Pattern advice knowledge. step on in.
- Thread starter DistinguishedBilliards
- Start date
Try out a set of Saratoga Balls....
This makes perfect sense because of the strong difference in colors. You can see the layout much clearer.
I think there can be a disconnect between what we see when we are watching and analyzing pool and what WE actually choose to do on the table. I've noticed that with my own game. Like I can record myself and analyze my decisions afterwards and be critical of the choices I made on the table. It's the weirdest thing and I don't even totally understand it.
I'll probably never totally get it but I'm pretty sure you can't totally substitute working out your issues on the table. Talking through your real-time pattern choices with a knowledgeable player would probably be significantly better than watching hours of SVB running racks. Actually, I would rather watch a really good amateur player working through bar-table 8 ball racks than a pro. Pros have such vastly different make percentages than amateurs, therefore their pattern choices are going to be different. They will also often include "9 ball shots" in their outs that amateur 8 ball players should probably avoid if possible.
I'll probably never totally get it but I'm pretty sure you can't totally substitute working out your issues on the table. Talking through your real-time pattern choices with a knowledgeable player would probably be significantly better than watching hours of SVB running racks. Actually, I would rather watch a really good amateur player working through bar-table 8 ball racks than a pro. Pros have such vastly different make percentages than amateurs, therefore their pattern choices are going to be different. They will also often include "9 ball shots" in their outs that amateur 8 ball players should probably avoid if possible.
I'm in a similar situation in that I quit for about 10 years and then started again regularly and then quit during covid for 3 years due to lack of time/opportunity to play.
An important thing to remember is that your strategy when you could play better is not necessarily your best strategy now. For example, breaking out problem balls early is a sound strategy if you still have an overwhelmingly large chance of running out. If you are likely to dog a shot here and there, then you can end up removing the trouble and giving your opponent an easy out.
The people who are pointing out patterns to you do not know how you used to play and just see someone who tries to get out when it is too risky. In other words, you don't play as good as you used to and your perception of what you can run out is not inline with reality RIGHT NOW.
When I was coming back I was trying to run out every single table. Within reason. Because I needed to get back into that rhythm. People called me stupid every week but at the end of the session I was always in the top 3 for top shooter (non-handicapped). Did I lose a lot of games I should have? Absolutely. But by playing loose and letting the horses run a little, I got back in the groove a lot sooner.
This won't work if you don't have a pretty high gear to kick into. It sounds like you do, though.
DistinguishedBilliards
Member
Sixpack,
Thanks for chiming in. You basically described the situation I was/am still kind of in, to a tee. I still Dog my runs too often and only time adjustments and practice will fix that. With that said and after a lot of personal reflection and Knowledge from players here and in my group of playing friends. FYI most of my playing partners are between 560-620 Fargo players. I am still a step or so below some of them currently.
What being open to learning is teaching me is that equipment and conditions are now more uniform in higher level play then they ever have been and with that change alot of the players have gotten better as well. technology, you tube etc. More information and more things to make more players closer in skill level. Which brings into play knowledge and skill to control the table. Patterns safety play you all know what I am speaking about here. Becoming a very very well rounded player and knowing when to let that big dog eat and when to kennel it so no one gets bitten is a more long realistic approach for me currently. So that be the path I am currently on.
Thanks for chiming in. You basically described the situation I was/am still kind of in, to a tee. I still Dog my runs too often and only time adjustments and practice will fix that. With that said and after a lot of personal reflection and Knowledge from players here and in my group of playing friends. FYI most of my playing partners are between 560-620 Fargo players. I am still a step or so below some of them currently.
What being open to learning is teaching me is that equipment and conditions are now more uniform in higher level play then they ever have been and with that change alot of the players have gotten better as well. technology, you tube etc. More information and more things to make more players closer in skill level. Which brings into play knowledge and skill to control the table. Patterns safety play you all know what I am speaking about here. Becoming a very very well rounded player and knowing when to let that big dog eat and when to kennel it so no one gets bitten is a more long realistic approach for me currently. So that be the path I am currently on.
Jewett kind of hit the nail on the head in regards to your situation.
Without a larger shot repertoire and lacking proper position knowledge, patterns are a moot point.
Even if you recognize them execution will be a big problem, particularly in run out 8 ball. That takes a pretty strong skill set which you don't possess at present.
Without a larger shot repertoire and lacking proper position knowledge, patterns are a moot point.
Even if you recognize them execution will be a big problem, particularly in run out 8 ball. That takes a pretty strong skill set which you don't possess at present.