Playing unconventionally?

Push&Pool

Push&Pool

Professional Banger
Silver Member
Have you ever played an opponent using tactics and shots completely opposite of something you'd see in a normal, common pool game, or seen another player doing that? In case you did, was it because the opponent was too strong and skilled to be beaten conventionally, or, quite on the other hand, too weak to hit him with your regular skill set? Were you just experimenting or trying to win using an unexpected strategy and the element of surprise? Was the game played by regular rules or some local rules which allowed things you couldn't see in normal pool?

I'm not talking about any form of cheating. What I mean are strategies like:
- constantly playing safeties and keeping all your balls on the table even when you have some easy shots available, eventually forcing your opponent into making mistakes
- attempting to pocket your opponent's balls intentionally in order to open the table a bit
- tying as many balls as possible (including 8-ball/9-ball/10-ball, depending on the game) into one or two large clusters and trying to force the opponent to deal with them
- consistently trying to luck difficult balls in using powerful shots, including "blasting" into clusters
- using your balls to block several pockets in order to limit your opponent's maneuverability

These are only examples. The point is, have you used strategies like these or seen them being used? Who used them and why? How did it go? Were they successful or not?
 
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I've found that if I keep one hand on the floor and shoot with my feet, it really confuses my opponents. Then when they least expect it, I hit them with a combination Ram Shot/Strategic Blast and the game is soon mine!
 
I play in a local league with a lot of good players on 8 footers. Some of the lower handicaps can run the rack on you. I have to win 6 to their 2. I soft break as i am more capable of breaking up clusters than they are. If i break wide open it just helps them instead of me if i cant run out. I always joke that i turn it into a one pocket game of 8 ball.
 
No, I just play conventionally and win. I will save the unconventional stuff for people looking for a reason to lose.
 
ImageUploadedByTapatalk1393795864.017045.jpg
..........
 
Push&Pool said:
- constantly playing safeties and keeping all your balls on the table even when you have some easy shots available, eventually forcing your opponent into making mistakes
- attempting to pocket your opponent's balls intentionally in order to open the table a bit
- tying as many balls as possible (including 8-ball/9-ball/10-ball, depending on the game) into one or two large clusters and trying to force the opponent to deal with them
- consistently trying to luck difficult balls in using powerful shots, including "blasting" into clusters
- using your balls to block several pockets in order to limit your opponent's maneuverability
Click to expand...

1,2,3 and 5 are basic strategies in 8ball, sometimes useful in rotation games as well.

Number 4 is
Ships_Aground_Ship_008188_.jpg
 
These threads can be explained by a common internet medical condition known as: I need attentionitis.
 
Push&Pool said:
Have you ever played an opponent using tactics and shots completely opposite of something you'd see in a normal, common pool game, or seen another player doing that? In case you did, was it because the opponent was too strong and skilled to be beaten conventionally, or, quite on the other hand, too weak to hit him with your regular skill set? Were you just experimenting or trying to win using an unexpected strategy and the element of surprise? Was the game played by regular rules or some local rules which allowed things you couldn't see in normal pool?

I'm not talking about any form of cheating. What I mean are strategies like:
- constantly playing safeties and keeping all your balls on the table even when you have some easy shots available, eventually forcing your opponent into making mistakes
- attempting to pocket your opponent's balls intentionally in order to open the table a bit
- tying as many balls as possible (including 8-ball/9-ball/10-ball, depending on the game) into one or two large clusters and trying to force the opponent to deal with them
- consistently trying to luck difficult balls in using powerful shots, including "blasting" into clusters
- using your balls to block several pockets in order to limit your opponent's maneuverability

These are only examples. The point is, have you used strategies like these or seen them being used? Who used them and why? How did it go? Were they successful or not?
Click to expand...

No. You are a genius for coming up with these strategies.
 
I'm really more from the school that says to play my game. I can't really control what my opponent does.

There may be the odd occasion where knowing your opponent can help you plan or play a certain way, like if he is weak at kicking but has a strong jump shot, that sort of thing. Not exactly what I'd call unconventional.

I have used a soft break in league 8 Ball, which seems a bit unconventional. But the situation called for it.
 
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Push&Pool said:
.... One's greatest enemy is himself.
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Technically, that should be either

His or her greatest enemy is himself or herself.

or

One's greatest enemy is oneself.

Hope this Freds.

As for the OP, I have found that using the Ram Shot really startles and confuses my opponents to the extent they often run screaming from the building. I find it more effective if I use a 16-pound sledge rather than a pool cue. I have put a tip on it to make it legal. You may want to try it.
 
When I'm playing a difficult opponent, I dress up as a witch doctor, dance around the table and put a ju-ju curse on my opponent's 8-ball group. It works flawlessly in one-pocket too.

However, this technique is so powerful that you mustn't do it if you're not familiar with witchcraft and curses. You could end up cursing your own group.

I have an instructional DVD for only $79, plus shipping and handling of course. Ask about our special on the DVD plus voodoo dolls!
 
We should have members take a test prior to allowing them to create new threads to check their state of mine and purpose of the threads. I can probably think of several members that would leave this place as they would possibly fail every time :D.....but I won't out any names on that one!
 
this thread needs a ship..
 

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Here is one, go to the rest room during your match and put your underwear on the outside of your pants. If that don't do it just come back with only your undies on. Anyway clean the cue ball after they foul with your fruit of looms.
 
Atlatlien said:
I've found that if I keep one hand on the floor and shoot with my feet, it really confuses my opponents. Then when they least expect it, I hit them with a combination Ram Shot/Strategic Blast and the game is soon mine!
Click to expand...

I hate it when they do that, it always jacks up my chi.

The feet are the teacher...
 
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