one pocket question

[tom haney]

Let's say the other guy is better than me.
Would I be better off taking 8-5 or 9-6
and why? My guess would be 8-5
because I would have to make less balls.

 

[tom haney]

Also, I play aggressively,am a pretty good
shot-maker but my defense is somewhat
porous. Would that make a difference
in whether I should take 8-5 or 9-6.

 

[Rickw]

At 8-5 you're making less but so is he. Other than that, I think it's a wash. If I were you, I'd probably try the 8-5 first and see what happens. If he beats you with that spot, make him give you 9-5, if he will.

 

[jungledude]

8-5 is far more than 9-6

Even though it's hard for newer one pocket players to understand there is no comparison getting 8-5 instead of 9-6.

 

[Professor]

Re: 8-5 is far more than 9-6

Even though it's hard for newer one pocket players to understand there is no comparison getting 8-5 instead of 9-6.

Jungledude is exactly right. Virtually everyone that knows the game would tell you that 8-5 is a much larger spot than 9-6. There are many spots in between these two and at some point you begin spliting hairs. plus as you say the players' skills and styles must be considered. However, an obvious spot between 8-5 and 9-6 would be 8-6, and there are others, many not so obvious.