Why do I often play much worse in ring games?

KoolKat9Lives

KoolKat9Lives

Taught 'em all I know
Silver Member
Ok, I know this is a personal thing. Some people can often play their speed in rings. I just can't get in rhythm and often play a ball or two lower than my "one on one" speed.

I tend to think a factor is that my speed has gone up a lot since I started playing seriously in the last one & a half years. I do not have decades of experience at the level I currently play. For me to get in stroke, I seem to need more than 20% of the table's time (if you know what I mean).

Has anyone gone through this and gotten past this? What were your keys?

Thanks,

Matt <-- sl5 in ring
 
Oh man ring games. We used to have some good ones in ohio where i lived. Only thing i can say is you gotta take advantage of every shot even if you are hooked you gotta get as creative as you can kick to ride a pay ball if possible. You must do this you are constantly offensive so this should help you get into a rythm. I used to enjoy just coming up with new ways to ride a payball. Of course when it's time to runout you must runout. But it is sometimes difficult to get going and you do wait longer between turns at the table. Last piece of advice is maybe a rabbits foot but this has'nt been proven lol!
 
KoolKat9Lives said:
Ok, I know this is a personal thing. Some people can often play their speed in rings. I just can't get in rhythm and often play a ball or two lower than my "one on one" speed.

I tend to think a factor is that my speed has gone up a lot since I started playing seriously in the last one & a half years. I do not have decades of experience at the level I currently play. For me to get in stroke, I seem to need more than 20% of the table's time (if you know what I mean).

Has anyone gone through this and gotten past this? What were your keys?

Thanks,

Matt <-- sl5 in ring
Click to expand...
I think you answered your own question. You seem to be a "rhythm player", which is almost impossible to achieve in any ring game. I have played in ring games where I have not shot for at least 4-5 racks. Tough to establish momentum in that environment.

I don't think your performance in this format is any reflection on your ability, or skill level.
 
I've always enjoyed ring games. They bring a type of pressure that one on one play just can't provide. Ring play is a completely different animal.

You have to run out every time you get a chance, even if your "chance" is being hooked behind three balls....

It makes you focus on kicking balls with the intention of making something, and then running out IF you get lucky...

You have to make the most of every turn at the table. I spend my time in the chair psyching myself up to run a million racks.

The break is more important in ring games than head to head play, also. A break and run or two in a ring game is HUGE.
 
KoolKat9Lives said:
Ok, I know this is a personal thing. Some people can often play their speed in rings. I just can't get in rhythm and often play a ball or two lower than my "one on one" speed.

I tend to think a factor is that my speed has gone up a lot since I started playing seriously in the last one & a half years. I do not have decades of experience at the level I currently play. For me to get in stroke, I seem to need more than 20% of the table's time (if you know what I mean).

Has anyone gone through this and gotten past this? What were your keys?

Thanks,

Matt <-- sl5 in ring
Click to expand...

I can tell you that the reason you are missing is that there it TOO MUCH PRESSURE.

If you are a rhythm player then you must get used to this style, because there will be times when you are playing a real real slow player who will get you out of rhythm. You must learn how to take advantage of your skills when you step up to the table. If this means slowing down at first a little, then learn to do this. It will be better for you normal games other than ring ball.

My advice to you is to keep playing and eventually you will get used to being a 'pinch hitter' with no time being like the present. If you don't learn then you will perish and it will be time to go back to the drawing board. Maybe you will come to the realization that the other players are too good for you, which could very well be the case.
 
ring game

for me it was hard to get in stroke when you seem to be hooked all the time when u do get a shot. try to stay positive about it,and when u do get an opportunity relaxe and make them pay.
 
koolkat9lives said:
ok, i know this is a personal thing. Some people can often play their speed in rings. I just can't get in rhythm and often play a ball or two lower than my "one on one" speed.

I tend to think a factor is that my speed has gone up a lot since i started playing seriously in the last one & a half years. I do not have decades of experience at the level i currently play. For me to get in stroke, i seem to need more than 20% of the table's time (if you know what i mean).

Has anyone gone through this and gotten past this? What were your keys?

Thanks,

matt <-- sl5 in ring
Click to expand...

Are you thinking about the money at risk!!!! Money can be a big distractor!!!
 
