Lesson
12

Pattern Play

Reading the table and the 3-ball rule

Goal

Work out the order and position zones for the whole rack.
zone for the 2zone for the 3123
Every shot also sends the cue ball to a zone with an easy angle on the next ball. Think three balls ahead.
Video lesson

Key points

Before your first shot, spot the balls on the rail, the clusters, and any balls blocking pockets.
Always think 3 balls ahead: the ball you're shooting, the next ball, and the one after that.
Break up clusters early, while you still have insurance balls.
The key ball is the one right before the last ball. Choose it so the last ball is easy.

Common mistakes

Getting shape on the next shot but leaving no route to the one after
Leaving a cluster until the end
Drill
Scatter 5 balls, take a photo of the layout, and write down your order and position zones before you play. Afterward, compare what happened with your plan.