Due too a glue failure my Talisman Hard tip review will have to wait.I noticed a small gap between the tip and ferrule last night while playing,and then I ripped it off.Unfortunately that was the only one I had,I had ordered 3 tips ,but only one hard tip.So I'll be placing an order soon,and then I'll get too it!
I got too the pool hall yesterday and played pretty well!I didn't win a single set,but I was happy with my game.The pool hall was pretty slow as far as players went,for most of the day it was just the four of us,Chino,Big Bill,Mike the Fish and myself.So Chino and Big Bill hooked up,and I played with Mike the Fish.Tough match is all I can say,I like it though.I'm very lucky to have these players around and willing to spar for next too nothing or nothing at all!You just wont get that in most rooms.Most of your better players are always going to make you pay to see their better game!
So it was me and The Fish.One of the reasons I was happy with my play was that in each set we played I was able to jump to an early lead.In a longer race the better player will usually win,and that was the case.Mike the Fish got me every time!But I played well,didn't give to much away,and made him work for it!That to me is an improvement over my last performance against him.So I feel I should be satisfied,and I think I am.
This post is going to span 2 days at Diamond Jim's,because I just don't have the creativity to write,I don't know why I just cant find it the past few days.
I'll give you a quick summary of yesterday.I was in action all day against Jersey Ken,I didn't win a single set!I lost a few hill/hill.
Next up was Jose' we played one set,I lost plain and simple.
I've been taking my beatings with out a doubt!But I have been playing tough matches for me!It's a little frustrating,but in the long run,I'm sure it will show in my game.
STRETCH
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Memorial Weekend
I would like to start off by congratulating The New Jersey Devils on the Eastern Conference Championship which now pits them against the Western Conference Champions,the Las Angles Kings for The Stanley Cup Championship!
I haven't been at a table in the last 2 days!And I may not get too a table for a few more!You see I got the second best game killer you can have.A job!The first best game killer is a relationship outside of pool players,at least that has been my experience.Anyway back too reality,I'm hoping that the time off will do me some good,I know the money will be a nice change!I can't wait too put some bucks in my pocket,I'm sick of being broke!
I don't really want the time off,I'd rather not have these breaks in my game,I have plenty of enthusiasm and feel that's the only time you should take a break,when you don't want to be there you shouldn't and when you want too be there you should!
Have a great Memorial Day weekend.
STRETCH
I haven't been at a table in the last 2 days!And I may not get too a table for a few more!You see I got the second best game killer you can have.A job!The first best game killer is a relationship outside of pool players,at least that has been my experience.Anyway back too reality,I'm hoping that the time off will do me some good,I know the money will be a nice change!I can't wait too put some bucks in my pocket,I'm sick of being broke!
I don't really want the time off,I'd rather not have these breaks in my game,I have plenty of enthusiasm and feel that's the only time you should take a break,when you don't want to be there you shouldn't and when you want too be there you should!
Have a great Memorial Day weekend.
STRETCH
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Talisman Tip Review
I promised you guys my opinion on Talisman tips and here it comes.I want to start by saying,I'm no expert in tips,in fact through out my career I think I've only tried about a half dozen different tips on my OMEN cue. http://www.omencues.com/
The shaft I play with is a Predator 314 small cat.
The tips that I have tried are;Moori medium & hard,Molavia hard,Le Pro hard,Triangle hard,and finally Talisman Water Buffalo medium & hard.Now I like hard tips for a couple of reasons;
1:they last longer
2:the sound
3:the feel
4:they don't mushroom as easy
I've played most of my career with hard Triangle's as my favorite,so that is my benchmark tip.
I also must confess to you that I'm a tip abuser!I grind my chalk in,during my PSR(pre shot routine)and as a result a hard Triangle will only last about 4 weeks of play,this is with only shaping the tip on initial install to the radius of a dime,and letting it flatten too a nickle and then maintaining that radius.Which with a Hard Triangle is about 3 more times to be shaped with a tip tool.Now during that 4 weeks of play I'm at the table for 6 hours,5 days a week.So it's a fair amount of play.
First up is the Talisman WB Medium.This is the first laminated tip I've tried in years,I never had much luck with them in the past.For me they were too soft and I had a few de-laminate,let alone the cost of just one!
This was a nice tip for a medium.It played slightly softer than a hard Triangle when new,and was very consistent through out it's life till the very end of it.When I first put this tip on I was amazed at how well it grabbed the cue ball,I actually had to change the way I addressed the CB with spin,moving back closer too center ball for all shots.The amount and speed of draw shots was most impressive,and very nice to watch.I had too adjust my stroke too this tip,but that's to be expected when you change hardness in a tip.This tip also produced a nice sound when you stroked the ball.When I installed it I shaped it too a dime,and after break in,it was a nickle radius,and never changed.I never had too use a tip tool on this tip beyond a gentle taping too perforate it.This tip also holds chalk very well,the only time I miscued with this tip is when I jumped right out of the shot!It's pretty rare for me to miscue but it did happen a couple of times with this tip,but it definitely was me jumping up or dropping my elbow.The only complaint I have with this tip was it's life span,I wish it would have lasted more than 4 weeks for me.If it would have lasted say 5 weeks I'd be putting another Talisman WB medium on my OMEN!
Talisman WB Hard:
I've only had this tip on about a week,and love it so far.I'm going to hold off on this review till I grind it down a little further or it's on for 3 weeks or more.I feel that's the only way too give you a fair review of this tip.I can tell you, that it grabs the CB very nice,sound great,and feels great!But I feel it needs more time for initial break in than the medium.
Talisman Break/Jump Tip:
So,a B/J tip is an extremely hard material such as leather or plastic.
I chose to use a Talisman leather B/J tip over G10 fiberglass,because of the new tournament rules.I put this tip on my Xbreaker that had a G10 tip originally.
I've had to make some rather large adjustments to my break to get it to work for me,and I still don't have the results I was hoping for.So this probably wont be a favorable review.
The tip is hard but there is a loss of speed and power on the break shot.I've had to increase my tip speed dramatically which decreased my accuracy.This makes it very hard to control the cue ball,and squat the rock in the middle.When I do get the accuracy,speed and power the tip performs well.
As far as a jump shot goes I'm impressed with the feel and control you get when you can get it off the table.But getting the CB off the table is no easy task with this tip.It also requires a totally different stroke than the G10 tip that comes on an X-Breaker.It seems to me that this tip requires so much speed rather than power that you must spend a lot of time practicing your break and jump shots if your changing from a Phenolic or G10 tip.
Too be fair too Talisman I made a mistake when installing this tip and had a pad installed.I'm not positive that a pad would decrease the performance of the tip dramatically,but I do know it has a negative effect.The pad should not be there!So I will be getting another B/J tip from them in the future,and trying it with out a pad.I'll post that review also.
As far as mushrooming goes,I've had ZERO mushrooming with all three of these tips.Mushrooming is my biggest problem with tips and is one of the reasons I grind my tips too nothing.I always shape my tips too a dime the first time and let them flatten naturally too a nickle.So far none of these tips have ever moved from there!
The cost of Talisman tips? I got 4 tips for $37 shipped!
2 medium
1 hard
and a free B/J tip & a monogrammed hand towel!That's a good deal.I ordered directly from the Talisman website.
STRETCH
The shaft I play with is a Predator 314 small cat.
The tips that I have tried are;Moori medium & hard,Molavia hard,Le Pro hard,Triangle hard,and finally Talisman Water Buffalo medium & hard.Now I like hard tips for a couple of reasons;
1:they last longer
2:the sound
3:the feel
4:they don't mushroom as easy
I've played most of my career with hard Triangle's as my favorite,so that is my benchmark tip.
I also must confess to you that I'm a tip abuser!I grind my chalk in,during my PSR(pre shot routine)and as a result a hard Triangle will only last about 4 weeks of play,this is with only shaping the tip on initial install to the radius of a dime,and letting it flatten too a nickle and then maintaining that radius.Which with a Hard Triangle is about 3 more times to be shaped with a tip tool.Now during that 4 weeks of play I'm at the table for 6 hours,5 days a week.So it's a fair amount of play.
First up is the Talisman WB Medium.This is the first laminated tip I've tried in years,I never had much luck with them in the past.For me they were too soft and I had a few de-laminate,let alone the cost of just one!
This was a nice tip for a medium.It played slightly softer than a hard Triangle when new,and was very consistent through out it's life till the very end of it.When I first put this tip on I was amazed at how well it grabbed the cue ball,I actually had to change the way I addressed the CB with spin,moving back closer too center ball for all shots.The amount and speed of draw shots was most impressive,and very nice to watch.I had too adjust my stroke too this tip,but that's to be expected when you change hardness in a tip.This tip also produced a nice sound when you stroked the ball.When I installed it I shaped it too a dime,and after break in,it was a nickle radius,and never changed.I never had too use a tip tool on this tip beyond a gentle taping too perforate it.This tip also holds chalk very well,the only time I miscued with this tip is when I jumped right out of the shot!It's pretty rare for me to miscue but it did happen a couple of times with this tip,but it definitely was me jumping up or dropping my elbow.The only complaint I have with this tip was it's life span,I wish it would have lasted more than 4 weeks for me.If it would have lasted say 5 weeks I'd be putting another Talisman WB medium on my OMEN!
