struggling with 8-ball

9

9ballprodigy

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I'm having a hell of a time with the mental game of 8-ball. Its not my game, but it's what available for BCA league play and my friends seem to like it, so i joined their team. i've been a long time 9-ball player so aggressive shot making is inherent and comes way more naturally to me. I'm not used to the idea of opting to lock a guy up or giving a hard shot in return (essentially playing a push out) over a shot. Is there some kind of online resource or a book that can help me change my mindset?
 
Last edited:
9ballprodigy said:
I'm having a hell of a time with the mental game of 8-ball. Its not my game, but it's what available for BCA league play and my friends seem to like it, so i joined their team. i've been a long time 9-ball player so aggressive shot making is inherent and comes way more naturally to me. I'm not used to the idea of opting to lock a guy up or giving a hard shot in return (essentially playing a push out) over a shot. Is there some kind of online resource or a book that can help me change my mindset?
Click to expand...

So you cant "shoot and holler sh+×" and it bothers you?
Well you are aware of a tough leave being similar to a pushout. You also know about locking up so spend some time watching youtube videos. Lots of good 8ball videos.
 
I think I saw it written somewhere here on AZB...9 ball is saying I can out shoot you, 8 ball is saying I can out think you.

I think that holds for most league players.

I like to watch the US Bar Table Championship on you tube. I see the table and try to see the out after the break and then start play again and watch the pro shoot. Don't know if your league plays on bar boxes but mine does.

Other good videos there too on instruction.

I really like 8 ball, it's my game of choice. Seeing patterns, break outs and safety play are key imo. Seeing the best way out to match your skill helps too.

My safety play has gotten much better this year. I've left some people really nasty :D Don't like to get in a safety war, but there's times it can be done v effectively and there is no war, just bih.
 
Last edited:
9ballprodigy said:
I'm having a hell of a time with the mental game of 8-ball. Its not my game, but it's what available for BCA league play and my friends seem to like it, so i joined their team. i've been a long time 9-ball player so aggressive shot making is inherent and comes way more naturally to me. I'm not used to the idea of opting to lock a guy up or giving a hard shot in return (essentially playing a push out) over a shot. Is there some kind of online resource or a book that can help me change my mindset?
Click to expand...

Find someone to play cheap sets with.
 
but an honest question here


you cant just see the layout, make what you can and plan to run or play safe if its not gonna happen?

i try and keep it all as simple as possible, whatever im playing
 
It can be extremely frustrating to look at a layout that you think you can run but where you end up playing safe because you have a ball tied up or no easy way to get on the 8. If I have a ball tied up I will give myself 2 shots maximum to break it open, if I miss my breakout most times I will play a safe. of course it all depends on my opponent and his layout too, but I am not usually one to keep going for the breakout even on my second to last ball. There are times where you dont even have a good safe to play, sometimes you need to try to just take a pocket away from your opponent or tie up one of his balls if you can.
 
9ballprodigy said:
I'm having a hell of a time with the mental game of 8-ball. Its not my game, but it's what available for BCA league play and my friends seem to like it, so i joined their team. i've been a long time 9-ball player so aggressive shot making is inherent and comes way more naturally to me. I'm not used to the idea of opting to lock a guy up or giving a hard shot in return (essentially playing a push out) over a shot. Is there some kind of online resource or a book that can help me change my mindset?
Click to expand...
Lots of good videos and articles are available here:

8-ball strategy video and article resource page

Video Encyclopedia of Eight Ball (VEEB)

Enjoy,
Dave
 
9ballprodigy said:
I'm having a hell of a time with the mental game of 8-ball. Its not my game, but it's what available for BCA league play and my friends seem to like it, so i joined their team. i've been a long time 9-ball player so aggressive shot making is inherent and comes way more naturally to me. I'm not used to the idea of opting to lock a guy up or giving a hard shot in return (essentially playing a push out) over a shot. Is there some kind of online resource or a book that can help me change my mindset?
Click to expand...

In addition to all the advice, I would also suggest to watch Youtube and Facebook videos of 8-ball with good commentary. I think all of the CSI US Open 8-ball have been excellent (shameless backpatting, but it was also excellent IMO before I ever was involved).

For Facebookers, you can watch the 8-ball Classic (on Bar Boxes, won by Efren) presented by On the Wire Creative Media (Ra Hanna and Beau Runningen), these two did a tremendous job on the commentary.


Freddie <~~~ shameless
 
Cornerman said:
In addition to all the advice, I would also suggest to watch Youtube and Facebook videos of 8-ball with good commentary. I think all of the CSI US Open 8-ball have been excellent (shameless backpatting, but it was also excellent IMO before I ever was involved).

For Facebookers, you can watch the 8-ball Classic (on Bar Boxes, won by Efren) presented by On the Wire Creative Media (Ra Hanna and Beau Runningen), these two did a tremendous job on the commentary.


Freddie <~~~ shameless
Click to expand...
Spoiler!!!!!! lol
 
No.1 rule: DO NOT run the table and miss your last ball before the 8. Other than that its easy. ;)
 
.
Sometimes breaking up clusters first, beats pocketing.
Move your balls away from the rails when it's possible.
Try to leave the CB where you'll have multiple choices.
If you have a blocking ball near a pocket leave it there.
Never pocket the last ball if you can't pocket the 8 ball.
.
 
Low500 said:
That Encyclopedia of Eight Ball will up anyone's game if they study it and start thinking at the table instead of just trying to run out like SVB.
Click to expand...

SVB thinks about the table, except he can do it way faster than us. I've noticed pros take much longer to start shooting right after the break than I do and most league players as well. Even though they've taken longer to start, imo, they've thought the run out through far more than the average enthusiast.
 
8 ball is a game of chess......... if you can't run the table ...... defensive shots win as many games as offensive shots.................. the use of both will increase your win percentage


Kim
 
Cornerman said:
In addition to all the advice, I would also suggest to watch Youtube and Facebook videos of 8-ball with good commentary. I think all of the CSI US Open 8-ball have been excellent (shameless backpatting, but it was also excellent IMO before I ever was involved).

Freddie <~~~ shameless
Click to expand...
Not shameless--> accurate. You (and CSI!) do a great job every year!

-td
 
As in anything you have to play it until the game reveals to you the strategy. I like to think of 8 ball as I do One Pocket. You have to shoot the right shot to beat the odds.
You have to struggle to understand the wisdom.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top