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Oct 11, 2004 :: Handle A 9-Ball Rider
How to Handle a “Nine Ball Rider”
Often times the better players are matched up against lower ranked players in the leagues around the country. A lesser player will almost always go for the quick nine ball strike. He is even willing to take a low percentage shot in hopes that he might get lucky. When a “rider” drops the nine, the fine player gets sick.
I once played in a tournament where I rode the nine six times in a race to seven. I did this in each of my first turns at the table. Needless to say I won the match and I had the low class sense to say, “Good game.” when I shook his hand. I didn’t really mean it that way.
When I am up against one of these “lock and load” fools, I try to welcome my good fortune. If he rides the nine ten times, he will be lucky to make one. That is the reality. “Lock and loaders” almost never win against a run out player. The days of rapid fire quickies have long since gone by for me. I still have vision of hanging nine ball combinations in front of the pocket. In fact, I will avoid a nine ball combination and go for the run almost every time.
If I am victimized by a “go for broke, shortcut fool” I smile and wish him well. He is going to need it as luck always runs out for those who depend upon it the most. The best way to handle a “lock and loader” is to play a conservative game. If you are matched up against a lesser opponent, make him shoot tough shots to beat you. Don’t give in or give him a chance to ride the nine. Take your time. If he is rated a three, make up your mind he will have to shoot like a seven to win. I am patient with handicapped players. The league officials cannot handicap intelligence. They can handicap shooting ability but not pocket billiards smarts. So use your intelligence and keep the “runner” away from the nine until you can run out. Torture is the word that comes to mind.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking you just got beat. When a “nine ball rider” gets lucky don’t take it personal. Smile a big bright smile, and shake his hand. You did not get beat. He just got lucky.
