How to Make the 9 ON THE BREAK … It’s Not Just Luck

Dr. Dave demonstrates various techniques for getting a “golden break” in 9-ball, where you pocket the 9 “on the snap” for an early game victory. Being smart and using good technique can help you win more games.
Content:
0:00 - Intro
0:45 - Cut Break
2:26 - Combo With Back Ball
---- 4:19 - natural 8 kiss
---- 5:18 - pocketing other balls
7:18 - Gaps Behind the 9
9:13 - Lucky Kiss, Carom, or Combo
9:46 - Wrap Up
CORRECTIONS:
- the spin diagram for the 9-on-the-spot cut-break illustration in the beginning of the video should show slight bottom-right spin (not bottom-left).
- The 8-9-combo approach I demonstrated with the 1 on the spot (starting at 2m26s), works just as well with the 9 on the spot; although, the 8 is no longer natural in the side.
Resources and Source Videos:
- 9-ball break advice resource page: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/b...
- break advice resource page: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/b...
- how to get a tight rack: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/b...
- “Best Pool BREAK SHOTS of All Time in 9-ball, 10-ball, and 8-ball” video: • Best Pool BREAK SHOTS ...
- 30° rule peace-sign technique: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/3...
- Video Encyclopedia of 9-ball and 10-ball (VENT): drdavebilliards.com/videos/vent/
- “LUCKY POOL SHOTS! US Open 9-ball 2017” video: • LUCKY POOL SHOTS! US O...
- “FSR VS MAX LECHNER | Final Highlights | 2022 US Open Pool Championship” video: • FSR VS MAX LECHNER | F...
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Good Luck With Your Game!!!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

*Content:* 0:00 - Intro 0:45 - Cut Break 2:26 - Combo With Back Ball ---- 4:19 - natural 8 kiss ---- 5:18 - pocketing other balls 7:18 - Gaps Behind the 9 9:13 - Lucky Kiss, Carom, or Combo 9:46 - Wrap Up *CORRECTIONS:* - the spin diagram for the 9-on-the-spot cut-break illustration in the beginning of the video should show slight bottom-right spin (not bottom-left). - The 8-9-combo approach I demonstrated with the 1 on the spot (starting at 2m26s), works just as well with the 9 on the spot; although, the 8 is no longer natural in the side. *Resources and Source Videos:* - 9-ball break advice resource page: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/9-ball/ - break advice resource page: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/ - how to get a tight rack: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/racking/ - “Best Pool BREAK SHOTS of All Time in 9-ball, 10-ball, and 8-ball” video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJu8pXmshLqtmM0 - 30° rule peace-sign technique: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/30-90-rules/peace-sign/ - Video Encyclopedia of 9-ball and 10-ball (VENT): drdavebilliards.com/videos/vent/ - “LUCKY POOL SHOTS! US Open 9-ball 2017” video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGOcpaiYf7GGmrM - “FSR VS MAX LECHNER | Final Highlights | 2022 US Open Pool Championship” video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qmrdnZSloquWa8U *Subscribe to Dr. Dave's KZbin Channel:* kzbin.info

[@bruceleroy02]

Could you maybe do some 10 ball videos? Just joined a league and a lot of it is leaving me flummoxed

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@bruceleroy02 FYI, I already have lots of info and some videos dealing with the 10-ball break here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/10-ball/ And game strategy is very similar to 9-ball game strategy: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/strategy/9-ball/

[@lazarkrcadinac1199]

Da li imate nešto o taktici igre bilijara pitam jer sam strategiju igre video a taktiku ne hvala.😅😅.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@lazarkrcadinac1199 Lots of videos and info dealing with strategy and tactics in various games can be found here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/strategy/ and here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue-ball-control/ Enjoy!

[@lazarkrcadinac1199]

Jer imate gospodine DIVe nešto od tactick biliara neki snimak ili na tu temu.😅😅.

[@M.Mae.M]

Dr Dave I love your channel, thank you for your commitment to the game.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I'm glad to hear it. You're welcome.

[@ramonsytb]

Chris Reinhold just made 3 golden break in a match last week at derby and I was lucky that I watched the game in person there. All 3 golden breaks were done in the 8 kick 9 to the corner pocket way mentioned in this video, 9 on the spot by the way!

