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How To Run A Rack - 8-Ball - Step-By-Step - The Four Kinds Of Balls

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How To Run A Rack - 8-Ball And 9-Ball By Type Of Balls
8-ball-run

8-Ball runout

Photo (c) Matt Sherman, licensed to About.com, Inc.
How to run a rack in step-by-step photos detailing the four kinds of balls that come up in an 8-Ball or 9-Ball rack.

There are only four types of balls that can help or hurt your next run. I've named them after ranks in a deck of cards:

  • Aces - easy to pocket shots
  • Kings - will "royally process" go in the pocket after the Aces get out of the way first
  • Jokers - trouble balls that mock you
  • Queens - balls that will assist you with Jokers, often they are "Aces with benefits"
The accompanying illustration is a sample Eight Ball table, you are solids and the cue ball is at Position A. Which two shots should you begin a run with? Hint: Identify the four types of balls on the table.

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