How to Beat Better Players at Pool - (Free Pool Lessons)

[@FXBilliards]

Improve your game at FXBilliards.com fxbilliards.com/

[@gabrielbrunet5598]

Making a stronger player salty is very satisfying 😂 Especially when they want to make you feel like they're better than you

[@FXBilliards]

Very good points. Thanks for watching.

[@Mark-ms4lv]

What about if weaker player is breaking, and doesn’t break hard, leaving a cluster? lol

[@FXBilliards]

The reality is, you should break up the clusters knowing that they can not run out. People make be laugh playing safe on guys who have never run 4 balls in a row in their lives. Just open up the table.

[@zanethind]

Yeah that's what happens against my friend lol 😂😅

[@zanethind]

​@@FXBilliards very true never doubt any player

[@cocacolaskater12]

This is all good advice. There are also plenty of things for the opposite side of the coin. I'm a 7 and play a totally different game and thought process when playing down big gaps. 1. Don't let the pressure get to you, shoot your game, control the table, you'll win just fine. 2. The biggest thing against playing 1s and 2s is don't give them ball in hand so make sure you're not going to scratch with a lower % shot, try to avoid leaving pocket hangers as well. 3. Don't over reach, especially on 8 ball. Don't take a risky kick to the 8 ball if they have 5 balls left on the table, avoid a scratch on the 8 as much as possible. 4. Your safety's don't have to be lock up anymore, often just leaving them long or a thinner cut will be good enough. When you play these move your balls closer to a pocket or in the open, take care of your problem balls.

[@PoolSharkApparel_]

As an apa 7, I will add that most of the time when I play a 4 or a 3 I tend to play down a level. Then once you put it in gear it’s hard to come back as now pressure is on and you change your game. So Bryan is correct, play slow and methodical and get the first maybe second game. Thanks Bryan

[@FXBilliards]

Hey gang, tell me how accurate you think the APA and other league handicap systems are overall.

[@nunyabizness9544]

I dont know how the APA or BCA or any other league works. Im in Vegas right now for the APA tournament @ Westgate. My daughter and I have really enjoyed watching several different players/games. What I dont understand is I havent seen many safeties played. It baffled me to see so many people try to make shots with no real plan for their next shot. Yes I heard a few people say I knew I was gonna miss that. I immediately thought of BRIAN and laughed to myself. Off topic I was really bummed out at the predator booth. I went to look and was 90% sure I would be buying a cue. I was ignored by 4 people there at the booth. I ended up walking away and explaining to my daughter why I wasn't going to buy anything. She thought I was finally gonna get me predator.

[@archieshipp1034]

I play BCA instead of APA, so the three versus seven conversation doesn’t quite apply, but I frequently end up having a better record against higher rated opponents than I do against lower rated opponents just because of the Speed situation. I get frustrated waiting for lower rated players to shoot and then it affects my game. I also play golf and have a very respectable six handicap but the same problem. Slow play ticks me off enough to throw a wrench in my game.

[@jennadexter.totalthrive]

As a 2 (who JUST became a 3 ... Woop Woop! 🥳) I have definitely experienced higher level players who missed easy shots because they got lazy and/or wanted to hurry the game along since they had to win so many matches to be done already. Also, I learned early on that once the higher level player clears many of their balls, while you sit there wondering if you'll ever get to play or miss balls you try for, the table opens up and suddenly you have some easier shots you didn't have before. I was 0-4 to a level 5 player once and I told my teammate, "Well, all I have to do is win the next 2 games." And then I did! YESSSS!!!! A couple of weeks later I beat a 6. I definitely play defensively, use my time outs, take my time on my shots and remind myself what my dad always said when his football team was losing ... "It aint over until it's over!"

[@bcavin57]

Hey Brian, here’s a sure way to get an edge. Don’t wait till you lose to buy them a drink by them one before they break!!

