POOL LESSON - TEN EIGHT BALL STRATEGY MISTAKES TO AVOID - HOW TO WIN AT 8 BALL

[@caseymccoy2692]

Once again Brian Thank you. I'm a Captain on a Monday night BCA league, it's honestly amazing how many players are so offensive minded and look at running balls and leaving the trouble balls for last. I get to play clean up while their watching the last ball drop to win the game....Their just wondering what happened... I wished more players would just survey the table and take their time.....

[@zanethind]

What I hate about some people is they hate when you take your time to survey the table

[@briandoerge5092]

Strategy mistakes have cost me more games then I can possibly remember. Since I've been putting in the time on the table the last 2 years my confidence has grown and I see opportunity much easier now👍... But even now when I lose a game I can trace it back to 1 bad decision, lol... Thanks Bryan!

[@jfkansas5508]

About the opponent not getting out under SL5. A good topic to talk about is assessing the players actual skill level. Watch them play closely, what shots they take, or shots they struggle with. This doesn't help in the first couple games, but toward the end of a match you should have a good feel if they are a strong 3 that should be a 4, or a 4 that plays more like a 5, etc.

[@thegodofpez]

“Spray and pray.” Haha I love it. Thanks for the lesson, Bry. 🤟

[@Darkslide2AR-FE]

Thanks for the awesome Brian, my uncle who's a 6 in apa always told me to look for problem balls and take care of them early. I can't run the table since I have a lot to learn but that one tip has been a huge help in my game.

[@JeffMartin84]

On the rules it can change pending on who won the last game in the same bar. Always Always Always clarify unless you want to end up in a dumb argument. On the shot question I'm probably doing something similar and playing safe unless I just feel like going for it and I'm not worried about repercussions. You are spot on on having to know who you're playing.

[@johnespinoza6171]

Been watching you since i was an apa 3... now an apa 5... thank you for all your videos... and all the help

[@mojoxphotography]

"Take care of your problems early." Damn...brilliant...obvious....I will start doing that today.

[@actoron]

Thanks for another reminder to think it through!

[@raygrinders3918]

Wow, this is a Top-10 video from your collection! 1. Best part was the "lucky shot" discussion. I hate the comments we hear in APA about slop, even though I once started a TAP league to avoid it. We're all playing by the same rules! Play the game and learn how to use slop to your advantage and you'll beat other players who get lucky (although I sink early-8's that way). And even on slop-shots, still try to keep position. 2. When you were counting suggestions early on, it reminded me that 20 years ago in APA I ran across a sheet of paper which showed (with about 25 "decisions") an "If/Then" strategy flowchart paper. Ever created or seen one? I've been looking ever since.... 3. In the 9-ball bank scenario, another reason to avoid the bank is that it keeps the nearest-corner shot more difficult with a blocker against the opponent. Do you think baiting a shooter is ever better than trying to get him to give you a probable ball-in-hand? I might've tap-safetied the 9. 4. Lastly, don't forget when shooting safeties that putting distance into your opponent's shot can backfire if he has a ball against a long cushion and is the "last" ball downtable. A return safety in that situation can be deadly.

[@FXBilliards]

Thanks for watching and thanks for your comments.

[@larrycleary9987]

Another well received video. Most often I don't even think of tbe defensive safety as an option, let alone the best play on the table. Thanks Bryan🎱

[@BurninNeedle]

Hey Brian, thank you for another great video. I enjoy your strategy advice videos a lot. I am from Germany and not very familiar with APA skill levels (I've seen some KZbin videos of the APA finals but never played someone that has an APA skill level). Anyways, I instantly thought of the same shot you played but I'd have shot it with a lot less speed. Goal is to move the 14 just a little off the rail and towards that corner pocket and at the same time (if the shot works out like planned) make the 8 ball block the direct line form the cueball to the 5.

[@justinriste6032]

Thanks Brian, for all the effort you put into these videos. I really like how you explain as you goand strategize against other skill levels. solid work!

[@FXBilliards]

Thanks for supporting the channel.

[@rodconner9079]

Yes Sir, preach it! Those "House" rules which were very common when/where I grew up are truly hard to get out of yer head, they're ingrained --- DEEP. Those rules aren't APA, BCA, or any other regulatory body --- They are "HOUSE" Rules. Bryan, hearing this familiar rule-set, I guess it's pretty common in small establishments where "locals" may have a chance when "visitors" arrive, huh? I'd never heard of a safety, or ball in hand (8-ball), or choice after pocketing only 1 ball on break, or "slop"; so on and so forth. Now, it's hard to think other than in those terms --- lol, tbh -- it's a tough adjustment. Looking at the "whole" table, running it through yer head ...... then MAKE IT HAPPEN; it's a challenge we all face ---- and so satisfying when we can!!! Be Safe

[@dorothygautier5101]

Brian, as an apa 3, I will always make you shoot the 8. Sometimes a lucky miss is how I win the game.

