Playing processes, what your best strategies?

Cuemaster98

Cuemaster98

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I'm curious how the top players think when it comes to decision making on the pool table? Are the strategies and thought processes different for every type of games?

What are the thought processes templates that they go through each time to determine if they should play the shot or play safe?

If they play the shot, what the best practice for determine the right position...how do they decide what's the best decision?

If they play safe, how do they decided on the of safety to play?

Similarly to aiming, I would think that decision process templates are keys in improving a player percentage of winning a game. The more moves you had, the better chance you'll win the game.

I lose a lot of games because of bad decisions and just wanted to know if there's a template out there for good fundamental strategies?

Depending on the layout, like a game of chess, something you'll know if you going to have a chance back at the table or not by just looking at the layout. The pro player strategy is to always be in control of the table...the one that has control is the one that generally wins.

The difference between a win and lost sometime is decided by your decision on the one shot...what strategy has one used to choose the one with higher expectation?
 
It may not be as complicated as one might think. Top players always come to the table looking at basic elements. Here's some examples:

1. The Liability - Where is the money ball?
2. The Link - What gives the best route to the money ball?
3. The Lap - What does the entire table look like?
4. The Problems - What are the problem areas?

These basic elements usually determine how top players decide strategy and make their plays.
 
NitPicker said:
It may not be as complicated as one might think. Top players always come to the table looking at basic elements. Here's some examples:
1. The Liability - Where is the money ball?
2. The Link - What gives the best route to the money ball?
3. The Lap - What does the entire table look like?
4. The Problems - What are the problem areas?
These basic elements usually determine how top players decide strategy and make their plays.
Click to expand...

I'm curious NitPicker, and I don't mean to be nitpicking here, but is this what was told to you by a top player?
 
NitPicker said:
It may not be as complicated as one might think. Top players always come to the table looking at basic elements. Here's some examples:

1. The Liability - Where is the money ball?
2. The Link - What gives the best route to the money ball?
3. The Lap - What does the entire table look like?
4. The Problems - What are the problem areas?

These basic elements usually determine how top players decide strategy and make their plays.
Click to expand...

I like it. If the game was straight pool or 8 ball, I would also be looking for an insurance ball mid table. (Not a top player, B+)
 
Last edited:
dont miss. even if you play a lights out safety, you still have to make the balls; except for a win by consecutive fouls (3 if allowed).

good luck on finding the templates and utilizing them to fit your game.
 
Calculate angle, speed, spin.... visualize the shot feel the shot, execute set pause finish and freeze. evaluate the shot. Learn train perform. Everyone has process for everything the secret is can you depend on it under pressure. I am not a top player but I went from dog to contender within a few years and I highly recommend you seek a top level instructor to learn about processes. I playing better than eever it never stops. My game gets stronger and stronger and I still follow basic fundamental processes. Thanks RG,SL,DS,BH,TP my instructors my hero's. The better the process the better the player.
 
I can't say I agree with all of this. When you watch a top player you should know what he's going to do. If not you need to watch a lot more matches
 
Cuemaster98 said:
I'm curious how the top players think when it comes to decision making on the pool table? Are the strategies and thought processes different for every type of games?

What are the thought processes templates that they go through each time to determine if they should play the shot or play safe?

If they play the shot, what the best practice for determine the right position...how do they decide what's the best decision?

If they play safe, how do they decided on the of safety to play?

Similarly to aiming, I would think that decision process templates are keys in improving a player percentage of winning a game. The more moves you had, the better chance you'll win the game.

I lose a lot of games because of bad decisions and just wanted to know if there's a template out there for good fundamental strategies?

Depending on the layout, like a game of chess, something you'll know if you going to have a chance back at the table or not by just looking at the layout. The pro player strategy is to always be in control of the table...the one that has control is the one that generally wins.

The difference between a win and lost sometime is decided by your decision on the one shot...what strategy has one used to choose the one with higher expectation?
Click to expand...

A lot of what you need to know to improve your play esp 8&9 ball can be found by searching youtube for ZeroX billiards.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYuUos0iwnvdBL8URuNvrNA

Like:
"Pool's Biggest Secrets Revealed 3 - Controlling the Cue Ball!"
By: Tor Lowry

This video is the 1st hour of his latest 5 hour video available from:
http://zerox-billiards.com/

Also check out Dr Dave's youtube videos and online resources.
Like:
http://dr-dave-billiards.com/
http://billiards.colostate.edu/
 
lakeman77 said:
I think it's an algorithm that takes years to build in the brain. no simple answer.
Click to expand...

I think we have a winner. That algorithm is called the subconscious and is acquired through playing time. The best players I know think but are not impeded by their thoughts. They just SEE the table and that's the beauty of the game. You can do on the table anything you imagine. If you couldn't do something you would not have the ability to even imagine it. I know I haven't explained this well and seems a little existential but that's my opinion.
 
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