[@ramonsytb]

Forgot to mention that there were two very close ones that 9 ball end up very close to the pocket , so almost 5 golden breaks

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I wish I had video of that. It would have been good to include.

[@ramonsytb]

@@DrDaveBilliards I do have one recorded, do you want it?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@ramonsytb I can use it only if it is publicly available on YT. Thanks for the offer, though.

[@zanethind]

Max Lechner made 3 golden breaks in a row too

[@jerryhughes4256]

Wonderful Dr-Dave!

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks!

[@gorankunovic6404]

This is one of your best videos… tnx

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thank you, and you're welcome. FYI, I have a lot more good videos dealing with break shot technique and strategy for all games on all table sizes under the topic headings here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/ Check them out.

[@raybrower3180]

It's cool to see other people use loose leaf repair stickers to lay out patterns for training. I use them all the time also.

[@theayatollahofrockandrollah]

Really great video again Dr. Dave. Thanks for your great expertise. It made me think of a story I 'd like to share with you. A friend of mine has his own table right in the middle of his living room. One time we were playing 9 ball and I shot the break so hard it made a SNAP noise so beautiful and the 9 ball went so hard and straight into the corner pocket we were both amazed. Thinking it was a fluke I racked the balls up again and the same exact thing happened, same sound and the 9 ball hard and straight in the same corner. My friend looked at me and said to me, quoting Paul Newman from the Color of Money: "Are you a hustler Amos?" and we both laughed our asses off. I immediately tried to do it again, but I have never ever been able to reproduce that amazing break shot. Not even close. Kindest regards from Holland.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Cool. With a gap behind the 9 (and breaking from the opposite side as the gap), it has a decent chance to go.

[@MarcassCarcass]

Finally, the 9 ball break. I was just practicing making the wing ball on the break, but had yet to see a video on this.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

FYI, I have lots of videos and info for how to make the wing ball under different conditions here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/9-ball/

[@dksittingduck]

Great presentation! Very concise.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it.

[@apexpredatorbilliardstraining]

Love the presentation..... Very knowledgeable content as expected

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I'm glad to hear it. Thank you!

[@liberty9348]

Great video. Thank you =]

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I’m glad you liked it. You’re welcome.

[@Shastavalleyoutdoorsman]

Fantastic tips.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks. I'm glad you think so.

[@notbrianbradley]

Great video, as always.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks. I aim to swerve. :)

[@math3matics]

@@DrDaveBilliards :-)

[@DUCKSWAYBOBWEAVE]

I had a tight rack and luck for my first Golden Break haha, shoutouts to Brandon. I used none of the suggested methods in the video, mind blowing to see footage and ways to do it.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

As I mention in the video, luck is one of the “methods.” :)

[@adamadler7041]

been doing this for years... it does work

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Which of the methods in the video do you use?

[@jasv49]

Nice video as always Doc. How about one with tips for push-out shots in 9 ball? That's one interesting topic I don't think you've covered so far.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Bob and I cover push-out shots on VENT, but maybe I should do a YT video some day. Good idea.

[@zanethind]

This is why the break box rule and 9 on the spot was invented. They didn't want to get an "easy" golden break everytime

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Actually, the rules were invented to prevent the easy wing ball in the corner and easy shape on the 1 up table. As shown in the video, the cut break to pocket the 1 in the side with the 9-on-the-spot/break-box rules is what prompted the attempts at the golden breaks, sending the CB across the table into the stationary 9.

[@zanethind]

@@DrDaveBilliards good to know thanks Dave

[@zanethind]

One thing I've found out is that if you rack the balls a bit lose the 9 goes closer to the pocket where as if its a super tight rack it's harder to make the 9 go in

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Yep. A gap behind the 9 is one of the “cheat codes” presented in the video.

[@zanethind]

@@DrDaveBilliards yeah I saw. Thanks for the helpful videos Dave

[@sixcues]

Dr. Dave what is the exact size of the break box, say I wanted to set the break box up on my table just exactly how do i measure it out? I can't find any info online about it.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

It varies with the tournament. This is no standard that I know of. Sometimes it is two diamonds wide. Other times it is 18 inches. There might be others also.

