Beware of breaking a cluster toward an obstructed pocket.Ĥ. If you have a choice among several balls, take the one that clears the way for other balls.ģ. Because a ball frozen on a rail can usually be approached from only one side and made easily in only one pocket, look for chances to make such shots early in the run.Ģ.

When an opponent has you in a bad situation, with no reasonable offensive or defensive shot at one of your balls, consider an intentional foul where you pocket a problem opponent ball (assuming your opponent doesn’t have an easy run-out).Īdvice, strategy and options concerning the break are covered on the 8-ball break resource page.įrom Robert Byrne (in “Byrne’s New Standard Book of Pool and Billiards”):īyrne’s 13 Rules to Live by to Run the Table (in 8-ball or straight pool):ġ.

It is very difficult to win in a situation like this.

Try to avoid “one ball hell,” where you only have one OB left on the table and your opponent has many.

If your opponent has many more balls on the table than you, an offensive shot (even low percentage) is often better than a safety (unless the safety is extremely effective).

Consider playing safe instead of attempting a low-percentage shot.If you decide to run out, don’t miss, and don’t take the “easy shots” for granted.On a “bar box,” avoid the side pockets when possible.If you can’t run-out, play a safety early in the game and solve problems (or create problems for your opponent, like a blocked pocket) in the process if possible.Pocket balls in groupings to avoid having to go up and down the table.Pocket or move balls that clear the way for other balls as early as possible.Don’t bump into or disturb balls (yours or your opponent’s) if it is not necessary.Break out clusters when there is an insurance ball available, and use as little speed as necessary for better control.Clear balls from the center of the table early since they block common CB paths and can cause trouble late in the rack.Deal with problem balls as early as possible.Walk around the table while evaluating a run-out plan.Reevaluate your run-out plan after each shot, especially if you get out of line.

Plan your run-out from the 8-ball backwards.Choose the key ball for the key ball very carefully.Choose the key ball for the 8 very carefully (per the info above).Choose “solids” or “stripes” wisely after the break (per the info above).

Here’s a summary of important 8-ball strategy: Top 100 Pool Maxims, Sayings, and Quotes.Top 100 Tips, Tricks, Secrets, and Gems.

No pocket billiards rules