Talisman WB Hard:
I've only had this tip on about a week,and love it so far.I'm going to hold off on this review till I grind it down a little further or it's on for 3 weeks or more.I feel that's the only way too give you a fair review of this tip.I can tell you, that it grabs the CB very nice,sound great,and feels great!But I feel it needs more time for initial break in than the medium.
Talisman Break/Jump Tip:
So,a B/J tip is an extremely hard material such as leather or plastic.
I chose to use a Talisman leather B/J tip over G10 fiberglass,because of the new tournament rules.I put this tip on my Xbreaker that had a G10 tip originally.
I've had to make some rather large adjustments to my break to get it to work for me,and I still don't have the results I was hoping for.So this probably wont be a favorable review.
The tip is hard but there is a loss of speed and power on the break shot.I've had to increase my tip speed dramatically which decreased my accuracy.This makes it very hard to control the cue ball,and squat the rock in the middle.When I do get the accuracy,speed and power the tip performs well.
As far as a jump shot goes I'm impressed with the feel and control you get when you can get it off the table.But getting the CB off the table is no easy task with this tip.It also requires a totally different stroke than the G10 tip that comes on an X-Breaker.It seems to me that this tip requires so much speed rather than power that you must spend a lot of time practicing your break and jump shots if your changing from a Phenolic or G10 tip.
Too be fair too Talisman I made a mistake when installing this tip and had a pad installed.I'm not positive that a pad would decrease the performance of the tip dramatically,but I do know it has a negative effect.The pad should not be there!So I will be getting another B/J tip from them in the future,and trying it with out a pad.I'll post that review also.
As far as mushrooming goes,I've had ZERO mushrooming with all three of these tips.Mushrooming is my biggest problem with tips and is one of the reasons I grind my tips too nothing.I always shape my tips too a dime the first time and let them flatten naturally too a nickle.So far none of these tips have ever moved from there!
The cost of Talisman tips? I got 4 tips for $37 shipped!
2 medium
1 hard
and a free B/J tip & a monogrammed hand towel!That's a good deal.I ordered directly from the Talisman website.
STRETCH
Monday, May 21, 2012
Still Waiting
Well I'm still waiting!I don't know how long I have to wait,but I am going to wait it out!Patience is key in this game,it seems like your always waiting for something or someone.Like today,I had to wait for a game to show up,not the usual Sunday at Diamond Jim's,I even arrived a little late.I didn't have to wait long though,Chino came through the door at about 1:00 pm.Here was the tough game I was looking for.Chino always wants to play, he rarely does any drill work.But maybe that's one of the reasons he's still playing the same speed as when I first met him at Toby Sweat's room Hollies.I think he was a B+ then and now he's A- that's not much of a change in all these years.I hope I don't stall like that,but I guess you can never tell till you get there.
I plan on playing the tough matches for my whole career,it might not sound like it in the last 2 posts,but after all was said here and done in my head,I was very happy to be playing Chino.Right now this is a real tough match for me too even be competitive in!But I'm trying very hard.I learned a couple of things today during my first session.One was that I need to adjust my game earlier in a set if I'm not feeling it.And today I didn't have it again.I think I have something going on in my back hand.I'm pretty sure that I'm not finishing my stoke with a straight wrist and that's not good for pocketing balls.I'm happy to report that I have been able to bring a lot of intensity too the table on each shot,maybe my concentration is a little off,but a lot of that has to do with confidence or maybe I should say lack off.
If there is one thing that almost every pool player says at one point or another it's "I think I've got it figured out".That's not what I'm saying here!You see for the last week I've been missing shots that I just shouldn't miss.I mean easy shots,at first I thought it was my concentration or focus,but I feel I have addressed that,it may not be perfect but it's not as bad as I've been missing.That leads me to believe that there is something wrong with my stroke,and I noticed it in my break.I'm not finishing straight,my wrist is slightly cocked in on my follow through!On the break shot any flaw in your stroke is magnified because your hitting so hard.And if this is the case it could be why I'm missing the easy shot!I actually hope it is I would love to have an answer.
My session with Chino was fun,I got crushed but was still having a good time.I tried too play him tough,as tough as I could.I just kept telling myself not to give any games away,make him work for it!I think I accomplished that,I played a lot of safes,maybe too many if there is such a thing when you can't get out.I had him kicking and mase'ing balls all the time in the first set.I really tried too not let him catch a stroke.I had a chance to win the first set but I blew it!It ended at 9-7.The second and third sets where just train wrecks for me.Chino had caught the stoke I tried so hard to impede.And I barley got too the table,when I did I was kicking,or had an extremely low percentage shot.I don't remember how many racks Chino ran but it was a lot.They ended 9-3 & 9-1.You don't have to say it,I know it's bad.
I played a second session with Ken "The Kernal",and as I'm sure you figured that didn't go my way either.Those 2 sets where fun too watch,he just breaks and runs out like tap water.But that's what you get when you play an OPEN class player with a big break.It is nice to watch the patterns that an open class player will play,you can learn a lot if you pay attention.Ken The "Kernal" will also tell you things too help your game,which most players will not do!And the way he does it is correct,he asks you why!Why did you do such and such,and after your response he makes a suggestion,and offers a new way of looking at the shot or pattern you chose.Most players wont do this for you,they will leave you too your own devices.
I'm going to play today,and I plan on doing some drill work but if a good game comes my way I'm sure I'll take it.But I know I need to do a day or two of drills real soon.
STRETCH
I plan on playing the tough matches for my whole career,it might not sound like it in the last 2 posts,but after all was said here and done in my head,I was very happy to be playing Chino.Right now this is a real tough match for me too even be competitive in!But I'm trying very hard.I learned a couple of things today during my first session.One was that I need to adjust my game earlier in a set if I'm not feeling it.And today I didn't have it again.I think I have something going on in my back hand.I'm pretty sure that I'm not finishing my stoke with a straight wrist and that's not good for pocketing balls.I'm happy to report that I have been able to bring a lot of intensity too the table on each shot,maybe my concentration is a little off,but a lot of that has to do with confidence or maybe I should say lack off.
If there is one thing that almost every pool player says at one point or another it's "I think I've got it figured out".That's not what I'm saying here!You see for the last week I've been missing shots that I just shouldn't miss.I mean easy shots,at first I thought it was my concentration or focus,but I feel I have addressed that,it may not be perfect but it's not as bad as I've been missing.That leads me to believe that there is something wrong with my stroke,and I noticed it in my break.I'm not finishing straight,my wrist is slightly cocked in on my follow through!On the break shot any flaw in your stroke is magnified because your hitting so hard.And if this is the case it could be why I'm missing the easy shot!I actually hope it is I would love to have an answer.
My session with Chino was fun,I got crushed but was still having a good time.I tried too play him tough,as tough as I could.I just kept telling myself not to give any games away,make him work for it!I think I accomplished that,I played a lot of safes,maybe too many if there is such a thing when you can't get out.I had him kicking and mase'ing balls all the time in the first set.I really tried too not let him catch a stroke.I had a chance to win the first set but I blew it!It ended at 9-7.The second and third sets where just train wrecks for me.Chino had caught the stoke I tried so hard to impede.And I barley got too the table,when I did I was kicking,or had an extremely low percentage shot.I don't remember how many racks Chino ran but it was a lot.They ended 9-3 & 9-1.You don't have to say it,I know it's bad.
I played a second session with Ken "The Kernal",and as I'm sure you figured that didn't go my way either.Those 2 sets where fun too watch,he just breaks and runs out like tap water.But that's what you get when you play an OPEN class player with a big break.It is nice to watch the patterns that an open class player will play,you can learn a lot if you pay attention.Ken The "Kernal" will also tell you things too help your game,which most players will not do!And the way he does it is correct,he asks you why!Why did you do such and such,and after your response he makes a suggestion,and offers a new way of looking at the shot or pattern you chose.Most players wont do this for you,they will leave you too your own devices.
I'm going to play today,and I plan on doing some drill work but if a good game comes my way I'm sure I'll take it.But I know I need to do a day or two of drills real soon.
STRETCH
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Patcience
I didn't play yesterday,I wanted to play but couldn't,I had other less important stuff too do.I also didn't wake up till 11:00am,and that's not like me,so I didn't finish my stuff till around 1:00pm,and I know Diamond Jim's is usually full by then.I definitely could have gone and gotten a game but probably would have done some sitting,and was not in the mood to sit and watch.I did a lot of that on Friday night,Big Al even said too me "man you got it bad huh?play all day & watch for hours".I like to watch good play,and I think it's just as important as practice or sparing,but it has too be good play.I can watch pool videos of the pros all day and all night!But that's not the same as clocking someone live.I'm more attentive live,the sound of pool balls clicking,that sweet pocket sound,the pong of a nice hitting cue,the chatter of players.It's all silence too me if that can make sense too you,maybe you're a player?I hear it all,but I don't listen too it when I'm concentrating,it helps me get into a zone.
