I guess how much I consider runouts as a factor varies from game
to game.
In a 9 point game, I put very little consideration into runouts,
unless there are exceptionally unusual conditions (a strong late
game frontcourter subbing into the 8 spot in an early 9 point
game for example).
In a 7 point doubles game, I'm more mixed as far as runouts. Most
breakdowns of season long stats I've seen from various frontons
indicate that the 8 post is more likely to win on a runout in
a 7 point game than it is to win coming back to the court a 2nd
time or beyond. So, if I make the 8 team as the best in the game,
then yes, the runout has to be considered. Other than from the
8 spot, a team has to be particularly strong for me to consider
the runout in doubles. Fundamentally, in the nature of the game,
I feel that the recieving team has the advantage in doubles, although
there are always exceptions.
In singles, I think you have the best environment for a runout
game. In singles, the advantage switches from the receiver to
the server, and therefore, makes runouts more likely, particularly
for players who generally can dictate the pace of the game with
a strong serve without consistently risking an overserve, and
a good rebote.
My inclination to play runouts varies on the post, in descending
order 8-most likely, then 7, and so on. I will make an exception
to always play what I think is even a good player in the 4 and
5 post for singles for a runout. I do this because you can cover
4/13,4/23,5/12/4,5/3/12, for only 8 dollars and have an excellent
chance should the 4 or 5 run the game. Even if you dont get a
point split, the 3, who gets the serve all the way through a playoff
on a 4 runout, or the 4, who gets the serve on a 5 runout, gives
you an advantage in singles, if you even need the playoff for
the win.
Mentioning 2nd time runouts, or even to bring up 2nd time around
6 point runs (if a team takes one point then comes back to take
3 consecutive, not technically a runout). I put alot of consideration
into those scenarios when I feel you have a particularly strong
crop at the top of a game, or if a game is particularly balanced,
or if the quality of a game on the whole tends to be ragged (particularly
at frontons with a weak roster overall, or a weak early game roster.)