[@thegodofpez]

Great tips, B. As a relatively speedy player, it drives me nuts when I see players doing laps around the table taking 2 minutes per shot. I’ll try to be more patient and will definitely shoot safeties more, they’re quite gratifying. 🍻

[@liberty9348]

Great video and information. Thanks for taking the time to put this video together. I'm certain it has already helped many players improve their game and at least gives them some CONFIDENCE which, in my experience, can completely change the outcome of a match. Anecdote: I'm a 5 in both 8 and 9 in the APA league. I am called to give timeouts almost exclusively for lower-ranked/skilled players on our team. The "timeout" shots suggested to the shooter that Bryan said he "rarely sees workout" is exactly what I am called in for lol. I'm a mathematical genius and a master linguist. The WAY that a person explains a shot may not be received by the shooter, in the WAY it was intended by the giver. Also, the WAY the giver shoots IS different than the WAY the shooter will execute the suggested shot. HOW to give the shooter a HIGH probability of producing the intended outcome is easier than one might think, IF delivered correctly. This method has been the most effective in my experience of over 20 years playing in the APA. First, do not EXPLAIN the goal, plan, calculations, speed, banks, angles, stroke, English, etc. to the lower-rank/skill shooter. This information IS precious to players who want to become more efficient at playing pool. However, it does NOT help them in any way during a timeout. Share the details with players when you are PRACTICING. The key to successfully giving a timeout to ANY player is to UNDERSTAND HOW the particular shooter PLAYS. If you don't pay attention to how your teammates PLAY, you should NOT be giving timeouts. IF you know how they play, you must factor in HOW they WILL take the shot. Once that is completed in your mind, give them the EXACT location on the object ball, rail, etc. that must be struck. Keep the instructions short, clear, and concise. SPEED is the most critical component that will determine if the shooter produces the desired outcome, so it MUST be instructed, but only on a rudimentary level. "Slow, medium, fast" should suffice. That's it. I have given countless timeouts where a 2 or 3 have made incredible shots. Most of the time, the instructions given were very close to "aim RIGHT HERE and shoot it with MEDIUM speed". After a 2 or 3 pockets a ball, not KNOWING you planned a two-rail kick shot, or a bank-carom for example, they are amazed. Everyone who witnessed the shot will also be amazed AND dumbfounded that such simple instructions could yield such an impressive result. Keeping MOST of the information that goes into the shot OUT of the shooters mind also gives the shooter a great sense of accomplishment which provides massive benefits. When I am asked HOW I was able to get a skill level 2 player to make a Z-kick shot for example, I simply explain that I KNOW how the 2 shoots and planned the entire shot so I only had to say "hit RIGHT HERE with MEDIUM speed". For what it's worth. I hope this information is helpful to those charged with giving "needed" timeouts to their teammates =]

[@FXBilliards]

Thanks for sharing

[@MemphisMike901]

I am a 4 on our in-house Thursday night 9 ball tournament on the 9 foot tables. When I play an 8 or above I make it the LONGEST game possible! I cannot outshoot a 10 at all. If I am not 100% convinced I can make a shot, I play safe. The Last 10 I played, we got on the Hill. But I choked and lost on the 9 ball...Ughh

[@micheller-f6566]

Thanks Brian! Being such a newbie, I always forget about safety in the moment..I can think of 3, 7's I've shot against that these tips would drive totally crazy!! Hopefully, I shoot against 1 of them today!! 😂

[@FXBilliards]

Thanks for watching. Have a great day and enjoy your match.

[@larryhale5926]

A tip for higher players that goes along with Brian's tips here - play safeties yourself and force your opponent to use up their timeouts early in the game, then you can put them in a bad spot where they have no help and potentially get ball-in-hand. I've used that strategy more than once to beat lower handicaps that are trying some of these very tips against me. It takes a lot of patience to do it though, you can't let them frustrate you with their pace of play.

[@wilfredsanchez9617]

It is annoying when someone plays safeties..in my last tournament a player played 19 safeties.. how would deal with excessive safty play.. I would like to hear your thoughts on this matter

[@FXBilliards]

Anyone playing that many safeties is unable to run out - I just simply spread out the table. First mistake he makes a run the rack -do the opposite of what your opponent wants to happen. Or you can learn to play games like straight pool or one pocket. Where you are constantly overcoming safeties.

