Solution #27

Choosing the first shot here is key, I see many people in league start with the wrong shot in this situation. The 3 ball is the obvious choice as getting shape later in the run out could be difficult.

How would you run this?

Solution #26

I definitely like solids here...the only problem I see is that the 4 ball has limited options for a pocket.

The 4 ball has both side pockets if you get the 6 ball out of the way...

The shape off of the 1 ball is going to determine your plan of action here...

What are your thoughts...how would you do it? Remember, you need the 10-0 for the match!

Solution #25

I really don't seen an offensive or two-way shot worth pursuing here...

I recommend Saaaa-aaaa--fety

This looks like the easiest safety to pull off in getting behind the 8 ball.

Here is another option, but this seems more difficult and could leave an easy jump shot for your opponent.

You could also tie up the 8 ball with your 9 ball since you have more left on the table...this would also leave your opponent only a tough shot in the side pocket for his 2 ball.

What would you suggest to do here?

Solution #24

With a couple pockets blocked by your opponents stripes...you really need to think ahead on this runout. The angles (or lack thereof) can easily get you out of shape. I like the side pockets and would start off with the 2 ball in the side...with drifting shape for the 1 ball.

If you go past straight in on your 1 ball shape it makes the 3 ball shape a lot more tricky...but as long as you error on the side of caution (being short) you won't have to worry about scratching too much with the pocket blocked.

The shape for the 8 ball is probably the toughest shot here, the window is sort of small her and requires good speed control.

If you mess up this runout your opponent should likely get out easily on you with a couple ducks.

Practice this runout 5 or 10 times and drop a comment with your success ratio!

Solution #23

Solids look better that stripes here due to the 10 ball being it a bad spot and the opening shot for taking solids is much easier that one for stripes.

Last thing you want to do is miss the first shot and have your opponent run out the rack on you.

How would you run this rack out? Drop a comment!

Solution #22

The 3 ball and the 5 ball are the toughest shots and you need to start with one of them...I would shoot much differently if I only needed to make 3 balls for the round on league night though!

I would really be tempted to try for 3 ball shape off the 5 ball shot...

Getting back to the 3 ball is the key of this runout

What are your thoughts/suggestions?

Solution #21

With the 6 ball blocking the 11 ball in the corner, you really only have one (non-bank) pocket for the 11 ball.

The first shot is the most difficult and I would understanding taking the 13 ball instead of the 14 ball. You will nudge the 12 ball and will need a little luck for your 2nd shot shape.

Getting on the 11 ball is the key shot for sure.

The 8 ball is somewhat limited as well...

What are your thoughts or suggestions?

Solution #20

This situation I think it is pretty tough to try for a breakout shot with the 8 ball in the middle of the action.

For solids, I think the best option is a safety to open your ball up and make your opponent give you ball in hand.

Here I like this safety because it will make it very difficult to hit the stripe with the 8 ball in the way of the 1 rail kick.

Now, turning the tables...if my opponent left me like this, I would probably try to tie up the 2 ball again to hope for a better option next time. This will give my opponent ball in hand again.

The breakout off the ball in front of the side pocket is still a possibility, but I still prefer to position my balls instead.

These kind of safety games can go on for a while...sometimes one gets frustrated and gives up. At the start of this, the one with ball-in hand had the "advantage" in winning this games. Probably 8 or 9 out of 10 games should be won.

What is your opinion?

Solution #19

I would first look at my safety options since there isn't an easy shot...

You're window behind the 2 ball and 8 ball is pretty good in size, but the 5 ball isn't located in a prime spot to get the cueball snookered.

I think I'd probably be successful 6 out of 10 times at getting the cueball in the safety zone. I'll probably make the bank shot on the 5 ball 2 out of 10. By making the bank, it would improve my position in getting a good safety or a shot at the 2 ball. The safety behind the 8 ball doesn't appear too tough. If I do leave an opening to the 15 ball, the 8 ball is blocked in one of the corners...so it isn't a clear sell-out.

Another safety has a smaller window in that the 8 ball will be the prime ball to hide the cueball behind. This is definitely a speed shot and requires some practice to feel comfortable and become successful at this safety.

An aggressive approach would be to shoot the 2 ball in the corner and try to manuever the cueball around to get shape. You're shape is definitely still a variable and you may end up worse that you started.

What would you do? Drop a comment!

Solution #18

Here is my solution for running stripes in Challenge #18

I like shooting the 9 ball here, there really is no safety...but if you happen to miss the 9 ball in the corner, it may block the corner for the 8 ball. I think my chances to run this is 60/40 on a bar box...may drop to 40/60 on a table with tighter corner pockets like mine at home.

Making the 1st shot will set you up nicely for the out, I really don't see much of a safety to play instead.

The rest of the shots can be made easily and will set up shape nicely with the right speed.

How would you do it? Drop a comment with your ideas/feedback