The term ‘match play’ doesn’t have an exact definition but it can be described as the choices made by a player to improve their chances of winning a match. While all snooker players will have their respective strengths on the table, a good match player will have the ability to convert a difficult match into an opportunity that favours their chances. What sort of qualities constitute the characteristics of ‘match play’?
Match play in snooker can ultimately be derived from the shot selection employed by the player. While being able to pot your way out of trouble can sometimes be a viable method of continuing a break and winning a frame/match, it isn’t the most reliable way to secure a frame. A good example of match play would be when a player has made a 50+ break and puts a colour safe instead of attempting to keep the break going with a high-risk pot or cannon attempt. This favours the player who made the 50+ break by making the table difficult for their opponent when they come to play.
Seasoned veterans such as John Higgins and Mark Selby (or Steve Davis and Ray Reardon from the golden ages) aren’t known primarily for their ‘prolific break-building’, rather they are notorious for their formidable temperaments and aptitude to turn around a match where the chips seem to be down. When the score-line is against them, or if they’re playing poorly, these guys know how to play the right shots to halt the momentum of their opponents and put them in serious trouble. They can then capitalise on the mistakes of their opponents and build momentum and confidence of their own.
While the objective of snooker is to pot balls, the game will favour those that play the game in less of a one-dimensional manner. The table isn’t always going to be in a position where you are always able to pot a ball when you play your next shot. A decent match player will know when they need to play aggressively and when they need to put their opponent against the ropes with telling safety/containment play.
A solid match player is generally the more complete player, not only in physical attributes when playing the shot, but also the mental toughness to carry themselves through the battle. Being able to adapt to the circumstances that arise in their matches by playing conservatively or taking chances where required are notable qualities of the thinking process required by a tough match player. The type of shots taken by these players may not be the most flamboyant or enjoyable to watch but at the end of the day, when the objective is to win the match, these tactics can produce dividends for the match player.
Who do you think are the best match players in snooker right now? Specifically, are there any players that you think go unnoticed when it comes to their match play ability?
Like this Short? Click here to read: Does John Higgins Get Enough Credit?
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