One of the biggest issues I see with many players is that they take on way too many shots. It’s like they feel they need to make every ball they see. But if you watch the pros carefully, you'll notice something interesting-they often choose not to take certain shots, even if they seem very makeable. Why? Because it's all about percentage play. Pool is not just about making balls; it’s about playing smart. Ask yourself: does making this ball guarantee me a good shot on the next ball? Will I stay in control of the table? If you can't answer these questions with a confident "yes," then it’s time to consider a Plan B, which often means playing a safety. A strong defensive game is one of the most important skills in pool. Everyone can make runs, but making the right decision at the right time is what sets great players apart. Playing a safety shot can keep you in control and force your opponent into a tough position. Remember, it's not just about potting balls; it's about controlling the game. Good decision-making can be the difference between winning and losing. You might have a great shot-making ability, but if your opponent has better strategic thinking, they can outplay you. The player who consistently makes better decisions will usually come out on top. In the video, I illustrate this concept with a perfect example. You'll see why sometimes not taking a shot is the best decision you can make. So, check it out and start thinking more about your shot selection. Remember, it's not just about making balls; it's about playing smart and staying in control 👊🎱
I mean, yeah at this game, not pocketing the 1st ball created a better way to win the game maybe, but are we all really sure, if he pocketed the 1st ball, everything will be a mess? I mean, really? It's just a choice, that creates another scenario. Let me give you an example to make it much clear; You get into your car, and you see your tank is almost empty. Nearest station is on highway, with a huge traffic. As a result, you decided to go to next station, and somehow, your gas was jussst enough to go to that 2nd station. So what do you understand from this story? 1- Getting to the nearest station is a huge mistake 2- You should decide which station you should go, according to the circumstances. I mean, if you are an idiot, you would choose 1. If not, you're just trying to get more viewers, with a clickbait topic.
@@memlafeder he’s also thinking about the shot he’s setting up for the second player. It was a very difficult shot and even if his opponent made the 1 (very hard shot as you can see he didn’t even hit the ball) opponent very likely wouldn’t have a good position on the 2. You’re missing the entire point of this video which is that it’s about percentages. He’s not saying that it’s a huge mistake, just that for him in this match, he understands the difficulty of the shots, the limitations of his and his partners abilities, the chances of a good vs bad percentage shot, etc and came to the conclusion that going for the 1 in this scenario wasn’t the best option.
@@dantecantal150 Dear, if I wouldn't agree with everything you said, I wouldn't wrote that comment, or even I wouldn't subscribed and follow Sharivari's videos right? My problem is not the content. I just can't accept a clickbait headline or title, for a quality channel like this. Cause it is a provoking title, just to get more attention. Sharivari don't need those tricks imo. His content is already much better than average. Just my 2 cents, nobody needs to agree. ;)
@@memlafeder Thanks for the feedback and kind words! I’m not a fan of these titles either, but after almost five years of doing TH-cam as my full-time job, I’ve learned that the title determines 80% of a video’s success and profitability. Since I depend on videos performing well to make a living, I sometimes have to use titles like this. That said, I believe it doesn’t take away from the quality or value of the content itself.
@@Sharivari Pal, at the end, you know better and you will be the final decision maker. I just shared my humble opinions, but me or anyone around is not the creator of your content, so sure, we can't know all downsides and problems. Specially in this current social media, that good ones deserving better better results don't get it, and worse, clickbaiters and posers are being promoted instead. So do as you think better. I hope the best for you brother. ;)
I thought it was pretty obvious to play a safety, but my instinct would be to try to get the cue ball tight to the 5 to get a nasty snooker. However, I'm always trying things like that and mess them up more than I get them so your strategy of just sending cue ball and 1 to opposite ends of the table is probably much better
Yes! A while back I got the phrase “if you can’t run out, be looking for good safeties” and I’m often playing better players so it has helped me. It was hard at first, making the decision to safety an easy layup shot, but like here, it’s the right thing. Even at your level! But for me, I know roughly my percentage on that four ball shot, and I would have definitely gone for the bottom corner because I can’t reliably make that perfect position you did on it. To quote Clint Eastwood in some movie “a man’s gotta know his limitations”. I often play against folk that are really good but somehow they seem to think safety shots are a defeat or letdown, instead of just a strategic tool. Specially when there are only 3-4 balls on the table, even actually when they have terrible position on the nine, a lot of players just go for it instead of safety.