Little did Big Al know,but I was clocking him,he was locked up with a guy named Eddie,I'd never seen the guy play before and have only seen him in the pool hall on league teams.Big Al was giving him the 8 ball,for how much I have no idea,but it looked pretty friendly so it couldn't have been much.I've been told Big Al dog's it for the cheese,this is the 1st time I've seen him in action that I'm aware.I've played with Big Al a couple of times and he never asked me too gamble,which is good because I'm so broke I can't afford to pay attention.The times I've played Big Al he played good,he get's out regularly and easily has the capability of stringing a few racks.I like his game,I hope to get too the point I can beat him even up soon.I've played him twice,and I gave away a set hill/hill(8-8)race too 9 so I know I can beat him!But he plays good,no doubt about that,he's one of the better players at Diamond Jim's!During the time I spent clocking his action game he made a lot of mistakes,and missed shots he would not have missed against me!Granted,this could be him laying down,because I think he won every set!I know I didn't see him lose a set!So if he was laying down,he was doing a pretty good job of it.
But I'm more inclined to believe that he does dog it!You see Big Al is a real gentleman,a genuine nice guy,and a school principle.All that makes me think that he's not going too try too rob anybody,he's going too play his game!Some guys can and will hustle I don't think he's a hustler.I just think he'll gamble.There is a big difference in a gambler and a hustler.A hustler will try and hide how good he is too keep you playing,and a gambler doesn't really hide his speed.With a gambler if you can not keep up he'll give you a spot.And I think that's what Big Al is a gambler of some sorts.I'll find out soon enough and report it here.
I plan on playing today,and hope to find a tough match again.Even though I got so down on myself the other day I know playing the tough matches is what's going too separate me from the rest of the players.This I truly believe!I've been taking some beatings,and my confidence has suffered because of it!But I have too learn from it and push on.I can't let it discourage me,that's the difference,the other day I got discouraged and wanted to quit.I can not let that happen again.Imagine what winning just 1 of these sets would do for my confidence!If I could win a race too 9 against any one of the tougher players Diamond Jim's has to offer,it should go through the roof!If I could do it on a regular basis then I know I'm really getting somewhere with my game.Too me it has to be at least a race to 9,because I believe anyone can win a race too 7 on any given day.The longer the race,the more likely the better player will come out on top.I'm not the better player in any match that I would like too play in today,but I still want to play them,and I think that says something about me!And if I can win 1 or a few of them it will say something about my game.I want too make a statement with my game in the near future,I really think I need to make a statement,I don't need to make a public statement I just need it for myself,I've been putting in a lot of hard work,and I want or need to see something for myself.I hope to see something today,but if I don't I need to remember to be patient and it will come as long as I keep working on it."Good thing come to those who wait"Abraham Lincoln. STRETCH
Little did Big Al know,but I was clocking him,he was locked up with a guy named Eddie,I'd never seen the guy play before and have only seen him in the pool hall on league teams.Big Al was giving him the 8 ball,for how much I have no idea,but it looked pretty friendly so it couldn't have been much.I've been told Big Al dog's it for the cheese,this is the 1st time I've seen him in action that I'm aware.I've played with Big Al a couple of times and he never asked me too gamble,which is good because I'm so broke I can't afford to pay attention.The times I've played Big Al he played good,he get's out regularly and easily has the capability of stringing a few racks.I like his game,I hope to get too the point I can beat him even up soon.I've played him twice,and I gave away a set hill/hill(8-8)race too 9 so I know I can beat him!But he plays good,no doubt about that,he's one of the better players at Diamond Jim's!During the time I spent clocking his action game he made a lot of mistakes,and missed shots he would not have missed against me!Granted,this could be him laying down,because I think he won every set!I know I didn't see him lose a set!So if he was laying down,he was doing a pretty good job of it.
But I'm more inclined to believe that he does dog it!You see Big Al is a real gentleman,a genuine nice guy,and a school principle.All that makes me think that he's not going too try too rob anybody,he's going too play his game!Some guys can and will hustle I don't think he's a hustler.I just think he'll gamble.There is a big difference in a gambler and a hustler.A hustler will try and hide how good he is too keep you playing,and a gambler doesn't really hide his speed.With a gambler if you can not keep up he'll give you a spot.And I think that's what Big Al is a gambler of some sorts.I'll find out soon enough and report it here.
I plan on playing today,and hope to find a tough match again.Even though I got so down on myself the other day I know playing the tough matches is what's going too separate me from the rest of the players.This I truly believe!I've been taking some beatings,and my confidence has suffered because of it!But I have too learn from it and push on.I can't let it discourage me,that's the difference,the other day I got discouraged and wanted to quit.I can not let that happen again.Imagine what winning just 1 of these sets would do for my confidence!If I could win a race too 9 against any one of the tougher players Diamond Jim's has to offer,it should go through the roof!If I could do it on a regular basis then I know I'm really getting somewhere with my game.Too me it has to be at least a race to 9,because I believe anyone can win a race too 7 on any given day.The longer the race,the more likely the better player will come out on top.I'm not the better player in any match that I would like too play in today,but I still want to play them,and I think that says something about me!And if I can win 1 or a few of them it will say something about my game.I want too make a statement with my game in the near future,I really think I need to make a statement,I don't need to make a public statement I just need it for myself,I've been putting in a lot of hard work,and I want or need to see something for myself.I hope to see something today,but if I don't I need to remember to be patient and it will come as long as I keep working on it."Good thing come to those who wait"Abraham Lincoln. STRETCH
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Reality
I really am a D class player!You see the difference in what class you are Pro,A,B,C,D,in that order is not only knowledge of the game,it's your consistency in the game.Consistency is what separates the classes!An A class player is very consistent,where a D class player really has no consistency too his game.A D player usually doesn't have enough consistency too his game to even get out regularly.He's generally not going too run more than 3-4 balls before getting out of line and leaving himself tough.This is where I feel I am,I'm running some balls and then either getting so far out of line,I leave myself super tough and are forced to play safe or I miss the easy shot! The knowledge is a whole other factor in your rating,I feel you can play at a high level with less knowledge than many players,the key too that is the consistency.Of course a player with a ton of knowledge of the game has an advantage but the player with the most consistency may get out more often.I have a lot of knowledge of the game,I'm just not capable of executing it on a consistent basis just yet!
I have too work on my concentration and focus,to increase my consistency! I feel that's the big thing missing from my game.I put a lot of pressure on myself,probably unnecessary pressure.I know it's unnecessary! I feel I should be playing at a higher level than I am right now,but I need to remember that I've only been playing again 2 months!That's where all the un-wanted pressure comes from!I have too say that again,"I've been playing 2 months"I need patience!You have to put so much time into this game,it's ridiculous.But it's very rewarding.Nothing is going too happen overnight for me,I just need to relax and it will come if I can keep going along the way I am. I've had a couple of bad days this week,and man did it really have a negative effect on me yesterday.I was playing and thinking about quitting at the same time!You don't have a chance in hell of playing good when you think like that.It amazes me how thought patterns like that can creep into you.I'm not quitting,I'm just getting started and that's what I need to remember!
It's only been since March,so I really only have 2 months in. My last 2 sessions did not go my way,but that should be OK with me because they both where against players I'm really not supposed to beat!They where tough matches for me from the start.I keep saying I want the tough matches,and I do.I just think I need to adjust the way I handle the loses.I should be remembering that I'm not supposed to win.I'm not really supposed to beat anyone right now!And I'm getting a chance at some of the sets,so that should be satisfying enough.But it's not,I want too win now.During league night I've done well so far,winning both my matches.It's the day sessions where I've had my problems!The day time games are all tough in here.Some are even tough A class games!The reality is I'm a D class player going too an A. STRETCH
I have too work on my concentration and focus,to increase my consistency! I feel that's the big thing missing from my game.I put a lot of pressure on myself,probably unnecessary pressure.I know it's unnecessary! I feel I should be playing at a higher level than I am right now,but I need to remember that I've only been playing again 2 months!That's where all the un-wanted pressure comes from!I have too say that again,"I've been playing 2 months"I need patience!You have to put so much time into this game,it's ridiculous.But it's very rewarding.Nothing is going too happen overnight for me,I just need to relax and it will come if I can keep going along the way I am. I've had a couple of bad days this week,and man did it really have a negative effect on me yesterday.I was playing and thinking about quitting at the same time!You don't have a chance in hell of playing good when you think like that.It amazes me how thought patterns like that can creep into you.I'm not quitting,I'm just getting started and that's what I need to remember!
