Unrealistic, Hypothetical Question:
Let's say you move to a new town where no one knows you. The competition level in this new town is average among all other US cities. You decide to practice alone in your house for years and you don't plan to come out until you are capable of winning a monthly open. For example, 9-ball, $500 added, $40 entry, race to 7/5 on a bar box.
How good would you have to play against the barbox 9-ball ghost until you feel you are ready to leave the house and get the cash?
These are my last sets of scores with the 10 ball ghost from last week over a three day period:
11 - 2
11 - 6
11 - 3
15 - 4
15 - 6
25 - 8
25 - 12
I did not lose even one set in those three days. I beat the 9 ball ghost even worse on average.
Rules I use:
Magic rack, BIH after break, any scratch is loss of game, slop does not count.
Most everyone that knows me will in no way gamble with me on a ghost race using above rules "on my home table"..........not even for cheap.
Now, having told you all the above, consider this:
When I first started venturing out to play in public (tournaments mostly), my game suffered BIG TIME. I was getting beat to death by people that did good to beat the ghost 7 - 5.......7 - 6......etc... it was pitiful. It's called pressure and without it your dead in water.
YOU HAVE TO STAY UNDER THE GUN FROM TIME TO TIME.....or you will not hold it together when you are put under the gun.......period.
So, does that mean ghost races at home will not make you better? Not no, but hell no. Playing the ghost in an organized manner is probably the fasted route to improvement baring lessons from someone that actually knows what they are doing. Keys word is "knows"........99% of all instructors are clueless and a waste of money and time but when you do find one that knows how to teach then you have found a gold mine.
Bottom line to me:
I play ghost and when I can beat the living chit out of him I venture out and start putting myself under real pressure here and there.
After you adjust to the pressure.................whew...........guess what?:
All that ORGANIZED practice with the ghost will pay HUGE DIVIDENDS or at least it did with me.
Rake
If you take the mental game out of the equation then beating 9b ghost 9:1 maybe 9:2 at worst on average (bar table) is the level you are striving for at your offensive game. And that says nothing about your defence though, you have to be able to play air-tight safeties, good 1/2/3 rail escapes and you have to be very competent with jump stick. Also your break shot has to be controlled and strong enough. Next on the list is good fitness to be able to endure all day and sometimes even night long sessions.
. 