How do you think about matching up?

Snapshot9

Snapshot9

son of 3 leg 1 eye dog ..
Silver Member
What do you think about when someone is trying to match up with you?

I break things down into details. For example:

1) I am a better out player.
2) I am a better banker, especially more than 1 rail.
3) I kick better than him, especially 3 or 4 rails.
4) He breaks a little better, but not lately.
5) His break only yields a decent 1 ball shot about 15% of the time.
5) He jumps better, especially long jumps.
6) He is weak on certain shots, especially on long shots off the rail with lots of english.
7) He has put on 20 lbs in his gut, will affect his overall performance most likely.
8) He is drinking tonight.
9) I am better on combos.
10) He has been playing below 'average' lately.

I run details like this through my mind in my normal evaluation of a potential matchup.

How do you evaluate matchups?
 
I was no monster player at any time. But I was king of the nits and getting the nuts. When I wasn't married and played 12 hours a day I'd go to a bar that I had info on and just sit where I could see the pool tables drinking some beers a few nights before I even picked up a cue to play. I would pick the three players that were playing for the most cash that I felt I could beat. Then I'd play them in order. The weakest first and the best last, stepping up my game each time to win, but not slaugther.

After I beat these three if one of the better players at the bar challenged me? Well this is where that nit thing comes into play. I'd just say, "Sorry man, you're way too good for me.". If the match up was close and it looked like I wasn't getting out of the joint with the money I'd play the guy and probably give a little money back to get out without a hassle.

As far as how I figured the match-ups, I don't know. It just came to me;). Johnnyt
 
Snapshot9 said:
What do you think about when someone is trying to match up with you?

I break things down into details. For example:

1) I am a better out player.
2) I am a better banker, especially more than 1 rail.
3) I kick better than him, especially 3 or 4 rails.
4) He breaks a little better, but not lately.
5) His break only yields a decent 1 ball shot about 15% of the time.
5) He jumps better, especially long jumps.
6) He is weak on certain shots, especially on long shots off the rail with lots of english.
7) He has put on 20 lbs in his gut, will affect his overall performance most likely.
8) He is drinking tonight.
9) I am better on combos.
10) He has been playing below 'average' lately.

I run details like this through my mind in my normal evaluation of a potential matchup.

How do you evaluate matchups?
Click to expand...


I just evaluate how I am hitting them and only play when I feel good about my game. I give everyone I match-up all the credit in the world. I expect them to play well and I know I will have to play well to Win. I don't try and find faults in other people's game. I really just try and make good decisions on and off the table and hopefully I will get the cash.

Trying to get the nuts was a life-time ago for me. Everytime I step to the table I want to be in a battle. I play for money all the time but not enough to hurt me just enough to pull my hair out if I lose.:)
 
For me it is primarily #1, 8 and 10. Most of the other #'s are encompassed in #1.

Interesting breakdown though, and a useful diagnostic tool for some in some respects.
 
Snapshot9 said:
What do you think about when someone is trying to match up with you?

I break things down into details. For example:

1) I am a better out player. ok
2) I am a better banker, especially more than 1 rail. you can bank with more than one rail?
3) I kick better than him, especially 3 or 4 rails. see # 2
4) He breaks a little better, but not lately. ok
5) His break only yields a decent 1 ball shot about 15% of the time. stats are better than mine
5) He jumps better, especially long jumps. ok
6) He is weak on certain shots, especially on long shots off the rail with lots of english. ok
7) He has put on 20 lbs in his gut, will affect his overall performance most likely. you are just mean :D
8) He is drinking tonight. ok
9) I am better on combos. ok
10) He has been playing below 'average' lately. ok

I run details like this through my mind in my normal evaluation of a potential matchup.

How do you evaluate matchups?
Click to expand...

feedback in red above

I like to look at it this way:

If he approaches me for a game, odds are 60/40 against.
If I approach him, odds are 60/40 in my favor.
 
Will my opponent be respectful and courteous, win or lose. There are many people I will not play, regardless of whether I have the nuts or not.
 
Big Perm said:
feedback in red above

I like to look at it this way:

If he approaches me for a game, odds are 60/40 against.
If I approach him, odds are 60/40 in my favor.
Click to expand...

I like your odds deal. I'm more if he asks it's 80/20 against. If I ask it's 80/20 for....but i'm a nit. Johnnyt
 
WOW! were I a dummy!!

All I looked at was shot selection and how somebody moved around the table, literally how they moved, not how they moved the balls around although I did notice how the balls were rolling for them. I never tried to separate luck and skill, doesn't matter which it is anyway if somebody is winning.

Hu
 
Johnnyt said:
I like your odds deal. I'm more if he asks it's 80/20 against. If I ask it's 80/20 for....but i'm a nit. Johnnyt
Click to expand...

LOL, I'd say you are simply better at making odds and likely win more often than I do :D

I'm about even for the year, so I gotta work on my gamemaking skills....send me some tips when you get a chance :D
 
Depends on the venue, and the usually the way they move around the table like Hu mentioned. Also if im playing well, or practicing well and someone is still asking me for a game it usually sends off warning bells in my head.
 
Very Important!

maha said:
who he can and cannot beat.
Click to expand...

Because it tells me what my opponent is capable of. If he's a regular this is much more telling. Unknowns are a bit more tricky. All I know is, if I want their best game, all i have to do is ask them to play. They may not have made a ball they were shooting at in the last three hours, but if I match up they will probably start running out:thumbup:
 
man you guys overtink this stuff. If they ask, I say sure, if nobody asks, I find someone to play....

so I guess it depends on your GOAL - if it's to always make money; find someone you can beat a good majority of the time. - if you want strong competition, or maybe to pick up on something from someone better; find someone who can beat you a good majority of the time. Then play - seems easy to me. :)
 
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I love to gamble and will with just about anyone. I have to like the game though or at least feel I am just a slight dog. I am a B player at best but have no problem taking weight. My biggest issue is there is no one to play. The action I get I have had a dozen times before and that leave little to be confused about with the spot.
 
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