My Position Thread

NewStroke

NewStroke

Screamin Monkey
Silver Member
After posting the position survey thead, I realized my mistake. I know what I want to ask but I am not asking it correctly. Please disregard that thread.

I know that are billions of possible situations and given the number of individuals here we will that number of possibilities rise exponentially. My over all goal was to generalize these situations and determine what the best course of action based on percentage.

It's tough to classify these situations, so I will think about it more and be more concise with my questions regarding this particular topic.
 
I saw your poll, voted neither. It made my head hurt trying to think of how to explain the way I'm looking at an 8ball table lately, compared to the poll choices that were presented. I've always hated 8ball so keep that in mind- I think I'm applying a 9ball mentality to an 8b game...

I've been looking at every game as an attempt to get total control of the table. Every approach is "Am I out this inning, and if not, where are my problems? Where are their problems, and are they potentially out?"

The struggle for control while running balls feels like I've got a small but angry and vicious dog's choke chain in my hand. The more balls I run, the harder it is to keep holding on to that chain, and I know if I ease up or let go, the dog will break free and bite my hand off. Meaning, if I run too many balls and I don't get out, I might spend the rest of the game kicking- IF I get to the table again. So I better hang on to that cue ball (and never let got of the dog chain).

When I'm forced by the layout or problem- solving maneuvers to let my opponent to the table, they should only be allowed to see exactly what I let them see- and nothing more. They can only come to the table to give me ball in hand or an open shot, just so that I can better manage or complete my pattern.

So go for the easy shot or the hard one? The whole table is the issue: how are you going to solve the entire puzzle, and keep total control long enough to do it?
 
blah blah said:
So go for the easy shot or the hard one? The whole table is the issue: how are you going to solve the entire puzzle, and keep total control long enough to do it?
Click to expand...

That's the part I am having trouble with Ms Lemony Fresh Blah Blah :). There has to be enough similiarities between various shots to compartmentalize them. Then again, I may die trying to find that answer.
 
Newstroke:

When playing position, most of us lean towards our strengths. While some may draw others will follow. To some a cut is easy while a stun is tough. Not every one will play a pattern the same way.

As you have heard me state in School, we must have all the shots in our tool box.....SPF=randyg
 
NewStroke said:
There has to be enough similiarities between various shots to compartmentalize them.
Click to expand...

I disagree with this premis.

There are table positions where if you change the position of one ball that you will not shoot for 5 more turns that will alter the way to play the 5 shots leading up to that ball.

The issue comes down to solving clusters (when present) and determining an order where you complete a run-out. Getting 6-balls down is often worse than playing safe on shot #2.

Sinking balls is not the objective. Completing a run is the objective; and everything you do leading up to a successful completion needs to be part of the strategy. {Whereas, the potting of balls and the position along the way are tactics.} Think strategically, and use strategy to determine tactics.
 
I missed the original thread but my approach to 8 ball (my strongest game, unfortunately) goes like this:

1. Am I in control yet? If all the presented shots are fairly thin cuts or difficult to make, the answer is no. At the start of the rack, often you will shoot at least 1, sometimes 2 or 3 balls to get in control. Only once you are in control do you start to think about the pattern and breakouts. It's academic if you have no shot or if you take one and miss.

2. Once I'm in control I see what the worst problems are and how to play shape on them or run into clusters. Do these shots as early as possible. And if you can double up and kill 2 birds with one shot, do it.

3. Once all balls are open I work backwards from the 8 to determine the best shooting order.

So there's a scramble phase, a tinkering phase (which may or may not work out), and then the actual rack running.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top