[@brianmack6285]

Playing safeties and leaving the higher ranked opponent with crap are my go-to methods when I play Fargo 550+ players. Plan ahead, look for the runout but if/when it doesn't go to plan, it often pays to take the lower % shot that leaves your opponent with little to nothing vs missing the "better" shot and handing the gorilla an easy path to runout. Play defense when you have no real chance for offense,. Play offense when the probability looks good. And don't kid yourself about what you can or can't make.

[@blazeandcyrus]

Brian, I picked up this strategy this year in pool leagues. When I wasn't hitting my shots or knew I was playing a way stronger opponent, I stopped trying for a nice leave only. I started putting the cue in a bad position if I missed. If I make my shot, cool I keep rolling, if I miss, my opponent gets put in a poor position. It can get them frustrated and give me a bit of time to get something going. Long winded but I hope that makes sense.

[@photorailfan]

How to beat a stronger player? WIth your break cue. Bam!!! You win. lol. One strategy is to tie your opponant up as much as possible. Cross corner bank shots, plug the pocket and hide the cue ball is one way. One pocket strategy.

[@cromwellfluffington1627]

Over the years I've learned there's a big difference between a good "shooter" and a good "player." Identifying what category the opponent is in aids when coaching.

[@AnyWhereHR-SMB]

I’m new to the APA and pool in general (played snooker years ago). Played my first game as a three, was moved to a five and it looks like I’ll finish out the session that way. I’ve beat two 6’s and 7 this year lol. The 6 I beat I played so many safety shots he got ticketed. I hooked him once and he stood at the table, looked at me, held his arms out and said “why?” 😂

[@razor-sharp]

I’d say one other thing that also frustrates higher ranked players is getting off to a hot start and or making some tough shots early in the match. Great video as always B. 👍

[@jerolderie8557]

Very true my last 3 Apa 9-ball matches was in this sl order 6-5-4 the 6 he lost by 26 the 5 by 8 the 4 by 12 and I’m only a sl 3 and I loved every minute beating them

[@Derka_Derka-derp]

Ohh jeez 😳 one of my dudes hasn't picked up on why ive been beating the crap out of him the last year 1/2 even though i know hes better usually when we play we're drinking i slow down he speeds up i didn't take long for his buddy to see why im always a hard out

[@jaylewis293]

Also Bryan you more or less said it but it's something I stress to my team is the mentality if you are a 3 playing a 7 and your mentality is that they are going to win then you have already lost the match. they need to go into the match with the mentality that they only have to win 2 games before they win 6! And have there mindset they are going to win it does make a huge difference

[@FXBilliards]

Good stuff thanks for sharing and thanks again for watching

[@lancemueller399]

Also pick the game. I am a new player. I like 9 ball the best game for mixed ranks.

[@TurqoiseCorgi]

I don't like to but this one time I won solely on the fact I played safety after safety til I got ball in hand. Made 3 and continued the safety game. He was pisssed 😂

[@davidnorman5488]

As we know, an APA 7 at 8-ball can be a good player or a great player. 7-8-9 in 8-ball makes sense.

[@davidnorman5488]

Teach your low ranks about 3-4 ball run outs AND getting ball in hand late in games to get a chance at that runout.

[@glockasauruswrex6362]

Great stuff Bryan, Imma share this with my teams! I have won matches just by being a pain in the azz...defending hard and frustrating opponents. Flip side of that is stay cool...I had a guy leaving me no shots in a 9-ball race to 25. 1st game I gave him 4 balls in hand! But I chilled n when he missed the 7, I was able to drop the 8 and 9 and then break to get momentum back. If you use frustration as a strategy n I think ur less likely to fall for it. Also, go play local tourneys! We go to Simi Valley for Scotch Doubles and as a pair of 3's we've placed 2nd outta 20 teams in our best effort! Won some $$, but more importantly, we gained a ton of confidence beating 6-7 level players n sending them home! Thnx again for all your coaching!