It's only been since March,so I really only have 2 months in. My last 2 sessions did not go my way,but that should be OK with me because they both where against players I'm really not supposed to beat!They where tough matches for me from the start.I keep saying I want the tough matches,and I do.I just think I need to adjust the way I handle the loses.I should be remembering that I'm not supposed to win.I'm not really supposed to beat anyone right now!And I'm getting a chance at some of the sets,so that should be satisfying enough.But it's not,I want too win now.During league night I've done well so far,winning both my matches.It's the day sessions where I've had my problems!The day time games are all tough in here.Some are even tough A class games!The reality is I'm a D class player going too an A. STRETCH
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Cue it Up
Last night was league night,and it went well for us.We won 4 of 5 matches,that's a good night.I almost had too play the opening match,and would have had to use Big Scotts cue,because my cue was having the tip replaced.Big Scotts cue is a beautiful Skip Weston cue.I hit a few shots with it during my warm up,and it hits nice,I loved the sound of Skip Weston cues! I've been around a few of his cues,and they all make the sweet ping that I like.There's just something about a cue that sings!That's when you know you put a stroke on the CB.He's got a nice players cue,that's what I call them.Big Scott also uses Predator shafts and that's why I hit his cue,because I also play with a Predator shaft,and once you get used too one it's very hard to play without one,they just play so different than a standard maple shaft.I think I would have played well with his Skip Weston,but I don't like playing with other peoples equipment for a number of reasons.The biggest reason is I'm always afraid that I'll fall in love with that cue,and have to have it!The 2nd reason is,pool players are a different breed,we hate it when someone plays our cue,and if someone plays it better than we can,we really hate it.It's like a girlfriend that cheated on you,we might still love her,but you'll always remember that affair!That affair goes 2 ways,if our cue gets played better by another player,it's not good,and if we play better with another cue rather then our own it will put questions into your own cue.So that's why I don't play any other cue but my own.
I play with a really beautiful Pete Omen,that too be honest with you,I took advantage of the original owner.It took about 10 minutes of play with this cue,and I knew I had too have it,I fell in love with it!
My Omen is a six point Ebony/Coco Bola cue.I have had more than one person ask me if it was a South West cue,which is the most sought after cue in the world,South West has a 10 year waiting list for a cue!And they produce about 150 cues a year,that's a lot of cues to make by hand.By comparison Omen Cues only produces 35 cues a year!I'm not sure how long his waiting list is,but I do know it's not 10 years.In my opinion South West cues play great and I've hit a few of them,but they don't play any better than an Omen.So if you want one of the best players cue,look into getting an Omen,you will not be disappointed!
I almost sold my cues,that's actually how I got back into the game,and ended up starting this blog.I had posted my cues for sale on http://forums.azbilliards.com/index.php and the only thing that happened was people trying too steal this cue! I think the best offer I got was about $1200!What a joke,the cue market is soft right now,and I understand that,but $1200 give me a break,I see people selling Schon,Joss,Viking,etc,etc,for nearly as much as $1200.These are production cues!Mine is a one of a kind hand built cue,that if I called Pete Omen and wanted to replace it would cost me $3500,yup I said $3500.00.So instead of selling something I loved so much,but just didn't use,I decided too use it 1 more time!That was a little more than a month ago.I have not stopped my love affair with this cue since then! I'm now dedicated too becoming the best player I can be!And I'm going to do it with my Omen,and my Xbreaker,the perfect players set up!
I just had Giant Jerry replace my Talisman Water Buffalo medium,which I ground down too nothing in 3 weeks because of the way I chalk,with a Talisman Water Buffalo hard.I only got too play with it for a small warm up,and league match.I think I like the tip but will have to get back too you tomorrow after I play it today.I didn't get a good read on it during league,it's a little loud in Diamond Jim's on league night,which by the by is every night,too concentrate on hearing my cue sing.It did feel great though,bit the the CB nice maybe not as nice as the medium,but dam close. I'm going to save the tip talk for tomorrow,if I can get to the pool hall today I'll be posting my Talisman Tip review tomorrow or the next day. Oh yeah that Omen cue I have,almost made it too the floor last night!! I had too be cat like too save from it's first dive too the floor.It all worked out in the end but I gotta tell you,man I would have been fuming had it made it too the floor,but I caught it thank God,that cue has never seen the floor it's pristine and I want too keep it that way.So until next time.STRETCH
I play with a really beautiful Pete Omen,that too be honest with you,I took advantage of the original owner.It took about 10 minutes of play with this cue,and I knew I had too have it,I fell in love with it!
I almost sold my cues,that's actually how I got back into the game,and ended up starting this blog.I had posted my cues for sale on http://forums.azbilliards.com/index.php and the only thing that happened was people trying too steal this cue! I think the best offer I got was about $1200!What a joke,the cue market is soft right now,and I understand that,but $1200 give me a break,I see people selling Schon,Joss,Viking,etc,etc,for nearly as much as $1200.These are production cues!Mine is a one of a kind hand built cue,that if I called Pete Omen and wanted to replace it would cost me $3500,yup I said $3500.00.So instead of selling something I loved so much,but just didn't use,I decided too use it 1 more time!That was a little more than a month ago.I have not stopped my love affair with this cue since then! I'm now dedicated too becoming the best player I can be!And I'm going to do it with my Omen,and my Xbreaker,the perfect players set up!
I just had Giant Jerry replace my Talisman Water Buffalo medium,which I ground down too nothing in 3 weeks because of the way I chalk,with a Talisman Water Buffalo hard.I only got too play with it for a small warm up,and league match.I think I like the tip but will have to get back too you tomorrow after I play it today.I didn't get a good read on it during league,it's a little loud in Diamond Jim's on league night,which by the by is every night,too concentrate on hearing my cue sing.It did feel great though,bit the the CB nice maybe not as nice as the medium,but dam close. I'm going to save the tip talk for tomorrow,if I can get to the pool hall today I'll be posting my Talisman Tip review tomorrow or the next day. Oh yeah that Omen cue I have,almost made it too the floor last night!! I had too be cat like too save from it's first dive too the floor.It all worked out in the end but I gotta tell you,man I would have been fuming had it made it too the floor,but I caught it thank God,that cue has never seen the floor it's pristine and I want too keep it that way.So until next time.STRETCH
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Another Bad Day
Yes I had another bad day at the table!The only difference from yesterday too today is,I have no clue as too what went wrong.I wish I had an answer for you but I don't.All I can say is that I am just off my game today.I hope I can turn it around for league night.I usually play better under some pressure.But that doesn't explain what happened today,because I had some pressure and still didn't perform well. I hooked up with Jersey Ken for 2 sets,and lost both of them,7-5,7-1.I know,doesn't look good.I didn't play horrible,actually I felt great,and started the 1st set with a break and run out.The 1st set I played decent,Jersey Ken jumped to a lead on me,and I had too fight my way back too make it 7-5.I thought I was going too get the set but he snapped a 9ball and shot a combination for the win!
I have to give Jersey credit,he played the best I've ever seen him play.The 2nd set just didn't go my way,I just played bad,dogging shots.Once again I couldn't finish,I would end up leaving 3-4 ball outs on the table.So I did most of the heavy lifting with out a reward. I actually wish I could say "I just got out played"but that's not the only thing that happened.Something happened too my game,and I'm not too sure of what it was.I think I was good as far as intensity went,and I thought my concentration level was good.But something was just off,and that too me is disturbing.It could have been a lot of things,line up,stroke,foot placement,eye placement,and the list goes on.That's what's disturbing,could have been 100 different things!I'm starting too think like Tin Cup when he says "My stroke feels like a folded up lawn chair".I don't really feel like that in fact I think I'm stroking real nice.But that's a classic line in my book.
One other thing it could be,and I hate too blame equipment,but my tip is down pretty low.This is a new brand of tip too me,there called "Talisman Tips" and this is the 1st one I've tried.When I first put this tip on I loved it!But I'm thinking now it needs to be changed,I've ground this one down too nothing in a little less than a month!I know,that's not a long life span for a tip,but it has too do with my PSR(pre-shot routine)I grind my chalk in,and the leather tips are always softer than chalk,therefore they lose a little every time I chalk.I,m a tip abuser that's for sure,I even grind down G10 tips,which are a harder material than a pool ball.I should change the way I chalk but it's so ingrained in my PSR that it makes it tough too change.I don't think I'm going too change I don't really want too,I have 2 more tips in my bag,1 medium,and 1 hard tip,pretty sure I'm just going too grind them down too nothing also.Maybe the hard one will last a little longer,but I'm not sure I'll like the hit,it may be too hard.
I played my whole career with Hard Triangle tips,which aren't layered like the Talisman tips.The Talisman medium is supposed too be slightly softer than a hard Triangle,which it was but now it's an extremely hard hit.I noticed the change in the last two times I played,my cue just didn't have that nice sound,it was more of a harsh sound.I'm going to have Giant Jerry replace the tip with the Talisman hard and see if I like that better.My only concern is that it may be too hard.But if it's like the medium that I have on now,which really grabbed the CB(cue ball)I think I'll love it,as long as it makes my cue sing again. For a layered tip I like the Talisman tips,there not as expensive as a Kamui which is the big thing right now at $35 each,yeah LOL,your not going too catch me paying that for a tip I'll probably grind down too nothing in 2 weeks.I got my Talisman tips 4 of them for $37 with a FREE monogrammed hand towel and Free shipping.That's a great deal for any layered tip.After I try this hard Talisman I'll give you guys a complete review of Talisman Tips including a B/J(break/jump)tip.
