Or another path to victory. Firing away at something I don't have a good chance to make doesn't seem as attractive as ball-in-hand, or at least a better position for my next shot.
Playing Safe In 8Ball or 9Ball
- Thread starter Barioni Cues
- Start date
Or another path to victory. Firing away at something I don't have a good chance to make doesn't seem as attractive as ball-in-hand, or at least a better position for my next shot.
TheThaiger
Banned
Then you will forever be a poor pool player.
:deadhorse: :banghead: :banghead: :banghead: :scratchhead: :scratchhead: :scratchhead: Well there is no telling some people that you should probably play the right shot (highest % shot that will in the highest probability will win the game) when you play, where ever you play.
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uttahere:uttahere:uttahere:As long as it's within the rules it's fine.
He should take it as a compliment to his game that you chose to play a safety.
He might have been more upset with himself than you.
It's like one football team starting a fight with another football team because they punted twice in a row.
He should take it as a compliment to his game that you chose to play a safety.
He might have been more upset with himself than you.
It's like one football team starting a fight with another football team because they punted twice in a row.
I think my post was the best post of the thread. Not too long and right to the point. Does anyone agrue with what I have stated?
That is quite likely, but not for the reasons you think....
This is probably where my thoughts screech to a stop in the OP's post. I simply don't believe the player could be the speed to get top 17 in the BCAPL Nationals if he balks at safety play. He should be dominating this little King of the Hill.
Something's wrong with the whole story.
Freddie <~~~ not playing safe, but not crying about it either
You combined the words argue and agree, so I'm not sure what to do.
Freddie <~~~ thinks we all incorrectly believe we make the best posts
Seems like the friend was out of line; could have been a bad day, could have been booze, could have been temporary frustration with his game. Unless you had some type of gentleman's agreement prior to starting your games, I can't see how you did anything wrong.
When I'm not playing league, I'm playing for fun AND for practice. I think it is best to practice in the same manner that you would play a serious game/match. To do differently is to risk developing bad habits IMHO.
Personally, I take it as a compliment when I'm playing against a good player and he plays a fair amount of defense. It makes a statement about his respect for my ability to beat him. Otherwise, he's making an implied statement that I don't have the game to beat him even when he may open up opportunities.
When I'm not playing league, I'm playing for fun AND for practice. I think it is best to practice in the same manner that you would play a serious game/match. To do differently is to risk developing bad habits IMHO.
Personally, I take it as a compliment when I'm playing against a good player and he plays a fair amount of defense. It makes a statement about his respect for my ability to beat him. Otherwise, he's making an implied statement that I don't have the game to beat him even when he may open up opportunities.
Come on Freddie, cut me some rope here. I summed it up pretty well. You must agree if you know anything about bar box 8 ball.:clapping:
I'm old school and rarely play a safe. I go for almost everything and make incredible shots...sometimes.
I like playing a friendly game where everyone gets a shot, but I usually win.:smile:
This way...no one gets mad.:thumbup:
Running a table all the time and not giving anyone a shot can be lonely.
You are actually playing with yourself and being selfish.
People will not want to rack for you if you don't give them a shot.:smile:
And I always say...for real...you can't play a great player safe.
This response is a great example of something I see a lot. PLEASE don't take my comments personally or like I'm picking on you. You words just really highlight something I have noticed with many people over the years.
You begin by saying "I'm old school". I have yet to see this phrase mean anything other than "I'm not very bright, and have real difficulty learning things. I am attached to my ways no matter how flawed or illogical they are". I've heard the phrase MANY times, and 100% of those times, this is exactly what it boiled down to. (Poolguy I don't know you at all in person, so this *general* assessment may be way off base as pertains to you personally)
THIS is illogical: saying that people won't want to play if you don't give them a shot, and then immediately saying "you can't play a great player safe". The conclusion is this: Either you are playing with people who are NOT great players...or you ARE leaving them a shot.
I think that MAYBE you are attempting to convey the idea that if you are playing with bangers who don't really know how to play, that you should give them a shot, but that if you are playing a "great" player, go ahead and take a shot at playing safe, since they will do something with it anyway? Is this where you were trying to go?
In any case, I disagree with all the "anti-safe" posts here. The game is what it is. I don't want to disrespect my opponent, whatever their skill level, by playing a half-assed game against them. I will, as others have suggested, play the shot that gives me the best chance of winning the game, each and every shot I take.
