How important is momentum in a match?

Flex

Flex

Banger
Silver Member
Some teachers say to always play the table, not the other guy.

If my game is on, perhaps I'll do that, but usually, I'll take stock of his ability to run the table, and play accordingly. Especially if I'm playing a stronger player in a handicapped match.

I think momentum is extremely important in a match. Even if a golly-gee-whiz guy is your opponent, it's quite possible that he'll dog a shot and, depending on the table, leave you an out. If you have the presence of mind to spring to the table confident in your ability to run the table and do run it, that can put the other fellow in a pickle, and lead to your win.

Am I right or wrong on this?

Flex
 
I think momentum in a match is important. Not only does it boost one's confidence (usually the person winning), but it also shakes the other person's.

So if I'm stroking them good, I'll be playing a little bit more aggressive and perhaps the guy gets a little rattled because I'm not missing much and I'm staying in line. He feels the heat, his playing goes down, and I see that he's missing and I'm feeling good about that (plus the fact that I am playing well). So it's got a double effect.

I think what's even *more* important is being able to change the momentum; when you're down, being able to really make things sway in your favor is what separates the upper levels. I'm always impressed that Corey Deuel never seems to show much disappointment when he's behind. If anyone has the matches from the 2004 US Open when he's behind in his matches to both Reyes and Immonen (yet ends up winning both), there's the mark of a true champion.
 
ICYDK, FL says to be aware of the moment the momentum can swing...

Does it happen with you?

Flex
 
Momentum is indeed a good thing. Its harder to stay confident & in stroke when EVERYTHING seems to continually favor your opponent...especially the score. The trick is to not get too high or too low. Keep the poker face. Take Ralf as an excellent example...just by looking at him you can never tell if he's winning or losing. This will help you keep your emotions in check and make you a more consistant player. Try to play the same...look the same...no matter what's happening or who has the mo.
 
momentum is huge

Momentum is huge, or to be more accurate it can be. In competition it is often a huge advantage to demonstrate to your opponent early on that you are playing well, perhaps better than they can perform at the moment.

As others have mentioned, some opponents are rattle proof and some are goaded to rise to the occasion. However, unless gambling, showing your best game early on is a good percentage move. It will take the edge off of many people. Taking an extremely difficult shot is a two edged sword however, making it can rattle your opponent a little, missing can get in your head a bit plus you give your opponent control of the table. Smarter to try a two way shot or safety. Keeping people tied in knots when they come to the table isn't as flashy but does take the edge off of most people. Hard to feel confident when you aren't sure you will even ever get a real shot at the table.

Hu
 
momentum is huge.. and also it is verry true to play the table not your opponent.. the other night in 8 ball league they threw a 2 against me and i HATE playing low ranked players more than anything.. well anyway i needed 5 games to win and she needs 1 shes on the hill and im shooting like shit.. so then my captain says just play your table and dont worry about who your playing. (this is a money cup match) so the next time i got up there i just took my time got a rythem in my stroke going and ran the rack out. then every game after that i broke and ran. so your mental thoughts can screw you up big time
 
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