MUST HAVE STRATEGIES TO WINNING AT 8 BALL - Things you MUST DO to win at Eight Ball (Pool Lessons)

If you are an 8 Ball Player, there are key things you need to do in order to win at Eight Ball. In this video we examine those elements and show you how to put together a winning game.
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#poolstrategy #8ball #9ball

[@boogiemanspud]

If you're not a run out player, learn safeties. You can put the serious HURT on a much better player through good safety play. You only need to be able to make 3 or 4 in a row to beat a better player. Most run out players get frustrated as hell if they cant let loose, often mentally destroying them and their game.

[@Occupuyourspine]

Good observation 3 consecutive hooks will unsettle even the best players.

[@ajluther723]

I never used to play safe. Now sometimes playing a good safety is more satisfying than making a tough shot.

[@boogiemanspud]

To me, safeties are always more satisfying than making a tough shot. I can't get enough one pocket lately, every shot is a safety, 2 way shot etc. Watching high level matches is great.

[@Chavagnatze]

The best thing is shooting a safety in the middle of the rack and leaving an opponent baffled. The number of people who have been playing for decades and still just shoot to make balls is astounding to me.

[@garyhost1830]

@@Chavagnatze and also those who have been playing ages and still just follow the white ball around and dont play nice position or pattern

[@james3339]

Playing a ball takes practice. Most people don’t think far enough to even practice safeties -they need to be just as precise. That only happens with practice as luck doesn’t always show up when needed

[@markgibson8640]

Totally agree about winning the lag. The APA league I am in flips a coin instead of lagging. I played a 5 for my first game and asked if he wanted to lag... I won the lag and the game as a new 3.

[@iaaguirretv]

I went from playing nothing but 8 ball for a long time to 9/10 and thinking 8 ball sucks compared to 9/10. but honestly, 8 ball is hard, and getting a break and run acquires great skill and intelligence Thanks for the tips FX!

[@joedryna161]

Been playing pool my whole life. Took a long time off other than a game here and there. Joined my first league about 6 weeks ago. Been watching you videos and using the groups of balls, key ball and solving problems early. Those are things I never really did. Just played the game and let the balls fall as they fell. Definitely makes a big difference playing the game systematically. Posted scotch doubles last night and my partner had to bury me into the corner to get a look at the 8. It was buried on the rail and blocked by two balls but would go with an invert bank if he could get me on the low rail. He made a good shot but left me about 6" short of where it needs to be. I decided to play the que off the low rail around the 1 ball into the 8 and bring it back into the corner. Man that felt good dropping that shot for the win. Gotta be a shot maker to be good at this game but with your advice my game is going to get so much better over time. Keep up the good videos, so we can never quit learning.

[@BangTimePool]

Problem solving on a bar box is huge!!! More clusters than a 8 or 9 foot table. Good stuff Bryan!!

[@TwoEagleStar]

All good key points to consider. I try to follow all of these points in my game. Good point about the lag and taking time to get a couple practices in on the game table. Sometimes don't think about that until it's time to lag for the match! Great info as always Bryan!

[@cootie_1]

I watched a video that had Effren v Earl Strickland and they got into a sting of safety shots that was very helpful in showing why safeties matter - a lot. Glad you mentioned it, too.

[@Occupuyourspine]

If my last shot was a safety the loss can haunt me for DAYS but I will now & then use safe leaves early in the game. Thanks I will watch this more than once. You sure play the game well mister.

[@nathanblaxall8703]

This video is great - full of really good advice - thank you!

[@Crxig3]

I've been playing by myself for a while. The owner of the room I go to convinced me to finally join a league to get more experience. If I rack AND break, I'd give myself a 60% of a runout. I'm learning that having others rack for you, or people who can't break well (even with a good rack), makes winning that much more difficult. I've never really played safe in 8 ball because I don't see them. Thanks for the video. I'll definitely start looking at the table differently.

[@dswenson6744]

Great information as always. I certainly need to up my safety game and start coming up with a plan before the first shot. Thanks.

[@williamward1513]

I don't play near enough safes, I'm still thick headed in my mind knowing that every shot can be made. This is very instructional for me, time to up my safety game, and do more looking outside the box. Thanks man, btw when are you releasing your cue giveaway video, I'm excited to see someone get that. It's a great thing keeping this sport alive, keep it going!

[@buster5643]

Great video, ive never really considered using a cluster break to play a safety, at least not like that.. i have occasionally soft hit a cluster directly which had the bonus effect of playin safe but not using a potable ball like you shown. Very clever indeed

[@poolflorian2235]

Priceless as always I love a great safe shot to put the handcuffs on the other player that can help you reach the 🎱 Faster. 👍👍👍🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻. WE APPRECIATE YOU HELPING US MAKING THROUGH COVID-19 ETC. Stay healthy.

