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Pool glossary · Strategy & Safety

Break-out

Also called: Breaking out, Bump

What is a break-out shot in pool?

A break-out is a shot that separates a cluster or moves a problem ball to a pocketable position. It may come as part of a pot or, in 8-ball, as a safe 'bump' that moves a ball while leaving the opponent nothing.

In more detail

Choose break-outs that keep your options open. If a break-out risks scratching or leaving the table wide open, consider playing a safety instead.

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What is a 'bump' in 8-ball?

A soft shot that moves one of your balls off a rail or out of a cluster while playing safe.

Train it at the table

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