Dealing with the last 4 colours

[KevC]

Hi,

Lately I have been having a bit of a problem in my matches, often when we get down to the colours ( Green/Brown ) I will be about 20 points infront, my opponent basically needs all remaining colours .

While I don`t really play at a level, where my opponents are often clearing all the balls when they do get a chance, I seem to be losing matches. leaving me wondering how I`ve had a big lead all frame then a few balls later I have lost.

In this situation I fell happy enough with my potting ability to take on a 1/2 chance as I really only need "one ball" to secure the frame. But often the ball will rattle in the pocket & sit up for my opponent. Then the same thing could happen a few shoots later giving them the frame.

Should I really be considering tightening up at this stage and trying to play good safety , ensuring I get a much easier opportunity to win the frame ?

Or am I just being a bit results oriented and it is normally correct to take the 1/2 shot on to win the frame when given the chance.

Kev

[oselifer]

You should tighten your game..
Colors especially in their spots are easy to clear so you must be careful..

[RocketRoy1983]

If you are 15/20 ahead as you say it pays massively to push a colour or two up against the cushion for extra security.

[highbreak 8]

reply

At club level , the last four balls are neally allways important , its a 44 point swing in aggregate , in team play , and usually if players are handicapped most matches are won on the colours , at the lower / mid level of ability . I think as another poster is alluding to your problem is not starting on the brown but look at the preceding shots before you get to that colour , try and pot the last red , its the most important ball in a match , other than the final winning pot , if you get the final red you can , 1 push a colour safe , best to not push black as it can be fluked , or yellow as it misses the point , green to pink are best , 2 you can play a snooker and gain upper hand or 3, pot high colour and play good safety on yellow .

[bongo]

Some good answers here, just make sure if you have a 'frame ball', you just pot the ball, don't worry about positional play, of course, don't foul by potting the white for example, and don't Snooker yourself on the next colour!

If you have a difficult frame ball, try to put the cue ball safe, as a shot to nothing.

bongo

[michaelm]

You need to have a correct attitude to it. Usually, when a game reach to last several colors and one player only need one ball to win the frame, he should not be the one who has much pressure and take any risk. You should try to focus more on the table than your opponent. Don't ever rush to pot the frame ball, if there's no good chance. Remember you opponent should be the one under pressure and afraid that you make a fluke on frame ball.(this happens either level or handicapped)

Also, when you are handicapped, in this situation, your opponent is a lot better than you, always always keep in mind that they might not forfeit the frame if you just pot the frame ball.(eg, when you pot the green ball and have a 25 lead while there are only 22 left on the table) They will usually play safety and try to 'snooker' you. Therefore, my suggestion would be having patience to play safety on the frame ball, making as many colors close to cushions as you can, and concentrating on the chance that you can pot at least one more ball than just frame ball(if your frame ball is yellow or green).

Hope this helps a little!


^_^

Michael

[KevC]

Thanks for the advice everyone, I`m really going to look at tightening up my end game only taking on these shots if I can ensure a good white.

As for the point about the last red, that is something I never gave much thought to before and I can see how important it is.

[RocketRoy1983]

dont rush as you get to the end of your frame. take that little bit longer if you feel you need to and make sure you play the right shot. Dont listen to any outside interference from people watching its your decision. Maybe try leaving a green/brown safe with 43/51 remaining if you have a useful lead rather than risk leaving it too late as well. hope this helps your game i really do.

[kevy62]

Hi there, some members have given you some really good advise already, but if I may make a suggestion , there is one point that seems to have been overlooked ! ?

When you & your opponent are "on" the colours , you only have to play one ball position, this should be much easier for you , than red colour red !

So try to keep your cue action shortened up just a little bit,
(this alone will help you to consentrate harder) always commit to the pot.

(you said in your post)

I don`t really play at a level, where my opponents are often clearing all the balls when they do get a chance, I seem to be losing matches. leaving me wondering how I`ve had a big lead all frame then a few balls later I have lost.



If your opponent is behind, he could be looking to snooker you, don't be draged into a scrap for the balls, just relax & pot them, only play the balls & not your opponent, use your practice routines to guide you through & keep a good technique throughout

One final note, for the level of play you are talking about, I personally don't think putting colours safe to stop your opponent from cleaning up is required.

I'm thinking, your opponent would only use this ball to snooker you later on?
You don't want to scrap it out over the last few colours? you want to win ! so play with a positive attatude ! & good luck