Studying Opponent's Billiard Strategy
10/9/2006 6:24:01 PM
Studying Opponent's Billiard Strategy
What specifically do you look for in assessing your opponent's strategy?
lukeStudying Opponent's Billiard Strategy
Replies & Comments
billiardsforum on 10/9/2006 9:45:41 PMI look at what shots they go for, and of those, which ones they make and which ones they do not.
From that, I hope to learn of their weaknesses, and play on those.
Richard Sinor on 2/25/2007 8:08:16 PM
I think that in addition to looking at his choice of shots or execution of same, I would try to see what is playing temperament is and take advantage of it for my benefit.
Does he play fast? Try to slow him down. Does he talk when he plays? Be very silent and ignore his comments. If he's quiet, make chit chat with him right after he shoots (not before - that's sharking).
Whatever his style is, try to throw him off mentally. Sometimes just a little bit of this can make the difference.
Also, be aware of when someone is doing this to you and guard against it. Play your own game and don't let them affect you.
Winning is more fun than losing.
Fenwick on 12/19/2007 8:02:08 AM
What specifically do you look for in assessing your opponent's strategy?
That's a interesting question. Until yesterday I knew the answer but could not put it into words. I first off will say it depends on what game your playing.
Shooting 14/1 I will pick up on as @billiardsforum said, "I look at what shots they go for, and of those, which ones they make and which ones they do not." While they have the table I really can't do anything except rate them on certain shots and pick up what they might miss. 1 player I shot yesterday has trouble with as we say a lot of green and certain side pocket cuts and un-natural bank shots. I also am good at reading body language and try to control mine. The only time I can use these tells or reads is when playing a safety or a shape on a hard shot.
What @Richard Sinor said is good advice also. I will admit to slowing the pace a wee bit but I think it a bit unfair to play to delay the game but I have said on this board I have done it so I have to be honest. I may talk for 30-90 seconds but not more then 1 or 2 times a game but if I detect them becoming irritated I will stop and shut up. I can understand taking your time assessing the table for a kiss, bank, dead ball, or break shot but other then that I play my pace. There is one very good player I avoid shooting because he will take up to 90 seconds to shoot a shot after he is lined up. It's not for fear of losing but rather I think unnecessary and a stalling tactic. BTW, if he misses a shot he tears or beats his self up. I don't do that. I try to be kind to others but kinder to myself. In closing assessing your opponent's strategy and or weakness will not take you as far as making your game stronger and running the balls IMHO.
Cue Chalk on 3/10/2008 6:31:25 PM
The only games that the opponent’s shot making strategy would come into play that I can think of would possibly be one pocket, gulf and possibility 8 ball.
I think that your strategy is much more important than your opponents. Play your game based on your ability and not your opponents. But all the strategy in the world will not win unless it is combined with the ability to play defensively and to pocket balls consistently.
I believe it was in 1991 the Florida 9 Ball Tour was playing in Jacksonville one weekend (this tour would hold tournaments in different cities throughout Florida each month on an annual schedule). The tour was open to any player who had the $50.00 entry fee; however it attracted a lot of big name talent. It was down to the last two players, Buddy Hall (the Rifle man) & Tommy Kennedy (1992 U. S. Open Champion) this was a race to ten match. Buddy won the lag and was up first and ran nine consecutive racks and missed in the tenth rack. Tommy ran nine consecutive racks and missed in the tenth rack. Buddy ran the last rack out and won the match and the tournament 10 to 9. When the check and trophy was handed out Buddy was asked what was his game plan or strategy of play against Tommy? Buddy replied “to win”.
treehumper on 3/12/2008 12:52:05 PMWhile I focus on my own game. I look at the behaviour and approach. I will play a more aggressive game against an opponent who had noticeable weaknessess. I may take a risky shot that has a leave that plays into the weakness vs. a safety.
Studying Opponent's Billiard Strategy
- Title: Studying Opponent's Billiard Strategy
- Author: luke
- Published: 10/9/2006 6:24:01 PM
