Moves
Playing to win has a different meaning than it did 40 or 50 years ago.
And there is difference between playing well and winning. I didn't really learn how to win until I was in my 30's. That is, learning how to maintain an advantage in the game after EACH Turn at the table. Safeties, and yes, sometimes tying balls up play a big part of that. You have to keep the odds in your favor that you will win the game in the end, after all, that is the objective. I have seen offensive minded players lose consistently because they favor a 10-15% offensive shot over a 70-80% safety.
How do lessor players beat a better player, by using good defense. Why, because even the best player won't hit or make shots when they have to kick at balls, 1 or more rails, and this creates opportunity for the lessor player to get back to the table, and maybe run out. Yet, defensive shots are not learned to practiced usually until you get so good. They are worth practicing, I guarantee you. In fact, learning to control the cue ball in every type of situation will pay dividends in the future. 3 time World Champion Jimmy Caras told me, when I was 14, that controlling the cue ball was 70% of the game, and I took it to heart.