Play The Table Not The Player...NOT

[Johnnyt]

“Play the table, not the player.” I’ve heard this statement for 60 years and most of those 60 it has drove me up the wall when I’d hear it. When you match up with someone or draw them in a tournament you need to know or find his strengths and weaknesses. If someone is a great banker, you try not to leave him/her a bank when playing safe or pushing. If their weakness is long cut shots, you try to leave them those. Is he a great combo and/or billiard player…and on and on. IMO you need to play the player first, then the table. Johnnyt

 

[victorl]

Very true. Unless you're Shane and can hold the table for long periods of time, you'll be passing control of the table over in most racks, so considering your opponent's strengths and weaknesses is an important part of the shot selection process.

 

[Neil]

“Play the table, not the player.” I’ve heard this statement for 60 years and most of those 60 it has drove me up the wall when I’d hear it. When you match up with someone or draw them in a tournament you need to know or find his strengths and weaknesses. If someone is a great banker, you try not to leave him/her a bank when playing safe or pushing. If their weakness is long cut shots, you try to leave them those. Is he a great combo and/or billiard player…and on and on. IMO you need to play the player first, then the table. Johnnyt

Johnny, there are two trains of thought on this. The first one is essentially what you are saying. When playing two foul 9 ball, it was a requirement. And, when hustling, it can be a great advantage so you don't have to show your full speed.

On the other hand, the table dictates what you should do. Is the runnout there for your skill level? If yes, then run it. If not, then play safe. When playing safe, you should be going for a lockup safe, or at least a safe where he has to kick to make the hit. You don't play safe leaving open banks. So, in the other sense, one should play the table. It dictates what you should do to win.

edit: The other thing about playing the table and not your opponent, is the mental aspect. If you play the opponent, you can easily fall into one of two traps- The one Pidge fell into recently when he was way better than his opponent and still found a way to lose. And the other being when you feel you are outgunned and start choking on shots you should make. If you just play what is there, and not worry about the money or opponent, then your mental attitude will be much better and give you a better chance of winning.

 

[TheNewSharkster]

“Play the table, not the player.” I’ve heard this statement for 60 years and most of those 60 it has drove me up the wall when I’d hear it. When you match up with someone or draw them in a tournament you need to know or find his strengths and weaknesses. If someone is a great banker, you try not to leave him/her a bank when playing safe or pushing. If their weakness is long cut shots, you try to leave them those. Is he a great combo and/or billiard player…and on and on. IMO you need to play the player first, then the table. Johnnyt

I think that saying is more of a general rule of thumb. I believe the idea is that you focus on the shot at hand rather than what your opponent might do. I mean if you are thinking to yourself "if I miss he is going to get out because he is an A player" you are putting pressure on yourself. Where if you focus on the table and not your opponent you will play more solid.

 

[Put_upor_shutup]

I think this theory is more meant to be used when it comes to running racks or shooting balls..The ole leave him in his seat and he cant beat u strategy..Of course when it comes down to safety play and things of that nature it would be important to know what spins your opponent out of control...imo..

 

[Island Drive]

“Play the table, not the player.” I’ve heard this statement for 60 years and most of those 60 it has drove me up the wall when I’d hear it. When you match up with someone or draw them in a tournament you need to know or find his strengths and weaknesses. If someone is a great banker, you try not to leave him/her a bank when playing safe or pushing. If their weakness is long cut shots, you try to leave them those. Is he a great combo and/or billiard player…and on and on. IMO you need to play the player first, then the table. Johnnyt

Especially Alan Hopkins....................

 

[12squared]

“Play the table, not the player.” I’ve heard this statement for 60 years and most of those 60 it has drove me up the wall when I’d hear it. When you match up with someone or draw them in a tournament you need to know or find his strengths and weaknesses. If someone is a great banker, you try not to leave him/her a bank when playing safe or pushing. If their weakness is long cut shots, you try to leave them those. Is he a great combo and/or billiard player…and on and on. IMO you need to play the player first, then the table. Johnnyt

I like this, but I think the phrase "Play the table, not the player" has to do with you being able to play your speed no matter who you're playing, not about strategy. I know I get a little weaker when playing a monster.

