Putting an object ball between the cue-ball and the target object ball is a great basic safety. Here is an example of this shot.

An alternative to going for a difficult cut is to leave your opponent reaching for a difficult bank.

Another example of a difficult cut for you turning into a difficult bank for your opponent.

Next time you get stuck next to the side pocket and on the rail with the cue-ball giving you a terrible angle to bank or cut try this safety play. This will leave your opponent with a long shot on the ball and stuck to the rail.

After the opening break, check for clusters of balls that you can use to hide either the cue-ball or the target object ball behind if positioning on the next highest ball seems difficult.

This is a combination trick shot, 2 ball shot, positioning shot. Make sure to add this shot to your skills set, it actually comes up pretty often.