Having studied under a shipmate who could talk a mean game of pool I am in a position to maintain that a good player, once given a shot and a reasonably workable table, can control the game by leaving the ball in an advatageous postion for himself or, failing that, in a disadvantageous position for his opponent. He can gain a certain psychological advantage by calling his shots (and making them, of course) as he proceeds to clear the table of his balls.