9-Ball Tactics
Start at the Rack

Pros and Cons of sinking the 9 on the break

If you want to increase the odds of dropping the 9-ball on the break. If you are shooting from the right side of the table, aim for the 1-ball, normally the front ball. Try to hit it a little right of center. If you are shooting from the left side, reverse this process.

You better hit it correctly, because the cue ball position after the break shot will be towards the side rail.
For every advantage, there is a disadvantage.

Timing applies to shooting a safety shot

Picking the correct time during the game when you shoot a safety can make or lose the match.

The opening: The break shot. There isn't much to say here. It is not a place for a safe shot.

The mid-game: Any point in the game at which you DO have a realistic chance to play a safety that will give you ball-in-hand (BIH).

The endgame: The point at which there is no realistic chance to play a safety which might give you ball-in-hand (BIH).

In every game of 9-ball there is a "point of no return"--a point at which playing a good safety (a BIH safety) becomes unrealistic. This point of no return is what separates the mid-game from the endgame.

In the endgame, defense is possible, but only by leaving your opponent a tough shot. The problem with that is, even terrible players make tough shots occasionally. Depending on your opponent to make a mistake is a terrible position to be in. This means, the endgame is the MOST DANGEROUS part of 9-ball! In the endgame, if you make any kind of mistake, you will probably lose.