[@Daviboy30]

Very helpful tips. Whenever I'm playing against a better opponent, I play more safes and enjoy putting the cue ball in places where I know he can't sink a balls.

[@danielhoogendoorn882]

Love it! Great information!

[@davidfuller8780]

Thanks Brian. Playing safety is something I rarely think of. I need to remember this

[@bonesblackwell125]

Great video! I haven’t used safeties much but have been trying to more here lately because of the caliber of players I’ve been going against

[@jaw8369]

More great info! More notes. I feel like I’m back in class. Thanks!

[@JoeCarol1975]

Great tips Brian thanks 😊

[@billiardslocal]

Another video with lots of information and learning. Thank you Bryan.

[@stevec2066]

Playing Safe's is like playing a game along with the eightball game. A very overlooked part of eightball. Lots of great advice in this video thanks again and as always keep the great videos coming.

[@donparrish9659]

Thanks again Brian, will try this.

[@bobcornwell7664]

Great info as always.

[@jethrob258]

Playing safe and watching for that key ball is something I plan to use. Thank you for the videos.

[@cashfit8]

Thanks. New idea to lag with break cue. Plus it creates a mind set that I'm going to win the break because break cue already is in my hand!

[@vikingstorm0914]

Great thoughts about how to approach our next game of 8-ball. I've had more than my share of safeties played against me because my opponents know I'm a good shot and that's the only way they think they can win against me. I play my share of safeties as well but I know I can and should play more.

[@marty6908]

Great fundamental recap and loved the breaking up trouble shots and safe shot!

[@terryguise9182]

Thanks for the video, good points while playing.

[@MosDev818]

Love the 8 ball strategy videos!

[@markshowalter4259]

Great video as usual. Got a new tip on my cue. Using a Kamui soft. So far I really like how it plays.

[@GarrethandPipa]

I beat the 2nd highest forgo(705) in my state this past weekend in a apa captain's tournament and I am just a lowly SL5. Smart defence and controlling the table can close big gaps.

[@stansteiber]

Nice videos, thank you!

[@shlomopeltz7203]

Thanks for the good tips

[@arisfitri8881]

Thank's for the information my teacher !

[@leonardsanchez6547]

thanks for the good info. improving my game slow but fun.

[@naonao76]

Nice quick guide. Thanks!

[@jugudino5116]

This video was really helpful! Thank you

[@marcgutierrez4934]

Playing safeties is always the hardest thing for me to remember to do when playing.... Good video

[@ungersmith22]

Thank you for all the helpful content.

[@paulrumbold2436]

Great video , great advice . Thanks from England

[@georgea9959]

Great advice!

[@TheRybShow]

this video needs more likes! great info thank you so much i have aPA regionals tomorrrow morning and i think this will assist me

[@DavidWolfensperger]

Love it!

[@garybaker2204]

Another great video thanks

[@litohedaria7403]

Great ideas. Thanks

[@mrjkitchens]

Playing safeties has been a hard lesson for me to learn. Was always the guy that would just go for it no matter how crazy the shot.

[@DavidLopez-pc4nw]

Yup

[@markmitchelle9240]

Awesome video I’ve had a pool table for forever and never thought of playing this way

[@johnbissell3533]

Little steps leading to a big victory ! Thanks

[@jameschristofferson4878]

Safety play and breaking up clusters and other problems early is something I really need to improve. Easier to try some of these things when I’m playing a lesser skilled player and I feel like I have some time.

[@kurtwiebe6]

Good video!!

[@kennyfunseth6908]

Thank you for the tips

[@magicman2324]

Thanks for the info!

[@michaelbrooks2791]

Great video..

[@williamkervick6264]

Hi Bryan , very good advice , thanks .

[@kenj1621]

Playing safe is something I need a LOT of work on and something that I rarely even think about in the heat of the moment.

[@carzellwalton7141]

Fantastic video.

[@richardhinton4232]

A lot of people don't focus on the defensive side of the game I feel liker playing defensive is the best advice I can give most players especially if they're new enough to the game that they know they're not gonna run out

[@AlsAllMetalDetecting]

Great advice in this video Bryan. Be well, Al-Fu

[@FirstLast-yw5so]

Great information

[@PersistentWolfBilliards]

One of the things not only myself but also my team struggles with is playing safeties, we always tend to go for the kill and as I've heard in several pro player videos one miss and typically you may have sold out!

[@nunyabizness9544]

Another great video....