[@TheNuggzt3r]

I'll practice that for sure. There are always days where my usual cut break just won't work...OR I play against someone who is way better than me.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Making some 9s on the snap can definitively eat at your opponent, especially the better ones.

[@kyko7179]

Another great video! Thanks! One thing I find a pity: on the thumbnail is the 9 on the spot but in the video itself is predominantly the 1 on the spot. Here is in my opinion but already a big difference. Many (if not all) of the breaks, only work with the 1 on the spot. Or is there no difference and it works the same with the 9 on the spot?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I should have mentioned this in the video. Sorry. The 8-9-combo approach I demonstrated with the 1 on the spot, works just as well with the 9 on the spot; although, the 8 is no longer natural in the side.

[@cheezandwine139]

Dr. Dave .. at 1:13, 1:14 he did not drive a straight cue .. oh sh.. wait... it's a cut break .. dammit I'm still trying to get my straight break to work .. fml.

[@stefan3225]

One guy in our local game LOVES golden breaks…so I shrunk the pockets to 4.125” and it happens much less often now! 😂

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Everything "happens much less often" with 4 1/8" pockets! :)

[@sbgnoob2822]

luck, precise aim and spin, perfect amt of force and spin and that led me to it and thanks btw

[@DrDaveBilliards]

You're welcome.

[@user-yv5vd5on7k]

@DrDaveBilliards how do you break if the 9 is on the spot position?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I cover strategy for all 9-ball rules variations in the videos here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/9-ball/

[@camsmith9739]

Hi Dr. Dave, I just found you channel and I love your videos. Just wondering what happens when a player scratches on their 8-ball shot without sinking the 8-ball. Is that a loss or just a normal scratch? Thanks 🙏

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Normal scratch. For more info, see: billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/

[@Shastavalleyoutdoorsman]

@@DrDaveBilliards That actually came up the other night between me and my wife thanks for answering.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@Shastavalleyoutdoorsman The answer is different if you play under "bar rules:" billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/bar-rules so you can both be right! ;)

[@navjot4086604]

Have u ever tested with a robot or manually if hard tips give slightly more reaction than soft tips due to thier high elasticity. Have u run experiments to verify this?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Yes. See: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue-tip/efficiency/ and: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/cue-tip/hardness/ Enjoy!

[@skankytrick]

I made the 9 on the break on my first game of 9 ball.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Nice!

[@yinrenli]

hey, Dr. Dave! what's your opinion about Alex Pagulayan's controversial break at The 2023 World Pool Championship two days ago? i'm curious since your made so many analyze about break.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I haven’t seen it yet. Is there a video available to which you can send me a link?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Are you referring to the breaks deemed “not forceful enough?” My opinion is: that rule should not be used; or if it is used, the break speed should be measured instead and be required to be above a specified number.

[@Mlager4451]

Do these breaks work on any size table?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Yes. BTW, I cover 9-ball break strategy in detail, and show examples on different table sizes, in the videos here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/9-ball/ Check them out.

[@KTHKUHNKK]

Great stuff Dave. I used to call 9-ball A hustlers game. Do you have any idea who created or invented nine-ball ? Keith

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Thanks. Unfortunately, I am not much of a billiards history person.

[@KTHKUHNKK]

@@DrDaveBilliards No problem perhaps I'll Google it

[@KTHKUHNKK]

@@DrDaveBilliards It said William d Clayton in the 1980s

[@momoneyinc]

Where on the cue ball are you hitting?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

… just a hair above center.

[@vickaminski]

The problem is your opponent often does not give a square rack and it points more to one direction or another. I like to break from the side of the table the rack points away from shooting through the 1 ball aiming through the side ball 1 ball in from back of rack on the opposite side to usually get a powerful break. 😎

[@DrDaveBilliards]

If the rack is not square, you can ask for a re-rack; but if you like it, smile.

