Great to see that the classic disciplines simply refuse to die. There's no money to be made, international tournaments are scarce, but the game simply has a reason to exist because it's basic, brilliant and beautiful. I have no idea about your current average in the free game, so forgive me if I'm telling you things you already know. When learning how to play the free game, it's important to know that there are three types of shots in that game, I call it the 1,2,100 principle. 1. A shot is so difficult, you'd be happy to make it, period. Don't make it harder than it already is. 2. A shot is makeable and there is potential for position. You try to play it in such a way that you will at least have this point, and the next one. 100. You have the balls nicely gathered, maybe even in the Americain position. You are thinking "production". Whether that's a run of 12 or a run of 199, that's depending on how far advanced you are. If you are a beginner, always decide if you're playing a 1 or a 2!