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Pool glossary · Strategy & Safety

Insurance ball

What is an insurance ball in pool?

An insurance ball is an easy ball, usually near a pocket, that you leave on the table to recover if your position on another ball goes wrong. Spending it too early removes your safety net.

In more detail

Before using a hanger, ask whether it would be more valuable later. Many runs end when the player shot the easy ball first and had nothing left to save the pattern.

People also ask

When should I use my insurance ball?

When your position on the planned ball failed, or near the end of the pattern as a key ball.

Train it at the table

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