Today is league night,and that's always fun for me.I get too see my teammates play and hang out with them.I like our team,Big Scott thinks we should be able to go too regional playoff's,and have a good shot at Vegas!I'm just hoping that none of these tournaments coincide with my lofty goal which I will share with you guys in the future.I know the title of the blog is From D player too A player,but on my way there I have another opportunity that I'm probably going too take.I just need some more time at the tables too figure it out,and then I'll share it with you. I'm not going too get to Diamond Jim's till this evening,I have too take care of a few things.But as usual I wish I could play the afternoon session.In the afternoon you can play for 6 hours for $8 on a day pass!That's a deal that can't be beat.The equipment is top notch,all except 1 table are Brunswick Gold Crown III's,and the other table is my favorite table,a Diamond Pro/Am.I'm not sure if the Diamond has Simmonis 860 cloth,I think it's Champion cloth,but when they re-cloth it I'm going too try my hardest too get Simmonis 860 on that table!Diamond's really need Simmonis they just play so much nicer with it,your banks don't come up short and the rails play on system,meaning when you come out of diamond 5,and hit cross table diamond 3,your third rail diamond for the CB(cue ball)should be diamond 2.But on this Diamond table it comes all the way up too diamond 3,so it plays long,and that's because of the cloth.Some of the guys say they don't like the way the CB comes off the rails,and that's why they don't like to play on it,especially for action!It's really the cloth that they don't like,if this table had Simmonis 860 there really would be no other table that I would rather gamble on!Even without the 860 cloth I would rather play my games on the Diamond.They just play harder than any Brunswick that's not triple shimmed plain and simple.I'm pretty sure all the other tables are Simmonis 860 so I don't see why they wont be using it for the Diamond when they re-cloth it,which needs to be done.
This room is top notch plain and simple.Whenever you walk through the door you get a big welcome from them,not like some rooms where they make you feel like their doing you a favor by staying open,and then giving you some crappy trap table clothed with the wool from a Yeti.It's not like that here,when I came back too this game they treated me like I was a 10 year veteran of the place.Take my word for it,you will NOT get that treatment from many rooms across the globe.I've been in a lot of rooms,all over the world and never got treated so good!Diamond Jim's is my home room,and that's where I play if your looking for a game.Right now I'm a D class player,going too an A class player and I'm going too do it here.So if you like my blog so far it will only get better!Like my game my writing can't get anything but better,and if you enjoy it please pass it on too your friends.I'm going too try and give you a good look at what it takes and what happens on the way too being an A class player.It's a tough journey and it's filled with action,and characters that are interesting too say the least.There is no other world like the pool & billiard world,this game get's in your blood,and you have too get a little dirty too play it well.A seedy underworld filled with,action,glamor,money,sex,drugs,alcohol and infamy!This is the GAME! STRETCH
I have to give Jersey credit,he played the best I've ever seen him play.The 2nd set just didn't go my way,I just played bad,dogging shots.Once again I couldn't finish,I would end up leaving 3-4 ball outs on the table.So I did most of the heavy lifting with out a reward. I actually wish I could say "I just got out played"but that's not the only thing that happened.Something happened too my game,and I'm not too sure of what it was.I think I was good as far as intensity went,and I thought my concentration level was good.But something was just off,and that too me is disturbing.It could have been a lot of things,line up,stroke,foot placement,eye placement,and the list goes on.That's what's disturbing,could have been 100 different things!I'm starting too think like Tin Cup when he says "My stroke feels like a folded up lawn chair".I don't really feel like that in fact I think I'm stroking real nice.But that's a classic line in my book.
One other thing it could be,and I hate too blame equipment,but my tip is down pretty low.This is a new brand of tip too me,there called "Talisman Tips" and this is the 1st one I've tried.When I first put this tip on I loved it!But I'm thinking now it needs to be changed,I've ground this one down too nothing in a little less than a month!I know,that's not a long life span for a tip,but it has too do with my PSR(pre-shot routine)I grind my chalk in,and the leather tips are always softer than chalk,therefore they lose a little every time I chalk.I,m a tip abuser that's for sure,I even grind down G10 tips,which are a harder material than a pool ball.I should change the way I chalk but it's so ingrained in my PSR that it makes it tough too change.I don't think I'm going too change I don't really want too,I have 2 more tips in my bag,1 medium,and 1 hard tip,pretty sure I'm just going too grind them down too nothing also.Maybe the hard one will last a little longer,but I'm not sure I'll like the hit,it may be too hard.
I played my whole career with Hard Triangle tips,which aren't layered like the Talisman tips.The Talisman medium is supposed too be slightly softer than a hard Triangle,which it was but now it's an extremely hard hit.I noticed the change in the last two times I played,my cue just didn't have that nice sound,it was more of a harsh sound.I'm going to have Giant Jerry replace the tip with the Talisman hard and see if I like that better.My only concern is that it may be too hard.But if it's like the medium that I have on now,which really grabbed the CB(cue ball)I think I'll love it,as long as it makes my cue sing again. For a layered tip I like the Talisman tips,there not as expensive as a Kamui which is the big thing right now at $35 each,yeah LOL,your not going too catch me paying that for a tip I'll probably grind down too nothing in 2 weeks.I got my Talisman tips 4 of them for $37 with a FREE monogrammed hand towel and Free shipping.That's a great deal for any layered tip.After I try this hard Talisman I'll give you guys a complete review of Talisman Tips including a B/J(break/jump)tip.
Today is league night,and that's always fun for me.I get too see my teammates play and hang out with them.I like our team,Big Scott thinks we should be able to go too regional playoff's,and have a good shot at Vegas!I'm just hoping that none of these tournaments coincide with my lofty goal which I will share with you guys in the future.I know the title of the blog is From D player too A player,but on my way there I have another opportunity that I'm probably going too take.I just need some more time at the tables too figure it out,and then I'll share it with you. I'm not going too get to Diamond Jim's till this evening,I have too take care of a few things.But as usual I wish I could play the afternoon session.In the afternoon you can play for 6 hours for $8 on a day pass!That's a deal that can't be beat.The equipment is top notch,all except 1 table are Brunswick Gold Crown III's,and the other table is my favorite table,a Diamond Pro/Am.I'm not sure if the Diamond has Simmonis 860 cloth,I think it's Champion cloth,but when they re-cloth it I'm going too try my hardest too get Simmonis 860 on that table!Diamond's really need Simmonis they just play so much nicer with it,your banks don't come up short and the rails play on system,meaning when you come out of diamond 5,and hit cross table diamond 3,your third rail diamond for the CB(cue ball)should be diamond 2.But on this Diamond table it comes all the way up too diamond 3,so it plays long,and that's because of the cloth.Some of the guys say they don't like the way the CB comes off the rails,and that's why they don't like to play on it,especially for action!It's really the cloth that they don't like,if this table had Simmonis 860 there really would be no other table that I would rather gamble on!Even without the 860 cloth I would rather play my games on the Diamond.They just play harder than any Brunswick that's not triple shimmed plain and simple.I'm pretty sure all the other tables are Simmonis 860 so I don't see why they wont be using it for the Diamond when they re-cloth it,which needs to be done.
This room is top notch plain and simple.Whenever you walk through the door you get a big welcome from them,not like some rooms where they make you feel like their doing you a favor by staying open,and then giving you some crappy trap table clothed with the wool from a Yeti.It's not like that here,when I came back too this game they treated me like I was a 10 year veteran of the place.Take my word for it,you will NOT get that treatment from many rooms across the globe.I've been in a lot of rooms,all over the world and never got treated so good!Diamond Jim's is my home room,and that's where I play if your looking for a game.Right now I'm a D class player,going too an A class player and I'm going too do it here.So if you like my blog so far it will only get better!Like my game my writing can't get anything but better,and if you enjoy it please pass it on too your friends.I'm going too try and give you a good look at what it takes and what happens on the way too being an A class player.It's a tough journey and it's filled with action,and characters that are interesting too say the least.There is no other world like the pool & billiard world,this game get's in your blood,and you have too get a little dirty too play it well.A seedy underworld filled with,action,glamor,money,sex,drugs,alcohol and infamy!This is the GAME! STRETCH
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Scores
Scores for the day race too nine; 9-5,9-2,9-7,9-7.I won them all! It sounds better than it really was though.I played OK by my standards,not real good,not real bad either.I won and I should be satisfied for the day but I'm not!I wasn't able too achieve the intensity I was looking for,and I know why.I got there early,and started my warm up with a TON of intensity,and kept it up for about an hour.But I was looking for a game!By the time I got too Diamond Jim's I was so amped and itching to play I needed a game right then and there.But I did not get a game for almost 2 hours!What I think happened was putting that much intensity into a warm up might not be a good idea if you plan on playing immediately after with no real break.By the time I did get a game,I think I was a little burnt out.I know that I'm going to have to give this intensity thing time to build,it doesn't just show up,it's a learned thing.I had to wait for a game today,everybody already had games.
Jersey Ken showed up late and I asked him to play but he declined.Why he said no I'm not real sure but I think he took a few days off from the game,and didn't want any action.Not a big deal.I would have been firing empty anyhow,so it was probably for the best.Big Scott was on his way but he was real late,so I had my game coming. Big Scott finally got there a little after 2:00,witch meant I had already put in 2 hours of an intense work out that is called "Piling Rocks".I like this workout because of it's simplicity,it's a concentration,and PSR(pre-shot routine)workout,very simple,but if done correctly it produces results.I got this workout from "The Monk" one of the premier pool instructors in the world.It's so simple and very effective,I do it every day I play!All you do is take all 15 balls spread them out on the table,and take any shot that you want,sounds simple huh?Well this game is simple,but it's never that easy!During this time at the table you need too;clear your mind of all things except pocketing that ball,until it becomes automatic and you DON"T Remember doing it.Not easy,simple but not easy!Your also supposed too be working on your PSR too automate it,once again too the point of not remembering,your also supposed to be feeling and hearing the game,feeling the stroke and resonator through the cue,and hearing that awesome sound your cue makes when your really putting a stroke on the ball,when your cue doesn't do this your not stroking the ball!So nothing about this game is ever easy it's only simple.That's a lot of stuff too think about,and your not supposed too,it's supposed to be automatic,too the point of not remembering,that's the trick.Try it out and you'll see what a task it really is.The ultimate goal of this exercise is DEAD STROKE.When your truly in dead stroke you don't remember a thing.
