About thinking three balls ahead?

Question

I'm a little confused, because if you're only thinking three balls ahead, how do you know where to get on the third ball without thinking about where the fourth ball is and where you need to be to get on the fifth ball? Sometimes there's only one place to be on a ball no matter where you're trying to get (pretty much), but that's not always the case. Is it just a rule of thumb so you only use it when it's practical? How often do you find yourself thinking through the whole rack? How does that work out for you?

Answer 1

The idea of "working the triangle" is to think three shots ahead on every turn.  The classic example is in 9-ball, you want to play position on the 1,2, and 3.  After you pocket the 1, you rotate everything ahead one notch and play position on the 2,3, and 4.  The reason you have to start your triangle over on every shot is because, you may not have gotten perfect position on your next shot and your plan will then need to change, plus the second ball in your triangle (sometimes referred to as the key ball) rotates ahead as well.  I'm sorry if I'm overstating the obvious.  Now after the break shot, regardless of the game, most players will look over the table for problem balls (i.e. clusters, interfering balls, frozen to cushion or other balls, etc.).  Even in my favorite game, straight pool, it's not always possible to look over the entire table unless all of the balls are neatly spread out and they all have a pocket.  If a player tells you that they can always plan 15 shots in advance, then they're most likely pulling your leg.  Your brain would explode if you tried to consciously plan out 15 balls in advance.  Like you said, working the triangle is a good rule of thumb for any game, in combination with being mindful of imminent problems on the table.  M.D.-BCA Instructor/Referee.

Answer 2

Wow... that was confusing for a minute!  Lol.  Anyways.  Typically, you don't want to have to leave yourself on a dime-spot to make shape.  The more practice and the better you get, it will come naturally to look at the whole table.  If you're a beginner, just keep a basic 3-ball perspective for now.  The better you get, the more balls you'll be looking at.  But don't mess up an entire run because you were thinking too much ahead.  Keep it basic for now.  When I play, I start to look at things that don't even apply yet and I'm too busy worrying about what I'm going to do with the 9-ball and miss the 1-ball.  I understand what you're asking and, unless it's a complete necessity, don't worry about the 4th ball (etc.) unless you have to.

Answer 3

Which 3

3-6-8 ???

Answer 4

At least 3 -make one add one make another add another stay 3 ahead

You can run the whole rack in your mind until one of those pesky mistakes comes along

I even think about the break on the next rack before i make the last ball or spending the money

Got to keep them fed

Later Johnny

Hey Kid

Answer 5

This is the hardest thing for me to discipline myself to do....everytime that I truly do it. it really works for me....a little of this goes with the simplest rule in pool......"keep it simple stupid!".....I think that you need to first look at the layout, or follow the layout as your opponent shoots....there might be a "pesky" lockup that you will eventually have to eliminate to complete the run out.......I say look at the layout and as long as there are no real problem balls, you keep it as simple as possible by staying focused on the first 3 balls....and staying with this the entire rack.....how many times have you run out to the 8 and then look to see that you have a difficult "get" to a good shot on the 9......I really think that this is as simple as you can keep it.........but then I am only a "par" player and not what I would consider a "scratch" player.....I was playing Bill(best player I think in my area).....he broke and I looked at the 7 ball and just asked him....before you get there, tell me where you are going to make the 7(hard position)......he told me and ran to it like he said.....next time, I asked him the same question on another ball.....when he told me, I picked it up and moved it to another spot.....he still ran the rack out!.......if I can do 3 at a time, I can seem to focus better!......of course if it was that "simple" I would not be here writing about it....I would be on TV!

Answer 6

call me a dork, :P  but i normally don't plan three balls ahead..unless it's in fact an open table..i just plan for my next shot, (1, then the 2)..and where...and depending on how much the game's worth :P........eh..Dre O

Answer 7

Always 3 balls ahead , after every shot. Usually not more than 5 balls ahead unless you've got a bunch of hangers. If the 1, 9 combo is sitting dead in the corner, a real can of corn ,then by all means feel free to skip all of this nonsense! lol

Answer 8

If you are good enough, if you play enough, practice enough, you will see way beyond 3 balls, you will see everything right in front of you, just waiting to be put in the pockets.