It’s rather astonishing how many league players who claim to be “highly rated” don’t think about the next shot. They would play the 1 and hope to heaven for a shot on the 2 and lament their “bad luck” about not getting there. Always praying for the hero runout which is precisely why they don’t…
Just last week, I was talking to my billiard friends & rival about playing percentages. I had a 10-losing streak against my rival from just trying to run tables (which I only succeed 10% of the time) I really thought about what I did wrong and came to the conclusion that I need to practice playing safe and giving myself ball-in-hand more. Then finally, I got 3 straight wins and won again yesterday. Playing mostly safeties and frustrating him. (This guy is Fargo rated and I'm not) Of course, when I'm practicing alone I still practice running out, but when playing for money (or pride) it's best to play your percentages. To know what your limits are and work around them. Love your content as always, Thanks Sharivari 🙏
I should not comment since I am mainly a bank pool player, and we play it in rotation. Thanks for the videos- we looked into what it takes to properly do a YT channel and it is a ridiculous amount of work.
This seems like an important aspect of pool skill that you can practice (almost) as well with a sim like Virtual Pool? For when you want to get in some useful practice, but can't get to a real table.
Because the 9 doesn't go past the 7. Also getting shape on that 2 ball from the 1 isn't easy and with a combo you want to get as good/close as you can.
does the base of the table get in the way of the footing sometimes? do you feel like your foot sometimes naturally wants to be over the base of the table? or is it well away?
I really like that Dynasphere set. So much prettier than the ugly Aramith Black that is used so often in tourneys. I own Dynaspheres as well - Great quality!
Doesn't the decision not also depend on your skill and the skill of your opponent? Also your safety shot requires good execution and is not always successful, but might be the best option for most players. Luckily for you, your opponent messed it up. 1. Other option could be stop shot on the one keeping the cue ball short behind the five ball sending the one around three cushions ( which could also go wrong). 2. Or do make the one un such a way you can see the two (with left spin) and play safe of the two 3. Or pot the one and sending cue ball between six and eight against the four for position on the two. The safety shot you played would be answered by a good player with a resave (two rail with a bottom hit) leaving the cue ball at the spot where the one is and sending the one back down the table to a safe spot. My advise: play the shot which has the highest succes rate for you. What is easy for one player is difficult for another. And in practice try the shot that requires more practice. Of you do not know what is your personal best shot. Do it 10 times count successcore. Then look if there is another way to play the shot, do that also 10 times and so on. Compare the scores.
That’s usually the case yeah but if you position on your next shot requires you to spin the cue ball while you are on the rail it’s still doable. You just have to adjust for the deflection. Or like the premise of this video it might not be worth taking on the shot and instead opt for a safety/ 2-way shot
*Hi Andre, I see you are playing on a Gabriels table.* *I intend to buy a pool table and I just recently heard of this table manufacturer.* *How good is it ? Compared to say for example a Diamond table ?* *Is is roughly the same ? Slightly better, slightly worse ?*
Hi Profi, wie würdest du mir empfehlen das richtige Queue zu finden bzw die richtige Spitze, ich habe das gefühl wenn ich deine Videos sehe das die Spitze an meinem Queue deutlich zu weich ist. Danke im Voraus❤
Also ich persönlich bin großer Fan vom KAMUI Brown Medium Leder. Nutze das seit vielen Jahren. Hab mal eine Zeit mit anderen experimentiert, bin dann aber wieder zurück dazu gegangen.
