9-BALL BREAK “Cheat Codes” and Strategy

[@DrDaveBilliards]

*Content:* 0:00 - Intro 0:30 - Side Break 1:49 - Wing Ball “L” 3:04 - CB Control 4:04 - 1-Ball Control 4:57 - 1 in the Side 5:31 - Golden Break 6:16 - Pattern Racking 8:01 - Cut Effects 8:29 - Gap Effects 9:49 - Tight Rack 10:52 - Good Strategy 13:17 - Wrap Up *CORRECTION:* - at 2m01s, "the 4 will not get out of the way fast enough" should be "the 7 will not get out of the way fast enough" - at 5m45s, the spin diagram for the 9-on-the-spot cut-break illustration should show slight bottom-right spin (not bottom-left). *Supporting Resources:* Video Encyclopedia of 9-ball and 10-ball (VENT): drdavebilliards.com/videos/vent/ Video Encyclopedia of Eight Ball (VEEB): drdavebilliards.com/videos/8-ball/ “9-Ball Break Strategy and Advice” resource page: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/9-ball/ “Pattern Racking, Ball-Gap Strategy, and Soft Break” resource page: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/pattern/ “How to Get a Tight Rack” resource page: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/racking/tight/

[@ibrahimkocar6404]

######################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################ı########################ı############################################7 0:39 #j#############################################

[@ibrahimkocar6404]

###

[@rashad5969]

"I aim the jump carefully because I think I have a chance to make it"...... *cue "the price is right" sound effects 😆 😃

[@ronthepoolstudent]

Hi Dr. Dave. The cut break I saw (that I mentioned) was the back cut break. I missed this on your vid but just watched again and found it. I’ve tried this break too and it does have some action. I haven’t executed it enough however to make any determination. I’m going to study your break video in more depth to circumvent putting hours of testing into it. Thanks again Sir 👍🏻

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I didn't realize you were talking about a back cut to move the 9. The one I show is a regular cut break (not a back cut). Or am I still misunderstanding what you are saying?

[@ronthepoolstudent]

@@DrDaveBilliards you do talk about the back cut but that shot has issues you mentioned.

[@trailerwookie]

More great content! I will have to pay attention to those gaps my opponent leaves. You show these shots on a 6-foot and a 9-foot table. However, most of the pool halls near me have 8-foot tables. What adjustments are needed for this size table?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

The "bar box" in my video is a 7' table. All the advice in my video applies to tables of all sizes. To get the 1 to go in the side, you need to adjust the cut angle on the 1 slightly, but not by much.

[@jimmytreadway3195]

ive never seen an 8ft in a pool hall they are in homes mostly,most pool have 9ft or 7ft or both

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@jimmytreadway3195 That is certainly the case in most of the US.

[@jimmytreadway3195]

@@DrDaveBilliards thanks for videos ,if you get a chance to make a "fouls"in apa it would be great,oh and how to rack 8 ball,lol.thanks again

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@jimmytreadway3195 I already have lots of good videos dealing with all types of fouls under the official rules of pool here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/foul/ And all APA differences are listed here: billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/rule-differences/ Good advice on how to rack can be found here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/racking/tight/ Enjoy!

[@rossmyers1595]

At the 9:44 ish part of the video titled "gap effects" that its shown as being a tip on gaining a golden break. It does not seem that the rack is properly centered. So that would have a drastic amount of Influence on the outcome.

[@rossmyers1595]

Absolutely love the content and knowledge that you provide, just trying to point out something I feel I saw. And I absolutely could be wrong. Maybe the camera lens is playing tricks on me or maybe my own eyes are playing tricks on me. But I'm commenting on what I see.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Agreed. That rack was tilted CCW a touch (by accident). As you point out, that (along with many other things: CB position, cut angle on the 1, gap sizes and locations, ball conditions, cloth condition in the rack area, etc.) can definitely affect the outcome.

[@treykeene7912]

I love the humor in your videos. I wish you would add more. Not too much, because knowledge and the information flow is important. But these moments of humor keep my attention and as a person with add. This helps a lot.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I'm glad you like my periodic "funnies."

[@vcoolpool]

Doc, yet another great video. Very good knowledge on what some players do to get an edge. I must admit I do like seeing you miss shots like us mere mortals! Thanks as always and keep them coming.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks. I’m glad you liked the misses too. I don’t like them so much, especially some the careless misses I didn’t include in the video.