[@davegreen1104]

I’m a 7 and hate this video! But Ill share it with my team mates… Good stuuf

[@duffyrobert19]

When it comes to where you're leaving the cue, if you miss brings up an age old argument. I have sparring partners who will chide me if I play position on the money ball. 'Just make the ball'! they'll say. I say, 'No way'. I've played for position on every other shot, why would I change my routine now? Even a ball that I'm 80% sure to make, will be missed every 5th time, so make sure to leave him tough if you do miss! Also for beginners, how many times have you made the money ball, then scratched? Plotting out the path of the cue ball after contact will reduce that dramatically!

[@FXBilliards]

Thanks for your comments- make sure your subscribing please

[@dwaynebodzenta7994]

Brian great tips. One comment "Where am I leaving them when and if I miss"........ I know where you going with that... Alot of new player's dont follow this rule and should. There's an old guy on my pool team who doesnt play safeties, doesnt think where the ball should end up when he misses. He just tries to make the ball whenever he plays. He loses alot of matches because of this. Good players follow this rule ... Not only do they wonder where the cue ball is going if they miss but wonder where the cue ball is going if they make the shot. Players should always wonder and have some idea where the cue is going to end up if they play a safety or want to make the shot... Its the key to winning. Believe me Im still a learner. Great video. :)

[@capcom6633]

All very good tips. I think I fail at most of them. Especially position of the cue ball if I miss. I'm ALWAYS leaving easy shots for my opponent. How do you draw the line on being confident (to make the shot) and playing thinking you will miss? Also, how does table size (7' vs 9') give an advantage against a better player? Thank you for all the great tips and videos!

[@FXBilliards]

I appreciate you taking the time to tune in. Thanks for your comments.

[@francus7227]

I quit my league after one year. I went from being a decent player that was worse than almost everyone, to beating most of them.... Then these guys started being sore losers. They wouldn't shake my hand of say good game..... The reason they lost was because they played poorly, not that i had gotten better. I was happy to lose to them..... because I don't care about winning. I try hard to win. But.... billards is for talking, laughing, and playing well....not for WINNING.... Especially at that amateur level. We have JOBS. Pool is something to do when you're not at your JOB.

[@FXBilliards]

As always, thanks for watching

[@EkinghFightNews]

I think one other point is if the lower level player wins the lag. play a soft break what I call a dirty break. to make sure the 7 can't run out

[@OleNavy]

Bryan, how do you deal with the higher ranked players who defense the lower ranked players? It isn't often but I have beat SL5-7 8-ball players and recently a SL8 9-ball player. Thanks for all the info you provide!!!

[@FXBilliards]

A higher rank player who is over defending a lower rank player is making a mistake. You should let players who aren’t going to run out get some of their balls off the table But the counter attack is to play defense right back at them.

[@GarrethandPipa]

Been in the APA for 7 or 8 years but playing for over 50 years. I am a SL5. I have never been beaten by a higher SL. As the coach I always play up using all these tips week in week out. It real pisses folks off I guess since according to the operator she get a evaluation form about half the time that I play. It isn't because I shoot well. I just out defence them and beat them with ball in hand. I break way better than most between 70% & 80%. I have had 1 break and run because I broke made 5 on the break left 3 in the pockets and there just wasn't any good defence to play. Without a doubt many times I have a clear easy shot but choose a lock up defence. Of course none of it means a thing if the rest of the team lags behind. Most of my team has learned how much smart play helps. 1-3MVP bracket we have 2nd & 3rd, 4-6 1st and 10th, 7-9 1st where 4 years ago if we had 2 people make it on the MVP lists we where lucky. Hear is my nod to Bryan. My wife was a SL2 with 15 lessons. She went from a decent 2 to the strongest 2 then was moved up to a 3 couple of weeks ago and as soon as she get her feet under her and not afraid she will end in the top 3rd of the 3s. Bryan's coaching has helped my coaching her. I don't hear "I can't" and she understands one inch difference in a leave is the difference in a easy leave and the impossible.

[@FXBilliards]

This is good stuff - and thank you very much for for leaving your comments and for your endorsement.

[@t.j.7561]

I've never played APA. I play BCA and safety play and taking your time helps alot against better players. Slow it down

[@FXBilliards]

Thanks for watching and I appreciate your comments

[@garybkatz]

Some of my best wins against superior players came directly off of effective safety shots I hung on them. You also need to know how to pull off kick shots, for when they safety you, because the good ones will.

