Until the whole thing started going south, I had always considered my end game moving the best part of my game....One thing that stands out, to me, is the necessity to make a good hit on the ball you are shooting at. By that I mean, a lot of shots will require a thin cut, and good positioning of both the OB
and for sure the cue ball.
Of course this is true in all pool games, but it is an absolute given, in the end game of one pocket. when your opponent is leaving you, oft times with few options, and
often 8'-9' ft away, on the end rail...you are trying your best, to bring him back, to an equally awkward position.
I'm sure we'll get to more specifics later on, and yes, the score is always an important factor..But, even more important is executing your long range safeties, without scratching or selling out, simply by making a bad hit.
This requires real focus, good hits, and good decisions. How many games have you seen lost, by one careless shot, with only a few balls on the table.
I believe the end game takes more patience, than any other part of the game, learn it well, concentrate hard, and you'll find yourself winning a lot of games you didn't think you could.
It is a more much more aggressive game now, then it was a while back, but not all games are '8 and outs'. The end game still comes up a lot, especially in tournaments...and hi $$$$ cash games. (well, maybe not too much in Viffer's match-ups...
)