Dave

 

[BeiberLvr]

edit: The other thing about playing the table and not your opponent, is the mental aspect. If you play the opponent, you can easily fall into one of two traps- The one Pidge fell into recently when he was way better than his opponent and still found a way to lose. And the other being when you feel you are outgunned and start choking on shots you should make. If you just play what is there, and not worry about the money or opponent, then your mental attitude will be much better and give you a better chance of winning.

I think that saying is more of a general rule of thumb. I believe the idea is that you focus on the shot at hand rather than what your opponent might do. I mean if you are thinking to yourself "if I miss he is going to get out because he is an A player" you are putting pressure on yourself. Where if you focus on the table and not your opponent you will play more solid.

Exactly. Of course, you should know how to (within the rules) exploit your opponent's weaknesses.

Playing the table really just means making the right choices based on your own skill level and how the table is playing. Proper decision making is pretty much the biggest thing that separates two players of equal ability.

 

[poolguppy]

“Play the table, not the player.” I’ve heard this statement for 60 years and most of those 60 it has drove me up the wall when I’d hear it. When you match up with someone or draw them in a tournament you need to know or find his strengths and weaknesses. If someone is a great banker, you try not to leave him/her a bank when playing safe or pushing. If their weakness is long cut shots, you try to leave them those. Is he a great combo and/or billiard player…and on and on. IMO you need to play the player first, then the table. Johnnyt

:thumbup: who im playing, makes a stupid amount of difference in my game

 

[Luxury]

If you are playing a weak player don't shoot a tough shot on the eight ball that you could easily scratch on, just put the eight in front of the pocket, knowing they will miss the bank.

If playing a strong player, cut the eight in while you can.


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[Diogenes]

“Play the table, not the player.” I’ve heard this statement for 60 years and most of those 60 it has drove me up the wall when I’d hear it. When you match up with someone or draw them in a tournament you need to know or find his strengths and weaknesses. If someone is a great banker, you try not to leave him/her a bank when playing safe or pushing. If their weakness is long cut shots, you try to leave them those. Is he a great combo and/or billiard player…and on and on. IMO you need to play the player first, then the table. Johnnyt

I understand what you;re saying here Johnny. However I think the good player is doing both (in the order that you listed). My first order of business is to drop as many balls as possible (or whatever the particular game requires)... "playing the table". When I get to a point that I am uncomfortable with my leave and have a low percentage of dropping my current (or following) shot... then I play a safety or "play the player". Of course it's always important to know your opponents strengths and weaknesses. But if (say in a game of 10 ball) I can keep him off of the table and in his chair... then I guess that I'm playing the table and the player without having to worry about how he can do damage back in my direction.
When I'm on, I'm playing the table... When I'm off, I'm playing the player. But I have to admit that I love a good safety match... it's like playing chess on a pool table.
The most important rule is perhaps... Never let your opponent get inside of your head!!!

 

[Aaron_S]

I agree that you should always use all knowledge that is available to you - if you are aware of strengths/weaknesses, by all means factor that in to your decision making. Where I find that comes in most useful, though, is during long sessions rather than tournaments. You just don't get a ton of info about a player's strengths/weaknesses in a short race to 5 or 7. I actually hope to get no info whatsoever... by planting them firmly in their seat for the duration of the set.

Aaron

 

[Bambu]

During a run with no problems, play the table is solid advice. Any time problems arise, where thinking is required.... I consider my opponent and the leave if I miss. Safety game counts for a lot too, I love a good safety battle. But if I'm outgunned in that department, I usually try to go more offensive.

 

[CreeDo]

I think 'playing the player' is sorta like taking a shortcut to winning.
It's less work but also not so good for your long-term pool game.

If your mentality is "I can sell out this kind of shot, but I can't sell out that kind of shot"...
what happens when you play someone who is strong at all areas of the game?
Long cuts, banks, jumps you name it? You can't sell out anything.

If you play every opponent like it's Shane or Dennis,
you should win even if they are much weaker than that.

If I have a choice, I'll play to leave no cut rather than "I think he'll miss this long thin cut".
I'll play to freeze the CB to an OB rather than "well he sucks at jumping so it's ok if there's some air between 'em".

It's more taxing and it might seem strange to play ultra cautious vs. a weaker player,
but it will get you into good pool habits and away from that lazy "It's ok to miss" mindset.

