how to play safe for this final black?

[deant1982]

In a black ball frame or a tie black frame (same thing anyway) the best objective is to get the object ball to the middle of a cushion and if you can get the cueball to the middle of an opposite cushion (baulk and top cushions are best). With this type of shot I would try hitting the black full in the face with lots of top spin, trying to get the black to go similar to a cocked-hat double but with intentional error so it goes past the middle pocket and hopefully comes to rest near the middle of the top cushion in this case while the top spin on the cueball should get it to the baulk cushion.
The error comes in if you happen to come too close to the cocked-hat double and catch the jaw, but you still have the cueball on the cushion and any pot except one very near a pocket becomes very difficult.

I would not leave any opponent the chance of a double into the middle pocket as I've found they are likely to make it or else miss it but leave you on the cushion with a very tough safety shot. Do not let your opponent have a hand-on-the-table shot whatever you do

Terry

My thoughts exactly. In this situation, I would play this shot 10 times out of 10, never even contemplating a different shot. If you have got to a black ball game, there is a good chance you should by then understand the weight (speed) of the table, so should be able to get it safe the majority of the time. One point to look for in ANY safety shot when possible, is always try to get distance between the balls. This will make your opponent's shot harder, as he has a lot more to judge, whether he decides to attempt the pot or safety.
Terry is no mug based on what I have read from his posts, and he certainly sounds like he knows his way around a snooker table, so if he offers his advise, it is always going to be useful! I'm not saying do only as he says, but certainly take it under advisment, and think of it as an alternative!

[Terry Davidson]

poolqjunkie:

To answer your question (I missed it originally), I would NOT recommend any side at all on this shot, just straight centre-ball top spin. The reason is with side you are increasing the chance of error and if for instance you judge the aim-off with the side then you could either end up with hitting the object too thin or else too thick and getting a double kiss.

Both of these would likely result in disaster and leave your opponent a hand-on-the-table chance of a pot

Terry

[tommygunner1309]

I have to say that Terry has this dead right. Before reading Terry's post, I looked and thought of a cocked hat to the top cush with the white on the baulk cushion. Hit the black full ball with topspin on the white. By the time you get to this stage in the frame you should have the pace of the table. Actually, the cocked hat shot is one I use quite a lot and have to say I have a good 85% success rate, which is probably why I use it so much. But of course, if you get it wrong, it could cost the frame. If you concentrate on getting the cue ball tight on the baulk cushion, even if you under hit the black, it will be a very difficult pot for your opponent.

[thelongbomber]

I say do this: come back with a giant swing and hit it as hard as you can. You might fluke it 2 in the side, 3 in the corner, 4 in the yellow corner, 5 in the side... hehehe..

Just kidding! Don't do what I mentioned!