[@BROU-bb2uc]

For me playing a better player safe safe safe.

[@FXBilliards]

That works or at least helps

[@josephcracco7176]

My Friend is a 738 Fargo Ima 350 I put him on 3 safes in a row then he Missed the 7 and I managed to run the Rest of the Balls Thanks Was a Good Video

[@FXBilliards]

Good stuff thanks for sharing

[@tossmc]

OK, just a thought, but I've always thought of it (in general) as playing against the table, not the player. No matter what or where, you need to be able to maneuver the cue where it helps you if possible. ... just a thought, but again i wanna tell you that i love and truly appreciate your videos.

[@FXBilliards]

You have a valid point, but you can take more risk and play fewer safeties against weaker players. You also play a different type of safety depending on who you’re playing- example you leave Efren a jump shot not a kick shot. You can frustrate Mike Siegel with shots that won’t affect Shane in anyway at all. Even your pace might change versus certain players. Many amateurs will fall into whatever pace you set -you play fast they play too fast. I see it every day.

[@fgentertainment9468]

@1:25 😂🤣😂 , You spoke on some good points Brian, My last match I played a 6 and I only broke with the side break (8ball break) because it leaves clusters but where I messed up was I started to break those clusters out hoping to run out. The correct response would’ve been to take more safety shots at the right moments. Also I noticed that In the APA rulebook two-way shots are somewhat frowned upon, they tell you to “make a note” of a player making multiple two-way shots. Is it a form of Stat padding? I use them when necessary especially against higher SL players. Anyways thanks for the lesson !

[@randallnorman1727]

Ive never played league. Just wondering if there is atime limit in between shots. If so ,what would that time be. Thanks my billiard friend and teacher

[@FXBilliards]

In the APA league there is an “understood“ 20 second time limit, but it is almost never enforced

[@OleNavy]

I finally moved up to a SL4, after learning some things from your videos, and making corrections of things I didn't realize I was doing wrong. In a recent match, the opposing team put a SL5 up. I didn't have anyone but a SL6 to put up against him so, I went up against him. I won the first rack, outshooting my opponent 2 to 1, in something like 4 innings. On the second rack my opponent not only slowed down I thought he went to sleep. I timed some of his shots. Some of them took upwards of 2 1/2 minutes, and I doubt any of his shots took less than one minute. APA has recommended time limits in the rule book for shots, coaches/timeouts, etc. This guy absolutely paralyzed my play with the excessive time he was using. So, I would recommend using your time wisely for shot setup, and extend you play and keeping your opponent in his chair by using all your time as recommended by APA.

[@JimJones-kk8pb]

Just only think about the table lay out.

[@stevieg8908]

I just beat a 7 Thursday night and I'm a 3 and used many of the same things you talked about. Made the shots I could make, used my coach every rack, and hung in there until he made a mistake. I was able to make several 9 balls which helped with the extra point and the break. I was breaking well but kept coming up dry. Normally I drop 1 or 2. The last 2 games he scratched on 2 shots where he would have won the match and I made a 3 ball run to win. Thank you for all your help.

[@FXBilliards]

Good stuff. Congratulations and thanks for sharing.

[@Tom-q9t1x]

This video really help my game thank u Like to see videos in cut shots not sure if u Did one on cut shots thank u

[@FXBilliards]

Yes, I’ve been a number of videos on cut shots and thanks for watching and commenting

[@wilkvanburen]

I can definitely attest to the accuracy of this strategy. I'm a skill level 5 and I got to that level much more quickly from 4 than I got from 3 to 4, and it was mostly due to learning to play defense. I watched a lot of one pocket and practiced a lot of safeties, especially kick safeties, but also a healthy amount of soft touch shot safeties and kick shots. Learning to execute the safeties and how to get out of them jumped my skill level up quickly. I'm still working on these as part of my normal practice.