So Big Scott was my game for the day,and I always get a tough match from him,we play pretty close too even.I give Big Scott a slight edge when he's in stroke.But I think he was still asleep for the first 2 sets.He really did not come too life till the 3rd set.The last 2 sets where real nail bitters,could have gone either way at any moment.We placed a little action on the last set,and I feel both of us really got down on shots.That's why I say it sounded better than it really was for a session. I'm going back again today and I'm looking too play Jersey Ken,that's the game I want!It's very competitive and I think I'm supposed to win,although I lost the last time we played.So wish me luck,please.STRETCH
Jersey Ken showed up late and I asked him to play but he declined.Why he said no I'm not real sure but I think he took a few days off from the game,and didn't want any action.Not a big deal.I would have been firing empty anyhow,so it was probably for the best.Big Scott was on his way but he was real late,so I had my game coming. Big Scott finally got there a little after 2:00,witch meant I had already put in 2 hours of an intense work out that is called "Piling Rocks".I like this workout because of it's simplicity,it's a concentration,and PSR(pre-shot routine)workout,very simple,but if done correctly it produces results.I got this workout from "The Monk" one of the premier pool instructors in the world.It's so simple and very effective,I do it every day I play!All you do is take all 15 balls spread them out on the table,and take any shot that you want,sounds simple huh?Well this game is simple,but it's never that easy!During this time at the table you need too;clear your mind of all things except pocketing that ball,until it becomes automatic and you DON"T Remember doing it.Not easy,simple but not easy!Your also supposed too be working on your PSR too automate it,once again too the point of not remembering,your also supposed to be feeling and hearing the game,feeling the stroke and resonator through the cue,and hearing that awesome sound your cue makes when your really putting a stroke on the ball,when your cue doesn't do this your not stroking the ball!So nothing about this game is ever easy it's only simple.That's a lot of stuff too think about,and your not supposed too,it's supposed to be automatic,too the point of not remembering,that's the trick.Try it out and you'll see what a task it really is.The ultimate goal of this exercise is DEAD STROKE.When your truly in dead stroke you don't remember a thing.
So Big Scott was my game for the day,and I always get a tough match from him,we play pretty close too even.I give Big Scott a slight edge when he's in stroke.But I think he was still asleep for the first 2 sets.He really did not come too life till the 3rd set.The last 2 sets where real nail bitters,could have gone either way at any moment.We placed a little action on the last set,and I feel both of us really got down on shots.That's why I say it sounded better than it really was for a session. I'm going back again today and I'm looking too play Jersey Ken,that's the game I want!It's very competitive and I think I'm supposed to win,although I lost the last time we played.So wish me luck,please.STRETCH
Monday, May 14, 2012
Drilled
Man did I get drilled!7-1,7-1,7-3,7-3,7-1...ouch that hurts too write.I got drilled by Chino,plain and simple.I know I said,I would not care,but I do!Nobody likes to get drilled,but I now realize how much it bothers me.I'm shaking I'm so mad at myself.I have to give credit too Chino,he played really well.Chino always plays good,but today he had another gear,he hit me with a 3 pack and just got out all the time,rarely making a mistake.It was a pleasure to watch but painful to handle.Chino is an A+ player and if he played all the time he would be an OPEN class player.That's a tough game for me,that I'm not supposed to win,and I need to remember that!
As far as my play went,I thought I was going to play good,I started the set with a great side too side table length draw shot that went center of the hole.I followed that up with the run out,but Chino was too much to handle.The good news from me is; that I did play with intensity and was able to turn it on in my PSR(pre shot routine).That's good news,now I just need to implement it in my PSR every time till it becomes natural.As usual that's easier said than done,but saying it does help to achieve it.I'm happy I was able to realize I need it,and then do something about it.Sometimes that's the biggest battle,realizing!
I did make some great shots,Chino doesn't leave you easy shots,you really have to earn a chance at a run out.I just couldn't finish.And that's what was frustrating,not being able to close out racks.Overall I really did not play horrible,just not good. I have to remember I wanted to find a tough game and challenge my intensity.Well I did that,I found the tough game,and I delivered the intensity.I did not get the results I would like but you can't have everything.So overall I think I should be happy with myself,I should at the very least be satisfied,I had a goal in mind for the session,and I feel I did a good job of achieving it.
Having that intensity,stalking every shot,never taking your eye off of it,knowing what English(spin),speed,stroke to use,and so on,just to make 1 ball,takes a lot out of you!This plays into when I had talked about "How long of a session is good for my game".Well we figured it out.As long as I can deliver that kind of intensity consistently,that's how long of a session is good for my game.That's my new rule,if I can't deliver it I need to stop playing.I'm happy I figured this out,I think it's going to be great for my game in the long run.I don't think it's the kind of thing that will show instant results,but it could.So for the next few sessions that's going to be my goal;INTENSITY!Win or lose I just want too be as intense as possible.
I'm going back too the table today,I'll be there when the doors open.And I'm going to deliver that intensity!Some people would tell you I'm a pretty intense guy by nature,I'd would say I'm just very passionate.Either way I know I can deliver. I'm not sure what my plan for today's session will be,I have too ask myself"what do I want from today's session" well for starters; 1: I want the intensity. 2: I want too feel like I can make any shot at the table. 3: I want too make balls,a lot of balls. That doesn't sound like a lot but it is!I feel like I should only have one goal per session to focus on,and the rest should follow the success or failure of said goal.That's it!Or at least I think that's it,but I'm going to give it a try today,my one goal for today is the intensity,and I bet you the other two will follow.
Now today at Diamond Jim's,we have a few players too chose from usually.I'm pretty sure Jersey Ken,Mike the Fish,Big Al,Giant Jerry,Big Scott,Joey"King"Kong and a few others will be there.Now some of those are action games,and some are practice games.I'm not sure if I should be looking for action or not.I would be firing on an empty barrel,because I'm broke,so action isn't ideal.But a game with Jersey Ken will be very hard to turn down,I think I would jump on that.None of these games are easy for me they all play well!But a few are really tough games,and not necessarily action games,that's one of the best thing about this room.You can always find a tough game even when your broke.Now you may not get their best game,but it will be tough,even for an A class player.I'm no A class player just yet,but I'm on my way.
I still feel I'm playing at a C maybe C+ level,but some would say I'm at a B level.I don't feel or see it that way,but Ken the Kernal says I'm a B player so does Joey "King" Kong,and both of these guys are OPEN players.So I gotta take their word for what it is.I can promise you one thing today,and that's;INTENSITY.I woke up with it this morning and I'll have it all day.That's the good thing about getting drilled,you can't wait to do it too someone else!I'm not yet capable of drilling any game I could find today,but I can try!So the name of the game today is INTENSITY let's deliver it!STRETCH
As far as my play went,I thought I was going to play good,I started the set with a great side too side table length draw shot that went center of the hole.I followed that up with the run out,but Chino was too much to handle.The good news from me is; that I did play with intensity and was able to turn it on in my PSR(pre shot routine).That's good news,now I just need to implement it in my PSR every time till it becomes natural.As usual that's easier said than done,but saying it does help to achieve it.I'm happy I was able to realize I need it,and then do something about it.Sometimes that's the biggest battle,realizing!
I did make some great shots,Chino doesn't leave you easy shots,you really have to earn a chance at a run out.I just couldn't finish.And that's what was frustrating,not being able to close out racks.Overall I really did not play horrible,just not good. I have to remember I wanted to find a tough game and challenge my intensity.Well I did that,I found the tough game,and I delivered the intensity.I did not get the results I would like but you can't have everything.So overall I think I should be happy with myself,I should at the very least be satisfied,I had a goal in mind for the session,and I feel I did a good job of achieving it.
Having that intensity,stalking every shot,never taking your eye off of it,knowing what English(spin),speed,stroke to use,and so on,just to make 1 ball,takes a lot out of you!This plays into when I had talked about "How long of a session is good for my game".Well we figured it out.As long as I can deliver that kind of intensity consistently,that's how long of a session is good for my game.That's my new rule,if I can't deliver it I need to stop playing.I'm happy I figured this out,I think it's going to be great for my game in the long run.I don't think it's the kind of thing that will show instant results,but it could.So for the next few sessions that's going to be my goal;INTENSITY!Win or lose I just want too be as intense as possible.
