My favorite method is to play cheap. I don't know any special strategies, except to play over my head and avoid panic (by remembering that calmness in the face of certain doom is a learned skill).So, what are your favorite methods of dealing with opponents tougher than yourself? Except surrendering, of course![]()
Good approachI, on the other hand, like to keep track on what's my opponent doing. I first look for obvious weaknesses, and then do my best to exploit them. A few days ago I played against a much more skilled player. Sure, I used smart tactics like intentional white pots and defensive positioning, but I took him down with my favorite strategy when it comes to asymmetric play. I call it Artillery Bombardment
Instead of beating their accuracy with my own (which is impossible), I shoot into formations of my balls with full power. I make a good assessment though. I won hundreds and hundreds of matches that way. It's the most effective strategy against better opponents I've seen.
Handicapping is why amateur pool is where it's at today... a joke. I wish people would just play straight up, but those days are gone. Guys just blasting at their spotted balls, and wonder why they never improve.
Only 1 way to improve in this game. Practice your weaknesses until they become strengths and challenge yourself versus better players. Challenge yourself incrementally, don't call out SVB!
I see so many players that just never improve at all, over decades. Read a book, watch a dvd, spend a little time with an instructor.
When I play a top level player I really don't try to do anything different. I work harder to run out, particulalrly towards the end of the rack. If I have a shot where I can leave them shadowed on a ball should I miss I consider it. A winning safety that wil bet BIH, I'll take it. On the final strokes it's always make the ball and get shape, there is nothing else.
On average in local events I am spotting the called 7+8 and it's wild on the break. Sometimes you just lose and don't do anything wrong. That weight rolls so lucky it's unreal. Combos after the break, and once I had a guy break in a spotted ball the last 3 racks to win. Just brutal. I would much rather play another AA player or stronger, at least then it's competitive and that is what pool is supposed to be about.
I used smart tactics like intentional white pots ... defensive positioning ... asymmetric play ... Artillery Bombardment ... I shoot into formations of my balls with full power ... I won hundreds and hundreds of matches that way.
They will all play you for a few bucks. You gotta give the 5 out, wild on the break, they break every rack, and BIH after the break. That's why they call it gambling, right?
We don't play ball in hand...
What works for me is to try to not watch my opponent at all during his time at the table... This is much easier said than done.... It has taken me alot of time and discipline... It will help to practice this when just bangin em with a buddy, league, cheap tourney, etc, etc.... But what really got me there in the end was when I picked up some noise cancelling ear buds for my ipod... For some reason, this method also sharks your opponent when they are weak or become weak during the match.... Not my intentions at all but it does happen... I'm not telling you to stall around on the guy either.... When you approach the table, take a full walk around it chalking up as your eyes adjust... Then, its just you and the table....
After all, there is absolutely nothing you can do to change the outcome from your chair....
This is the ultimate goal for me when I play... This is the one common denominator that I can recall when being in "the zone"
I would like some feedback from any instructors on here about this method.... Again, this is what works for me.....
Anyone else try this??? I watch a ton of accustats and have seen a number of pros practice this during their down time....
You need to watch every move your opponent makes in case he fouls and don't tell you. Also you may learn how to get shape that you would not think of if you were shooting.
What works for me is to try to not watch my opponent at all during his time at the table... This is much easier said than done.... It has taken me alot of time and discipline... It will help to practice this when just bangin em with a buddy, league, cheap tourney, etc, etc.... But what really got me there in the end was when I picked up some noise cancelling ear buds for my ipod... For some reason, this method also sharks your opponent when they are weak or become weak during the match.... Not my intentions at all but it does happen... I'm not telling you to stall around on the guy either.... When you approach the table, take a full walk around it chalking up as your eyes adjust... Then, its just you and the table....
After all, there is absolutely nothing you can do to change the outcome from your chair....
This is the ultimate goal for me when I play... This is the one common denominator that I can recall when being in "the zone"
I would like some feedback from any instructors on here about this method.... Again, this is what works for me.....
Anyone else try this??? I watch a ton of accustats and have seen a number of pros practice this during their down time....