COLUMNIST
WWPD? (What Would the Pros Do?) Vol. 2 By Samm Diep © August 2011
Samm Diep
Samm Diep, “Cherry Bomb” (DenverCherryBomb.com) House Pro at Rack ‘Em Billiards (Aurora, CO) Author of “You Might Be A D Player If… (101 Classic Moves That All Pool Players Can Appreciate)”
Player Representative for Chris Byrne Custom Cues, PoolDawg, Predator, Jim Murnak Custom Cases, & Delta-13 Rack SammsPocket.com | fun & unique products for pool players PoolTipJar.com | random smatterings of pool thoughts, articles, news, & reviews
Volume 2 of “What Would the Pros Do?” takes us to the 2010 contact and adjust his speed accordingly. This shot is played U.S. Open 9-Ball Championships in Chesapeake, Virginia with inside draw. The inside (right-hand) spin facilitates where the score is tied 5-5 between Efren Reyes and Marc pocketing the ball and as an added bonus, it also causes the Vidal. After making a remarkable shot on the 7 ball in the cue ball to bounce away from the 9 ball after it contacts the side, Efren leaves himself dead, straight in on the 8 ball with second rail. the 9 at the other end of the table. This rail-first shot guarantees position on the 9 ball. In Commentators quickly identified his dilemma and the event that you miss the 8 ball, it also carries the possibility suggested he might attempt a jump or masse shot. Efren of a safety because the cue ball is sent down table while the 8 scratched his head and contemplated all the possibilities. In the end, the choice was clear. Let’s review his options: Option A: Cheat the pocket. Option B: Jump the cue ball. Option C: Masse the cue ball. Option D: Draw the cue ball. Option E: Pocket the 8 ball rail-first. Efren chose Option E. The risk of attempting to cheat the pocket in Option A is too high. So many things could go wrong with this choice. It’s far too easy to miss the shot when you place priority on playing position. Aside from missing the shot, there’s also the extreme danger of jumping either or both balls off the table. ball usually remains up table. Efren also knew that with the newer cloth on the TV table, the balls slide more and shots are Jumping the cue ball in Option B requires a perfect hit more forgiving. and is also incredibly risky. Like any new shot, do not attempt to execute this without The possibility practice. If you miss the shot, pay close attention to what of the cue ball side of the ball you’re missing it. Don’t be afraid to cut this and/or the ball. It’s much better to overcut this shot than to undercut object ball it. Remember that along with pocketing the ball, the other jumping off the objective is to create distance between the cue ball and the 8 table is quite ball. Undercutting the 8 ball could easily result in selling out high. This shot the shot. also requires Choosing the correct option won the game for Efren and an elevated cue allowed him to take and a very firm the lead for the first stroke. Once time in the match. again, there is He went on to win a huge chance 11-7. Both players of missing the demonstrated shot. t r e m e n d o u s The masse shot in Option C is not a bad choice but it’s shot-making and an extremely difficult shot that requires a lot of practice. defensive play in this This is not a practical shot and even with practice it’s not feature Accu-stats guaranteed that it can be executed properly under pressure in match. Efren shot a competition. If you are able to pocket the ball with the masse, .871 and Marc shot the cue ball is sent loose and there is very little guarantee for a .793. position. To purchase this Drawing the cue ball straight back with low left-hand dvd or others like it, spin will get you close, but not close enough. You will have a go to accu-stats.com hard time getting the cue ball anywhere near the center of the and mention this table. Once again, using such extreme spin and speed reduces article to receive $5 the chances of pocketing the ball and in this case, with very off. little reward even if you do. The best decision in this scenario is Option E. The only thing Efren has to do was decide what part of the rail to Read more articles by Samm Diep at www.onthebreaknews.com
8 Stroke Magazine - August 2011