Does anyone else seem to play better in a scotch doubles format then they do when playing by yourself? I'm trying to figure out what is so different? I actually had a long set of things below but deleted to get unbiased opinions on what to do to improve when playing singles.
Scotch Doubles
- Thread starter Snorks
- Start date
Snorks said:
We play a lot of scotch doubles here. My experience is many C and B players play better in a scotch doubles format. It seems there are a lot of players that when when playing position for themselves will be a little sloppy (i.e. I just need to get to the center of the table), while if they're playing position for a partner will walk around and make sure they get the right angle on the next ball.
mikepage said:
I also agree with what mikepage said. I think one of the major flaws in C/B players games is there mental approach. Not having to shoot every shot allows you to mentally focus more on what is going on.
I know alot of C/B players that can make every shot its just that they beat themselves most of the time. Having another player relying on you to pot the ball and get a good angle keeps your mind involved, so you are less likely to beat yourself mentally.
I kinda sorta agree with MikePage but not quite.
What I think happens is the weaker player pockets a ball and gets a little out of line....the stronger player shoots them back in line....repeat until the last shot.
It seems the weaker player is playing better becuase they are shooting more easier shots than they normally would be shooting.
What I think happens is the weaker player pockets a ball and gets a little out of line....the stronger player shoots them back in line....repeat until the last shot.
It seems the weaker player is playing better becuase they are shooting more easier shots than they normally would be shooting.
REALLY????plshrk22 said:
It's a great game for a little cash when you have four evenly matched players. We used to play it all the time.... playing short sets (5 games for $20?)... and then switching partners for the next set until every player shot with every other player.
i agree with some of the above posts. People (me) tend to get sloppy when theyre playing solo, but when it comes to leaving ur teamate good u tend to focus more. And having a better player on ur team helps cause they can get u back in line if need be, or u can get ur teamate back in line.
I think it helps people play better because you try more to not screw your partner. In regular doubles if you miss your position you have to deal with it. If you screw your partner it seems worse. So in the end the lower skilled players are more aware of where they position the cue ball.
I played in my very first mixed Scotch Doubles tournament a little while back, and absolutely LOVED it!!
I have to agree with Mike as well here. I did not want to let my partner down, who is a pretty sporty player, and probably played some of my best position play to that point in that tournament. Very rarely did I get really out of shape, and in the one or two cases that I did, he was able to make the shot anyways.
I would like to add to Mike's post that I also feel that because you are alternating shots with your partner, it tends to keep the momentum at an even keel...you never get to the point where you may rush the shot due to momentum continuing to build....you're approaching the table as if you are beginning a new inning each and every time. There is no chance of losing your focus moving from shot to shot to shot.
I cannot wait until I can play in one again!
Lisa
I have to agree with Mike as well here. I did not want to let my partner down, who is a pretty sporty player, and probably played some of my best position play to that point in that tournament. Very rarely did I get really out of shape, and in the one or two cases that I did, he was able to make the shot anyways.
I would like to add to Mike's post that I also feel that because you are alternating shots with your partner, it tends to keep the momentum at an even keel...you never get to the point where you may rush the shot due to momentum continuing to build....you're approaching the table as if you are beginning a new inning each and every time. There is no chance of losing your focus moving from shot to shot to shot.
I cannot wait until I can play in one again!
Lisa
I love to play Scotch Doubles, mostly because I tend to play with players that are far better then me. I think it really helps show me the parts of my game that I have to work on - when my partner tells me what he wants me to do, and I have to say "I don't know that shot". As long as I am playing with better players, it is a good learning tool.
I like scotch for a change of pace.... but I can never ever get in the "zone" playing scotch..while it is fun to run a table swapping shots... I can never groove in and run em. I and I'd expect most other pool players are at their best when you can see the road home and you just plop plop plop the balls in the holes...
It has its place... but I would hate playing like that all the time..
It has its place... but I would hate playing like that all the time..
I have learned from my experience with Scotch Doubles is that it works best for one player to be the leader and the other more of a shot maker, with situation exceptions.
The leader makes the pattern decisions, and partner executes the shots. If there are shots that are more difficult, plans can be changed.
With evenly matched players, they just need to get along and be flexible. ie. if neither wants to be the second, even for a little bit, there will be trouble.
In one tournament, I played position for the "2", relayed my plan to partner, she shoots another ball. I jumped over a ball to make the 2 and we continued to run out. Would have been tough her way.
My best results have been playing with a lesser player, or a better player who I defer to.
The leader makes the pattern decisions, and partner executes the shots. If there are shots that are more difficult, plans can be changed.
With evenly matched players, they just need to get along and be flexible. ie. if neither wants to be the second, even for a little bit, there will be trouble.
In one tournament, I played position for the "2", relayed my plan to partner, she shoots another ball. I jumped over a ball to make the 2 and we continued to run out. Would have been tough her way.
My best results have been playing with a lesser player, or a better player who I defer to.
I truely hate that game.
I love it.Best if betting small among freinds with the beer flowing.Nothing brings the smack talk out like hooking your buddy/partner lol....plus it will keep a small group involved as opposed to two sitting out.
I've played in a few tournaments as well over the years as well....we usually finish pretty decent,but we know how we each play and think so that goes a long way...along with communication.
I've played in a few tournaments as well over the years as well....we usually finish pretty decent,but we know how we each play and think so that goes a long way...along with communication.
I'm playing in my first scotch doubles event next week in Vegas. I'll let you know how I liked it when I return. Everyone I asked said "just have fun". If it is just fun, why do so many players hate it?
Lyn
Lyn
1. You only get one shot, so you focus to make the best of it.
2. Someone else is relying on you so you put the extra effort in.
3. Like dancing, someone has to lead and someone has to follow.
4. Strong player/weak player partnerships give the strong player the opportunity to bring out the best of his partners game.
5. The format keeps both partners involved in the game
I enjoy the format and have had minor success. It does suck to be the partner who makes the mistake that ends the day... If your partner does it, all you can do is watch, and if you do it, it's twice as bad letting someone else down.
Banger
2. Someone else is relying on you so you put the extra effort in.
3. Like dancing, someone has to lead and someone has to follow.
4. Strong player/weak player partnerships give the strong player the opportunity to bring out the best of his partners game.
5. The format keeps both partners involved in the game
I enjoy the format and have had minor success. It does suck to be the partner who makes the mistake that ends the day... If your partner does it, all you can do is watch, and if you do it, it's twice as bad letting someone else down.
Banger
If you can find a good partner that thinks like you and plays like you it is a money maker. 