Giving up big handicaps at one-pocket

[BillPorter]

Let me begin by saying that I am NOT a strong one-pocket player. The local short-stops give me a couple of balls and the break and I don't have to win. But I enjoy the game and often play for either small stakes or no stakes at all. Sometimes when I am at the pool hall, the only people around who are available to play are young guys who play pretty far under my speed, modest as it is. So what I do is spot them a couple of balls and if, after a few games, it still seems unfair, I keep increasing the spot until the game seems even. This may mean giving them as much as 8 to 3 and the breaks, as I did with a young guy yesterday. He ended up two games ahead with this spot, but two games down for the session as a whole. My point in starting this thread is to bring up the idea that such games may have value for both players. The weaker player gets a "lesson" on the cheap, and the stronger player is forced to play his best game, as it only takes one bad mistake to lose when your opponent needs only two or three balls. What do you guys think?

 

[Southpaw]

Everyone likes to steal, but giving up big spots like this helps you to push yourself and see how well you can play. The people that are scared to push themselves, are the ones that never get any better IMO.

Southpaw

 

[desert1pocket]

I like the idea of adjusting the spot to a fair game, and challenging yourself. The danger there is that the weaker player often only has to have a small lightbulb come on upstairs to be able to rob you at that same game. This is especially true when they are going to 2 or 3. I think giving an equally big spot, but making it an even count or high count game is a much better way to go for both players. It teaches the weaker player better strategy, and is less risky for the stronger player. If they need to go to 5 or 6 they are less likely to start trying to use an 8-ball break and run out before you get to the table, and less likely to devolop a "fire at my hole every shot" type of strategy. The downside of course is that the games will take longer.

I have played where the spot changes by a ball any time a player gets 3 games ahead either way. This doesn't really work for gamblers, but it keeps the game fair, and makes sure that both players are always being challenged.

 

[td873]

I have played where the spot changes by a ball any time a player gets 3 games ahead either way. This doesn't really work for gamblers, but it keeps the game fair, and makes sure that both players are always being challenged.

+1.

A rotating spot is a great way to practice on the cheap.

-td

 

[stick8]

one hole

Everyone likes to steal, but giving up big spots like this helps you to push yourself and see how well you can play. The people that are scared to push themselves, are the ones that never get any better IMO.

Southpaw

O.K SOUTHPAW; i got you with this thread, you should play me 8-3 and push yourself, you know where i am, come on down!!!!!!

 

[Southpaw]

O.K SOUTHPAW; i got you with this thread, you should play me 8-3 and push yourself, you know where i am, come on down!!!!!!

If I did win giving you this spot, you would be on suicide watch.....and I dont want that on my conscience

Southpaw

 

[Rickw]

I think it really depends on what your goal is. If you're trying to make money then I would be pretty tight with the spot. However, it sounds like you're just trying to have fun and get into games that are challenging for you and your opponent.

I like the idea of changing the spot every time one player wins three games. That sounds very equitable for both players and especially if you're playing cheap.

 

[rhncue]

1-hole should never be played cheap or against easy competition. You should always have to push yourself to win and at a cost that hurts if you lose. If the games are easy or cheap you will start free-wheeling, taking bad, low percentage shots, often making them, and just plain picking up bad habits that will cost you plenty of money when you play some one who can play.

Dick

 

[T-dog]

Great post. These problems always creep into you game after awhile. If you practice wrong, thats worse that not practicing at all.

1-hole should never be played cheap or against easy competition. You should always have to push yourself to win and at a cost that hurts if you lose. If the games are easy or cheap you will start free-wheeling, taking bad, low percentage shots, often making them, and just plain picking up bad habits that will cost you plenty of money when you play some one who can play.

Dick

 

[nyjoe14.1]

Let me begin by saying that I am NOT a strong one-pocket player. The local short-stops give me a couple of balls and the break and I don't have to win. But I enjoy the game and often play for either small stakes or no stakes at all. Sometimes when I am at the pool hall, the only people around who are available to play are young guys who play pretty far under my speed, modest as it is. So what I do is spot them a couple of balls and if, after a few games, it still seems unfair, I keep increasing the spot until the game seems even. This may mean giving them as much as 8 to 3 and the breaks, as I did with a young guy yesterday. He ended up two games ahead with this spot, but two games down for the session as a whole. My point in starting this thread is to bring up the idea that such games may have value for both players. The weaker player gets a "lesson" on the cheap, and the stronger player is forced to play his best game, as it only takes one bad mistake to lose when your opponent needs only two or three balls. What do you guys think?

I'll try you some 8 to 3 and the breaks, let me know when.

 

[BillPorter]

I'll try you some 8 to 3 and the breaks, let me know when.

Joe, I'm not sure you can give me 8 to 3 and the breaks, but I guess I'd have to try some that way. Cheap. Maybe 3 ahead for $5,000?

 

[BillPorter]

1-hole should never be played cheap or against easy competition. You should always have to push yourself to win and at a cost that hurts if you lose. If the games are easy or cheap you will start free-wheeling, taking bad, low percentage shots, often making them, and just plain picking up bad habits that will cost you plenty of money when you play some one who can play.

Dick

Dick, believe me, I wasn't free-wheeling. Even playing cheap, I'm bearing down on every shot. I'm too cheap not to!

 

[nyjoe14.1]

Joe, I'm not sure you can give me 8 to 3 and the breaks, but I guess I'd have to try some that way. Cheap. Maybe 3 ahead for $5,000?

I meant getting not giving but I guess you could talk me down to 8 to 5 and the break and i still might try