Strategy Question

[asmith74]

I'm currently in an in-house league that ranks players A and B. It's two person teams with an A and a B on each team. I'm the A player...my question is, who should shoot first when the opposition didn't pocket any balls on the break? I'm sure it's a situational issue. However I'd really like to get your opinions on this. Just as a side note, the B can maybe pocket 2 balls and the A player can run out, but i'm not a pro and I remain human. Thanks for any input!

 

[ctyhntr]

Is this a scotch doubles match, where you alternate turns? How about have the weaker player, player B attempt a safety, to give Ball in Hand to player A, who has a better chance to run out.

 

[midstroke]

I would want the A player to shoot after the B player. That way when the A player has low percent shot he can play safe against the A player. Might not be best but sounds good.

 

[softshot]

when in a doubles situation like that... I like to diffuse things for my weaker partner.. they are nervous enough as it is... they KNOW they are the weaker player...

they are not trying to impress anyone... they are simply trying to not look foolish...

I use as a casual throw away line as they walk to the table... "calm down just shoot what you want.. I'll dig us out... no worries"

putting pressure on the weaker player does you exactly ZERO good.. nothing good can come from that..

you are the A ... then be the A take all the responsibility take all the pressure and have fun at the same time....

take the pressure OFF of your weaker partner.. and they will perform much better...

JMHO

 

[Foolio]

Well if its a scotch doubles (or dutch I'm not sure what's its called) it really depends on the players and the shot and position, I think.
Is that the only rates a and b? I think a b player should be able to run more balls than 2 but then I don't really know what classifies a b player. If its alternate turn then u should shoot, but if u have a good partner then u can set him up and he can shoot.
Its just my opinion. I could be wrong.

 

[DogsPlayingPool]

Obviously the decision is situational to a large extent, depending on the layout, but let me take a stab at making a generality.

I'm thinking if the opposition breaks dry and the spread is good enough for a possible run out, the "A" player should go first. Why not take a run out right away if it is available? If the "A" player encounters some problems that preclude a run out then he can play for a good safety. This gives his partner, the "B" player, a pretty good shot at having an opportunity to run the last few balls, and maybe even get him to the table with BIH.

 

[Snapshot9]

2 person teams

Are alternating turns, or alternating shots? Makes a big difference on the strategy.

If alternating shots, I want the A player to be the one to get shape on the 8, and have the B player make the 8. Why, because an A player should be able to get shape from anywhere, or would be better at breaking out the 8 if need be.

If alternating turns, the A player should go first, why? Because he will see the 'out' better, be better at position, and be better at breaking balls out, and probably better at safeties.

 

[DogsPlayingPool]

Are alternating turns, or alternating shots? Makes a big difference on the strategy.

If alternating shots, I want the A player to be the one to get shape on the 8, and have the B player make the 8. Why, because an A player should be able to get shape from anywhere, or would be better at breaking out the 8 if need be.

If alternating turns, the A player should go first, why? Because he will see the 'out' better, be better at position, and be better at breaking balls out, and probably better at safeties.

I agree with your reasoning in alternate shot format, with the A player playing position on the 8. Assuming a dry break then, the "A" player should go first in alternate shot as well.

There is perhaps another reason for the better player to play first even if the break leaves a difficult layout with a lot of clusters and problems. Even if it is not an almost sure run-out for one of the sides, it is very possible that the game will end up in an odd number of innings with one player having an extra turn at the table. That might as well be the better player.