Eight-Ball 101: Analyzing The After Break Layout

Okay, so you just broke and made the one ball on the break. It is your turn to shoot again. Should you automatically pick solids since you have already made one on the break? The answer is NO! and for several reasons: Remember that the table is always open following the break. The first legally pocketed ball made after the break is what determines which player has what group of balls. Therefore, you do not have to take what falls on the break. Nor should you, simply on the basis that there would be fewer of that group left on the table for you to make. Contrary to popular belief, that is not your best strategy. So, now that we have addressed some common misconceptions, lets get to work on analyzing the table properly and selecting the best group of balls to win the game with.

1. Take a look at the 8-ball. Note that it is free and clear of any other balls or clusters. This is important because, if it weren't, you would have a problem that would have to be solved there in order to win.
2. Look for any clusters on the table. Which groups of balls do they involve? In this case, the 6 (solid) and the 9 (stripe) are tied up together. Therefore neither group of balls are favored in this cluster. However, the 5 (solid) and 7 (solid) are also tied up in another cluster, making the solids a less favorable choice from the cluster stand point.
3. What key balls can be used to break the clusters? In the case of the 6 and 9 ball, the 10 ball (stripe) is also located nearby and can be pocketed at some point in the game when the cue ball is at an angle to rebound off the 10 directly into the cluster. The 5, 7 cluster does not really have a key ball nearby that can be easily made and used to break up the cluster. With this analysis in mind, another point is scored in favor of selecting stripes.
4. Do any balls block pockets? Essentially, balls in the jaws of a pocket, or basically blocking the path of other balls, can be viewed as defensive blockers. In this case, the 11 ball (stripe) is a blocker which can easily be made at some point in your run.
5. What balls are makeable as a first shot from where the cue ball lays? Okay, so now you know "stripes" would be the best choice in this layout. Now you must decide what shot to take first. The easiest shot would obviously be the three ball into the side pocket. But, now that you have properly analyzed the table, you know that establishing solids as your group of balls would ultimately not be a strategically sound choice. Keep in mind that sometimes you may have to attempt a more difficult shot as your first shot in order to establish the best group of balls for yourself in order to win the game! Luckily in this layout, several striped balls lay in easily makeable positions. My first choice would be to make the fifteen and play shape for the 14.

Now that you know how to analyze the table and select the best group of balls to win, stay tuned for my upcoming analysis of how to think through the runout of this rack in my upcoming blog entry to come soon!!!!