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© Copyright 2003, Jim Loy
In Safety Battles, I said "Rule #2: If you are tempted to make one of your balls while calling "safe," ALWAYS consider NOT making the ball. You may need that ball for shape (position) or a break." Let me illustrate that with this position. Here I have solids in the game of eight ball. Let's say the two can't be cut into the upper left corner pocket. I may be able to make the three, draw back for the two in the same pocket, and then make the eight. It looks like I may hit the two, if I try to draw; then where would I shoot it. It is tempting to make the three after calling "safe," stop the cue ball and leave my opponent hooked on his/her stripe. I expect to have ball-in-hand for an easy run-out. After all, my opponent will probably kick off the right-hand end rail and leave me a shot on the two, even if he/she gets a good hit.
But my opponent shoots a spectacular two rail kick (off the top side rail and the left end rail) and leaves me this tough position:
Pretty lucky maybe, but I have seen such things happen. I may be able to leave him/her tough, but this is going to be difficult.
What about my rule #2? Going back to the original position, I will calling "safe" and NOT make the three. I stop the cue ball and move the three to near the pocket, maybe near the end rail, making sure a ball goes to a rail? Then my opponent has no obvious safety, and probably must try to make his/her stripe. I may miss the long shot on the two, but I will probably make it. Isn't that way better?
OK, you would like to have a two ball runout instead of a three ball run out. Why? The two ball run out is not necessarily easier. The only reason you should make the three ball is if your team needs that ball to win the match.