I think 3 balls ahead to figure how to pocket trouble balls and break up clusters.
Thinking through the entire rack before that is like a puzzle with pieces missing.
.
"Think three balls ahead" is horrible advice.
- Thread starter ScottK
- Start date
I think 3 balls ahead to figure how to pocket trouble balls and break up clusters.
Thinking through the entire rack before that is like a puzzle with pieces missing.
.
You're joking, right?
It's kinda like the APA when playing 9-ball. If you're an SL-1 you start (and end with the first ball). If you're an SL-7 you damn better be starting your thought process at the 7-ball. And so on.
Freddie <~~~ just made it up, but surely someone will tell me this magic secret next year
Freddie <~~~ just made it up, but surely someone will tell me this magic secret next year
I wish I understood but its just to complicated for me.
I think the difference is when I watch the pros, once they are in line, they don't get out. When they do get out of line, they are capable of executing a difficult shot to get back in. Where I must attempt a safety. And lets face it. If I was capable of lock down safeties I probably wouldn't get out of line so much.
And then?
It's good to have a plan. From beginning to end, or end to beginning. The end may be the cluster or the ideal safe opportunity.
If things go wrong...need new plan.
Getting out of line..means the plan went wrong, or there was no plan. Time for a huge shot or something else.
Screwing up aids in new planning. It's damage control. Better to screw up early in the game than late.
Of course..no ill wind blows for the ship without destination. But it takes a lot more shots.
...Had surgery couple days ago...these Norco are thought provoking..but a little nonsensical.
It's good to have a plan. From beginning to end, or end to beginning. The end may be the cluster or the ideal safe opportunity.
If things go wrong...need new plan.
Getting out of line..means the plan went wrong, or there was no plan. Time for a huge shot or something else.
Screwing up aids in new planning. It's damage control. Better to screw up early in the game than late.
Of course..no ill wind blows for the ship without destination. But it takes a lot more shots.
...Had surgery couple days ago...these Norco are thought provoking..but a little nonsensical.
Yes, three balls ahead, which doesn't mean that the entire layout shouldn't be studied prior to pattern formation, is excellent advice.
Old Nine Baller
Banned
This just started happening with your rotation game yet you knocked two-foul 9 ball in my thread trying to help people learn how to play it?
You've never bet a quarter in your life and you can't play a lick yet you knock my thread?
Have you turned 30 yet?
ONB
Easy there fella. Where'd all that animosity come from? I don't believe I ever knocked 2F9B except to say CJ (or anyone else) will never succeed in getting the game on TV in the national spotlight. Other than that, I like the game. In fact, I'll play just about any game/any rules.
As far as me not being able to "play a lick", well I've never said I was any better than I am.
Where is all this 'breaking out clusters' coming from? I've played in the DC-Metro area for over 40 yrs, and since the advent of '1 foul ' 9 ball, I see very few players ( including the better players here ) play to break out clusters. Most play to 'duck ' on the clusters. 1 foul has raised up a generation of 'duckers ' along with 'long' position players and 'wrong side of the ball ' players. Tight pocket 9 ball tables are a factor also. The penality for 'over-running ' position is way to large in 1 foul. Thats why you see players taking longer shots ( too big a penality for trying to get 'Buddy Hall' position and over-running it where you have to kick. Fast cloth and very lively balls have caused players to get away with ' wrong side ' position. The only 'clusters ' being moved here are when there are too many beer bottles at the cheater bar!
PUSH-OUT, WHERE ART THOU???
PUSH-OUT, WHERE ART THOU???
You are exactly right. It is obvious that that one needs to take the time and look over the whole table before they pocket the first ball. I guess it never hurts to restate the obvious though.
Aherm, I am the voiceofreason actually..
I agree with the opening poster. Whatever the game, 8 ball, rotation, snooker, you must at all times have situational awareness but play the shots 2/3/4 at a time - always mindful of that 8/9 cluster somewhere in the future of the rack, or the red on the rail in snooker, etc, etc, etc..
You've never played shape to break open a cluster??
First thing I do when I'm at the table on rotation is pick a pocket, from the highest numbered ball then work backwards to the lowest, each ball picking a pocket for the balls. Then I work on the principal of 3 balls ahead if there are no obstructions. Starting with the lowest numbered ball, for example the 1 after a dry break I will plan 4 balls ahead, thereafter 3 balls. The rotation games are simple enough so you don't have to plan an entire rack out before shooting. Where there is a cluster generally you can't predict with enough confidence on how the table will lay after breaking into the cluster so I will generally just plan upto breaking a cluster out, then rethink once I've done so. Ronnie O'Sullivan thinks 5 ahead in snooker, and he is one of the greatest players to play snooker, so there is not much need to think past 5 balls. Its wasted energy. Whether people call it 3 ball patterns or 3 balls ahead, its the same concept, and a concept that every player should incorporate into their game.
I never think three balls ahead. Instead I look for clusters or balls that may be tied up or difficult to get to, then I plan my run based on those issues. Just the way I play, as there are always many ways to run a table. Just like there is no one size fits all!!!
As a kid I saw Lou Butera give an exhibition. He broke the balls with one hand and ran the fifteen the same way. Maybe AZer's wouldn't be too impressed. They'd probably demand he play 14.1 with one hand. The folks at the shopping center were impressed though; at least half of them. The other half thought to themselves, "Get me to a table! This is a really easy game!" Seems he never had a shot longer than 2 feet.
Anyhow; I specifically recall him saying he knew guys who could break a rack like that and call all 15 balls before taking the first shot. I dunno...maybe... If they're all spread out and you can go in any order. I'd still like proof on that one though.
Anyhow; I specifically recall him saying he knew guys who could break a rack like that and call all 15 balls before taking the first shot. I dunno...maybe... If they're all spread out and you can go in any order. I'd still like proof on that one though.