Do you want to win, or are you content to just hit balls around at random?
If you want to win, you must play the odds. Skilled players understand the chances of pocketing their ball versus the likelihood of executing a successful safety, while also assessing the cost and benefit of each option. My next series of articles will be a sample of what we go over in my Billiards Boot Camp held here in Northern California.
You have stripes here. Your opponent’s ball is in the jaws and the 8 ball is on the opposite end rail. What do you do? A sucker would attempt a low-percentage bank shot on the stripe and, if successful, be rewarded with another low-percentage bank or thin cut on the 8-ball.
The skilled player would pocket opponent’s ball in the corner with a combination shot, leaving the opponent a tough bank shot and leaving your ball in the jaws. Now it is almost impossible for them to play safe on you, and they are now forced to attempt a low-percentage bank shot.
You are now the favorite to win this game.
Jacqueline Karol is known as “The Angel of Billiards.” She began playing pool when she was three years old. Her father, a nuclear engineer, introduced her to the game and taught her the fundamentals. In 2002, Jackie began training full time with world-renowned billiards coach and columnist Tom Ross of Denver, CO. Her first goal was to win the 2003 BCA National 8-Ball Championship. Her hard work paid off and she went on to become the 2003 Billiard Congress of America’s 8-Ball and trick shot champion. Jacqueline now lives in Northern California and offers a variety of training programs. You can check her out at her website.
Photo: Jeff M for Short/Flickr
Editor: Dana Gornall