I cut at an angle to make as many of the areoles be the same distance down from the spot you cut. Usually getting as many areoles on the very top of the cut base as possible. Have never been able to get all the ribs to pop a pup out, but I've gotten 6 on an 8 rib. Problems can arise if you get too many ribs in a row due to overcrowding. I usually like them to be seperated by one rib, so as to not be trying to pump up too many pups at once.