 

[Johnnyt]

OK guy's, you play the table and I'll continue to play the player. And of course know to take what the table gives me...but that's not what play the table don't play the player means. But everyone can voice their opinion. Johnnyt

 

[Pidge]

Playing the player is all part of the fun. You have to play the table, regardless of the player but the player plays a huge part in how I play the table.

For instance there have been times when I can't run out, so I've missed on purpose and left my opponent a 7ft straight in where he has to draw back the full length of the table otherwise they snooker themselves. I know they will make the shot but its beyond their ability to draw the length of the table at this distance. They took on the shot and fell short in position and were completely screwed. They kicked, missed and I get BIH and run out the last 4 balls.

Now, if I'd merely played the table I'd have had to cut the ball in and go right around the table with a ton of english to get position. If I miss I likely leave the guy a shot with an angle so he could go around the table to get position. I chose to miss and leave him straight with a shot I know he couldn't pull off.

Sometimes playing the player will come back to haunt you, but at times playing the table will, too.

 

[Matt]

I think 'playing the player' is sorta like taking a shortcut to winning.
It's less work but also not so good for your long-term pool game.

If your mentality is "I can sell out this kind of shot, but I can't sell out that kind of shot"...
what happens when you play someone who is strong at all areas of the game?
Long cuts, banks, jumps you name it? You can't sell out anything.

If you play every opponent like it's Shane or Dennis,
you should win even if they are much weaker than that.

If I have a choice, I'll play to leave no cut rather than "I think he'll miss this long thin cut".
I'll play to freeze the CB to an OB rather than "well he sucks at jumping so it's ok if there's some air between 'em".

It's more taxing and it might seem strange to play ultra cautious vs. a weaker player,
but it will get you into good pool habits and away from that lazy "It's ok to miss" mindset.

I think there are three ways to factor in your opponent in a match. The first is to do what you describe, basically taking it easy against a weaker opponent by relaxing your concentration and taking ill-advised shots. I know it's not a good thing to do, but we all do it and have probably all lost a few matches doing it. The second is to factor your opponent's strengths in while playing defense. This is essential in one pocket, roll-out and 14.1, but good defense in 9-ball means leaving them hooked, preferably locked up.

The third way to play your opponent is to factor their skill level (absolute, not relative) into your risk/reward calculation when you are faced with a decision between a tough shot and a weak defensive play. If you are playing a weak player, your odds of them fouling on a routine kick shot or the like are much higher, so why take a 50% shot when you can play a weak defense and have a >50% chance of getting BIH, right? Or why take a risky shot to break up a cluster if you don't have to? I'm sure there are more examples... If you are playing a C or lower player, there are usually lots of opportunities to outplay your opponent even if you're not shooting well. Beating A and up players generally requires solid shooting and smart play. B players are a bit of a crap shoot because their biggest weakness is usually inconsistency.

 

[Ratta]

Johnny, there are two trains of thought on this. The first one is essentially what you are saying. When playing two foul 9 ball, it was a requirement. And, when hustling, it can be a great advantage so you don't have to show your full speed.

On the other hand, the table dictates what you should do. Is the runnout there for your skill level? If yes, then run it. If not, then play safe. When playing safe, you should be going for a lockup safe, or at least a safe where he has to kick to make the hit. You don't play safe leaving open banks. So, in the other sense, one should play the table. It dictates what you should do to win.

edit: The other thing about playing the table and not your opponent, is the mental aspect. If you play the opponent, you can easily fall into one of two traps- The one Pidge fell into recently when he was way better than his opponent and still found a way to lose. And the other being when you feel you are outgunned and start choking on shots you should make. If you just play what is there, and not worry about the money or opponent, then your mental attitude will be much better and give you a better chance of winning.

Very well written and good thoughts neil!

I dont like the idea to let my opponent dictate how i would have to play. I simply try to play the given layout and will always just choose the shot with the highest percentage for success.

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[supergreenman]

Good example of why you should always play the table not the player.

John knows he's playing Joe who can't bank worth shit.

John runs out most of a table get's out of line on the 9 and plays semi-safe by leaving Joe with a bank.

Joe takes one look at it and fires the bank.........

it misses but goes in the opposite pocket. Joe wins.

 

[alstl]

Sounds good in theory but could somebody provide me of an example of a shot which you would play differently depending on who the opponent is?

I haven't found many guys whose pocketing skills were vastly different from the rest of their game.