Anyone got any tips on how best to approach this playing format?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Scotch Doubles: 8-ball
- Thread starter Blackball75
- Start date
Blackball,
First, don't play with anyone you really care about. Nothing in the game of pool can make two people dislike each other faster.
Second, both of you need to learn to say "sorry". The old "I made my ball" just won't cut it.
Third, if you do play, play just for the fun of it. The odds of you and your partner "clicking" are small. Especially if one partner is a much stronger player than the other.
Fourth, the female players "speed" is much more important. The very best scotch double teams I've seen have a female who plays equal to or better than her partner.
Fifth, have fun!!!! It's a learned taste. I actually look forward to our monthly scotch doubles tournaments and leagues.
In April of 2008, my now partner asked when I was going to Vegas. From there it grew to please play scotch with me. One month later, my partner and me were fortunate enough to finish third out of nearly five hundred teams at the BCAPL's. Since then we've finished 17th and 25th at the BCA's. First times the charm? In the end, it's "try it, youi'll like it".
Lyn
First, don't play with anyone you really care about. Nothing in the game of pool can make two people dislike each other faster.
Second, both of you need to learn to say "sorry". The old "I made my ball" just won't cut it.
Third, if you do play, play just for the fun of it. The odds of you and your partner "clicking" are small. Especially if one partner is a much stronger player than the other.
Fourth, the female players "speed" is much more important. The very best scotch double teams I've seen have a female who plays equal to or better than her partner.
Fifth, have fun!!!! It's a learned taste. I actually look forward to our monthly scotch doubles tournaments and leagues.
In April of 2008, my now partner asked when I was going to Vegas. From there it grew to please play scotch with me. One month later, my partner and me were fortunate enough to finish third out of nearly five hundred teams at the BCAPL's. Since then we've finished 17th and 25th at the BCA's. First times the charm? In the end, it's "try it, youi'll like it".
Lyn
You know its funny, the best rule I implemented playing scotch double is to limit the number of timeouts (usually we do two). Talking to your partner during your turn consitutes a timeout. This reduces table talk and almost completely eliminates a potential argument.
Thanks guys. FYI it's not mixed doubles, we are both guys.
The trick is to pick a partner that plays pretty much the same patterns that you do. Then let them know up front that anything you do to screw up is not done intentionally, (No, I did not mean to scratch or leave you straight in or on a rail!) and that you know he won't either.
Then play your own game. Don't worry about leaving them perfect or you will screw up. Have faith that your partner can make the ball from anywhere or think smart and play safe, and vice versa. Play as you would play for yourself and that is the best advice I can give you.
I have won tons of scotch tournaments (once I won 3 different tournaments on 3 consecutive weekends with 3 different partners) and I can tell you, I have had the most success with low-key players that don't get upset. (Read, not my husband!)
Glenn Atwell and I just finished 2nd in Scotch at the BCAPL Nationals in Vegas. And he is about as low-key as you can get. Even when they forfeited him matches in 10 ball because we were playing in the Finals.
It is counterproductive to your team to get mad. Everyone makes mistakes. Just carry on and forget about it. Your partner feels bad enough already.
One tip I have is to let the best player follow the breaker. Since I am assuming you both have good breaks, it is best to let the better player follow the breaker because he will determine choice of group and get you started with the right shape to run out.
It is true that the weakest link determines how strong the team is. And also that we call it Scotch Troubles or Divorce Pool. I can tell you stories that would make your hair stand on end! ROFL. But it is a fun game that you will enjoy if you just go with it and don't stress out too much. Good luck!
Then play your own game. Don't worry about leaving them perfect or you will screw up. Have faith that your partner can make the ball from anywhere or think smart and play safe, and vice versa. Play as you would play for yourself and that is the best advice I can give you.
I have won tons of scotch tournaments (once I won 3 different tournaments on 3 consecutive weekends with 3 different partners) and I can tell you, I have had the most success with low-key players that don't get upset. (Read, not my husband!)
Glenn Atwell and I just finished 2nd in Scotch at the BCAPL Nationals in Vegas. And he is about as low-key as you can get. Even when they forfeited him matches in 10 ball because we were playing in the Finals.
It is counterproductive to your team to get mad. Everyone makes mistakes. Just carry on and forget about it. Your partner feels bad enough already.
One tip I have is to let the best player follow the breaker. Since I am assuming you both have good breaks, it is best to let the better player follow the breaker because he will determine choice of group and get you started with the right shape to run out.
It is true that the weakest link determines how strong the team is. And also that we call it Scotch Troubles or Divorce Pool. I can tell you stories that would make your hair stand on end! ROFL. But it is a fun game that you will enjoy if you just go with it and don't stress out too much. Good luck!
