12 Attack by fire

Note: Pool competitions do not require the use of fire as a tactical tool. Therefore, the focus used by The Art of Pool segment for this chapter is based on responses to table layouts. Every shot requires an analysis and a decision. The varieties of options depend on the complexity of the layout and your experience in addressing similar circumstances. In this way, consider the use of tactical difficulties to create dismaying circumstances as the equivalent of using fire to destroy an opponent's abilities to fight.

There are five ways of attacking with fire.

• First is to burn soldiers in their camp;
• Second is to burn stores;
• Third is to burn baggage-trains;
• Fourth is to burn arsenals and magazines;
• Fifth is to hurl dropping fire amongst the enemy.

In order to carry out an attack with fire, we must have means available. The material for raising fire should always be kept in readiness.

There are tactical plans that can be applied to any table layout:

• Full offensive - a decision to win the game in one inning, purely by offense.

• Partial offensive - a pre-defined set of balls are pocketed and then a defensive tactic is applied.

• Two-way - speed and spin is calculated so that if made, the cue ball is positioned for another shot. If missed, the cue ball position is at a poor location.

• Full defense - the basic purpose is to provide a table layout that the opponent will find, at the least, uncomfortable.

There are appropriate times when to create tactical difficulties. Many choices are made because of your poor positioning skills. Other choices are created when unforeseen problems occurred. The need to initiate a denial of choice can simply have occurred intentionally or even accidently by the opponent.

Such decisions require a reality check on your abilities, and a consideration of the consequences if you come up short of your goal. Decisions to use defense require a reality check on your opponent's abilities and what he cannot handle.

• When fire breaks out inside the enemy’s camp, respond at once with an attack from without.
• If there is an outbreak of fire, but the enemy’s soldiers remain quiet, bide your time and do not attack.
• When the force of the flames has reached its height, follow it up with an attack, if that is practicable; if not, stay where you are.
• If it is possible to make an assault with fire from without, do not wait for it to break out within, but deliver your attack at a favorable moment.
• When you start a fire, be to windward of it. Do not attack from the leeward.

The tactics you choose also depend on the variations of the energy cycle. These are also considerations about what shot to choose and how to execute it well.

• When your opponent is on a down cycle or distracted, become more aggressive.

• When he is on an up cycle, become more defensive.

• When you are on the up side, become more aggressive.

• When you are on the down side, become more defensive.

Select tactics based on the facts, not on emotions. (Decisions made while enthused assume you cannot fail, those made while depressed assume you will fail.) This includes your analysis of your opponent’s abilities, your skills, his energy cycle, your energy cycle, and the table layout. Also, consider the consequences of each shooting choice if not successful. If successful, retain a memory of it. If unsuccessful, study the shot and determine what would have been a better choice. Remember that.

If you make decisions while impatient, you will have wasted your time and efforts.

• Move less you see an advantage; use not your troops unless there is something to not un be gained; fight not unless the position is critical.
• No ruler should put troops into the field merely to gratify his own spleen; no general should fight a battle simply out of pique.
• If it is to your advantage, make a forward move; if not, stay where you are.

Do not let emotions control you. Maintain your patience through self-discipline in these circumstances:

• If several innings pass with no advancement, an advantage will soon become available.

• A complicated table layout is handled ball by ball.

• Good luck that benefits your opponent now will change to bad luck later.

• Do not think a few successes will extend indefinitely into the future.

• Do not think that a few failures will extend indefinitely into the future.

Do not change playing styles because of any setback. Do not make decisions based on anger or irritation.

When an opportunity arises, advance your game. If not, be patient.

Problems of all types will eventually resolve themselves. What is a difficult layout during one inning will become a simple and easy layout later.

Think, evaluate, and consider lessons learned from past successes and failures. Above all, do not be hasty. The majority of matches and competitions will be won by using your intelligence and not by fear or anger. To maintain your ability to compete requires above all, self discipline. This is how you maintain a winning record.