[@Dr_Tyler]

Great video Dr dave. I love the recent emphasis on breaking. It’s just like breakfast. Always the most important part is starting strong.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I’m glad you like my latest series of good food for thought.

[@youwokeuptothis1408]

Dr Tyler, you’re on my “viewers that watch Dr dave watch…” also Dr dave, have Dr. Tyler make an intro for you like he did in his newest video!!!

[@brianlittle717]

This is an amazing video. I’m a beginner and I didn’t know there was this much information about how to play!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I'm glad you like it. FYI, a lot more info about this great game can be found via the videos and sub topics here: billiards.colostate.edu/tutorial/ Enjoy!

[@philipv.mcharris5010]

Hi Dr. Dave! Great video. Quick question: at 5:45 I see the cue ball appears with left spin, but in the other 9 ball break video you have it seems like the break from the right side of the table has right hand English to give a chance at the carom / golden break 9 - is there a general rule for this, or does it depend on the cut angle?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

The spin diagram is wrong in that illustration. I just added this to the "CORRECTIONS" in the video description and pinned comment: - at 5m45s, the spin diagram for the 9-on-the-spot cut-break illustration should show slight bottom-right spin (not bottom-left). The amount of spin required (if any is) depends on the cut angle on the 1-ball, but it will usually be outside spin (right when on the shooter's right side of the table, and left on the left side).

[@philipv.mcharris5010]

@@DrDaveBilliards Thank you, Dr. Dave!! Also, is there a general ideal spot for the 1 ball in side break from the kitchen (with the carom / golden break chance)? Is it around 1/2 ball or 1/4 ball hit that is recommended?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@philipv.mcharris5010 Sorry, but I don't know, but it should be easy to find something that works best for you if you play around with it some. Obviously, a range of combinations of CB positions, cut angles, and amounts of spin will work.

[@philipv.mcharris5010]

@@DrDaveBilliards thanks Dr Dave!

[@crackheadmkufams]

Dr. Dave, will you please do a video on how not racking the balls on the exact "spot" on the table throws off your break. In almost every pool hall I have ever been in, the balls will not rack solidly on the exact "spot". I have to believe any change in the placement of the racking will throw off your break every time. In this video, you mention finding the resting one ball spot, what if that is off the spot or way off the spot?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You shouldn’t rack “way off the spot,” but it is helpful to find the position that works best on a particular table. It isn’t always with the 1 exactly in the center of the foot spot.

[@Halfgig57]

Very interesting. Thanks Drdave,

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You’re welcome.

[@lucasgb_v]

I learned alot from this video and how to break when i wasn't good at breaking a while back but thanks DrDave!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I'm glad to hear it helped!

[@blueskye2912]

Love your videos! Sir, could you make a video on the CTE (centre to edge) aiming system, I am struggling to find someone that can explain it well.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I probably not the best person to do this since I am not a fan of the CTE approach. Although, I do have a complete description and analysis here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/aiming/CTE/ I think a much better approach to aiming is what most top players do. I call it DAM: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/aiming/dam/#advice Enjoy!

[@sixcues]

@@DrDaveBilliards Hi Dr Dave just read your Aiming/Dam/Advice paper, must say I'm not a fan of it, Too many things like "Ghost", "Visualize", "Imaginary" etc... some people are not very good at seeing "Ghosts" etc... I prefer a Real Tangible Reference Point on the OB & CB to line up and Aim my Shots. I have my own system that I developed about 12 years ago (there was even a workbook out on it for a while) that when mastered is Deadly Accurate. I'm currently in the process of Filming Videos to teach the system and they will be available on YT and Patreon.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@sixcues I look forward to checking them out. If it is a new and useful system, I might add a description and video links along with the others here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/aiming/

[@migueltrevino1357]

Hi Dr.Dave I’m a big fan of you. I just came back from APA tournament in vegas, and I never played on a 7 ft valley tables, all my kicks where off , my two rail kicks where even worse, do you have any advice to adjust the aiming on a 7 ft or any video.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

In my experience, standard kicking and banking systems work well on Valley tables, as with most brands. Diamond brand tables on the other hand usually bank short. For more info, see the video and info here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/bank-kick/Diamond/

[@migueltrevino1357]

@@DrDaveBilliards thank you for your prompt response.

