WWYD 8 ball

The_JV said:
Don't moves balls around when you don't have to. As the 2 ball lays, you don't need to move it, and you can roll for shape to the 6 by just potting it if you're on the left side of the table.

We're going to have to agree to disagree on this one.
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I agree with this. You want to be as close to the 2 as possible without being too close in case you need to put spin on the cue ball. Sky under hit the 3 which is why, if I was taking the "2 route" I would go 7 and 1 first to land closer to the 3 to give myself an easier positional shot on the 2. This comes with risk of course (not getting on the 6 from the 2 and/or the 5 from the 6 - with no insurance balls in the open) but all routes on this layout come with risk. If I were anywhere close to Sky's level I would take his route (3 first) but as a lesser player I'd get an easier positional shot off the 3 by taking the 1 and 7 first.

There is probably an "optimal" route for top players who have all the skills and I think Sky chose that route but, as can happen under pressure, made an unforced error. Part of the beauty of 8 ball though is that as we go down the pecking order, the number of "near optimal" routes increases and the one you choose should relate to your specific skillset (even the Shaws, Fillers and SVBs have weaknesses - but any weaknesses in their game are so mild that the optimal route is the same for them all for almost all layouts).
 
The_JV said:
Sure it does... If you're high on the 2 a minor amount of stun puts the CB into the 9. If you lower you can roll through and possibly not even bother touching the 9 on the way back up for the 6. Lets say you go middle table off the 3 for some reason. You can still cut the 2 in, come off the short rail and knock the 9 into the 12, clearing them both. However that's a bad choice considering the other two options.

That's the comical thing. You think you have a foolproof way the 6 but you really have no clue how the CB or 2 is going to end up. IF you hit the 9 clean in the face you end up like you say, (I highlighted the key word). Odds are that's not going to happen and you're playing a shot that's going to manlipulate the 2 when you don't have to. This is pool 101. Don't moves balls around when you don't have to. As the 2 ball lays, you don't need to move it, and you can roll for shape to the 6 by just potting it if you're on the left side of the table.

We're going to have to agree to disagree on this one.
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We don't need to disagree. You of course are at liberty do so.

First thing, if the sensible sequence was so good, why did Mr. Woodward have to call in an air strike? Second, it's not clear in that pic how the 2 and 9 actually sit. Otherwise the 2 can be done directly as numerous people suggested in the first place. The billiard insures getting on it and nudging them apart regardless.

Reading back, Chili's first impression was the draw shot at the 2.
PJ wanted to straight back the 2 - he plays one hole, it's doable.

Here's a pool axiom that can save a player:
No matter what, it's a bar table.

Incidentally, I ran out. :D
 
I think for middle-standard players, this captures the classic dilemma where neither of you has a good run-out, but the problem area is the same for both of you, so improving your layout will enable both of you to get out.

At my level of play, and assuming my opponent is similar level, I don't think I'm going to get out in one innings, and I don't think he is either. Which means my plan is to try to improve my layout while stopping him improving his.

So I'm thinking to take the 5 and leave a steep cut on the 6, then cut the 6 into the open space above the 2 (solving my problem while leaving as many of my balls on the table as possible), and run the cue ball up table so my opponent at least has to do a bit of work to hook me in that group on the foot rail.

I'd be tempted to try to move his 15 on the same shot. I'm on the fence about that.

I know my opponent might be able to get out from there, but he's got work to do, and if he lets me back to the table (unhooked), I'm hopeful of getting out.

I think 8-ball is most interesting for players at this middle level, who can run the table, but not so consistently that it's a rack-running contest.
 
straightline said:
We don't need to disagree. You of course are at liberty do so.
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I just see the table differently I suppose, and we obviously make different pattern choices. A long time ago I abandoned draw shots as a first option. Not that they don't have a place. Just if there's a 'smarter' route I'll lean that way.
straightline said:
First thing, if the sensible sequence was so good, why did Mr. Woodward have to call in an air strike? Second, it's not clear in that pic how the 2 and 9 actually sit. Otherwise the 2 can be done directly as numerous people suggested in the first place. The billiard insures getting on it and nudging them apart regardless.
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Lets not confuse good patterns .vs. poor execution.

I'm not Sky so this is merely guess work and my observations. I think he hit the 4 ball (first shot) too lightly and came up short on the 2. You can see him eyeballing the 2 after the 4 and then resetting to use the 3. He then over hit the 3 and came to far to the right side of the table which forced a carom off the 9 in an effort to hold the CB down table for the 6. Once again, you can see his reaction after the 2 ball. From there the rest of the rack is moot. If he had stayed on the left side of the table the 2 ball is easier and the subsequent shape to the 6 is a as well.

None of his struggles justifies a 4ft draw shot gamble.
straightline said:
Reading back, Chili's first impression was the draw shot at the 2.
PJ wanted to straight back the 2 - he plays one hole, it's doable.
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Don't recall Chilli's thoughts but if they were the same as PJ, the long bank splitting two balls into a partial pocket in hopes of hitting precision draw to the 6 got a chuckle out of me. Of course it's doable. Easily the lowest percentage play from there. Heck I'd shoot the long draw from the seven before trying that one...lol

Again though. Different strokes....
straightline said:
Here's a pool axiom that can save a player:
No matter what, it's a bar table.

Incidentally, I ran out. :D
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lol... yes, a bar table. As we all know the game is waaaay easier on a BB ;)
 
The_JV said:
None of his struggles justifies a 4ft draw shot gamble.

Don't recall Chilli's thoughts but if they were the same as PJ, the long bank splitting two balls into a partial pocket in hopes of hitting precision draw to the 6 got a chuckle out of me. Of course it's doable. Easily the lowest percentage play from there. Heck I'd shoot the long draw from the seven before trying that one...lol

Again though. Different strokes....

lol... yes, a bar table. As we all know the game is waaaay easier on a BB ;)
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Honestly, the picture is too hard to tell if the 2 banks or if you can cut it so I was being a bit tongue in cheek, that being said, if I was in the zone, I would have zero issue attempting that draw as I'm fairly confident in my drawing ability and hitting the correct contact point on the ball when doing so.

I also threw out that I'd probably lose so you better listen to someone else :)
 
I can't see making the 2 without moving the 9. I proposed shoot the 2 first softly trying to get on the 6. He shot the 2 too hard but still had a "flightless" chance to get out but he shot the 5 too hard also.
 
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