Dumb Question

Playing the ghost means, racking up the balls (8, 9, 10, etc). Break, and take ball in hand, with the CB. If you run out, you beat the ghost. If you miss, the ghost beats you (it is assumed that the ghost does not miss, and so if you do, the ghost runs out). Most commonly associated with 9ball or 10 ball, playing the ghost, is a good way to practice "playing"...which is NOT the same as disciplined practice (like the mother drills are).

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
 
What exactly is playing the ghost? Does that mean playing by yourself?

The answer to the questions is yes, unless you actually know some ghosts.

I can beat the 7 ball ghost. It's close with the 8 ball ghost but slightly in his favor. I have no chance at the 9 ball ghost.

BVal.
 
So apparently there has been this ghost kicking my ass repeatedly and I didn't even know it. Wow, the stuff you learn from day to day.
 
The Ghost

I like to play the ghost but since I make him shoot and make little moves on him, I usually win.

Peace

Ted
 
Not a dumb question at all, sir. I had no clue what it meant until about a year ago.

Since then, I play against him for most of my practice sessions. I can beat the 9-ball ghost 3-4 times out of 10.

I tried to make it interesting, and told the ghost to post up for a set and give me the 8.

He's a cheap bastard, and won't do it.
 
Dumb question

Not a dumb question at all, sir. I had no clue what it meant until about a year ago.

Since then, I play against him for most of my practice sessions. I can beat the 9-ball ghost 3-4 times out of 10.

I tried to make it interesting, and told the ghost to post up for a set and give me the 8.

He's a cheap bastard, and won't do it.


The ghost can only fire air anyway, save your money.
If he does post something up, I'd get the f--k out
 
i was talking to one of the pros a while back, and he told me the ghost gets mistaken alot for a ball in hand game.
he explained it as a race of 10 ahead, and u NEED TO BREAK AND RUN to win a game. whenever you dont break and run, the ghost wins a game.
 
The ghost can only fire air anyway, save your money.
If he does post something up, I'd get the f--k out

That, sir, was the best laugh I've had in a while!!

Hope you're doing well, Ted. Drop me a line whenever you damned-well feel like it! :thumbup:
 
Your win percentage against the 9Ball ghost will, over time, show if you are improving in your shot making and position play. The one problem in playing the ghost for practice or training is that there is no safety game inherent. You have to go for every shot no matter how difficult because all misses are losses. So it is weak in terms of training for defense and safety play, and because of this it is also weak in playing proper strategy. So you don't want to get caught up in just playing the ghost to train.

Having said that, there are ways you can incorporate safety play and defensive strategy in playing the ghost. For instance, if you are faced with a difficult shot or table layout, you can choose to play a safety. If you hook the ghost (i.e. has no direct shot at the object ball and would have to kick or jump), you can call the game a draw. Or you can shoot for the ghost and give it your best effort, then play the game from there. There are other alternatives you can create.

I like these variations exactly because they bring defensive play and strategy to my practice.

Just keep in mind however, that around here and elsewhere, when referring to playing the ghost, it does not include these alternatives. So, if you post on here that you beat the 9Ball ghost 70% of the time, people are assuming you mean in it's pure form, without safeties etc. (you miss - you lose). But for your own private practice, do whatever floats your boat.
 
The Nine ball ghosts name is Miz da Wiz.
GhostbustersPoster1.jpg
 
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