[@ddeboy002]

jump shots are now almost completely illegal. Halls say it does too much damage to the felts and I agree. Efren almost never jumps because it is not allowed.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

That is simply not true. Most of the other great Filipino players jump well. Jump shots are allowed under the WPA official rules and under most league systems (except the non-Masters-division APA leagues). They are also allowed at most pool halls. Jump shots do make marks on the cloth, but so do many other shot types (break, masse, an elevated shot). For those who want to learn proper jump technique, lots of useful videos and info can be found here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/jump/technique/

[@marthalavigne1651]

Very good points in this video!!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks.

[@koondeerfield1986]

Great! Dr. (from Thai fan 🇹🇭)

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thank you, from the US.

[@brucecheung]

3rd!!! thanks Dr! I am studying PBIA right now

[@traviswilson4752]

Does the weight of the break cue matter as well?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Not much. See: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue/weight/

[@stanfordturner]

In your golden break section you show using slight inside/left spin but shouldn't that be outside/right?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Good catch. You are right per the “CORRECTION” in the video description and pinned comment.

[@hbgstorm]

The wingball with the position on the 1 ball is my dream to master.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

FYI, more help with that can be found in the videos here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/9-ball/

[@vivekthakali5098]

sir can you make some videos on how to use closed bridge on all soets of difficult shots in billiards i think it would help many beginners trying to use it 😊

[@DrDaveBilliards]

See the videos here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/bridge/closed/

[@AesirBerserkr]

is the 1 ball on the dot in these racks?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Yes. For info and demos for how to deal with different racking and breaking rules, see the videos and articles here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/9-ball/

[@AesirBerserkr]

@@DrDaveBilliards much appreciated, I look forward to more content!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@AesirBerserkr If you are in the mood for some binge watching (now or later), I already have 470+ videos on my Channel: kzbin.infovideos Enjoy!

[@AesirBerserkr]

@@DrDaveBilliards Ive been watching periodically for a while now, the end of last year I was finally able to purchase my own 8 ft Leisure Bay Billiards table.

[@samphilipp4997]

It's all about the speed or pace of the break but being square is the best

[@skmalladi]

0:11 ROFL when you put poor Deuel's break when the voice over goes "how some people might cheat against you." Opinion is divided whether or not he was trying to cheat but we can probably agree that he was optimally utilizing the rules to favor him as much as possible during the break. If the rules say you rack for your own break and places no limit on just how hard or soft to hit, I suppose there's nothing wrong with what he does. But if the rules say "random" and leaves it to the player to be an honest citizen, well, there will always be some citizens who are just a little bit less honest than the others.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Sometimes something is "not noticed" or "tolerated" even if it is against the rules. Some people consider this "cheating" and others consider it being "creative" and "opportunistic." I certainly would object to an opponent using a "cheat code" against me if it specifically disallowed in the official rules of the sport or tournament. But if an opponent or referee doesn't seem to know or care, maybe it is OK to "bend the rules."

[@skmalladi]

Takes into a whole philosophical discussion about legal vs. ethical which is best saved for a different day. But, yes, I would like to be an honest player myself and hope my opponent would be the same.

[@williamdanes1987]

1:26 actually that was the 8 ball break

[@BackSeatHump]

Is your "day job" rocket scientist? 😊 You are an analytical genius (seriously) so I know you'll understand my question: Does being tall offer an advantage to playing billiards with respect to 'reach' and 'stroke'?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Being tall helps with reach and stroke length, but I don't see height as an advantage in pool. Most great players are short.

[@BackSeatHump]

@@DrDaveBilliards Short like "Bata" Reyes. Slightly off-topic, but when I was in the Army (a long time ago) there was a guy with a broken forearm. As long as it was in a cast he could play well but once it was removed he was easy to beat.

[@chc.14]

how about 10 ball?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

FYI, I cover the 10-ball break in detail here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/10-ball/ Check it out.

[@chc.14]

@@DrDaveBilliards I see, thanks DrDave! Great video as always. I’m hoping for a video guide like this on a 10 ball break too. It is generally played more around here in the Philippines.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@chc.14 Check out the videos and info on the page linked above. I don't really have anything to add to what is there already.

[@timmyg000420]

You don't have a Fargo rating Dr Dave?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I do not. I have played only in VNEA leagues and tournaments. People have told me I would probably be in the 640-650 range.