[@FXBilliards]

Thanks for watching

[@Hustler210]

Brian, Question?? Can u help so we are in the second half of our season we went 11-0 1 1 half of the season. Now into second half we have lost 3 straight and tied 1 uggg. What can I do as captain of my team make my guys focus even getting them out of their slump. I send me guys ur videos and encourage them that practice makes permanent. I’m pretty consistent in my game but the others do need work it’s like they have good game and bad games . Can u help?

[@FXBilliards]

The problem is as a league night coach, you don’t have much authority, and most people won’t put in practice time regardless of the situation. it sounds like with your guys you should not even mention the losing streak and focus on just winning one game at a time - also if you had people move up in rank over the last 11 weeks, it only makes sense that you would lose a few.

[@Hustler210]

@@FXBilliardsgood afternoon , thank you so much for your feedback sir. And ur right ONE GAME AT A TIME.

[@rickdecarlo]

I use all my time outs. I'm a 4. After a drop a few balls I call a time out just to slow things down I'm playing someone a couple levels above me. Anything to keep them sitting in their chair and off the table. I also walk the table after every shot, sometimes twice. There is a 7 I've played twice and beat him both times. I can see in his face it drives him crazy when I slow things down to a crawl. Last time I played him I walked the table 3 times and then called a timeout. I thought he was going to start throwing things. 😂

[@billylejeune7871]

Thanks Brian Great Advice I have to learn how to block out some Opponent s i am playing Pool with that Starts talking alot of Crap when Playing Pool it can change your Aim when you are down to shoot I do Realize what they are Doing trying to Distract Me an sometimes it does. I just Don't do that to anyone when they are trying to Aim an Shoot Pool. Thanks Again Brian for all your Help an Advice

[@captainibean7156]

useful to know thank you! im learning the sport not doing so bad wish i could put more time in

[@FXBilliards]

Happy to help! Thank you very much for watching

[@kevinmichaelx4894]

Great advice as always. Love your videos and find them very helpful! Also love your right to the point presentations.

[@FXBilliards]

Glad you like them!

[@ThePrufessa]

1:28 I hate stupid people completely missing the point.

[@FXBilliards]

The bad news is they are making more and more of them every year. Your views mean a lot to me. Thanks for watching.

[@yorkcooper5723]

Thanks for all the info and advice. Won my first tournament yesterday

[@FXBilliards]

Fantastic! Great job and thanks for sharing

[@StrongConservative]

im a 4 and beat an 8 a few times

[@scurtin99]

Used your advice last night to beat a higher rated player....took my timeouts and safety plays and won the match.....thank you...

[@FXBilliards]

Nice work!

[@williammcdowell3718]

If you do this all the time people wont want to play with you.

[@FXBilliards]

People don’t wanna play with anyone who beats them all the time. Anyone who doesn’t realize pool is a game of strategy shouldn’t be playing the game anyway, - they are what we call bangers -we only need bangers around to pay the bills.

[@jamesmarze9850]

Great lesson Brian I look forward to using these skills every week trying new things keeps it fun interesting and the sport alive!

[@FXBilliards]

More to come!

[@MichelePearl]

Brilliant❤

[@rhysbroome-owen5152]

I’ve never actually thought about what ur saying but I’ve been doing this for a few years against people i know are better than me. It frustrates players coz they just want to come in and smash you but they almost get embarrassed that it takes long and then the pressure just builds and builds to get a win, then next thing you know they are taking on low percentage shots and throwing the frames away!

[@MrKlaus314]

Great. As I was new to the game and played against a friend with >30yrs experience I played safetys and frustrated him. That was totally new to him.

[@stdavis22]

when i was a 4 one of the old guys in my league once told me "youre a good player, you can beat anyone in here. You might not be the favorite in a race to 7, but they dont have to like it either" after that I played the rest of the season just trying to make higher level players miserable lol

[@barryclark2582]

I love leaving the white right on the head rail , .. but if the colour goes in by fate I'll have to do the rail shots ( good practice)

[@iitruevibeii]

These are the tips I always advise my lower rank teammates. For the majority of the match the lower rank will not outshoot the higher rank so like you’ve suggested, it’s best to frustrate the higher rank players by playing shots that will block pockets or leave them tough forcing them to make the mistake. Great video!