[@JKinLVN]

My ranking for 9 ball is much higher than for 8 ball and for a good reason. 9 ball is much more straight forward....make the ball and play position for the next ball. Very easy, though cue ball control poses the greatest challenge. But there is less to think about. I am now playing 8 ball and lost badly last week. The rhythm of the game reminds me of one pocket, where it's not just shooting, making, and position. Rhythm is much easier to established in 9 ball. I am welcoming the challenge of 8 ball. I must adapt.

[@tylerdennis5034]

Awesome video

[@mobass8354]

I couldn’t agree more play safe! That’s helped me win more games especially against player’s that are better than me

[@kevinhughes8654]

Great video

[@nuggers23]

I play now regularly with guys who play safety shots all tf time and this made me finally focus on that part of the game. Before I neglected it to the level where I should get sentenced already.

[@TheCCcoolman]

Nice info 👍

[@jasondavies6043]

That is some good advice. I will use it in my match tonight. Thanks

[@jasondavies6043]

Brian. It worked great. I got a rackless night. Ran 4 in row. With 7 total innings. Had two break in runs but missed easy 8 ball shot. 😆 thanks buddy. Ya the best

[@HikeColorado]

Great video Bryan 👍

[@FXBilliards]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@deecosta3307]

I have just started playing in the APA, and I am having problems on how to break... Well I looked up videos and watched a few of yours and I'll tell you what, I'm getting better at breaking... I'm not the best at it but definitely getting better.. Thank you!! Your video's have helped me alot.

[@FXBilliards]

Your views mean a lot to me. Thanks for watching and thank you very much for your comments.

[@danielpincus221]

Something I've just started doing myself is to put my cue down when I'm looking at the table after a break. When I'm holding my cue, I'm ready for action, but here, I have to think through a complex problem with all my attention. Putting down the cue makes me stay with the difficult act of analyzing the table.

[@larrybrockway3278]

Thanks for the strategiesAnother great video

[@richmilhoan]

Interesting great video

[@mikecausland210]

I am a big eightball fan at an intermediate skill level. I like nine ball but just don't get enough play time as the people I shoot with don't care to play bacause I am a safety fan. A fellow I shoot with comments an a regular basis...."you and your da*n safeties." A husband and wife team I shoot against...."we don't shoot safeties." Dang it, guess what....I do. Thanks for all of your great lessons. I have learned a lot from you and the Doctor. I like your no BS style of teaching.

[@FXBilliards]

Thank you Mike

[@philparrish6914]

In APA matches you don't have a choice in ball set if you make a single ball on a legal break. if you make'em, you take'em.

[@FXBilliards]

This is true but I still find players making bad choices when they do have a choice. And that rule is one of the things that high rank players dislike about the APA. You’re penalized for making a ball on the break. I once made FOUR balls on the break, all solids, and didn’t have a shot. Lost the game - at least I won the match. It’s like being dealt four aces and somebody else has a straight flush. Maybe a bad analogy but you get the point

[@paleshelter4002]

breaking up your clusters..while playing safe..is like 2 successful shots in one!

[@patrickzawislak2284]

Please do a video on tips when using side spin and how to know which spin to use

[@FXBilliards]

I will do a series on cue ball spin/English

[@cashfit8]

Re-watched this video. It has very useful strategic thinking in it. I ruptured a biceps tendon to go with worn out right rotator cuff. Surgery in a few weeks. No pool for months….Good thing is I get to watch a lot of how-to videos since won’t be at the pool hall!

[@FXBilliards]

Good luck with your surgery and your recovery. I have a lot of videos coming up so I will keep you growing during your time off.

[@Crazywaffle5150]

Great video.

[@FXBilliards]

Thanks for the visit

[@rickydavis211]

You have a great camera presence whilst doing these videos keep up the great work you are a natural.

[@rickydavis211]

At 5:35 you were shooting the 10 ball with the 11 tied up couldn't you have shot the 9 to come into that cluster down table?

[@FXBilliards]

Ricky Davis I think that would work too. The reason for the safe was to insure a runout. In might take us a few shots to break up our cluster trying off the nine. It become a matter of preference with a lot of situations.

[@michaelmccullar2982]

Thank you very much for all that you do.. and it would be awesome to have a private lesson with you

[@FXBilliards]

Thank you I’m in Philadelphia Delaware area if you’re ever around we can arrange lessons with you. Thanks again for watching

[@TheEarthandyou]

Also control the length of your bridge, (how far back your hand is from the white ball). Neat that he uses a top hit. Picking an exact repeating technique will give an ongoing similar result. So, when hit picks some top spin and always uses that, it is a repeating result.

[@FXBilliards]

Good tip! Thanks for watching and please subscribe.