This depends on a player's skill level. The lower the skill level, the more the 2-9 combo becomes the right shot. The higher the skill level, the less the combo becomes the correct shot. With ball in hand on the two, it would probably have been the right shot all along.
@@Sharivarithe 7 was blocking my the 2-9 combo anyway so even after you get ball and hand the combo isn’t the shot unless you move the 7 out of the way while making the 1 ball and then setting up on it. Too many variables when you could just run out instead
@@Sharivari but even for the skilled players, the position from the 1 ball to the 2-9 combo with ball in hand should be straight forward. And the combo was pretty much unmissable.
Playing in socks on a wooden floor trying to keep your balance. And using extra felt on the real spot? Y’all Germans are uptight AF. Love the video overall though and love your channel.
Man, I’m genuinely curious about all the comments about me not wearing shoes in my own house, short jeans, and sneaker socks 😂 These are like normal things to do during Summer here in Germany 🙈
One of the biggest issues I see with many players is that they take on way too many shots. It’s like they feel they need to make every ball they see. But if you watch the pros carefully, you'll notice something interesting-they often choose not to take certain shots, even if they seem very makeable. Why? Because it's all about percentage play.
Pool is not just about making balls; it’s about playing smart. Ask yourself: does making this ball guarantee me a good shot on the next ball? Will I stay in control of the table?
If you can't answer these questions with a confident "yes," then it’s time to consider a Plan B, which often means playing a safety.
A strong defensive game is one of the most important skills in pool. Everyone can make runs, but making the right decision at the right time is what sets great players apart. Playing a safety shot can keep you in control and force your opponent into a tough position. Remember, it's not just about potting balls; it's about controlling the game.
Good decision-making can be the difference between winning and losing. You might have a great shot-making ability, but if your opponent has better strategic thinking, they can outplay you. The player who consistently makes better decisions will usually come out on top.
In the video, I illustrate this concept with a perfect example. You'll see why sometimes not taking a shot is the best decision you can make. So, check it out and start thinking more about your shot selection. Remember, it's not just about making balls; it's about playing smart and staying in control 👊🎱
I mean, yeah at this game, not pocketing the 1st ball created a better way to win the game maybe, but are we all really sure, if he pocketed the 1st ball, everything will be a mess? I mean, really?
It's just a choice, that creates another scenario. Let me give you an example to make it much clear;
You get into your car, and you see your tank is almost empty. Nearest station is on highway, with a huge traffic. As a result, you decided to go to next station, and somehow, your gas was jussst enough to go to that 2nd station.
So what do you understand from this story?
1- Getting to the nearest station is a huge mistake
2- You should decide which station you should go, according to the circumstances.
I mean, if you are an idiot, you would choose 1. If not, you're just trying to get more viewers, with a clickbait topic.
@@memlafeder he’s also thinking about the shot he’s setting up for the second player. It was a very difficult shot and even if his opponent made the 1 (very hard shot as you can see he didn’t even hit the ball) opponent very likely wouldn’t have a good position on the 2.
You’re missing the entire point of this video which is that it’s about percentages.
He’s not saying that it’s a huge mistake, just that for him in this match, he understands the difficulty of the shots, the limitations of his and his partners abilities, the chances of a good vs bad percentage shot, etc and came to the conclusion that going for the 1 in this scenario wasn’t the best option.
@@dantecantal150 Dear, if I wouldn't agree with everything you said, I wouldn't wrote that comment, or even I wouldn't subscribed and follow Sharivari's videos right?
My problem is not the content. I just can't accept a clickbait headline or title, for a quality channel like this. Cause it is a provoking title, just to get more attention.
Sharivari don't need those tricks imo. His content is already much better than average.
Just my 2 cents, nobody needs to agree. ;)
@@memlafeder Thanks for the feedback and kind words! I’m not a fan of these titles either, but after almost five years of doing TH-cam as my full-time job, I’ve learned that the title determines 80% of a video’s success and profitability. Since I depend on videos performing well to make a living, I sometimes have to use titles like this. That said, I believe it doesn’t take away from the quality or value of the content itself.
