Insurance - Viking Cues Tip of the Week with Mike Roque, Author of "Build Your Game"

Insurance

“Even the best pro cannot always control how a cluster spreads.” R. Givens

Balls sometimes come to rest, creating clusters that congest the table. Breaking them apart can be challenging, but often holds the key to a successful run–out.

The cue ball position and the table layout are critical factors to consider. Look for patterns where the cue ball leads naturally to the breakout, the closer the better. Always address clusters early in the game and play the breakout with some insurance.

Pick a pattern that allows the cue ball to nudge the cluster while having another ball nearby that can be made easily—ideally from anywhere.

There is never a guarantee how the balls will open up, so having an insurance ball or two is a fundamental concept that keeps the run–out alive.

Insurance balls allow you to shoot with confidence. If the breakout doesn’t spread the way you imagined, you know there will still be a reasonable shot available.

In eight ball, sometimes the breakout doesn’t lie naturally with your chosen balls. Here it might be better to play safe. Consider either moving one of your balls closer to the cluster for a later breakout or try to force your opponent to take a tough, low-percentage shot.

Breakouts work best with insurance balls. Use them and run out more often.

Love our Tuesday Tip of the Week with Mike Roque, you can purchase your own copy of the his book "Build Your Game" at the BEBOB Publishing Website at http://bebobpublishing.com/morebooks.htm