Breaking Plateaus

[nibrobus]

Hi everybody,

I'd like to get some advice on breaking plateus in skill level. I typically play on 4 1/2 x 9 ft. tables, but all the tournaments in town are on barboxes. Furthermore, the tournament formats are ridiculous. 8-ball tourneys are race to 1 (yes, I said 1!) and 9-ball isn't much better being a race to 2. The level of competition isn't great; but anyone can win since the races are so short. Given the circumstances, is gambling the best way to try and get better? There are three guys in town that beat the pants off of everybody else, and I'm friends with all three. They usually end playing against each other for cheap cash - I have no prayer playing them even and I don't really like playing with friends for money. Any tips are greatly appreciated.

 

[Bob Jewett]

... There are three guys in town that beat the pants off of everybody else, and I'm friends with all three. They usually end playing against each other for cheap cash - I have no prayer playing them even and I don't really like playing with friends for money. Any tips are greatly appreciated.

You could find an instructor, or other sources of info to try and practice. Do you practice?

Alternatively, you could get them to give you a fair spot, but that could end badly depending on the personalities of those involved.

Finally, you could organize tournaments on the 4.5x9 tables. Usually all it takes is someone willing to do the work. Ask the room owner. Or you could organize an in-house league at the pool hall.

 

[nibrobus]

You could find an instructor, or other sources of info to try and practice. Do you practice?

Alternatively, you could get them to give you a fair spot, but that could end badly depending on the personalities of those involved.

Finally, you could organize tournaments on the 4.5x9 tables. Usually all it takes is someone willing to do the work. Ask the room owner. Or you could organize an in-house league at the pool hall.

Hi Bob,

Thanks for the reply. I practice everyday but I have a problem staying focused when I shoot by myself. I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that I work 8-5 everyday, on the phone and in front of a computer screen. By the time I hit the pool hall I'm pretty mentally tired and my eyes are fatigued. If I have some competition I tend to bear down a little better since I have an actual, physical opponent.

As for organizing a tournament, there used to be a regular handicapped tourney on the 9 ft. tables but it got cancelled due to low attendance. I'll see if I can stir up some interest again since it's been awhile since the last tourney.

 

[breakup]

I don't really like playing with friends for money.

One thing that has worked for me and a bunch of my playing partners is to make a daily limit. We play $20 sets and the match is always over when someone is either even or $40 ahead. Like it or not. Nobody gets hurt and it never gets out of hand. Sessions may be a bit short on some days but the matchup will last for years rather than allowing things to escalate to where somebody gets hurt feelings or wallet and put an end to things.

 

[Bob Jewett]

... As for organizing a tournament, there used to be a regular handicapped tourney on the 9 ft. tables but it got cancelled due to low attendance. I'll see if I can stir up some interest again since it's been awhile since the last tourney.

For this it is essential to have the support of the room. You need someone at the desk who can recruit players and remind the regulars. It takes a special kind of person.