How much weight is enough?
Ok, I'm not that good but I want to start playing for money. Obviously I would need spots. My question is, say you "get the 6", does that mean if your opponent pockets the 6, you have to pocket the 7 to win (or 8 if there is no 7, 9 if there is no 7 or 8) or do you have to run out the rest of the remaining balls?
If your asking about an individual ball, the 6 for example, that "SOUNDS LIKE" a lot of weight, however, the only way you win is if you get to the table with a shot at it, right?
That means your opponent, or the better player, probably has to miss on an earlier ball. For your benefit, let's say it's the 3, 4, or 5, now, if the ball your opponent misses hangs in the pocket, and it's one of the aforementioned balls, can you play position on the next series of balls and get out?
Well, what if the miss occurs and leaves you a tough shot, a shot where the percentages dictate safety play is in order (like an off angle bank), will you be able, first, to spot that type of position on the table, and second, then be able to chose to shoot a safe, and then execute a winning safety exchange (providing you know what that is)?
(IMHO) If your offended by this type of thinking, a better spot would probably be something in the order of the "last 2,3, or 4, depending on how well your able to execute. That way if your opponent hangs any of those last balls on the table you will most likely WIN.
In the long run though, your just "gambling," and that usually doesn't improve your game nearly as much as playing "the ghost," playing in weekly local tournaments, and studying the game, by continually watching expert play with pool savvy commentators!
As a general principal gambling always favors the player making the game, they're usually the one's who "KNOW" best how to "clock your speed" and make an offer that sounds good to you, but in reality, leaves you with "No shot" at getting the cheese!
p.s...if your playing a real player the spot is of little significance anyway. Usually, they don't miss to begin with, and if you do get a winnable spot (ball), if they get out of line 2 balls previous to the spot ball, oh well, they'll play a winning safe and run out later. The situation at the table is almost always in the better players favor!