lewdo26 said:
I play the team 9 ball league at Amsterdam B. What I really don't like is the races to 7. It's a gamble.
The race is over before it starts. I had to spot 2 games going to 7 to a C player last night.
I'd rather spot more in a longer set.
You can't win. Or I can't.
I don't know any league that would have longer races. Do they play one match a night or 2? If 2, anything longer between 2 slow playing 7s will cause a long wait for others that are waiting for your match.
If you are spotting 2 games, you should be able to win at least a few just from the other players mistakes, then the rest from just running out. Try playing more safes, weaker players would have a hard time getting good hits and if they do, they won't have the knowledge to hit it for a return safe. Ball in hand for a top player in any league should be a win most of the time.
I usually end up waiting for some mistakes from the other player to clear a nice run before going for the win. I even whack around the balls a bit on a clear table if there are over 5-6 balls, just leaving the other guy long shots. If you know your opponent can't run out with 3-4 balls left, no harm in that and you end up moving yourself in a better position to win. The games may take a bit longer but you end up in a good spot at the end.
FYI I am a 7 in a 4-7 handicapped league, and so far have a 11-1 record using that stategy.