Does table versatility help or hinder your game?

[FeelDaShot]

I've always believed that I would play my best if I had a practice table that played exactly like the tournament tables. My table is quite different from the tournament tables and there is always an adjustment period I need to overcome in order to do well in tournaments.

As time goes on, I find myself adjusting much faster than I used to. So it got me thinking, is there a value in having experience with various playing conditions and learning to adjust? Or would I be better off only playing on tournament tables and nothing else?

I'm on the fence about this one and curious what you guys think.

 

[LowRight]

I think if you always play actual matches on the same type of table, you would be better off practicing on that same type of table. If you play real matches on many different types of tables, it probably doesn't matter much.

 

[gregcantrall]

There is value in being able to live with less than perfect shape.
I used to play in bar table tournaments almost every night of the week, Each venue was different. I got used to being out of line. I learned to keep a good attitude and be able to laugh at myself when I got horribly out of line. If I lasted in the tournament, I would have adjusted by the finals.

There was one place that had four tables. Three different brands, two different kinds of cloth and three different cue balls. My record in their tournaments was better than lots of players that played better than me. I think mainly because I was used to being out of line and they went on tilt when they didn't get perfect shape.

 

[jimmyco]

I think it helps to play different tables. I need go be very aware of shape when going from a Diamond 9' to a Gold Crown. Them buckets really suck whitey in.

 

[ChrisinNC]

I've always believed that I would play my best if I had a practice table that played exactly like the tournament tables. My table is quite different from the tournament tables and there is always an adjustment period I need to overcome in order to do well in tournaments.

As time goes on, I find myself adjusting much faster than I used to. So it got me thinking, is there a value in having experience with various playing conditions and learning to adjust? Or would I be better off only playing on tournament tables and nothing else?

I'm on the fence about this one and curious what you guys think.

Being able to adjust quickly to various table conditions is certainly a strength in one's game. Generally speaking, if you practice on a table that is tougher (tighter pockets) than the tables you generally play your tournaments on, it would presume to give you an advantage, but my opinion is that this is only true if you are a good enough player to handle the tighter pockets - otherwise it will do nothing but destroy whatever level of confidence you may have. Same concept can apply for playing on bigger tables, out of level table slates, slower cloth, or less lively cushions - fine if you are good enough to handle it, but nothing more than frustrating if you are not. I would say an important sometimes overlooked factor even if it's largely mental, is when it's possible, to practice with the same type of cue ball you will be using in your tournaments.

 

[gregcantrall]

Generally speaking, if you practice on a table that is tougher (tighter pockets) than the tables you generally play your tournaments on, it would presume to give you an advantage,

That is true if you keep your guard up. It is easy to get lax and take shots for granted. On an easy table one miss can let a banger out.

 

[jrctherake]

I've always believed that I would play my best if I had a practice table that played exactly like the tournament tables. My table is quite different from the tournament tables and there is always an adjustment period I need to overcome in order to do well in tournaments.

As time goes on, I find myself adjusting much faster than I used to. So it got me thinking, is there a value in having experience with various playing conditions and learning to adjust? Or would I be better off only playing on tournament tables and nothing else?

I'm on the fence about this one and curious what you guys think.

Being a one-table-man is a "huge" mistake. Sure, play "mostly" on "x" brand/size tables if you know that's what your gonna be on but, lol...... if you can't adjust from fast to slow......dead/loose rails to live/correct rails......from clean to dirty balls/cloth.....from hot to cold environments with varying humidity levels........ from loud to quite........ from crowded to almost empty.......... from well lit to not well lit........etc....etc....etc.... you will NEVER be a strong tournament player.

In a tournament, we never know which table out of the room-full of tables we will be on at any given set.

A lot of rooms have certain tables that play "different, not better" than the other tables in the room. For example, I've played in lots of rooms that seem to have a table to close to an exterior door that's opened a lot. It causes "that table" to be a bit stickier, which is same as "shorter banks/kicks"..... etc.., especially if humidity is very high.

 

[jrctherake]

That is true if you keep your guard up. It is easy to get lax and take shots for granted. On an easy table one miss can let a banger out.

I see that happen very often.

Everyone underestimates "somebody" or "something" at some point.

Focus is king.

Rake