So close

B

Bcpatton

Registered
Hi everyone, I started playing straight pool around 6 months ago and fell in love. I have had the opportunity to play a local guy who knows the game and helps me with the strategy, patterns etc. I have been playing pool for a while, mostly 9 ball and one pocket. Last night we were playing on the diamond race to 150 for the table time (plus a pop and candy bar lol). Early in the game I caught a little gear and set a new high run of 47 (previous run was 29). While I am very happy to raise the number I am a little dissapointed that I didn't hit that magic first 50. Does anyone have any advice on how to deal with the pressure of getting to those higher runs, This game puts a whole different type of pressure, everything from arm getting tired to attempting new personal best. I love it. Thanks everyone
 
Last edited:
LoL, Thanks. I have to be fair, the break balls I played gave me nice open balls. I have to get a little lucky to keep it going. I live in the ohio ky wv tristate, I have like 3 guys tops who play the game here :(
 
Cheer up, fella. You set your high run. I've run in the 90's three times in my life, but never 100. I can live with that.
 
The first advice i ll give you is:

NEVER start counting- don t pay attention about the *numbers*. You have to play it right- rigid and straight. Play the patterns as they should be played- no matter if you re *at 11* or *at 39*.

It s a long road to learn that. A good 30 with a well played safety at its end is better than a 50 with a suicidal end where you just tried a shot from Utopia just to maybe run a higher run. (of course talking here about a *serious match*, not a run where you just practice solo!)
Always play serious. Don t let the fear overtake your game *that the run could end*.

congrats for your new high-score,
Have a smooth stroke,
lg from overseas
 
Ratta said:
The first advice i ll give you is:

NEVER start counting- don t pay attention about the *numbers*. You have to play it right- rigid and straight. Play the patterns as they should be played- no matter if you re *at 11* or *at 39*.

It s a long road to learn that. A good 30 with a well played safety at its end is better than a 50 with a suicidal end where you just tried a shot from Utopia just to maybe run a higher run. (of course talking here about a *serious match*, not a run where you just practice solo!)
Always play serious. Don t let the fear overtake your game *that the run could end*.

congrats for your new high-score,
Have a smooth stroke,
lg from overseas
Click to expand...

^^^ This. I've found my higher runs come from when I "forget" about the count, and just immerse myself into the game -- thoroughly enjoying solving the patterns, and making the break ball to get into the next rack.

I'm not playing as much as I'd like these days (married life ;) ), but when I do play, I match up with a few good players around me, and I find that my best 14.1 comes from when I forget about my opponent, the count, the room, the world, and just concentrate on the feel of the cue in my hand, and focus on the task at hand -- solving those patterns and problems on the table. It helps when your opponent scores for you, so that you don't have to think about it. You're just running balls.

And, of course, in a match, safety play is a crucial skill. "Hail Mary" shots will get you killed in a match, if you haven't clocked the speed of your opponent well enough. Better to turn the table over on a well-played safety, than a "master-blaster" low-percentage sell-out shot just because you wouldn't let go of the run when you should've.

-Sean
 
Bcpatton said:
Last night we were playing on the diamond race to 150 for the table time (plus a pop and candy bar lol).
Click to expand...

Oh, and remember there are no "races" in straight pool! You played a 150 point game. There's a rather large thread on the topic in this forum.
 
High runs will come .One thing already said thats true is you have to shoot the 49th ball the same as you shot the 19th ball your quick high run in only months shows your very capable Forget get the #s as One of the Greats Said (If your thinking of anything except the table your sharking yourself)
 
The best advice I can give is straight pool is 14 balls at a time with the 15th being the break ball. As others have said forget the total run and play it one rack at a time
Years ago Tony and me were sitting on the rail watching Jimmy Fusco practice straight pool on a fairly tight table.We did not have an exact count but we knew he had run 9 racks when he finally missed. We asked him if he knew how many he had run and he had no clue. When we told him 9 racks he was truly surprised.And if you know jimmy you would know he was sincere.
Neptune Joe Frady was playing Mental Mike 150 to 100 and ran out to win. Again I asked how many did you run and his answer was "A bunch?"I had the count this time it was 131.
So both these players just zoned out and played.
 
Thanks so much for all the advice. A lot of good stuff here. I knew I was in trouble when I put pressure on myself but I just couldn't help it, I believe that learning to control that is a skill that I can practice too. I'll be at the Derby City Jan 25th through 27th maybe I'll get a chance to hit some with you guys. Again thanks for the advice.


-Brent
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top