@@Sharivari Pal, at the end, you know better and you will be the final decision maker.
I just shared my humble opinions, but me or anyone around is not the creator of your content, so sure, we can't know all downsides and problems.
Specially in this current social media, that good ones deserving better better results don't get it, and worse, clickbaiters and posers are being promoted instead.
So do as you think better. I hope the best for you brother. ;)
Great job of using a recorded game to demonstrate when to play a safety and why. 🎱👏🏻
Thanks 👊 🎱
I thought it was pretty obvious to play a safety, but my instinct would be to try to get the cue ball tight to the 5 to get a nasty snooker. However, I'm always trying things like that and mess them up more than I get them so your strategy of just sending cue ball and 1 to opposite ends of the table is probably much better
I thought the same, but then saw that the cue ball was too close to the rail to have that kind of control. I love the shot he ended up playing
Yes! A while back I got the phrase “if you can’t run out, be looking for good safeties” and I’m often playing better players so it has helped me. It was hard at first, making the decision to safety an easy layup shot, but like here, it’s the right thing. Even at your level!
But for me, I know roughly my percentage on that four ball shot, and I would have definitely gone for the bottom corner because I can’t reliably make that perfect position you did on it.
To quote Clint Eastwood in some movie “a man’s gotta know his limitations”.
I often play against folk that are really good but somehow they seem to think safety shots are a defeat or letdown, instead of just a strategic tool. Specially when there are only 3-4 balls on the table, even actually when they have terrible position on the nine, a lot of players just go for it instead of safety.
It’s rather astonishing how many league players who claim to be “highly rated” don’t think about the next shot. They would play the 1 and hope to heaven for a shot on the 2 and lament their “bad luck” about not getting there. Always praying for the hero runout which is precisely why they don’t…
Everyone should be thinking at least 3-4 balls ahead, especially high-level players
Great video a solid advice! 👌🏼
I like these shorter ones a lot 😀
Just last week, I was talking to my billiard friends & rival about playing percentages. I had a 10-losing streak against my rival from just trying to run tables (which I only succeed 10% of the time) I really thought about what I did wrong and came to the conclusion that I need to practice playing safe and giving myself ball-in-hand more.
Then finally, I got 3 straight wins and won again yesterday. Playing mostly safeties and frustrating him. (This guy is Fargo rated and I'm not)
Of course, when I'm practicing alone I still practice running out, but when playing for money (or pride) it's best to play your percentages. To know what your limits are and work around them.
Love your content as always, Thanks Sharivari 🙏
Beautifully done...
Love this type of content!!
Great insight show more clips like this please
I should not comment since I am mainly a bank pool player, and we play it in rotation.
Thanks for the videos- we looked into what it takes to properly do a YT channel and it is a ridiculous amount of work.
Cuffed denim shorts in a decision making video…😂
my man came to win
Nice run.
This seems like an important aspect of pool skill that you can practice (almost) as well with a sim like Virtual Pool? For when you want to get in some useful practice, but can't get to a real table.
Shooterspool looks pretty authentic too
Just wondering: why not try for the 1, 2>9 combo?
Because the 9 doesn't go past the 7. Also getting shape on that 2 ball from the 1 isn't easy and with a combo you want to get as good/close as you can.
The 7 is on the other side of the table?? Why are there so many comments pretending that the shot after the safety didn’t move the 7??
Lovely.
does the base of the table get in the way of the footing sometimes? do you feel like your foot sometimes naturally wants to be over the base of the table? or is it well away?
Never happened, it's well away.
@@Sharivari thank you
I really like that Dynasphere set. So much prettier than the ugly Aramith Black that is used so often in tourneys. I own Dynaspheres as well - Great quality!
Doesn't the decision not also depend on your skill and the skill of your opponent?
Also your safety shot requires good execution and is not always successful, but might be the best option for most players. Luckily for you, your opponent messed it up.