[@FXBilliards]

Your views mean a lot to me. Thanks

[@ATrainGames]

I have a mindset I always coached to my players going into an APA handicap 8-ball match... There's 3 points available, and 3 objectives. (If you're a low SL, you can achieve #1 and #2 in one 8-ball (or mistake from your opponent): 1. Take a point from your opponent (win one rack - then at worst you can lose 0-2 as opposed to 0-3) 2. Get a point (get on the hill. At worst you could lose 1-2) 3. Win the match. It's all about limiting the opponent's ability to do damage, while scoring all you can for your team. This adds up over the evening and the season. Great stuff as always. Thanks for sharing!

[@FXBilliards]

Thanks for watching and sharing your comments

[@thomasmartinez3808]

I mention almost everything you say in this video to my lower SL players because its pretty liberating to watch them legitimately beat the higher SL players.

[@davekat4680]

…..more ‘golden nuggets’ from Brian 👊🏻 a messy table is my friend 🤣

[@robholmes2129]

Very good advic,you will need the whole game/skillset to win in vegas

[@raymondsanchez3231]

Hey I’m a 2 but I played a 7 does this apply to that

[@FXBilliards]

Absolutely. you’re still an underdog but you will lose fewer games in the long run

[@anthonyfracchiolla2268]

All the things you mention I tell my team. I also tell them you are not going to beat a good 7 shot for shot, so use safeties

[@raulcordova3607]

You hit the nail on the head. I am an APA skill level 5 and Thurs I beat a good seven and I did it playing safes

[@mulhollenbilliardschannel654]

They are the fish lol. Love that. I’m afraid to say things like that on my channel. Hilarious and true

[@FXBilliards]

Thanks for watching

[@CatieCarrier]

I'm a solid sl3 and this is my strategy every time!!! Thanks.

[@zanebeasley6246]

Good logic

[@BMWLDRider]

Yeah. Playing safe and slowing down the game is key.

[@CMarshallD]

I played in APA with my teenage daughter for 2 sessions. Moved up to a 6 pretty fast. I couldn’t move up to a 7 even after going undefeated during my final session and winning 4-6 MVP. Too many innings? I still strive to learn and improve daily and my daughter and I play BCA now. I’m a sponge, I love to learn. Your channel certainly helps. Thank you!

[@FXBilliards]

Chances are if your games are going more than an average of two innings, then seven might be right out of your reach. I’ve also noticed a lot of APA scorekeepers are not putting down defensive shots as defensive shots so they’re going down as innings.

[@MrRmeacham]

I am a higher rank player because of the strategy you layed out here

[@arc-sd8sk]

watch the Han Yu vs. SVB match from the 2019 World Pool Masters she puts on a masterclass for managing stronger opponents, really amazing stuff!

[@FXBilliards]

Thanks for watching and thanks for your comments. Don’t forget to subscribe.

[@yes2crypto]

I always recommend my teammates take all their timeouts. Heck, as team captain, I’ll call timeout just to bring one of the 1-3’s over and ask what they would do and then explain what I’m going to do. It’s great coaching for them for strategy

[@FXBilliards]

Great stuff. Thanks for sharing.

[@gregbrantner1749]

Good evening Brian. Love your videos and appreciate the work you put in. Hey, I was wondering, is that an olhausen table you make your videos with.

[@FXBilliards]

Yes it is! There’s a description in the description of the video I really like it.

[@jeffm5991]

Some people just hate safety play and it completely throws them off their game. And it's not just that they prefer playing a faster pace, they seem to believe that it's poor sportsmanship to play safeties, which is, of course ridiculous.

[@FXBilliards]

Of all the stupidity that takes place around a pool table that whole safety thing being bad sportsmanship is one of the most ridiculous I totally agree. Why should Pool be the only sport or game in the history of the world where is unsportsmanlike to play defense?

[@MarvinHatfield]

Thanks for the video and info on playing a stronger player. It just so happen to me in league play. I am a APA 4 and my appoint was a 5 I down 3 - 0 it finally dawned on me what you said, I started playing safeties and won the game, long story short I came back and won three games in a row to his three. Thanks for the info.

