Re: Teeny Tiny Layani Shaft

David Malone <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

> Um...  why should you play conservatively?  I mean, not
> necessarily you, Pat...  but as a rule do you think it's best
> to be conservative? 

> People keep telling me to play the percentages, but I think
> it's more interesting (especially at my stage of development)
> to try and get out every time. 

As long as your game is improving, I don't see a big problem with
stretching a little by shooting shots that are currently low
percentage for you.  When your consistency/stroke/touch, catch
up, they will be the right shot.

> Do you think it's always the conservative player that wins? 
> Watching the World Pool Championship this year it would seem
> so.  But I've noticed that sometimes it's the player who simply
> has the guts to try something out of the ordinary that will
> change the momentum and win. 

Well, I'm a big believer in percentages.  If you're faced with a
choice between a 50% shot and a mediocre safety, you should take
the shot.  You're only 50% to win the safety battle, and if you
do take the shot and miss, it might get safe anyway.  Some
players wait for the 70% shot, which is too conservative. 

The real skill to learn is to avoid having to make a choice on
the 50% shots.

-- 

Bob Jewett
http://www.sfbilliards.com/