Pieces Of Eight - Tip Of The Week

Number: 64 Jim Tellier September 2012

TOPIC: Breaking up clusters- Revisited

CATEGORY: Intermediate/Advanced

INTRODUCTION:

You see that there are 2 or more balls clustered together. How do you decide whether or not 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.

But wait --- theres MORE! J

In 8-ball, you can often see which player has the tougher by looking at the number of clusters s/he has to deal with to win the game. All else being equal, if YOU have fewer clusters to deal with, then YOU have the initiative (advantage), as long as you work it. Often, in cases where there are a lot of balls clustered together (both stripes and solids combined) its very hard to see whos got the upper hand. Be patient. If you reach a point in the game where both you and your opponent each have only one cluster to worry about, and you DONT have a complete, guaranteed run-out in your sights, see if you can play either a shot OR a safety that will create a cluster for your opponent. Now, youre turning the advantage clearly in your favor.

Another key concept to remember about clusters: try very hard not to break up your opponents clusters. That may seem like obvious advice, but Ive seen many players fail to pay attention to what happens when they are making a shot, and they end up breaking up the opponents cluster(s). Now, after a simple, single missed shot, the opponent has the run-out handed to him on a silver platter!

Finally, think about what it is that your opponent needs to be able to break up his clusters: either a direct shot on one of the balls in the cluster, OR another ball on the table that, when shot and pocketed, will allow the CB to break up the cluster. How do you counteract those things? By leaving the CB in a position, after your shot, where (IF you miss) your opponent wont have those opportunities. (This is somewhat advanced strategy, but even casual players should be looking at whats going to happen IF I miss? It becomes a key part of your approach to the game as you gain more experience; it can happen without your giving it much conscious thought, but truthfully its easier if you stop and think about it! Make that single question part of your game plan, and you will see many more opportunities to win.

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!

Shoot well, and keep your opponent in his chair!

Capn Carom

ARRRR!!!! J