[@morty133]

Does anybody know the meaning of the word ""dry"" ? Most of the breaks shown in this video are ""dry"" !!!!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Dry = no ball made (like when you drill for oil or water and you don’t find any … the well is dry).

[@jasonnieuwenhuis335]

If this was a click bait article it would be titled Dr Dave calls out Corey Duel’s illegal breaks! Will they settle their beef?!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

There is no "beef" to settle. I often praise Corey for his creativeness and skill. Some of the racking and breaking tricks he pioneered are against the WPA "official rules of pool," but when he used the techniques, tournament officials and players (including Corey) were not aware there was a problem. As for his soft-break techniques, they are mostly impossible due to the the now-common "3 point rule."

[@251omega]

At 12:08, I believe that Pool games are meant to be two-dimensional (2D), NOT (3D). Call me an anachronism. Call me unreasonable. Call me “PROTECTOR OF THE CLOTH”. But, if you try one of those CHEATING “jump” shots on MY table, you'll be asked to leave. If your careless stupidity damages the cloth, You'll be paying to have new cloth installed! (And then you'll be asked to leave... NO SECOND CHANCES!)

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@251omega The jump shot is a very important weapon in modern pool. If you don’t want marks on your cloth at home, you can use a spare piece of cloth under the CB for break shots, masse shots, jump shots, and power shots (especially draw), all of which make similar marks.

[@JeremyLillard]

Back to back Golden breaks 🥳 kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6WqY5iZa7l4apY

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Nice.

[@driesdebackere5233]

It is only 9 rack low. Everywhere they play 9 high now.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@driesdebackere5233 FYI, 9-on-the-spot break strategy is covered in detail in the pertinent videos here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/9-ball/

[@samphilipp4997]

You are an engineer aren't you?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Yep. Mechanical.

[@CocoboloCowboy]

Cheaters in Pool are every where,🤥 $5.00 entry bar tournament’s, or pro events. If player are caught cheating, they should be banned from the venue. Tournament directors who allow cheater should booted also.🤭

[@LeadingIndicator]

OUTDATED & IRRELEVANT: Now that the pros are pushing the rack up to where the 9-Ball is on the spot and limiting the starting position of the Cue Ball, the potential spread is VERY different.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

FYI, I cover 9-ball-break strategy for every rule variations (including 9-on-the-spot, breaking from the box) here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/9-ball/

[@JTMagXX]

In none of your videos do you focus on where to hit the 1 ball, or where to aim. Seems you’re skipping a crucial first step…are you aiming for center of 1, side, etc? If center, then there’s not many options of what balls will do, or less control over them.

[@JTMagXX]

…on the break, btw

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Details for break strategy for all games (including where to aim) can be found in the illustrations and videos under the pertinent links here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/

[@murkyjoker02]

You should jump on Lil Chris video he challenged you to a shot

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Please post a link (with MM:SS timestamp) so I can check it out. Thanks.

[@murkyjoker02]

25:35

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@murkyjoker02 Please also post a link to the video. I checked his most recent video and didn't see it. Thanks.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I found it with Lil' Chris' help. Thanks again. I'll give it a go when I can find some time. I have lots of travel the next two months.

[@ajschroetlin2196]

Now tell me how to get a good rack on the big tables at Match Ups. 😏

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Use a racking template or “train” the table when Mike is not looking or listening. 🤓 See: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/racking/tight/

[@ajschroetlin2196]

@@DrDaveBilliards A good start would be matching balls. I'm sure you covered that on day one though. 😜

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@ajschroetlin2196 Yep. That would certainly help.

[@NoSh1tSherlock]

So is this technically cheating to break these ways?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

If you purposefully create a gap, it is cheating. For more info and examples, see: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/pattern/ But if you or your opponent makes a good attempt to rack the balls tightly, and you notice a gap on one side, it helps to know how to "read the rack" and take advantage. That's just smart.

[@NoSh1tSherlock]

@@DrDaveBilliards yeah I understand that. But like for instance, I was at a hall last night, and the other person was racking for the person breaking. So if they put a rack in a certain way and you observed it

[@DrDaveBilliards]

The problem is: To see the gaps, you need to inspect the racked balls closely from above, and some people don't like that after they rack for you.

[@HillbillyIslandLife]

First

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Second

[@tetedure1769]

A lot of soso player win because of it. They cheat on the break and it is not easy to prove it. Even with cameras, if you don't know 100% what you're talking about the cheater will go away with your money. LOL!