Another thing that puts pressure on players in ring games if they care and are honest is the "don't sell out factor". If you are use to taking chances on low % shots, sometimes you think too much about not going for shots you would otherwise shoot w/o thinking much about it. After a player reaches "B+" the mental factor is what holds most back IMO. I don't care what pool game you play, if you don't have control of your mental game you won't go too much further than being a "B" player. Johnnyt
 
i find that ring games are more frustrating and that can translate into playing worse.

It is frustrating to sit and watch 5 other guys shoot all while you are itching for the opportunity to get a chance at the table.. then when that chance comes, you may be completely hooked. Ring games are possibly the greatest test of a players mental game, IMO.

Also, it's hard to get a feel for your opponent if you aren't a strict "play the table" player. If you are a player who likes to get in a rhythm, it's gonna be very tough. Your odds in a ring game are definitely lower so your expectations for success should be at a lower rate.
 
I've always found the key to winning in a ring game is to maneuver if possible to follow the weaker player of the group who generally leaves an easy out when they miss. If you follow the stronger player of the group your percentage of winning will go down significantly.
 
Yesterday in the ring game

I appreciate the insight guys. I'd read a few replies yesterday before I peeled off to Gate City Billiards for their weekly ring game. Anyone can play, max of 5 players (which is what we had for most of the 3.5 hours I played). It was 10 ball, just $2 on the 5 ball and $2 ten ball. On a super tight GC IV with Superspeed rails - this was not a table I was very familiar with.

I started off like a hack, blowing a couple chances and getting frustrated. I went dry the first 3 racks. :angry: I was getting pissy "I f'g hate ring games!". :o But then I made a nice combo on the 10 and that chilled me a bit. That was critical IMO. Before much longer I started getting comfortable, as I focused on trying to be more positive, making the most of every single turn, stopped moaning about how tight the table was, breathing deep, following my routine, and stroking through.

I started playing pretty well and was getting out. :D

When it was all said and done I was up $58, which is 29 points to the good.

Ring games are such a different animal than "regular" 9 or 10 ball. With no defense allowed, the strategies are night and day different. The experienced know the shots to play, and the plays are different depending on:

- how you are shooting
- who you are shooting
- how many people there are in the ring
- who's behind and who's ahead of you

Just like all pocket billiard games, the more you play it and study it, the more readily you will see the "better shot".

Thanks again guys, jelly is on the way! :thumbup:
 
I too was in said ring game. Having just read Koolkat's thread on his inabilities at ring games. The major factor in a five way ring is WHO YOU FOLLOW! :( I did not have the good luck to follow anything but sh*twagons all afternoon. I think Koolkat will admit he followed a tooth ferry, :thumbup:
 
EZMoney said:
I too was in said ring game. Having just read Koolkat's thread on his inabilities at ring games. The major factor in a five way ring is WHO YOU FOLLOW! :( I did not have the good luck to follow anything but sh*twagons all afternoon. I think Koolkat will admit he followed a tooth ferry, :thumbup:
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Oh Rick.. Oh Rick.. Who did you follow (we shook every 5 racks)? :p

jealousy.jpg


:grin: :grin: :grin:
 
KoolKat9Lives said:
Oh Rick.. Oh Rick.. Who did you follow (we shook every 5 racks)? :p

View attachment 106842


:grin: :grin: :grin:
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Thanks, Matt...Now I have no choice but to leave my wife, and spend the rest of my life pining over this sweet little vixen...

(And did you Photoshop away the camel toe?) :D


Hey, congrats on the ring game victory...in the future I'll be charging for advice. :p

You're welcome. :p
 
If you play in the same ring game long enough with the same guys and you all play about the same speed you will see the money change hands over and over again stay with it I have made more money in one day playing in a ring game than all day playing one guy If im looking to make money I'll even try to start a ring game.................of course with people that play my speed............no seriously keep in there.you will get the cheese eventually. just be supper agressive but not foolish and make each shot count. you will get their
jim jones
 
Ring Game! RiinnG Game! Ring Gaame!

I used to get them started just about every night of the week, and had great time doing it, but it does seem like people shoot alot differently than when playing regularly.
I've thought about it and decided it's not about running the racks so much as it is scared of 4-5 other guys taking money off of you!
Personally, I like it better when they donate to the cause instead, but hey, I'm greedy like that;)

Stick with it, you'll get over whatever mental thing is shaking you , and then you'll be cleaning clocks in no time!
Just watch who you're following......;)
 
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