Author: Samm Diep © July 2008

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As I sat with her in the pizza joint at 9 o’clock that evening she muttered, “I’ve never been doubled dipped before.” She was disheartened, but I had not forgotten that at only 20 years of age, she had just won her second WPBA spot and is as talented as they come. Though she didn’t win the tournament, she was the highest finisher of the paid qualifiers, including myself.

In a true double elimination format, the player that comes through from the B-side must beat the undefeated player twice in order to win the tournament. When this happens, its most often referred to as “double-dipping.” Nicole had lost both sets, 7-3. Though she got the qualifier and the payout was not a huge swing, it’s never easy to lose two sets to the same person in the finals.

I didn’t have the heart to tell her that it probably wouldn’t be the last time it would happen either. When you’re competing at such a high level and making your way into the finals, sometimes it’s over in one set, sometimes you’ll get double-dipped, and sometimes you’ll be the one double-dipping. In either case, all you can do is try to perform at your best. You’ve made it this far and regardless of the outcome in the final match you still earned your spot there.

I have played in and witnessed final matches with every possible double set combination. Double-dipping can be the highest high a player could possibly experience.

Of course, there are few things more deflating than getting double-dipped.

Dipping Tips:

Never allow yourself to feel overconfident.

When you’re the undefeated player, this is the worst thing that could ever happen. You may be entering the finals with the edge of only having to win one set to your opponent’s two, but a false sense of security has taken even the greatest of players down the wrong path. Do not let your guard down.

Never underestimate your opponent.

Sometimes we’re meeting up with a player in the finals that we hadn’t played yet in the tournament. Maybe they just had a couple bad rolls to end up on the B-side. They’ll probably be all warmed up too from playing back to back matches before yours.

Remember, they are two separate matches. Whether you’re coming from the A-side or the B-side, you have to think of each set as its own match. They are two separate matches that happen to be against the same player. If you’re stressed out thinking, “I have to beat them twice,” then you’re just setting yourself up for possible failure. Instead, play one match at a time.

Start off strong.

For the undefeated player, you’re showing your opponent how you got there in the first place. Make a statement. You mean business and though you have an extra bullet, you don’t plan to use it. Play smart, be relentless, and do not give up control of the table. For the B-side player, do the same. Put the heat on your opponent. Make them sweat a little bit.

Never give up.

Even if the score is completely lopsided, do not ever think to yourself, “I still have another set after this. Let’s just get this first set done with and start over.” This mentality is the worst mistake you could ever make. Not only are you telling your subconscious that it’s okay to give up, but you never know what could happen in the next set.

Take a break and shift the momentum. If things are not going your way, take a quick break. Return to the match with a clear mind and new confidence. Turn the match around by changing the energy at the table. This rule of thumb applies for all matches.

Never get discouraged.

If you’re coming from the B-side, and you need to win two sets to their one, it can seem daunting. But remember that it’s still only two sets. It just happens to be against the same player. You came to play, right? On the other hand, losing two sets is no different than losing one set and then losing to them again later in the tournament. It just stings a little more when both matches happen back to back. Don’t let it take away from your second place success.

When you experience your first double set finals, win or lose, take comfort in knowing that you’ve made a huge step down the path to becoming a complete pool player. Many players in the tournament would love to swap places with you to have a top two finish. Give or take the beating and develop some of that “tournament toughness.”

If you’re lucky, there will be another two scoops in your future.