[@Chris-mw8dr]

Yeah , I hate Bar House Rules .. Lol

[@robnewton6907]

Always like watching these clips. Great job on making them

[@stanblauvelt975]

Hey Brian you have given me a lot of information and my game is improving. Thank you so much my friend 👍.

[@FXBilliards]

Glad to help

[@OisforunderdOg]

finally a voice i can relate too. your confidence and style is on point. watching your videos over and over. representation matters

[@FXBilliards]

Thank you for your comments and thanks for watching.

[@Dave101.]

Top video. I'd go with a safety on the 14,hitting it way softer,to nuge it out off the rail,an try leave the rock as close to the top rail as possible while trying to keep it inline with the 8 an 3 ball ,leaving them only the 5,which is blocked by the 9. Sounds so complicated texting all that,but yeah,line an pace,tricky shot.

[@noname7265]

Great video as always, appreciate the effort you put in. I always get something out of it.

[@peterchittenden7918]

Brian, great stuff! This helps me think smarter. Thanks

[@marcosokell1235]

Brian, I really appreciate all your lessons. I think your style of teaching is the best of KZbin.

[@kennyhedrick4764]

I've been watching,& said "early", when prompted.

[@punksnotdeaditsconservativ1693]

The shot Brian took with tapping the 14, getting it off the rail and somewhat safe, absolutely was the correct play. I wouldn't have thought to do that which is why I'm stuck at an APA 5.

[@MrEerwin]

Great video! Thanks Brian.

[@FXBilliards]

You bet!

[@Deep_Divers]

Thanks for the effort you put into your videos. Much appreciated. Your advice on knowing your opponent's abilities is so important. Too many players don't differentiate between a lesser skilled and better skilled player during league matches.

[@vincentnappo]

I just want to say thank you. I have been following you for a few weeks, and I have had several people say that they noticed I have really stepped up my game. They asked what’s your secret. I said I found FXBillards and passed along your site.

[@FXBilliards]

Your views mean a lot to me. Thanks.

[@mr.b865]

As always, great stuff Brian. Love the reverse English back bank. Looking for more strategy stuff. I keep getting beat when I have 2 or 3 balls left while my opponent has 5 or more. I'm good at pocketing balls but need to get over this hump. I'm trying to win more matches and move up to a 5 then 6. Thanks again.

[@Bryan-jb4wb]

Thanks for the knowledge. I like the tough Love 😂.

[@FXBilliards]

You bet

[@university-at-large]

Hi Brian, Enjoy your instructional videos immensely! Both my friend and I often wonder whether the pros are looking at the object ball or cue ball at the moment of striking. Is it different for different types of shots, e.g., drawing, top spin, stun, breaking?

[@FXBilliards]

Good question! I have only heard of one pro who looks at the Cue ball when shooting ordinary shots. The only time I look at it during a shot it is on some brake shots, Messe shots, and jump shots.

The 8 ball rule that's almost universal where I play is that the 8 must go in the same pocket as your last ball. Does make you plan for that as you can't just sink it anywhere, and taking care of problems and properly choosing which balls to play are both even more important.

[@markslates2154]

Great advice! Thanks 👍🏽

[@FXBilliards]

You bet!

[@johnrubini3853]

Great vid Brian. I’m headed to my table 😊

[@ravindrabhope2727]

My best titorials on this channel only thank you so much

[@FXBilliards]

Glad you like them!

[@alipourjeli8669]

well performrd i just enjoyed it👌🌹

[@jamesclemens7277]

Thank you once again

[@Chris-mw8dr]

Very Informative !! Thanks

[@dannyc8875]

Solid stuff. Thx.

[@toddelston5818]

More great advice 👍💪, keep up the great work brother 👍💪🎱🔥🎯

[@FXBilliards]

Appreciate it! Thanks a lot.

[@krisklimpel4914]

Well thought out and done video . Only one question did the four have a pocket before you shot the one and moved it ? It's hard to see in the video

[@FXBilliards]

The 4 did not have a pocket but I would have moved it with the 6 or 7 of I did not break them up from the one. I had three more chances to get to it. Thanks for watching Kris.

