just an observation and it irks me

[prewarhero]

A lot of times on the commentary on pool videos and on tv, when they discuss what a player should do in a situation they say, oh he needs to go offensive here, he is down a few racks and needs to get something started. Is it just me, or is this crazy talk. Shouldn't the point be to WIN THE GAME. Focus on this rack and make the decision that will win you the game. So in other words, if one player was up at that point would he not take the offensive shot or would he play safe? It seems that the decison of how to play a shot should not depend on the score. I think this is the mental game rearing its ugly head. I am down so I need to play a tough shot?
What do you all think?
Jordan

 

[piglit]

Couldn't 'winning the game' be what they mean be 'getting something started'?

I think we're all on the same page...

-pigy

 

[Kevin]

Most of the time you know what to do with each shot, if it looks good and offers position, shoot it. Or if clearly the shot has poor odds, hunt for a sensible safety option.

But consider the borderline cases where offense/defense are truly about 50-50... in these cases maybe following the advice of take no chances and protect the lead when ahead versus when behind you have to take some chances to get something going. At least you will have a plan and not sing the "I had it locked up till I took that unnecessary risk" song later.

It will depend on what game you are playing too, a bit. Obviously 9-ball rewards aggression more often, while straight and one-pocket favors a lock-em-up defense.

 

[prewarhero]

Most of the time you know what to do with each shot, if it looks good and offers position, shoot it. Or if clearly the shot has poor odds, hunt for a sensible safety option.

But consider the borderline cases where offense/defense are truly about 50-50... in these cases maybe following the advice of take no chances and protect the lead when ahead versus when behind you have to take some chances to get something going. At least you will have a plan and not sing the "I had it locked up till I took that unnecessary risk" song later.

It will depend on what game you are playing too, a bit. Obviously 9-ball rewards aggression more often, while straight and one-pocket favors a lock-em-up defense.

I would have to agree with you. I think in those borderline cases I would say go offensive because you may miss and still end up safe. But i still think those choices should be made regardless of the score.