Tag Archives: cue

(FAQ) How do you play a cue ball on the rail?

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This is one of the more difficult locations to shoot from. Because the cue ball is so close to the rail, it is impossible to contact the ball with other than a top spin. Draws and any variations are impossible, unless you are an expert in shooting masse shots with a near-vertical stick. Continue reading

(D&E) Drills & Exercises – Double Groups (side pockets) Runout Game, version 2 of 4

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This progressive exercise to improve your playing skills is in the book Drills & Exercises for Pool & Pocket Billiards.

Purpose: Runout all the balls on the table. Decide the sequence before running the balls. Any failure, reset balls and start again. Continue reading

(D&E) Drills & Exercises – Double 3 Ball Runout Game (diagonal), version 3 of 4

(About the Author)

This progressive exercise to improve your playing skills is in the book Drills & Exercises for Pool & Pocket Billiards.

Purpose: Runout all the balls on the table. Set the sequence before running the balls. Any failure, reset balls and start again. Continue reading

(CBC) Cue Ball Control (full table patterns) – Group 7, Set 10

Cue Ball Control Cheat Sheets

This is today’s set of Cue Ball Cheats. These practice setups (and others in the book and blog) help you learn HOW to apply an exact speed and spin. That precision is how to get perfect shape on the second ball – and how to string a run together. For these layouts here are the Cheats for this post:

  • Cheat: 1:00, (1/2 ball hit), Soft 3 speed.
  • Cheat: 12:00, (1/2 ball hit), Medium 2 speed.
    1:30, (1/2 ball hit), Medium 1 speed.
  • Cheat: 10:30, (1/2 ball hit), Medium 2 speed.

Continue reading

(CBC) Cue Ball Control (half table patterns) – Group 6, Set 11

Cue Ball Control Cheat Sheets

This is today’s set of Cue Ball Cheats. These practice setups (and others in the book and blog) help you learn HOW to apply an exact speed and spin. That precision is how to get perfect shape on the second ball – and how to string a run together. For these layouts here are the Cheats for this post:

  • Cheat: 12:00, Soft 2 speed.
  • Cheat: 12:00, Soft 1 speed.
  • Cheat: 1:30, Medium 1 speed.
  • Cheat: 12:00, Medium 2 speed.

Continue reading

(S&D) Safety & Defense – How to Train Your Analytical Mind

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Safety Toolbox (Advanced)

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

Being able to make choices with successful outcomes requires a lot of brain work and practice. Among top players, pool has been compared to chess. A player must consider hundreds of options and choices before selecting a single shot. A poor decision in the early-game can cause a loss. Continue reading

(FAQ) What is Gamesmanship & Sharking?

(About the Author)

Random House Dictionary definitions:
gamesmanship – 1. the use of methods, esp. in a sports contest, that are dubious or seemingly improper but not strictly illegal. 2. the technique or practice of manipulating people or events so as to gain an advantage or outwit one’s opponents or competitors.

shark – 1. (v) to obtain by trickery. 2. (n) a person regarded as ruthless.

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