Larry,
We all get a brain-lock at one time or another, don't fret it. I'll unlock it for you but the price is a fifth of Jameson Irish Whiskey, beer is cheap
.
Rod stated that he needs all 3 balls. He and his opponent both have 6 balls after Rod's foul and spotting of the owed ball. The only way that Rod can need all 3 balls(with 3 on the table) is if his opponent is going to 7, hence I wrote in my explanation that Rod is giving up 9-7.
Player 'B' only needs one ball, not two. That's where you are getting confused. After Rod shoots in the 5 ball and scratches behind it(after my shot), player 'B' can win by making the 9 ball
. By shooting the shot I diagrammed I am giving Rod a free shot to (1)pocket the 5 and scratch behind it or (2) try to take the 5 out and turn the cueball loose in the process.
Neither are good options if I get the 9 ball over the headstring.
Dennis