If I am giving a lesson, or just trying to help someone with their game, I will instead often miss on purpose, but create a certain type of difficulty for them, like a cluster, or something that can tax their skills. Then I will show them how to deal with it, break it up, whatever. Or for lower ranked players maybe I'll just miss and leave them ball in hand position and give them a chance to run as many as they can.
However, if ANYONE wants to play against me competitively (and there are many lower ranked players that would take real satisfaction in beating me even one game), I owe it to them to try my best and play every ball the best I can. If they beat me, I want it to really mean something. For example, in APA 8 ball, I was playing a 5. I was playing really badly that night. It got to be hill-hill. I broke and scratched. He made a nice run out down to the 8, and then made an unbelievable cross over long rail bank on the 8. I immediately jumped up and gave the guy a high five!! He was so pumped to win the match, and I was genuinely happy for him. He deserved it. I was not playing my best, but I TRIED my best, and he beat me. It was a well deserved victory for him because although I failed, I tried to win on every ball.
Poolguy4u, sincerely NOT trying to dis you...just offering another perspective on the matter. Hope you see that. Your commentary on my post is of course welcome!
KMRUNOUT
TheThaiger
Banned
My point is, without risk, there can be no reward. Don't put victory ahead of play.
TheThaiger
Banned
I see nothing wrong with his story - a very good player gets pissed off with mediocre players who try to win by playing more safeties than they should or need to.
I see it all the times, and it pisses me off as well. I still suspect those saying this is the right thing to do (ie play safes ahead of going for shots in a friendly game with mates) just cannot play.
Where the hell has the spirit of the game gone? Why aren't people who adopt such an approach widely booed?
TheThaiger
Banned
No? Sounded a bit like it to me...
Being of the 'Old school' is a euphemism for 'raging alcoholic' around here. :grin:
And I don't think you understood what he was saying - try playing a safe against a really good player and see where it gets you - it might not be as safe as you think when you get back to the table - IF you get back to the table!
Banks
Banned
*cough* Anybody that thinks playing safe leads to a slow death, or means that the person cannot play, or anything of the sort, really has no clue. That's like saying movers can't win 1P games. I'd love to play chess with somebody that's always attacking the king spot.
People get confused or frustrated when safeties are played when they believe a runout is possible, but the people playing them in those situations are the ones that feel much more comfortable playing the safe over the out. I've won many games because I played smart, which gave me additional chances to win. Sure, somebody may be able to Z-kick, cheat a pocket and go multiple rails for a breakout and leave, etc, but I'm putting my money against it happening more often than not.
If *ahem* somebody here would like to show us all their impressive set of skills in regularly making non-gimme kick and masse shots, I'm sure the safety crowd would enjoy it. Of course, I won't be holding my breath. It's nice at work, when I can be autologged and not see some of the more mind-numbing posts. Ever see a pro safe up? You think it's their first time?
People get confused or frustrated when safeties are played when they believe a runout is possible, but the people playing them in those situations are the ones that feel much more comfortable playing the safe over the out. I've won many games because I played smart, which gave me additional chances to win. Sure, somebody may be able to Z-kick, cheat a pocket and go multiple rails for a breakout and leave, etc, but I'm putting my money against it happening more often than not.
If *ahem* somebody here would like to show us all their impressive set of skills in regularly making non-gimme kick and masse shots, I'm sure the safety crowd would enjoy it. Of course, I won't be holding my breath. It's nice at work, when I can be autologged and not see some of the more mind-numbing posts. Ever see a pro safe up? You think it's their first time?
That is true, but there is a difference between risk and recklessness. There is a time for more risky shots, and during practice sessions I take more of those types of shots. But safeties also require practice, as well. Managing the table requires practice, too.
I am not a good enough shot maker that I can win purely on offense. This is true of most people, whether they acknowledge it or not.
TheThaiger
Banned
You ever seen a pro kick-back with a few beers with his mates? Seen them play safe then?
Seems {cough} SOME are hardwired to strangle the life out of the game, no matter what the scenario. Play to WIN in competition. Play for ENJOYMENT when not.
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TheThaiger
Banned
And they will never be if they adopt this approach! Go for your shots.
Like with everything, there is a time and a place...