Interesting post.
Nick was known for playing in the big tournaments and getting lots of rest in between his matches. Then once the tournament was over, he would go back into the green room and rob everyone who had been on little sleep for the whole weekend. And not saying Nick needed this advantage but having that edge, he was smart and knew the benefit of being well rested before gambling.
As Lou F. stated, Nick came to St Louis many times a year back when there was actually pool action in St Louis. He would play any one and every one, gambling on their bankroll level. Also, as people stated, Nick had incredible patient, especially when gambling at one pocket. The 'Varner Wedge' (pushing all the balls up table to the top corner pocket on his side of the table), he was a master at and could control almost any spot doing this, out moving and picking balls off one by one. Also, when giving up a big spot, he would also do the one pocket break where you kicked to the side rail and then into the stack, leaving the cue ball stuck to the side of the rack, only releasing a few balls to his side. He didn't want to open the balls up and potentially leave an easy bank for his opponent.
And when giving up a big spot, you would notice Nick wasn't going to take any half risky shot at his hole until he was sure he could run out. He would patiently wait his chance and for his opponent to make a big error. He actually told me this strategy when we sat and talked once.
Best was when I saw him give Gary Lutman 12-5. They played a big $$$, four ahead set. Big Jake - local big action legend staked Gary. They went back and forth for awhile. Gary was never a great one pocket player but had enough fire power to run 5 balls if given the chance. This took place at Cue N Cushion, local old time pool room in St Louis, that closes at 3 A.M. and would not stay open past that time even if big action was going on. Nick knew this as well. They played for hours, basically dead even and I thought there is no way they are gonna get this set done tonight. But it appeared that then Nick played it perfectly. Got four ahead out of no where and pocketed the winning ball at 2:56 A.M.
The only slight 'negative' I would say about Nick is on one of his trips to St Louis, he had a pre arranged match up with Gene Albrecht (a traveling semi pro who had game) to play some 9 ball sets. They both show up and Gene says I'll play you some $200 sets and guarantee you 3 sets. Nick looked and him and said, "As a hall of famer, I'm insulted you only want to play for $200". Basically he was stating Gene was dishonoring him by not showing him more action. Gene was the definite underdog, even though Nick was past his prime at this point. In my mind, and I'm entitled to my opinion, Nick should have taken the $600 and been happy he was basically getting some donation sets. They finally agreed on $300 a set --- unsurprisingly Nick won, but he did lose the first set.
Sigel blasting the balls is no excuse, though. It clearly shows the difference in attitude and demeanour at the table. 
