Playing up against better players-advice please

Since you can't really tell how much better a player is than you, which is natural. Ask for a handicapped that they are uncomfortable with. When they hesitate to give you that handicap/weight. You will know where you stand with them. If they are comfortable with your first offer. Ask for more.
So better off taking a negotiating lesson from a lawyer than practicing pool.

He's playing leagues and tournaments, not gambling.
 
While I'm new and only just started playing pool, I found with snooker, most really good players will give you a handicap. Years ago the professional would give you a 21 start in snooker. How that would work in pool, maybe someone else will tell us?

21 is nothing against a professional. you have to be a good semi-pro to accept that proposition. unless you're talking about six reds snooker.
 
Playing against a better player, all the pressure is on them, particularly if you are able to keep the match close. Try not to sell out and opt to play safeties when you have a low percentage shot, forcing the better player to earn the win by making tough shots.
Is that true or just a myth that all the pressure is on the better players? Sounds very cliche.

I think it's more dependent on the individual whose the better players than just a blanket statement.
 
Im following the advice of playing against opponents that are better than me, but Im struggling to find a balance between taking my losses and growing from them, and being frustrated and disappointed by the losses.

I'm not delusional enough to think that i should be winning against opponents that i know are much better than me, and much more experienced than I am, but I also try to approach the matches with confidence that i can win, which turns in to a bit of a mind fuck.

Any advice on playing up, staying positive/confident, but having realistic
Is that true or just a myth that all the pressure is on the better players? Sounds very cliche.

I think it's more dependent on the individual whose the better players than just a blanket statement.
I certainly think it’s true that there’s more pressure on the better player / team, not only in pool, but in all sporting event matchups, individual or team.

I know that in our weekly handicapped tournaments when I’m playing a weaker ranked player, I feel the pressure, particularly if that weaker player gets on the hill.

Particularly playing 9-ball, it’s a completely different mindset from the viewpoint of the stronger player. He has to be aware at all times of where the 9 ball is located in relation to the lowest ball on the table, and that can be stressful in itself.
 
Im following the advice of playing against opponents that are better than me, but Im struggling to find a balance between taking my losses and growing from them, and being frustrated and disappointed by the losses.

I'm not delusional enough to think that i should be winning against opponents that i know are much better than me, and much more experienced than I am, but I also try to approach the matches with confidence that i can win, which turns in to a bit of a mind fuck.

Any advice on playing up, staying positive/confident, but having realistic expectations?

Thanks
If you are significantly outmatched, particularly in a short race, get that 9 ball rolling every chance you get - nothing will unnerve your opponent more!

We have a player in our weekly 9 ball handicapped tournament that does that every chance he gets, and nobody likes having to play him.
 
it doesn't matter who you play if you dont put in the hours you wont get much better. and if you dont have natural eye hand coordination you are limited on how fast you improve and how good you can get.

gamble a little and learn to make games you can actually win at spotting or getting spotted. then you are forcing yourself to improve.

few fun players ever get real good just playing in tournaments. you dont get enough racks in and enough play with someone who cares.
 
I certainly think it’s true that there’s more pressure on the better player / team, not only in pool, but in all sporting event matchups, individual or team.

I know that in our weekly handicapped tournaments when I’m playing a weaker ranked player, I feel the pressure, particularly if that weaker player gets on the hill.

Particularly playing 9-ball, it’s a completely different mindset from the viewpoint of the stronger player. He has to be aware at all times of where the 9 ball is located in relation to the lowest ball on the table, and that can be stressful in itself.
Only if your ego can't take being beaten by a weaker player god forbid.
 
If you are significantly outmatched, particularly in a short race, get that 9 ball rolling every chance you get - nothing will unnerve your opponent more!

We have a player in our weekly 9 ball handicapped tournament that does that every chance he gets, and nobody likes having to play him.
Yeah because that's how you improve your game.....
 
If you are purposely seeking opponents better then you, you are supposed to lose, that is the expected result. If you are bothered by that, you are really setting yourself up. Try to eliminate the free trips to an open table, that you give up. Focus on the process, results will follow.
Yes, there's a reason the other guy plays better and that's coz he plays better.

See the similarities you two are faced with and then see what makes him 'better'.
 
I'm going in a different direction. What is the worst case scenario? Loosing 9 to 0? Don't expect anything. Use your experience but play loose. If you tighten up this time you will tighten up more the next time. The hardest thing is learning to relax. Just let it happen.
 
Im following the advice of playing against opponents that are better than me, but Im struggling to find a balance between taking my losses and growing from them, and being frustrated and disappointed by the losses.

I'm not delusional enough to think that i should be winning against opponents that i know are much better than me, and much more experienced than I am, but I also try to approach the matches with confidence that i can win, which turns in to a bit of a mind fuck.

Any advice on playing up, staying positive/confident, but having realistic expectations?

Thanks
Don't sell out

Everytime you leave the table, leave them safe or tough. Have to consider 2 way shots that leave the opponent tough when you miss.
 
Thanks to everyone posting legit advice.

I like the idea of mentally accepting the underdog position and playing stress free because of that. Again, im not delusional enough to think i should be winning these small tournaments with short races to 2 or 4 against guys i know are superior players, but i know im getting close to being competitive, just trying to round the corner.

My losses usually come from running all my balls off the table but leaving myself bad on the 8/9 or ball before leaving my opponent easy outs, or easy safeties leading to ball in hand.

My kicking game is improving so im giving up ball in hand less and less. Just have to keep practicing controlling cue ball
 
Thats why its a bit frustrating..I know im right there, improving, and not far off from being competitive with them..
Honestly, I usually lose due to lack of cue ball control resulting in a bad leave and not being very good at safety play when theres say 4 or less balls left on the table
Problem with pool is you don't know what you don't know. Try to find a mentor who can help keep your learning on track.

You have to add to your game and unlearn a bunch of stuff to truly improve. Having access to a table is helpful. Improvements only come by putting in the work, and it has to be focused.
 
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Is that true or just a myth that all the pressure is on the better players? Sounds very cliche.

I think it's more dependent on the individual whose the better players than just a blanket statement.
When I'm fortunate enough to be gambling against a weaker player, there is no pressure. Being down and making a "comeback" is a way you keep a customer.
 
Thanks to everyone posting legit advice.

I like the idea of mentally accepting the underdog position and playing stress free because of that. Again, im not delusional enough to think i should be winning these small tournaments with short races to 2 or 4 against guys i know are superior players, but i know im getting close to being competitive, just trying to round the corner.

My losses usually come from running all my balls off the table but leaving myself bad on the 8/9 or ball before leaving my opponent easy outs, or easy safeties leading to ball in hand.

My kicking game is improving so im giving up ball in hand less and less. Just have to keep practicing controlling cue ball
You have a better chance winning a race to 2 or 4 then say 9 against a better player. Don't think you're delusional but some of your logic is off.
 
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