Beautiful analysis, and I concur.Haven't read any of the thread beyond you post, so forgive the repeated suggestion.
Only 3 variables should be considered when playing position.
Now your example is a great one for the typical mistake I see strong players make. That's right, not weak, but strong.
- How do I get to the next ball
- What angle do I need on that ball to continue a simple pattern
- Is there an option to avoid mistakes
So if we run down my check list we get to the obvious point. Step 1: You have apparently 4 options to get to the 3.
Ok, so next on the check list. Which of my list of options provides the best opportunity to get on the 3 with a good angle to continue my pattern.
- Slow roll and come off the short rail. Long shot on the 3 through the gap between 5/6.
- Stronger shot off only the short rail and run the CB up passed the 5
- Follow w/ inside english, (as mapped). Running the CB through the gap between 5/6
- Draw w/ outside english, (as mapped). Bringing the CB to the long rail and out to some degree.
So, to the last check. "Is there an option to avoid mistakes". Here you basically rank the options "risk vs reward" You consider what it's going to take to get to your desired spot on the next ball, (difficulty of producing the shot as desired) combined with potential pitfalls if you don't hit it right vs what you actually need to continue the pattern. Now earlier I did declare the goal a "simple pattern". However there's always situations that call for more added difficulty so the results are more reliable. Back to our options...
- This provides me a full table length shot on the 3. It will likely be very straight and will require a stop shot for a simple shot on the 5. There's options of slow rolling or timing a kill shot to allow a little roll through after a stronger stroke. Definitely no value in pumping it to generate a ton of draw.
- The end result here is a cut shot that will provide a back and forth shape play on the 5. Which is simple enough. The pace to which you play the 2 is critical though as you can easily over run the 3 and be dead in the water.
- A very natural path for CB. A stronger player should be fairly dialed in which such a play. Provides a good sized landing zone. Depending how far you roll will result in anything from a stop shot to another follow shot to pot the 5 in the respective corners.
- Although not a natural path. A draw shot w/ outside english is skill #1 every player learns, so this should be extremely reliable. Once you clear the 6 from the perspective of the short rail. You'll have a massive landing zone resulting in shape that will run the gambit of potential choices to get on the 5. The difficulty of the 5 will be directly proportional to how hard and spin the CB.
So what do I do...?
- Smallest landing zone. Action on the CB is as basic as it can be. Some find it difficult to extremely slow roll. However there's really no consideration beyond minimal pace. That said, the resulting shot on the 3 is as difficult as it gets. It will require a strong second shot to merely pot the 3. Shape on the 5 is more about whatever you end up with as long as you make the 3.
- The 5 is a massive blocker following this route. Having a strong handle on the the pace of the table it paramount. Extremely easy to either block yourself with the 5 or overrun the shape in varying degrees of unnecessary difficulty to a complete no go.
- Once again, this all boils down to pace and rail condition. This can be anything from a strong stroke to nearly a slow roll on a diamond pinball machine. Should consider that this option is the only one that brings a possible sewer into play. 80% of this shot has the CB behind obstructions, and contains the potential for an extremely difficult shot on the 3 if you manage to reach the second long rail.
- Largest landing zone by a long shot. 10-15% of this shot is behind obstruction. Once you clear the 6, you will have a shot. Only option 1 makes getting a clean look on the 3 easier. Far too many resulting shape options to comment on, but it does encompass all angles you could produce with the other 3 options. Most forgiving regarding pace.
Well, I'm a very keen follow inside player. I base the majority of my pattern play on that type of shot. I find it very natural and comfortable. So with that said, I'm taking option 4. Yep, option #4. Its the best play of the bunch. Gives you the most breathing room. Is second only to option 1 for worrying about obstructions, but will result in a far better shot on the 3.
Apologies for the wordy reply. Morning coffee
Got to my diamond pin ball machine, and the inside 2-railer Option 3 was an absolute hanger. But I know my table. The spin off the two rails had my almost bunting the balls.
The outside shot, I had some speed control issue but never didn’t have a shot. And the shot is always going to be a back cut power shot or softer follow depending if the 5-bal passed the 6-ball. That might be too much to ask for for some players.
If I was on a cold (to me) table, Option 4 is my first choice, which also means on my table it’s my first choice. I don’t go around thinking I’ll shoot this shot different from table to table since Option 4 is good on any table.
If the cueball were higher, the one rail up the table might become the obvious choice. If the cueball were a couple hairs lower, maybe that changes Option 3 vs Option 4.
And yes, I took the time to set it all up a video. Forgot to hit RECORD with all my narrative. Didn’t want to put myself through that brain fart old man syndrome again. Many of you have seen me shoot.
Anyway my Mo shot works nicely with centerball on the 3 to stop for the 5. Just a little angle to drift over for the same angle on the 5 to get to the 6 ball which gets the same small angle for 6 to 7 and voila same thing on the 7 gets straight on the 9. Imagination out for sure. Gramps caint do it in practice here tonight but it's there for the able.
