Playing my best against stronger players;poorly against weaker ones

S

sherlock

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I've noticed something in my last two local tournies that I wonder if others have experienced: When I draw a better player than me (I'm probably a B-) in the first round, I tend to play my best pool and have had some wonderful upsets; I then draw a weaker player in the second round and don't play very well. I've heard that one often plays to the level of one's opponent--but with the handicap system of our local tournies, that has gotten me bounced out much earlier than I'd like. I'm not sure if it's mental toughness, "peaking" too soon, lack of experience (I've only played a handful of tournies), fatigue, etc. Suggestions? Someone suggested Capelle's "A Mind for Pool".

Tx.
 
ok

sherlock said:
I've noticed something in my last two local tournies that I wonder if others have experienced: When I draw a better player than me (I'm probably a B-) in the first round, I tend to play my best pool and have had some wonderful upsets; I then draw a weaker player in the second round and don't play very well. I've heard that one often plays to the level of one's opponent--but with the handicap system of our local tournies, that has gotten me bounced out much earlier than I'd like. I'm not sure if it's mental toughness, "peaking" too soon, lack of experience (I've only played a handful of tournies), fatigue, etc. Suggestions? Someone suggested Capelle's "A Mind for Pool".

Tx.
Click to expand...

I've done the same thing before. you only play as well as your opponent. if playing a "strong" player, you tend to play great, and playing a bum...you lose it. all it takes to fix it (for me) is play more and play EVERYONE. play everyone the SAME way, and keep your mind off WHO you're playing and on the table itself. hope this helps
 
yep ive seen this happen and had it happen to me. I think the fact youre playing a weaker player puts alot more pressure on you......you "should easily beat this guy", and that is kind of floating around in the back of your head. Then you get a bad roll or they catch a gear and youre behind, then you start just saying its a fluke and laughing it off and you get out of your game even more. Next thing you know, you just beat an A player an hour ago 5-3 and you just lost to a C player 5-2 lol.
You always hear "play the table not the player".......which I dont hold true always. I think if you know your opponent fairly well you can use this to play him more effectively, or if you notice weaknesses in his game you use this to your advantage. But to a certain extent you do have to forget youre even playing anyone and just play. I like to come to the table (especially a runable one) with the mindset its a big puzzle and i want to solve it. Takes all the pressure out and it makes more "fun" for me, since i love solving puzzles. If you get all tied up in having to win or what if i lose......."i cant lose to this guy, im 3 balls better than he is, what will people think".....you get wrapped up in all that and you might as well go home, your mind is already there waiting on you.
 
If playing 8-ball, the stronger players will run in most of their balls and break out clusters from the get go. They are getting their balls out of your way so you have an easy runout. The weaker players will leave their balls on the table and create clusters. So more difficult to run out.

And 9-ball, stronger players will run in most of the balls, then miss a shot and leave an easy runout. Weaker players will leave the cue ball on the rail and an impossible shot.
 
You can address this in your practice. When you practice with weaker players, insist on giving them a big spot, despite the fact that no gambling is involved. Then, you'll have to play really well to win, and, in the process, you'll learn to play at your top speed against weaker opponents.
 
The mind certainly likes to play tricks on you! I also have had a tendency of "adjusting" my game to to that of the current opposition. Unfortunately I've been known to go "the other way" though. Almost always losing to strong players, and defeating the not so strong.

I believe this happens because I subconsciously know I'm "allowed" to lose to those whose games I consider to be superior to mine.

Just a couple of weeks ago I managed to beat one of my "nemesises" in a local straight pool tournament.

In our next regional 8-ball event two more of the top players took part. I met both of these players. Not only did I beat them but I also managed to reach new heights in my game. In the first game I only missed one ball. In the other one I ran out the last two tables.

... and what do you think happened against the other opponents? The ones I usually beat? I lost of course! Yet another near win then! :-(

What's not to love about this game? ;-)
 
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