Figure 2 illustrates the key ball principle in 8-Ball pool. Again, the 8-ball will fit easily in Pocket A, but which ball will be the last solid played?
The 4-ball offers the best fit, and once the cue ball comes to rest where the four sits, probably with a stop shot rolling the four into one of the other three pockets shown, all is well and straight onto the eight into Pocket A.
The 1-ball will of course need to come off soon, sometime before the four to clear the path intented for the game-winning 8-ball. But the 4-ball is the key to the win and saved for next-to-last.
Watch for upcoming articles on other fascinating aspects of 8-ball. I've taught 8-Ball pool for many years and am still learning, too. Earth's most popular pool game also offers some of its deepest strategies.