[@shalaebrewster3025]

Ty definitely needed these tips Thankyou!!!

[@marvinemmanuel3805]

Good teaching

[@FXBilliards]

Thanks

[@jamessaylor7933]

What table is this? Thanks , love your videos!

[@FXBilliards]

That’s an 8 foot table. I haven’t had it for over two years now I think it was made by. Cressin

[@fire9132]

Loving the content!!

[@FXBilliards]

Thank you very much.

[@mariusalexandru3409]

Thank you!

[@DeanDresow]

Top notch advice

[@FXBilliards]

Thank you

[@mario121564]

Excellent

[@amaizetv9658]

In 10:34 while you are shooting the 1 ball and you accidentally shoot the 9 ball, whos gonna shoot now? Is it still you or its already a turn for your opponent? Pls answer my question. Thankyou and Godbless!

[@FXBilliards]

I made a ball so it is still my shot. Thanks for watching. Btw in some counties it’s a foul. But that is a very rare rule.

[@elroy28906]

What is the process for a player to get an apa rank? Is it based on how many balls a player can consistently make after each shot, or what? Thank you, Randy

[@FXBilliards]

The number one and two factors are innings and wins. If you win games in low innings, your tank goes up quicker.

[@elroy28906]

@@FXBilliards Thank you Brian for the reply, I've been subscribed, and have been applying your pool wisdom for years. But how to get "ranked" had me puzzled, and still a bit fuzzy about the " low innings". Randy

[@Chris-mw8dr]

I probably would've Shot the Cue ball behind the 9 ball softy against the Rail and Hooked them ..

[@FXBilliards]

That would not be a bad idea but remember the example with an APA 3. There is zero reason to hook them we want them to take a shot here. Not to mention your shot can be very difficult to pull off at that distance. Give it a try and let me know how you do. Thanks for watching and thanks for your comments.

[@raferb]

My APA team always says "AP Yay!" when a lucky fluke shot is made. LOL

[@ian8745]

I think I'd be playing the 14 softer to try and leave the 3 ball covered by the black

[@FXBilliards]

Your option works but keep in mind who we are playing. The safety "might work" from that distance but we want the APA 3 to shoot. I call it "baiting" the shooter. Either way is a good option but staying behind that 8 ball from that distance is a tough shot. At least I would find it difficult. Thanks for watching and thank you for your comments.

[@JeezVince]

Is this table a 9ft ?

[@FXBilliards]

The table in this video is an 8 - the table in our newest videos is a 9

[@jamesroberts3642]

Damn nice sir.....

[@mjg1185]

What's the story behind the scoreboard in the background? 84/60 must have been a helluva long match.

[@FXBilliards]

I use that board in videos to create comments that ask me about the board. LOL it was from a practice session. No meaning to anyone but me really.

[@abvrooster6225]

I'll do a safety on the 14. Leave the cue ball directly behind the 8. After I banked the 9 ball of course 😂

[@FXBilliards]

LOL, it's funny how many guys think they can shoot 6 feet down table on that 14 and leave the CB behind the 8. Thanks for watching.

[@jerome.s1792]

Can you show some 9 ball

[@FXBilliards]

I have a couple things out, but there are some new things coming very soon

[@jerome.s1792]

Oh ok Thank you very much

[@scambodia147]

Eight ball was designed to create bar room brawls,give me nine ball any day!

[@Ocselfed]

2. Eight ball rules are so confusing 3. It depends that situation i have to play off the 14 but I can’t give up seeing the 3, that’s if the 14 is not frozen. Reason being the players next shot is the bank the 3 to block the 9 or make the 3 and slide to make the 5. If the 14 is frozen I play off the right side of 9 nic it leave cue ball on the rail force you to bank the 3 and miss do the same thing with the 9 again. If I get ball in hand shoot 14 9 8. Flip side I can live with banking two balls and a long 8. Any pocket, sometimes you need to know you have the worse of a situation. I’m wackin and laughin.

[@FXBilliards]

11 and 12

[@bdudley2991]

Cut the 14 on the short rail into the corner

[@yes2crypto]

Here’s my comment for you because, well,you deserve it 12:23

[@donjaun540]

Hey Brian keep preaching. Lol Love your game and videos. I was wondering about playing a defense on 9 ball then maybe you try and probably miss on ball hopefully giving me a chance at 9 or 14. Boom I win!! 🤡🤡 Cobra Kai!!🥋🤛🤛🤛🤣😂