The guy shooting went for the bank, and made it. After the game, we had a little discussion about it. He is under the impression that no good player would ever attempt that cut. Of course, I disagree.
First, I agree with RLW that you have to go with your strengths here. Missing is not an option. And, there really is no safe any easier than the cut or bank.
So, here's my thinking on it...... First thing I look at, is will the cut or the bank go. Both do. Where is the tangent line off of each one? Neither is a scratch with a stop shot, but the cut does come close. A good stop shot or a little draw to make sure, and there is no scratch.
Now, which shot is harder to make?? And why?? First, let's look at the cut. You don't have a lot of pocket to play with, so you have to be accurate. But, if you are accurate in your hit, the ball goes in and you have the win. So, all you need here is accuracy.
Now, let's look at the bank. Banking, you have a bigger pocket, and if hit with speed, you also have the option to miss the bank, and slop it in two rails in the other side. (remember though, this is 8 ball, so the slop isn't a win, it's a loss)
Now, let's look at the variables in each shot. Cut- have to hit it accurately. Have to be able to shoot a stop shot, or slight draw. No other variables. You hit it good, you win.
Bank- You have to hit it accurately. You have to hit the cb very accurately. Any unwanted english on the cb, and you change the angle of the bank. You have to judge your aim of the hit to your speed of the shot. The harder you shoot it, the shorter the bank will be. You are introducing a lot of feel to the shot. You have different conditions for different tables, even different for the same table at different times of the day. The rails will not bank the same all day every day. Do you KNOW that the rail where you are going to hit is any good? This room, a lot of the tables have dead spots in the rails. (yeah, it really sucks! Even the bangers are noticing it)
So, for ME, I'm taking the cut every single time. Everything is on the line on this one shot. Make it for the win, miss it for the loss. I'm going to reduce as many variables as possible in my shot. That means, I am left with the cut as the only viable option. It by far has the least amount of variables.
I know some will disagree with my choice. Saying it's not a hard bank. And, I agree. As far as banks go, this is a pretty good one to go for. And, I can bank. I once made 13 in a row. (A while back) Some will say it is too hard of a cut. If you are in that camp, then you need to start shooting it until you are very comfortable with it. All you have to do is recognize the tangent line, and hit the cb accordingly if there is a scratch there. You don't have to "worry" about scratching at all. You know you won't with a touch of draw.
To me, when all is on one shot, it's all about reducing the variables that I don't have control over, and being able to just shoot a shot. I feel that by banking it, why it should be a high percentage bank, you are introducing variables that you don't need to. Thereby, lessening your percentage of making the ball.
Randy- you surprised me with your answer! Take Same Aim, and try the cut 10 times. You might just change how you choose to shoot this shot!