1. Other option could be stop shot on the one keeping the cue ball short behind the five ball sending the one around three cushions ( which could also go wrong).
2. Or do make the one un such a way you can see the two (with left spin) and play safe of the two
3. Or pot the one and sending cue ball between six and eight against the four for position on the two.
The safety shot you played would be answered by a good player with a resave (two rail with a bottom hit) leaving the cue ball at the spot where the one is and sending the one back down the table to a safe spot.
My advise: play the shot which has the highest succes rate for you. What is easy for one player is difficult for another. And in practice try the shot that requires more practice. Of you do not know what is your personal best shot. Do it 10 times count successcore. Then look if there is another way to play the shot, do that also 10 times and so on. Compare the scores.
My friend told to not put English on the cueball if you're trying to make the ob if I'm on the rail because it deflects so much
That’s usually the case yeah but if you position on your next shot requires you to spin the cue ball while you are on the rail it’s still doable. You just have to adjust for the deflection.
Or like the premise of this video it might not be worth taking on the shot and instead opt for a safety/ 2-way shot
@hypexzombie7908 yeah
Thumbs up smart.
*Hi Andre, I see you are playing on a Gabriels table.*
*I intend to buy a pool table and I just recently heard of this table manufacturer.*
*How good is it ? Compared to say for example a Diamond table ?*
*Is is roughly the same ? Slightly better, slightly worse ?*
I doubt you will get an answer as this is a sponsored table.
I like the Gryffon a lot. But I also really like to play on a Diamond. Probably personal preference.
@Sharivari I understand, but which one would you choose ?!
How does this one bank ?
I'm disappointed you didn't go for a 2-9 combo... :
isn't the 7 in the way?
Hi Profi, wie würdest du mir empfehlen das richtige Queue zu finden bzw die richtige Spitze, ich habe das gefühl wenn ich deine Videos sehe das die Spitze an meinem Queue deutlich zu weich ist.
Danke im Voraus❤
Also ich persönlich bin großer Fan vom KAMUI Brown Medium Leder. Nutze das seit vielen Jahren. Hab mal eine Zeit mit anderen experimentiert, bin dann aber wieder zurück dazu gegangen.
@ spare ich mit dem Code sharivari10 10% auf meine bestellung?
I think he had an angle to bank off the long rail and pocket the 1 in the corner and a chance at the 2
Hello, was it wrong to play for the 2-9 combo after you had ball in hand ?
I’m guessing they was playing no early 9 so 9 has to be last otherwise the 2-9 combo was pretty easy and would be the right shot.
This depends on a player's skill level. The lower the skill level, the more the 2-9 combo becomes the right shot. The higher the skill level, the less the combo becomes the correct shot. With ball in hand on the two, it would probably have been the right shot all along.
@@Sharivarithe 7 was blocking my the 2-9 combo anyway so even after you get ball and hand the combo isn’t the shot unless you move the 7 out of the way while making the 1 ball and then setting up on it. Too many variables when you could just run out instead
@@Sharivari but even for the skilled players, the position from the 1 ball to the 2-9 combo with ball in hand should be straight forward. And the combo was pretty much unmissable.
Playing barefoot seems to be key in this match up 😆 🤣 😂
😂
Playing in socks on a wooden floor trying to keep your balance. And using extra felt on the real spot? Y’all Germans are uptight AF. Love the video overall though and love your channel.
1:25 What an absolutely terrible kick shot
It’s 2025, my man is allowed to wear women’s socks!
Man, I’m genuinely curious about all the comments about me not wearing shoes in my own house, short jeans, and sneaker socks 😂 These are like normal things to do during Summer here in Germany 🙈
@@Sharivari I love you to death, man. Don’t take my comment seriously. 😂 You’ve tremendously helped my pool game, thank you so much! 🫡🍻
@@Sharivaridon't worry about such comments. Lots of uncultured people who wear outdoor shoes inside their own home 😅
If U arr good, why U are not a champion?
Jorts!