the brands you use doesnt matter, your layouts and surfaces is something you need to understand, your house shot equipment may not be the best choice on the tougher patterns
typically, i use pieces with lower and sometimes longer pin placements
balls that are more rolly to keep your angles down, you want to learn how to repeat shots and keep the ball in play.
the biggest thing you can learn right away to improve your scores on the tough stuff is to be able to throw straight at all of your spares (double wood excluded)
good luck!