[@vickaminski]

@@DrDaveBilliards yeah some of these jokers keep racking so bad on purpose. Give a tutorial how to break an F'ed up rack pointing in one direction or another with a fairly tight rack

[@brett6314]

@@vickaminski right, mfers I'll crush it and half the balls barely move. I check now all the time

[@bobbycalcote]

You talk about techniques, but what about where you hit the cue ball? That has a good bit to do with it too

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Good point. Many things are important: tip contact point on CB (amount of tip/bottom spin and sidespin), CB angle of approach into the rack, amount of cut on the 1, and shot speed. If you cannot be accurate and consistent with these things, you won't be effective with the techniques.

[@bobbycalcote]

@@DrDaveBilliards I’ve been taught many things, this was just one thing I thought about while watching this video. Otherwise very informative and thank you

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@bobbycalcote Thank you, and you're welcome. I aim to swerve. :)

[@emekdulgeroglu3914]

I think 1 Ball is on the head spot for Dr. Dave's break examples. However, new WPC rule dictates 9 Ball to be on the head spot.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

The 8-9-combo approach I demonstrated with the 1 on the spot, works just as well with the 9 on the spot; although, the 8 is no longer natural in the side. I meant to mention this in the video, but I forgot. Sorry.

[@emekdulgeroglu3914]

@@DrDaveBilliards, there is nothing to be sorry. Please consider that as a kind reminder. Cuz, I love to watch what you create. I think it would take a lot of time to prepare all videos that you have shared.

[@Iceflkn]

What's the size of your table?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

Standard 9’.

[@albor06]

In many leagues, making 9 in the bottom two corners does not count as a golden break, and 9 ball is respotted. You think this should be mentioned?.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I am not aware of any such rule in any of the official league system rule sets. Can you let me know where to find it? I have links to all the league system rules in the "Pool Rules Documentation" section here: billiards.colostate.edu/resources/rules/ Thanks.

[@debbiedavid4725]

How many breaks in Total? 😬

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I didn't keep an exact count, but I probably hit over 50-70 breaks during the filming for the video.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

My arm hurts. I'm getting too old for this kind of video.

[@DanLeniwiec]

Is that Corey behind your back?

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I'm not sure what you mean.

[@DanLeniwiec]

@@DrDaveBilliards Corey Duel The Mechanic, master of figuring out breaks. It was a compliment.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

@@DanLeniwiec That is very kind of you. Thanks!

[@jonasbygden]

Since the World Championships started today: Aren't they now racking the 9 on the spot - and with a box behind the head string? It looks like you have the one on the spot, so not really comparable with what's shown from Poland... Probably not relevant for most players, unsure what the different rules say about racking today...

[@DrDaveBilliards]

The 8-9-combo approach I demonstrated with the 1 on the spot, works just as well with the 9 on the spot; although, the 8 is no longer natural in the side. I meant to mention this in the video, but I forgot. Sorry. I did show the first "cut break" option with the 9 on the spot.

[@mosesng6050]

Mm…so this how you break 9 ball in the box and 9 ball on the foot spot. (At the start on this video). Oh and mark the break spot in situations like this.

[@DrDaveBilliards]

FYI, recommended break strategy for all variations of 9-ball break rules can be found here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/9-ball/

[@duylk]

It’s not 9 on the spot like in competition

[@DrDaveBilliards]

FYI, I cover break strategy under all rules variations (including how to pocket the 9 breaking from the box with the 9 on the spot) in the videos here: billiards.colostate.edu/faq/break/9-ball/

[@user-rd8vo1pr3j]

ចុះកូនសនៅកណ្តាលវិញនោះ

[@DrDaveBilliards]

That is certainly a risk.

[@salevu]

You racked the ball wrong way all the time. On your diagrams of cut break, its 9 on the spot and you are breaking with 1 on the spot kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKXTe3htdqxsd9U . that is why, despite all your knowledge and skill, you struggle with results. You wanted to debunk matchroom rules break, and you showed correctly everything on your diagrams, but you are constantly breaking from the middle instead of inside box corner, and rack is lower with 1 on the spot instead of 9 on the spot, so basically all together does not make much sense because viewers can not connect what you drawed, and what are you talking about (which is the correct part) with what are you try to accomplish on the table...

[@DrDaveBilliards]

I should have mentioned when I was showing "9 on the spot" breaks vs. "1 on the spot breaks," but the 8-9 combo methods works just as well for either (although, the 8 isn't as natural in the side with the 9 on the spot).