I heard it's better to play the table than the opponent, I know that is easier said than done. I hope you would not want to lose to me and rather to another measureman.
I learned from Sigel that early on in a set if he had a 50/50 shot he would choose the conservative shot. Towards the end of set or tournament his idea was that he would play the shot, as if not ready to pocket that ball then - he would never be. It was good advice - imagine that a World Champion offering solid advice. (They left my $1,000.00 dollar cue and stole the Russian chalk) that IS strong and gave me a good laugh. Very good promo for the magic russian chalk Sir.
I started playing in 1961 in N.J. when straight pool was king.
There were tons of great and real good straight pool players around Jersey-N.Y. and Philly.
Most played a conservative type game.
I'm not going for a low percentage shot and you hit me with a 50 ball run was the thought.
If you want to run 50 then earn it by out safing me.
Then the straight pool game faded and 9 ball was the game.
As straight pool came back it was played by 9 ball players that would take more chances and played more wide open,at least thats the way I see it.
So learning to play that conservative style i had to get pretty good at safety play and still to this day believe I can play safe with anybody at straight pool.
And yes they really did still steal my last cube of Magic chalk,LOL.