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(This is today’s bit of advice from the book Safety Toolbox.)

Here are some notes on how to play a ball-in-hand for 8 Ball and 9 Ball formats.

Some suggestions:

Start with your toughest ball on the table and calculate a natural roll to get shape on the next.
If you have two balls in different dead zones, shoot one to get shape on the other.
You may want to simply tickle a ball out of a cluster while playing a tough safety.
Select patterns that do not require complex positioning skills.
If confident about handling a cluster breakout while pocketing another ball (and still get shape), do the breakout.

Here are some general guidelines for the three stages of a typical game.

Early- Determine the best three ball sequence. After every shot, do a full re-evaluation. At the appropriate time, shoot a safety while you nudge a ball near a pocket. Leave any insurance ball in place.
Mid- Start with any problem balls. Look for an opportunity to carom an opponent’s ball into a dead zone or into a cluster. Also consider nipping out any ball that is tied up.
End- If possible, run out to the win. If not, get your last ball into a corner pocket while shooting a safety. If you’re on the 8 and he has a couple of tough balls, nurse the 8 near a pocket to win when it’s your turn.

In 9 Ball, plan carefully. Be ready to set up a defensive shot as needed. Play the selected pattern, but execute each shot as a two-way.

Here are some general guidelines for the three stages of a typical game.

Early-game. Keep BPI averages in mind. Determine the best three ball pattern. After every shot, do a full re-evaluation. At the first sign of difficulty, shoot a safety.
Mid- Pick off the first couple of balls and then set up a bad angle in combination with a distance safety when 2 or 3 balls remain on the table. Give your opponent an opportunity to give you an easy out.
End- If possible, run out. If unavailable, play defensively on the 8 or 9 ball in preparation for a safety battle.

Always make rationale choices. Consider different patterns. Think each pattern ALL the way through.