I'm going back too the table today,I'll be there when the doors open.And I'm going to deliver that intensity!Some people would tell you I'm a pretty intense guy by nature,I'd would say I'm just very passionate.Either way I know I can deliver. I'm not sure what my plan for today's session will be,I have too ask myself"what do I want from today's session" well for starters; 1: I want the intensity. 2: I want too feel like I can make any shot at the table. 3: I want too make balls,a lot of balls. That doesn't sound like a lot but it is!I feel like I should only have one goal per session to focus on,and the rest should follow the success or failure of said goal.That's it!Or at least I think that's it,but I'm going to give it a try today,my one goal for today is the intensity,and I bet you the other two will follow.
Now today at Diamond Jim's,we have a few players too chose from usually.I'm pretty sure Jersey Ken,Mike the Fish,Big Al,Giant Jerry,Big Scott,Joey"King"Kong and a few others will be there.Now some of those are action games,and some are practice games.I'm not sure if I should be looking for action or not.I would be firing on an empty barrel,because I'm broke,so action isn't ideal.But a game with Jersey Ken will be very hard to turn down,I think I would jump on that.None of these games are easy for me they all play well!But a few are really tough games,and not necessarily action games,that's one of the best thing about this room.You can always find a tough game even when your broke.Now you may not get their best game,but it will be tough,even for an A class player.I'm no A class player just yet,but I'm on my way.
I still feel I'm playing at a C maybe C+ level,but some would say I'm at a B level.I don't feel or see it that way,but Ken the Kernal says I'm a B player so does Joey "King" Kong,and both of these guys are OPEN players.So I gotta take their word for what it is.I can promise you one thing today,and that's;INTENSITY.I woke up with it this morning and I'll have it all day.That's the good thing about getting drilled,you can't wait to do it too someone else!I'm not yet capable of drilling any game I could find today,but I can try!So the name of the game today is INTENSITY let's deliver it!STRETCH
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Intensity
I'm gonna get too the table today,and I can't wait.I'M dying to play!It feels like I have not played in weak,but it's only been 3 days.Man time off sucks!Time off will re-ignite lost passion,but I don't need that,I have plenty of passion for the game.Time off is also a good thing when you are learning new things,it gives you time too think about it.But for me I'm not really learning anything new just yet.I'm still trying to knock rust off of my game and reach a comfortable zone in my game.I still don't feel absolutely comfortable at the table,and that's only going to change with time!I also have not stopped guessing where the pocket really is,meaning where to hit the ball on a lot of shots.This is all rust,rust on a game I used too play pretty well.I used too see about 5-6 different tiny little spots on the OB(object ball)all different spots in the pocket I could place the ball to gain position on the next shot.I've been trying real hard to get that back,but I'm beginning to think it may never come back like that again for me.I've had a few sessions where I couldn't miss,I just knew where the pocket was and it felt great.So that's a lot of progress from when I was just getting down on shots with NO clue where too aim!Seriously,I had absolutely NO idea of what to look at,I would just say too myself;Make sure you look good shooting the shot.That's something I learned from The Monk,I'll tell you more about him at a later date.So I'm not totally satisfied with my progress,but there has been progress none the less.I guess we all want what we want when we want it,and if you approach this game with that attitude,you'll go nowhere!This game is way to hard,to get instant results! I'm going to Diamond Jim's today,and I'm looking for the toughest game I can find,I don't care who it is,or if I get drilled.I just want too have too step up,I'm not sure if I can or if it's even good for my game!But I'm looking to create a ton of intensity in my PSR(pre shot routine)so that's my goal for today,win or lose!STRETCH
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Another day off that I don't want
Hi everyone,I'm taking today off from the game also.Not that I want to,but I have to!I've got stuff to do,you know.You see I have my priority's in line!Pool first and foremost,all else,I could care less about.That's the honest truth.I really only want too play.I could play 14hours a day,and that's with good concentration.You see anybody can go too the pool hall and play for hours and hours,but if it's not good play then it actually hurts your game.I could be wrong on how long a quality session is for me,but I do know it's longer than most peoples attention can carry them.I'm pretty sure an 8 hour session would be better for me,but once I get going I can't stop.Of course my best sessions are when I'm in action.I don't really like to say that,because I want to be able to turn on and off my best game at will.I think that's an important skill,if you can only play your best when you gamble,then you are going to have a hard time playing in tournaments!You need to be capable of turning it on early in a tournament when there really isn't much at stake.
This is where I feel that league play will help me,you see there is nothing at stake in league play for most of your matches.You really have to be able to play your best early,if you don't your gonna lose your match or matches and never get a shot at regional qualifiers or Vegas. So far in the league I've played well,I have won both my matches,it's only weak 2,but I'm off too a good start.My first match was against a formidable opponent who can run out,and in the end he needed 2 balls too my 7 balls,he made a mistake and I got him,I ran out for the win. I know when I'm really concentrating because my PSR(pre shot routine)changes,this is something I need to focus on in my game.I think if I just emulate the same intensity in my PSR whether I have it or not,it will click in my brain and trigger that level of focus,concentration,and intensity.I'm going too focus on this in my next session,and see what kind of results I have.
I wish I could play today!It's a beautiful day here,and there is no better way to spend a beautiful day than in the pool hall!Saturday is a great day to play at Diamond Jim's!All the players show up too play on day passes.There is plenty of action,and plenty of non action games.There isn't much by the way of easy games though,but I'm rarely looking for an easy game.Easy games have a place,but right now that's not what I need.I need tough games,a tough game is going to push you too step up,and that's what I need.I'm pretty lucky in the aspect of finding a game,Diamond Jim's has more than it's fair share of solid B class too Open class players that will play you hard for next to nothing,and some for even just bragging rights.This works out perfect for me because I'm just about BROKE.Not that your going to get their best game for nothing,but you will get a tough game from a solid B too A class player!And that's awesome,I love it.
I'm a relative "Fresh Fish" at Diamond Jim's although everybody knows me.See my home room closed down 5 years ago,and when it closed I walked from this game also.So for five years my cues sat in the corner of the room collecting dust,I didn't even take them out of the case too look at them.It's a miracle I still have them,after all I've been through in the last 3 years.But that's another story I might share with you at a latter date,just like what my true goal with this game is,it will all come out sooner or later!
Diamond Jim's has taken me in and treated me the same as you would treat a ten year customer.And for that I'm very grateful,without them there would be no pool for me. I almost sold my cues and that's what ultimately got me back into this game.I tried to post my cues on forums.azbilliards but did not receive a decent enough offer too make it worth my while.The next thing I knew I was in the pool hall playing.I haven't looked back since.I found a new home in Diamond Jim's and I feel more comfortable there than I do at my real home.Like I said in an earlier post,things are a little tense in my current living situation and something is going to change in the near future.Unfortunately that may force me to walk away from this game again,at least for a little while.But for now it's game on!Tomorrow I'll be at Diamond Jim's when the doors open!I'll be looking for action,and I know I'll find it! It wont be easy action that's for sure,but it will be fun to say the least.So wish me luck and I'll talk too you guys later!STRETCH
This is where I feel that league play will help me,you see there is nothing at stake in league play for most of your matches.You really have to be able to play your best early,if you don't your gonna lose your match or matches and never get a shot at regional qualifiers or Vegas. So far in the league I've played well,I have won both my matches,it's only weak 2,but I'm off too a good start.My first match was against a formidable opponent who can run out,and in the end he needed 2 balls too my 7 balls,he made a mistake and I got him,I ran out for the win. I know when I'm really concentrating because my PSR(pre shot routine)changes,this is something I need to focus on in my game.I think if I just emulate the same intensity in my PSR whether I have it or not,it will click in my brain and trigger that level of focus,concentration,and intensity.I'm going too focus on this in my next session,and see what kind of results I have.
I wish I could play today!It's a beautiful day here,and there is no better way to spend a beautiful day than in the pool hall!Saturday is a great day to play at Diamond Jim's!All the players show up too play on day passes.There is plenty of action,and plenty of non action games.There isn't much by the way of easy games though,but I'm rarely looking for an easy game.Easy games have a place,but right now that's not what I need.I need tough games,a tough game is going to push you too step up,and that's what I need.I'm pretty lucky in the aspect of finding a game,Diamond Jim's has more than it's fair share of solid B class too Open class players that will play you hard for next to nothing,and some for even just bragging rights.This works out perfect for me because I'm just about BROKE.Not that your going to get their best game for nothing,but you will get a tough game from a solid B too A class player!And that's awesome,I love it.
I'm a relative "Fresh Fish" at Diamond Jim's although everybody knows me.See my home room closed down 5 years ago,and when it closed I walked from this game also.So for five years my cues sat in the corner of the room collecting dust,I didn't even take them out of the case too look at them.It's a miracle I still have them,after all I've been through in the last 3 years.But that's another story I might share with you at a latter date,just like what my true goal with this game is,it will all come out sooner or later!
