Level of Opponent!

[j6uk]

best way to keep it compettive with a player of lesser ability is to give out a favorable handycap. giving out +50 an playing bo5 for a cup of tea should keep it interesting

[shmeeko69]

How important is the level of your opponent?

Some people say you have to play people better than you to improve... but if you are better than your friends does this mean you really need to find others to practice with?

I would always say playing better would help your game improve. Being able to cope with that, as part of the journey can be the hardest part, but certainly worth it in the log run.

[Byrom]

"How can you soar with Eagles if you roost with turkeys?"

[denja]

This can be a sticky one ! Some players get a bit shirty if you offer them a handicap " So you think you are better than me " ( unless its a league handicap ) best to give yourself a margin that you think you can win by and keep it to yourself. When I play better players who offers me a handicap I am happy with it, but I like to play one frame with handicap offered then another frame from scratch so I can sort of give myself true motivation that maybe I can win the match from a even start. I sometimes think I should take a pair of white gloves with me as I pick so many balls out but lets face it that is part of the learning curve.

[Shockerz]

I tend to play a really good player on a Tuesday who was giving me a good hiding (not so much now).

On a Thursday the day before the league I play lesser players for confidence and to help with break building (I play the same safe game I did from the Tuesday but obviously get more chances).

Generally helps me for the match and to get better.