(S&D) Safety & Defense – the Blocked Pocket Tactic

(About the author)

Safety Toolbox (Advanced)

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

A pocket is blocked when another object ball prevents the target ball from being made in that pocket. Blocked pockets complicate a game. A blocked pocket can add one or more innings to the game.

In 8 Ball, a blocked pocket is a problem. Many players will dance around the problem, shooting in other balls while avoiding having to address the problem. Eventually, it has to be faced, usually in the end-game and with very few options.

In 9 Ball, a blocked pocket is a show-stopper, preventing an easy run-out. If it happens to you, apply a proper defensive play. Use blocked pockets to create many kinds of thought-provoking predicaments for your opponent.

In the early-game, never allow blocked pockets to exist. They restrict your options. Eliminate them directly, or turn them around against your opponent. Do not allow your playing plan to be limited by a blocked pocket. That would be allowing your opponent to dictate terms to you.

Slide inside example

This blocks the blocker.

S&D Blocked Pocket - Slide Inside

S&D Blocked Pocket – Slide Inside

Butt out example

This example kicks the opponent’s ball away and leaves yours in place. Sometimes, you can carom off his ball and make yours in the pocket.

S&D Blocked Pocket - Butt Out

S&D Blocked Pocket – Butt Out

Clear the way example

Sometimes it makes sense to pocket an opponent’s ball and leave yours in its place. Use this opportunity to also carefully position the cue ball.

S&D - Blocked Pocket - Clear the Way

S&D – Blocked Pocket – Clear the Way

 

Buy the book – Help your opponent lose!!

The FAQs of Pool & Pocket Billiards


Get the Book!!

book-PDF PDF book (good for smart devices)
(Includes my Money-back Guarantee)

book-red Printed book
Featured Posts

(FAQ) How to Win 10 Ball with Applied Table Tactics

(About the Author) An advanced 10 Ball player will find this information to be moderately helpful. If you are an intermediate ...

Read More

(BSC) Billiard Skills Challenge - OB Speed Control (straight), cross side (Advanced) Test Group

(About the Author) Here is Today's Test Group Challenge from the book. This progressive set develops personal confidence when similar shots ...

Read More

(AWAP) Art of War v. Art of Pool - Chapter 9 - dire distress

(About the author) At it's most basic, the pool table is a small battlefield. An excerpt from "The Art of War" ...

Read More

(AWAP) Art of War v. Art of Pool - Chapter 8 - turn knowledge

(About the author) At it's most basic, the pool table is a small battlefield. An excerpt from "The Art of War" ...

Read More

(BSC) Billiard Skills Challenge (video) - Controlled Runout: Vertical Set 3 of 3

(About the Author) Here is Today's Test Group Challenge from the book. This progressive set develops personal confidence when similar shots ...

Read More

(FAQ) What you need to know about one-rail banking?

(About the Author) Almost all players have difficulty being consistent with banking. Most people (rightly so) consider banks to be low ...

Read More