Just had my league match tonight. The league director just recently bumped me up 2 levels so instead of playing to 60 points I now have to play to 100. Anyway, I was playing an individual who only had to play to 75. If I was at my handicap previously I would've won long before. Due to my new handicap it took a lot longer. It was both physically and mentally frustrating. No big runs on my part, bad position play and horrible defense. I would not give up though. Even when he had 2 balls left then a ball left to end the match,I would play the best defense I knew how just to make him work for every single shot. In the end final score 82-75. My undefeated streak for 8 weeks no longer. Sorry, just had to vent about this. I thought I'd take comfort with my fellow 14.1 shooters. Thanks for at least reading. :embarrassed2:
14.1 Frustration
- Thread starter BigAL
- Start date
Good
BigAl ~ I'd like to say congratulations on being "promoted" 2 skill levels, but after a loss the progress may not yet be evident. But your skill level increased for a reason. You've improved! And that's something to celebrate! I'm actually very happy for you. Keep shootin'!
Ron F
BigAl ~ I'd like to say congratulations on being "promoted" 2 skill levels, but after a loss the progress may not yet be evident. But your skill level increased for a reason. You've improved! And that's something to celebrate! I'm actually very happy for you. Keep shootin'!
Ron F
I agree with Ron. It sucks to have to give 25 points to an opponent who one week ago was rated higher than you but you put it aside and hung in there. In fact it sounds like one mistake on his part and you may have pulled it out.
Keep up the good fight, my friend.
Keep up the good fight, my friend.
Thumbs Up
Big Al
Ron has said it all. One thing that I would like to add:
If at all possible, if you opponent needs a few balls and if you are in a position to play a safe, take an intentional foul.
Lets say your opponent needs one ball, take a foul. He will take one back at you but now he needs two balls. Take another, now he needs three, then play your safety. You can do this even if he needs ten balls, do this a few times, at least your opponent will have to work for those last few balls. You just might get that chance to put a run together.
Good Luck, enjoyed reading your post.
Big Al
Ron has said it all. One thing that I would like to add:
If at all possible, if you opponent needs a few balls and if you are in a position to play a safe, take an intentional foul.
Lets say your opponent needs one ball, take a foul. He will take one back at you but now he needs two balls. Take another, now he needs three, then play your safety. You can do this even if he needs ten balls, do this a few times, at least your opponent will have to work for those last few balls. You just might get that chance to put a run together.
Good Luck, enjoyed reading your post.
Intentional Fouls
This is particularly beneficial if the intentional fouls you induce him to take puts him in the position of needing to get into the next rack to get out.
Ron F
This is particularly beneficial if the intentional fouls you induce him to take puts him in the position of needing to get into the next rack to get out.
Ron F
Handicapped play
I feel your pain. Our handicaps in our leagues change constantly and someone you were comfortably beating a few years prior might wax you this time around, but I guess that is what handicaps are for.
I started going to 50 at Red Shoes probably 6 or more years ago. At the time the top dog was probably going to 150 or more. One of the guys I knew who started as a 50 around the same time is still a 50. Next week I will be going off at 145 and it makes it very tough playing some of the 50s who can run a few balls if you leave them open. You have to make liberal use of safety play and intentional fouls, until you get your opportunity to get something going.
The tips by 14-1 Straight Man and Ron F were very good.
Also, sometimes when you take the first intentional foul against a lower handicapped player, he might not know what to do and may just try a safe, selling out.
Sometimes they lose track and make a bonehead play. I had a guy monday who forgot that we started our sequence with him scratching. I made a few balls and there was nothing so I did an intentional up into the kitchen near the rail. He must have thought I was taking the first foul. He said" You're on one" and then he moved the cue ball an inch. I did it again and said "And you are on two". He then, to my surprise, tapped the cue ball. When I told him that was his third, he was shocked. "How could I have three?!" I said "I told you you were on two. Remember the scratch."
A few weeks ago Rick Michalec, Jr. needed some against Rich who only needed one, I think. Rick had to take his third intentionally, lost the 15, made a good safe, and eventually won.
Things can happen and you may have to play a different type of game against a lower handicap.
I feel your pain. Our handicaps in our leagues change constantly and someone you were comfortably beating a few years prior might wax you this time around, but I guess that is what handicaps are for.
I started going to 50 at Red Shoes probably 6 or more years ago. At the time the top dog was probably going to 150 or more. One of the guys I knew who started as a 50 around the same time is still a 50. Next week I will be going off at 145 and it makes it very tough playing some of the 50s who can run a few balls if you leave them open. You have to make liberal use of safety play and intentional fouls, until you get your opportunity to get something going.
The tips by 14-1 Straight Man and Ron F were very good.
Also, sometimes when you take the first intentional foul against a lower handicapped player, he might not know what to do and may just try a safe, selling out.
Sometimes they lose track and make a bonehead play. I had a guy monday who forgot that we started our sequence with him scratching. I made a few balls and there was nothing so I did an intentional up into the kitchen near the rail. He must have thought I was taking the first foul. He said" You're on one" and then he moved the cue ball an inch. I did it again and said "And you are on two". He then, to my surprise, tapped the cue ball. When I told him that was his third, he was shocked. "How could I have three?!" I said "I told you you were on two. Remember the scratch."
A few weeks ago Rick Michalec, Jr. needed some against Rich who only needed one, I think. Rick had to take his third intentionally, lost the 15, made a good safe, and eventually won.
Things can happen and you may have to play a different type of game against a lower handicap.
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Right On
Good point Ron and I was thinking that when I wrote my comment. It is so much better when you force your opponent to have to go into another rack to win.
Good point Ron and I was thinking that when I wrote my comment. It is so much better when you force your opponent to have to go into another rack to win.
See, this is why I love the 14.1 forum and posting here. You get some really great insightful advice! Thanks a lot guys. I'll keep everything in mind during my next few matches as our season is winding down to a close. I guess I should be happy that I was "promoted" 2 levels up. I'm going to try and make the most of it and work towards a new high run.:thumbup: I shoot at society billiards in nyc and look forward to joining Dan Barouty's league at Amsterdam once their new season starts. Just cant get enough straight pool.
Good tips Dennis. I played a match last night and I had to go to 110, and my opponent had to go to 45. I won the first, lost the second. I can't believe how much a small mistake here or there can cost, and make it unrecoverable with that high of a difference.
I feel for you. My gap is bad enough, 145 to 50... OUCH! I need to play a LOT tighter against that kind of handicap difference. Thanks again.
