WINNING STRATEGIES

You quickly realize after playing a few games that there is a lot to learn in order to seriously compete with an experienced opponent. Often, there is more than one good strategy for a given situation, so my suggestions are not written in stone. However; they will improve your chances of success in most cases.

FIRST SHOT – YELLOW

A scoring disc is useless unless it is hidden! That is why your first shot should normally be to the St. Pete or Tampa position. It will then act as a guard for your next shot.

1) Early in the game you will find that a St. Pete is more forgiving of a placement error than a Tampa.

2) The primary determining factor as to as to whether to use a Tampa or a St Pete will be the drift of the Court!! Capitalize on that which you know!!

  FIRST SHOT – BLACK (second shot of the first frame)

1) Against opponent’s St. Pete, put in a choke block ­hopefully, into the high “8” position. Not being out in front is better when you have the hammer. Try to keep the front clear for your last shot.

2) Against a Tampa, hit and roll out yourself – it is a bonus if you can hit it just right of center so you roll to your St. Pete position!

Note:Unlike dealing with a St. Pete, placing a choke block to the right of a Tampa can easily backfire, because of the danger of a short bump.

Yellow’s misplaced opener may set up a hide. Use it.

Stan McCormack.  2014 07 17