(Tournaments: Two players)
OFFENSE
1. Win the lag for the break, as it provides an immediate advantage when executed properly (generally considered a 1 to 1 ½ advantage).
2. Position the cue ball behind the head string, somewhere between 3” & 15” from the side rail. Whether to shoot from the left or right side of the table is a matter of personal confidence in accuracy. Generally speaking, right-handed players break from the left side, left-handed players break from the right side of the table, and whether the player is left-eye or right-eye dominant may also be considered. Using extreme inside english and medium speed, make contact with the outside edge of the head ball (some will use the second ball instead). The break should be hit with sufficient force to move 3 to 4 balls from the rack and left in a pocketable position at a later time.
The ideal break shot defensive position is to leave the cue ball 1 ½ diamonds back towards the shooter, near the side rail.
*** SCRATCHING ON THE BREAK IS A CRITICAL ERROR ***
ONLY PRACTICE WILL PROVIDE A PLAYER WITH INFORMATION
THAT PRODUCES THE BEST CONSISTANT OUTCOME
3. After your every turn at the table is completed, sit down, shut up, calm your emotions, chalk your cue tip, observe your opponents offensive & defensive decisions & execution to take advantage of their weaknesses & strategy. Observe locations of balls and plan for your shot possibilities during your next turn. Look for “wired” ball combinations & banking options that work both for you and against you. Look for opportunities to re-locate multiple balls to your side of the table.
BEFORE EVERY SHOT
Walk around the table … options look differently from the other sides. Decide exactly where the cue ball should be left. Consider the reward vs the risk of every shot. Do I run the risk of a foul or a scratch? Does it give me a reasonable opportunity to pocket multiple balls or to win the game? After deciding upon the best shot options (ball, english, angles, other balls, etc.) clear your mind and focus on only one thing, SPEED
Value every ball … each is 12 ½ % of the game
Make sure either a ball is pocketed, or any object or cue ball hits a rail to avoid penalty. Learn the many unique shots that frequently occur in one pocket.
Consider all possibilities, 1-rail, 2-rail, 3-rail, 4-rail, 5-rail, or cross-over banks.
DEFENSE
4. Is there an opportunity to re-locate makeable balls that are near my opponents pocket? If a ball is very close to being made in my opponents pocket, should I attempt to knock it away, make it, or make it and follow it in with the cue ball and spot that ball one of my made balls, and giving my opponent a ball in hand behind the head string?
5. Can I play a safety & leave the cue ball buried in the racked balls, or
Leave the cue ball behind another ball, or
Leave the cue ball at the head string end of the table ?
NOTE : a) The game is not over until the winning shot is made
(without a foul or scratch)
b) Know the ONE POCKET RULES
PREPARED BY: BYRON COOK The Lunch Bandit 11/05/25