The Pool Hustler's Handbook

Shot #12

Secret: 

This is a clever shot which is simple to do.  The secret to this shot is not how you hit the cueball.  Instead, it is where you place the quarter.  If you place the quarter directly over the top of the 8-ball, the quarter will fall directly on top of the footspot.  If however, you place the quarter on the back half of the 8-ball, the quarter will not land on the footspot.

Execution:

 Position the quarter directly over the 8-ball and explain you challenge someone to keep the quarter on the footspot.  Place the cueball in the kitchen and shoot the cueball at the 8-ball with a hard stroke.  The 8-ball will quickly move out of the way and the quarter will fall in the circle.  Now reset the shot.  This time you will place the quarter on the back half of the 8-ball.  When the sucker hits the 8-ball, the quarter will land outside of the footspot.  No matter how hard or soft he hits the cueball he will not be able to keep the quarter on the footspot.

Trick of the Trade:

 When you execute the shot for your mark, I mean “worthy adversary” to show him how easy it is, shoot the cueball with a hard stroke. This will make him think you have to shoot the shot with a lot of speed.  On the contrary, with the coin off set, the harder you hit the shot, the farther the coin will go.

 Also, when resetting the shot, wait until your friend is ready to hit the cue before placing the quarter.  He will be less likely to notice the coin is not directly over the 8-ball when he is standing on the opposite side of the table. 

Happy Hustling

 Chef Anton

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