Pieces Of Eight - Tip Of The Week

Number: 53 Jim Tellier May 2012

TOPIC: Breaking up clusters

CATEGORY: Intermediate/Advanced

INTRODUCTION:

You see that there are 2 or more balls clustered together. Maybe one of these is even the 8-ball. Should you try to break up the cluster? What happens if you dont?

TECHNIQUE:

First question to ask is: can I leave this problem for my opponent to deal with? (this is easier in 9-ball than 8-ball, but the same principles still apply). If youre leaving something for him/her to do (other than being able to pocket a ball) then the answer could probably be yes! Clusters present an opportunity to gain the initiative, causing the advantage to swing back in your favor, if you make strategic use of them. Use them as hiding places, especially if you think you can get ball in hand! When you do get ball in hand, see if setting up a breakout for that cluster might be the right thing to do at that time. Most importantly, dont try a heroic sort of attempt to break up a cluster if missing it means that you sell out the rest of the game. Even a safety that doesnt necessarily hide the cue ball (maybe just leaving a long, tough shot) is better than leaving things to chance.

The answers to your questions about clusters often depend upon whether or not you and your opponent have an even number of clusters to deal with. Think of it as, shifting the initiative back and forth with each players turn at the table. Its definitely predictable or measurable, so dont leave it to chance! Play clusters to your advantage!

PRACTICE:

This ones tough to actually prescribe any sort of drill for. But its more of an attitude than anything else. Dont just look at clusters as trouble spots think of them as tools that you can use to change the momentum of the game, and youll open a lot of options to winning more games!