Strategy question

[Cdryden]

I feel like pool can be played like poker in the respect to the odds of making a shot. If I feel like I don't have a fairly good chance of making a shot I opt for the smarter play which may be a safety or may simply be placing my balls in a better position that will increase my chances of winning.

In 9 ball particularly, I go so far as to tell myself that if I don't have a 80% chance or better of making the shot then I shouldn't try. I am mainly speaking of important games, not when I am just shooting with friends for fun.

So what do you think? Do you do something similar or do you opt to try and make the ball no matter what? What success have you had with your strategy?

 

[armoworrior]

for me it all depends on the opponent and the game we are playing. if its 8 ball and i know how you play. ill take key safeties block shots and almost make them beat themselves. on nine and ten ball i really go all out i have a jump cue and have very good off the rail control of the cue ball i still have a few things to master but i try to run out the second i get my first shot. too few balls on the table to over play safe.

 

[allanpsand]

Bang - you nailed the "above the table" thinking that wins you a lot more games.

This is the playing approach I introduce to all my students.

It applies an analytical approach that eliminates most fantasies.

Congratulations.

 

[Diamond69]

I would go one step further and suggest it's not the 80% chance of that shot, but what are the chances of running out. You may have a 95% chance of making the shot, but you may want to duck in order to gain an advantage on breaking out a cluster in order to finish a run.