Ghost Plus

[av84fun]

Playing the Ghost has come up recently so I thought I'd offer a suggestion on a different way to play the Ghost.

My problem with using the traditional method in practice is that it is 100% offensive and therefore, ignores a very significant aspect of the game....safety play. So, I modified the game as follows:

1. Break the ract and remove any ball(s) as necessary to play the Ghost number you choose.

2. Play as normal EXCEPT you have the option to play a safety. If you achieve a hook, then you get ball in hand and continue. You get only 1 safety opportunity per rack. If you don't run out after the safety the Ghost wins.

3. Advanced Version. In order to get BIH, you must force a jump or at least a 2 rail kick. If you fail to do so, the Ghost wins that rack.

Regards,
Jim

 

[PoolSponge]

While that is a good adjustment to the game, might I suggest another way to practice safety play? Play "Killer". I have heard it by a number of names so no one fry me please! Simply make a ball and play a safety in the same shot. Give yourself 5 lives and see how long you last. Fun to gamble on as well.

 

[av84fun]

While that is a good adjustment to the game, might I suggest another way to practice safety play? Play "Killer". I have heard it by a number of names so no one fry me please! Simply make a ball and play a safety in the same shot. Give yourself 5 lives and see how long you last. Fun to gamble on as well.

Right. Byrne has a drill that is a variation on that theme. But it is a safety oriented game/drill.

What I sought to do was to combine the offensive nature of playing the Ghost with a defensive option. If you get badly out of line playing the ghost you are basically screwed.

Ghost Plus allows a chance to win anyway...just as would be the case in a real game...by playing safe.

Regards,
Jim

 

[PoolSponge]

I respect what you are thinking. The only reason I wouldn't change the format I use for the ghost is simple, a strong player rarely gives up ball in hand without first creating an advantage that would return them to the table. If I cannot hit the OB and control the outcome, at least moderately, I would simply screw up the table in such a way you aren't going to run out (probably).

In the end though, whatever best helps you develop your game is the best thing for you. Good luck and I hope it works best for you.

I like the standard ghost because I like to push my aggressive self and see how many racks I can string together. I practice safeties individually by setting up "standard" shots and practicing until I get it right and get it right a lot.

 

[Fatboy]

kinda off topic but there is alot of difference between the 7 ball and 8 ball ghost for me, the 6 to 7 was easy, the 7 to 8 is a huge step-for me anyways,

I like playing all offence when I practice, thats the time to get in the zone and just pocket balls, when I want to practice playing safe the best way, again for me, is to go play someone 1 pocket,...thats the best of both worlds all offence and then play real tight 1P, together you have played/practiced both. My 1p game has fell apart because i didnt play it for 14 years i litterly forgot how to move, i cant see the shot, but in terms of playing safe it works for me.

 

[av84fun]

kinda off topic but there is alot of difference between the 7 ball and 8 ball ghost for me, the 6 to 7 was easy, the 7 to 8 is a huge step-for me anyways,

I like playing all offence when I practice, thats the time to get in the zone and just pocket balls, when I want to practice playing safe the best way, again for me, is to go play someone 1 pocket,...thats the best of both worlds all offence and then play real tight 1P, together you have played/practiced both. My 1p game has fell apart because i didnt play it for 14 years i litterly forgot how to move, i cant see the shot, but in terms of playing safe it works for me.

I hear ya. I beat the 7 Ball ghost routinely but go up and down vs. the 8.

The reason I use Ghost Plus is that playing the Ghost is a better way to simulate and actual match, IMHO, relative to just rolling balls out and banging them in.

there is a certain tension that builds when I am "competing" with the ghost that I think is useful.

I introduced the safety option A) because it more closely simulates actual competition B) because the option only comes up once in a while and I like the randomness of that and C) as you know, safeties can be offensive as well as defensive and personally, I think that offensive safeties are among the most overlooked shots in 9 Ball.

Regards,
Jim

 

[sjm]

Playing the Ghost has come up recently so I thought I'd offer a suggestion on a different way to play the Ghost.

My problem with using the traditional method in practice is that it is 100% offensive and therefore, ignores a very significant aspect of the game....safety play. So, I modified the game as follows:

1. Break the ract and remove any ball(s) as necessary to play the Ghost number you choose.

2. Play as normal EXCEPT you have the option to play a safety. If you achieve a hook, then you get ball in hand and continue. You get only 1 safety opportunity per rack. If you don't run out after the safety the Ghost wins.

3. Advanced Version. In order to get BIH, you must force a jump or at least a 2 rail kick. If you fail to do so, the Ghost wins that rack.

Regards,
Jim

I think these are great ideas. The irrelevance of safety play is, as you suggest, a limitation of playing the ghost.