play is last pocket 8, and always willing to bet some. One time I went, in won a lil cash, and asked someone if they wanted to play a set of nine ball. I asked them "bola nueve," as we are getting the the game set up, he drops the balls and racks up six ball. I guess for them nueve means six ball. Really weird stuff, same rules though, bih and all. Another day I venture into a pool hall with some bar tables in front which are mainly occupied by Hispanics. They're playing nine ball for a good amount of cash. I ask what's the game, awaiting an answer, a railbird told be nueve. I guess bola nueve means difffernt things to some people.
 
jason777r said:
I get your drift. I like last pocket 8 ball, BUT when that situation comes up either don't run your balls out and try to position one of their balls in front of the eight, or jar it out if it's possible. Playing one pocket is the game to practice to know if you can jar the 8 ball out.
Good luck, Jason
Click to expand...

The problem with that is that both players start missing each shot on purpose. I'll check out some one-pocket. Thanks.

Secaucus Fats said:
Last pocket 8 is pretty much the game for many latinos ---Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, Cubans, etc.

By degree of difficulty: Depending on where the 8 ball is within the pocket opening, you may be able to come off an adjacent cushion with speed and english to get it out while stunning the cue ball (to prevent a scratch). Another way is to wail the hell out of the 8 and make it bounce back onto the cloth. And one other, is to jump the cue ball into the back of the pocket causing it to kick the 8 out.

BTW, have you ever played a game that Mexicans call "Pool Armado" or "Billas"? The game is also known as "Chicago" by Cubans and "Jardinera" by Chileans and others. It's a good game. It's a rotation game with all the balls lined up along the diamonds frozen to the cushion in ascending order (no balls along the diamonds on the short rail in the kitchen).
Click to expand...

I'll start practicing some of those shots with english. I've never seen or heard about those games. Can you elaborate a bit?

Bob Jewett said:
They might not go for it, but....

The 1982 BCA rule book had some rules for last-pocket eight ball. One suggestion was that you could shoot the 8 into the "wrong" pocket if the cue ball hit at least three cushions first. If you try to introduce this rule, wait until it is to your opponent's advantage.
Click to expand...

Cuebuddy said:
Where I play we play last pocket every Friday.....all day. I also grew up playing it in the mid-west and have only played the eight last pocket or three rails.

In other words you have a choice to bank or kick in the eight ball on a shot that is three rails or more. This works great and gives a option for the money ball that is stuck deep.

Do yourself a favor and explain this rule before the game:grin:.
Click to expand...

I like this suggestion the best because I'd hate to offer up a re-rack. Thanks for the tip on waiting to suggest it until it's their turn or their advantage.


As far as the jumping, never really tried it and even if I was a good jumper, it still seems like a very low percentage shot.

I like going to paisa bars because they're not bangers there which is what you usually see in other bars. That's one thing I learned from the paisa bars. They slow roll the cue ball and use english.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'll be sure to bring these up next time I find myself in this situation.
 
Last pockette

CarlB said:
I agree....if its that deep in the pocket they are in the same situation you are. That pocket can't be their last pocket either as there is no way for them to pass a ball. IF you must try get it out and its too
Carl
Click to expand...

Seen it many times. No one is going to chance blasting it out in a money game which is many times a partners game also. No one will pocket their last ball and of course you just rerack. I have even seen reracks when most of the balls are still on the table. Why would anyone take a huge chance.
 
If hitting the 8 ball on the left side, use left english. The right, right english. Also hit it a little low and oh yeah, hit it HARD!

Cheers,
RG
 
Whenever I play last pocket or "la ultima buchaca", if the eight is in a neutral pocket's jaws, you can kick three or more rails at it. The rail next to the pocket doesn't count as a rail.

The other option is to spot the eight, but the first shot at it has to be a bank if the player has already pocketed all their balls. The timing of spotting the eight ball is usually when both players have made all their balls.

I never reracked in many years of gambling in this game. All scratches are shot out of the kitchen, also.

Best,
Mike
 
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