Do you play the table or your opponent?

[Donny Lutz]

Nothing weird about that in my mind. Two way shots are the key to playing a better player (talent-wise or technique-wise) They are also the road to being as good as those players and then better. Every shot should be a two way shot to some degree - even when you go all out on a shot it should still be two way to a little bitty teeny weeny degree?

I want you as my scotch doubles partner.

The "weirdo" part of my comment was sort of a preemptive response to those who think offense and defense are separate endeavors.

Thanks for the closing words. I've been a fan of Scotch Doubles for a long time.

 

[336Robin]

Agreed

Play runouts according to the table layout and your abilities, play safeties according to the table layout and your opponent's abilities.

I agree except I always go for the best safe and if Im playing someone that seeks to irritate me and play me rather than the table well, I don't have to play them.

 

[Ak Guy]

Table

I play the table so I can eventually position myself for potting the winning ball and some times that involves safety play.

That may mean shooting safeties in between potting balls or running several balls in succession.

So far 8 Ball is he only billiard game I ever won when I was sitting in my chair. So I try to stay at the table as much as possible no matter what game or who I am playing.

 

[KRJ]

Maybe I'm the weirdo, but if I'm playing a weak player, I'll take more chances in planning a table run. If I'm playing a strong player, I look for two-way shots to make my run-out less risky.

I've never seen any advantage in completely separating offense from defense...

Yep

Played a weaker play last week. I ran down to the 8bal and played it for the bank, it only had one pocket it could go, but missed it. It spit out and locked up against one his balls, and NOW had no home for me to make it.

He plays safe. I just shot one of his balls into the cluster to push the 8 out so it would get away from his balls, and down the rail and give me something to shoot at next time I come to the table.

Basically said, here, run out, if you don't, you gonna lose. He did Would NOT have did the same shot to a good player.

 

[Island Drive]

Neither.....I play the situation.