[@FXBilliards]

Good stuff

[@ninjabakerdaddy3220]

The typical bar box banger is easily frustrated by any safety play because they have no concept of defense and they all think that they should just try and get out from anywhere a la "Minnesota Fats" lol. Even funnier, they all have a glove, a jump cue that they don't know how to use and can't kick out of a one rail safety.

[@FXBilliards]

I appreciate your comments- make sure you are subscribing please

[@trevorsmith3947]

Very very true B. Great tips everyone should use them to their advantage

[@FXBilliards]

Absolutely!

[@MoeBro07]

Can confirm the efficacy of this. My last match I played a 6 who jumped 3 racks ahead. Took a deep breath and started hooking him whenever I could and playing smart. Came back to win the match

[@FXBilliards]

Nice job. Thanks for sharing and thanks for watching

[@frankswiader3334]

Thanks for the info Bryan

[@FXBilliards]

You bet!

[@allenwatters7228]

Thanks Brian I can see how this works especially going to the table with confidence Does shake-up the more experienced players I am a 5 year player playing 40 year players And they are old bar shooters and do not like it when you shoot a safety You get the fish Eye.i took up the game when i retired i took a real beating the first couple of years i lost every game for 6 weeks straight i almost quit. Now I'm winning more than losing thanks to your videos 👍

[@FXBilliards]

Outstanding

[@hightowermark9359]

Great tips...thk you 👍

[@FXBilliards]

My pleasure thank you for watching

[@davidware9201]

Look at Mike Sigel playing Efren Reyes he was in a hurry and ran to the table.Efren Reyes was like Teofilo Stevenson he knew he had the patience and skills to beat any man.

[@FXBilliards]

If Mike wasn’t one of the greatest players of all time, he could be considered a model for everything you don’t want to do as a pool player I’m not sure how he got as far as he did with his attitude towards pool and life.

[@heatedheavy407]

I watch a lot of your videos, this is my MOST favorite thus far. TACTICS. Thanks for all of the advice and great content.

[@FXBilliards]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@carlcrader1939]

Thanks Bryan, I'll use these.

[@roypestone2828]

Good thinking Brian. Now you should do one on playing low ranked players... I know they scare the hell out of me!

[@FXBilliards]

Will do

[@JeffKernsTheArtist]

Very good advice! I was a 7 when I played APA my biggest nightmare was a 4 who played a strategic defense game and worked really hard on the basic offense shots.

[@FXBilliards]

Thanks for your comments Jeff

[@michaelpierce9356]

Hello, I don’t play in a league, but I do know my way around a pool table pretty well. I have use these tactics on ranked APA players with some success.

[@FXBilliards]

I appreciate your comments. Have a great day.

[@desireejohnson7859]

This is perfect info for me! I am a SL4 and a woman so I have to watch out for, showing, that I know how to break up balls when I should not be doing that against a higher level player. So thanks for this big reminder. I can save that for when I am playing someone who I know can't run them out. As always your advise above all others is clear, and makes total sense. Thanks Bryan!

[@MSPcraps]

Thanks Brian! This is some great advice. Messing up a player's rhythm can go a long way toward winning a match. It can even work against a weaker player. I was an APA 5 playing a 7 in a 9-ball singles qualifier. I was in the zone and playing very well and way ahead in points. He noticed and changed his play. Instead of always going for the kill, he adjusted by playing more safeties and two-way shots. He also adjusted his pace by walking the table and deliberately lining up his shorts more often. I didn't get flustered, but my rhythm still had to change to adjust to this different playing style. He came back from a deficit to win, but it was a super close match--definitely one of the best matches I've played in.

[@TopLineGear]

Thanks so much! This is just what I needed after my losing ten ball match! I'm going to win next time!

[@FXBilliards]

Glad it helped!

[@AQueensPlace]

I love the video. 😢❤

[@FXBilliards]

I love the love

[@PL-iy4rx]

My friend is far better than myself nothing gets under his skin more than safety's

[@FXBilliards]

Thanks for your comments

[@donaldgraff8090]

Very helpful enjoy all the videos keep them coming

[@FXBilliards]

Thanks, will do!