[@TheEarthandyou]

Yes! When using a consistant bridge length the results are consistant... but also bridge length controls the speed. But speed is also controlled by the amount of follow through, so that can be controlled also. Interesting that Efren Reyes went from having a weak break to a strong fully powered break. Interesting that in a game it can turnaround and seems like you are losing but. Overall the best skilled player usually wins. But we all lose at times as well. In both cases. "Thanks. Good game."

[@kylemashburn5019]

Offense wins games; defense wins championships. Both are important.

[@marvingarrison846]

I never win but I like you videos I'm like Beginner intermediate and your helping me understand somethingis

[@thegodofpez]

During the pandemic my local bar switched their lag to a coin flip, which is not traditional but far easier. Still prefer the standard lag though.

[@dougwimsett2634]

I list a hill hill match tonight that came down to the 8 ball. (The girl I list to was not even close to my skill level) Salty never crosses my mind until I was alone and almost home. I don't understand why because the day before I played several safties per game against a player that is probably 10 to 15 skill points above me. I need to get that race to the 8 out of my head and I don't know exactly how to go about identifying when to play offense and when to switch to defence

[@backyardbilliards101]

I have some advice for lower ranked players. Judge the situation and only break out your balls if you can run out. Because if not you're just breaking it out for the other player. Always use your best judgement.

[@toddelston5818]

Great video, years ago when playing APA I never went into the game with a strategy and now I see it hurt my game, not to mention I didn't think of purposely missing to play a safe to break out the clusters. Thank you for enlightening me.

[@danielpincus221]

Very good tips. In my view, new players shouldn't even play 8 ball until they can win consistently at what used to be a game with a name - - basic pocket billiards. Consider it newbie straight pool. The player to pocket eight balls wins. That offers every challenge. Without competent shotmaking and cue ball control, 8 Ball ball is a misery.

[@danielpincus221]

I appreciate your enthusiasm for what I'm saying. Maybe make a video about Basic Pocket Billiards and how it should be the first game people play. Only recently was it removed from the BCA rule book, probably because few people play it anymore. That's a shame.

[@tonygarner3797]

I have an 8 ball tournament Saturday afternoon. I only get to play a couple times a month. So I'm crashing my brain with videos tonight, LOL.

[@FXBilliards]

Thanks for watching Tony. Good luck in your tournament.

[@genecottrell]

As an old time straight pool player, I certainly knew how to play safe shots, but after many years of not playing, I now am an APA player and when playing 8 ball and 9 ball, I have to force myself to remember safeties as an option. In my day, 8 ball and 9 ball were money games, and safeties were frowned upon, and could cause a fight. By the way, when are you going to announce the pool cue winner?

[@Occupuyourspine]

14.1 is also the game I like best. Where I grew up safeties were "dirty pool" using them could get me attacked.

[@glenno344]

Thanks...been on 9 ball for awhile almost forgot 8🤔

[@clintmcdonald4079]

Hey love the channel, ive picked up a lot of your tips and now my dad is racking instead of me all the time👍🎱 I just bought a new pool cue and don’t really have the money to get it set up. Do you have any tips on sanding/straightening out the shaft?

[@FXBilliards]

Best tip I can give you is don’t use sandpaper on your cue and any maintenance It needs, have a professional do it. contrary to some KZbin videos, you shouldn’t even change your own tip.

[@clintmcdonald4079]

Hey Thanks for responding, unfortunatly the damage has already been done. Im going to take your advice and take it when i get the chance. if i make a video of me droppin 100 balls in a row, maybe ill see a free cue coming my way from a pro🤔

[@lonipetricone5483]

If only my break looked anything but a wider cluster. 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

[@jonathanh8430]

I couldn’t find the video about lag. Would you be able to tell me what it’s called? Thank you. And please keep up your good work.

[@FXBilliards]

It would be in one of my "Must have pool shot videos." I will try to look it up.

[@juliusb790]

Playing races to 5 for 100 bucks helps you learn fast at 8 ball ! Maybe clearing one end of the table at a time is something I need to consider more. And thanks FX for solidifying these principles for us. (me B-)

[@FXBilliards]

Absolutely

[@micheller-f6566]

I needed to watch this. As a new player, I didn't think I was ready to add strategy. I've only been focusing on each individual shot, just like you said.l I play in a weekly tournament that alternates 8 and 9 ball against a lot of 600/700 players who, very much use strategy. I'm not confident in my knowledge of how to to use safeties and pushes. I looked through your videos and didn't find much. Could you please let me know if you do have one, where I could find it, or could you make one. Thanks!

[@FXBilliards]

I have a section in the NWQ pool program at NWQPOOL.com. I record it one for you tube, but it might not be out for a few weeks.

[@micheller-f6566]

I'll be watching for it, thank you!