Diamond Jim's has taken me in and treated me the same as you would treat a ten year customer.And for that I'm very grateful,without them there would be no pool for me. I almost sold my cues and that's what ultimately got me back into this game.I tried to post my cues on forums.azbilliards but did not receive a decent enough offer too make it worth my while.The next thing I knew I was in the pool hall playing.I haven't looked back since.I found a new home in Diamond Jim's and I feel more comfortable there than I do at my real home.Like I said in an earlier post,things are a little tense in my current living situation and something is going to change in the near future.Unfortunately that may force me to walk away from this game again,at least for a little while.But for now it's game on!Tomorrow I'll be at Diamond Jim's when the doors open!I'll be looking for action,and I know I'll find it! It wont be easy action that's for sure,but it will be fun to say the least.So wish me luck and I'll talk too you guys later!STRETCH
Friday, May 11, 2012
Shark Attack Continued
So I had to play a five and I'm a five,this means we play even,we both have to make the same amount of balls.I have not one clue about this player,can he play?So I don't want him to get the early lead and put any un-wanted pressure on myself,I want to win the lag for the first break.I lose!He breaks first,great,I'm thinking now what? Does he run out on me and string a rack or two,because that would be bad for me.Remember I'm not playing to good today!But these are the thoughts at the start of any match.He doesn't run out I'm not even sure if he made a ball!All I know is it's my shot and I'm getting out,witch I think I did.I at least know I broke the second rack and maybe the third.I know I jumped too a lead in the match and never looked back.I had about a ten ball lead most of the match.I dogged a few shots on purpose to get my innings up,but really didn't want to go down that path too far,because I knew I wasn't playing with a ton of confidence.
When you don't feel like you can make any shot at hand you really should not be laying down.It will get you in trouble faster than you can get out!We are only racing too,I think about 40 balls each for the win.And as a team I know I have to get the win for us to have a good shot at the win for the night.If I lose the team has to win two in a row,and that's never easy for any team I don't care how good they play,it's just tough!Race too three wins is the match for the night.Big Scott lost his,and Cindy won her's.My match turns out to be the pace setter,if we win the third we've got them on they're heals!Now they need to win two in a row!That's how important the third match becomes when you split the first two.
I really don't mind that pressure,I definitely can play better for the cash then if there is nothing on the line.It's always been that way for me,I can find another gear!And right now I feel like I have about 2-3 more gears.I can make just about any shot on the table,and I have not even tried to institute my safe game yet!I have a good safe game and in this game that counts for a lot. Back too the game,this guy looks to be a 3-4 ball runner,for him to run out on me he really needs the easiest of layouts to be on the table.He has no CB control,alright maybe a little.He can make some shots,he made one tough cut shot that impressed Big Scott and I.But that was about it from him.I tried pretty hard to keep the match close,but when I did leave him the table he couldn't capitalize on the situation.The score I remember was him needing 17 balls,me needing 7 balls and I'm breaking,my break is working pretty good,I've been practicing it on the Diamond witch is very hard table to break well on!I think I hop the rock off the table,or come up dry on the break,either way I let him back to the table.I'm hoping he does well this time and pockets some balls,I really need him to get out.In a perfect world he gets out,breaks,and runs his 3-4 balls that would make us dead even again!It doesn't happen,he leaves me a 4 ball out!No cooperation whatsoever for me!I make the run out,and now I need 3 balls.I figure I'll break soft and let him back too the table one more time,but that's it.I break at about 75% power,and make 4 balls.Match over!
That's how it goes in this game,rarely does it all go as planned,there's always something that doesn't work as planned! I took Thursday off,went to the Yankees vs Rays game,had a good time!That was my first time in the new stadium,witch isn't new anymore,but it's nice.It definitely is not cheap,$35 to park the car,$12 for a beer,$6 for a hot dog,plus gas,tolls,and your ticket.You're pretty lucky to get out of that stadium for $125 per person.I'm on the fence as to playing today,don't get me wrong I always want to play,but the logistics of it are kinda tough today.I do not have my cues with me,and would have to back track in my travels to pull it off.Although Friday is a good day at Diamond's.Jersey Ken,Chino,Mike the Fish,Jose',Neil the Knit are all going to be there.Action plenty of action!There really isn't a game with anyone of them that I'm an easy favorite.The Jersey Ken game is my best game,then Jose'.All of the other match ups I'm a clear underdog,plain and simple.Even the Jose' game,I've beat him before and we play even,but most people down there would bet with him.That's fine with me though,I like being the underdog!Now I want to play today just this little bit of talk is all it takes.I gotta go I'm going too see if I can get there by noon,otherwise everyone will be matched up.STRETCH
When you don't feel like you can make any shot at hand you really should not be laying down.It will get you in trouble faster than you can get out!We are only racing too,I think about 40 balls each for the win.And as a team I know I have to get the win for us to have a good shot at the win for the night.If I lose the team has to win two in a row,and that's never easy for any team I don't care how good they play,it's just tough!Race too three wins is the match for the night.Big Scott lost his,and Cindy won her's.My match turns out to be the pace setter,if we win the third we've got them on they're heals!Now they need to win two in a row!That's how important the third match becomes when you split the first two.
I really don't mind that pressure,I definitely can play better for the cash then if there is nothing on the line.It's always been that way for me,I can find another gear!And right now I feel like I have about 2-3 more gears.I can make just about any shot on the table,and I have not even tried to institute my safe game yet!I have a good safe game and in this game that counts for a lot. Back too the game,this guy looks to be a 3-4 ball runner,for him to run out on me he really needs the easiest of layouts to be on the table.He has no CB control,alright maybe a little.He can make some shots,he made one tough cut shot that impressed Big Scott and I.But that was about it from him.I tried pretty hard to keep the match close,but when I did leave him the table he couldn't capitalize on the situation.The score I remember was him needing 17 balls,me needing 7 balls and I'm breaking,my break is working pretty good,I've been practicing it on the Diamond witch is very hard table to break well on!I think I hop the rock off the table,or come up dry on the break,either way I let him back to the table.I'm hoping he does well this time and pockets some balls,I really need him to get out.In a perfect world he gets out,breaks,and runs his 3-4 balls that would make us dead even again!It doesn't happen,he leaves me a 4 ball out!No cooperation whatsoever for me!I make the run out,and now I need 3 balls.I figure I'll break soft and let him back too the table one more time,but that's it.I break at about 75% power,and make 4 balls.Match over!
That's how it goes in this game,rarely does it all go as planned,there's always something that doesn't work as planned! I took Thursday off,went to the Yankees vs Rays game,had a good time!That was my first time in the new stadium,witch isn't new anymore,but it's nice.It definitely is not cheap,$35 to park the car,$12 for a beer,$6 for a hot dog,plus gas,tolls,and your ticket.You're pretty lucky to get out of that stadium for $125 per person.I'm on the fence as to playing today,don't get me wrong I always want to play,but the logistics of it are kinda tough today.I do not have my cues with me,and would have to back track in my travels to pull it off.Although Friday is a good day at Diamond's.Jersey Ken,Chino,Mike the Fish,Jose',Neil the Knit are all going to be there.Action plenty of action!There really isn't a game with anyone of them that I'm an easy favorite.The Jersey Ken game is my best game,then Jose'.All of the other match ups I'm a clear underdog,plain and simple.Even the Jose' game,I've beat him before and we play even,but most people down there would bet with him.That's fine with me though,I like being the underdog!Now I want to play today just this little bit of talk is all it takes.I gotta go I'm going too see if I can get there by noon,otherwise everyone will be matched up.STRETCH
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Shark Attack
Last night was League night,and it was a good one!Big Scott started us off with a nail biter of a set! It came down too the last few balls,each player not willing to concede.This match had all the old school flavor.Big Scott's opponent was a shark with skills! That makes for a tough match even against someone who can't make a ball.That was not the case with this SHARK,he could also play a little.I couldn't figure it out last night,but I knew I had seen this guy somewhere before outside of the game,when I woke up this morning I figured it out.He was my mailman when I was a kid!Funny how small this world really is.So from now on he's know as "The Mailman".
Big Scott's a much better player,but The Mailman had the moves,and Big Scott fell right into that Shark tank for the first two racks.The Mailman has got moves.He shadowed Scott relentlessly,stood in his shot line,moved at the precise time,and worst of all got into Scott's head!But the best move The Mailman had I have never seen before and I have seen most of them.I think it was the second rack,Big Scott is breaking,and as The Mailman racks the balls he takes his thumb,shoves it into his mouth,and puts a nice big wet one on the foot spot! WOW that's a new one for me,and it's a great one!What a shark move that is.If you know anything about pool then you know what a wet spot on an OB(object ball)or CB(cue ball)can do.
You see,a liquid cannot be compressed and when you introduce a liquid too a pool ball lots of funny things happen,from balls skidding too shots missing the pocket by a full diamond or more,all from that one little wet spot.You gotta give it up too The Mailman for that one!Now Big Scott should have complained,but I might have shrugged it off also and just broke,and that's a mistake.If I remember correctly Big Scott jumped the CB off the table on that break,coincidence?Not likely,Big Scott doesn't hop the CB off the table all that much.For me I know it would have Sharked me,that's all I'd be thinking about when trying to shoot a shot,what about the wet spot,did it land where I need to contact the OB,is the OB going to skid etc,etc.One of the best things about this Shark is,it was so blatant,he didn't try to hide it in the least and he still got the player too fall into it.That's a SHARK ATTACK!I would love too hear from some of you guys about some Shark Attacks you've pulled or witnessed so please respond!
It comes down too Big Scott and The Mailman both needing one ball for the match,and they're having a safety battle.Big Scott loses the safety battle and The Mailman goes on to win the match by one ball!Now this is what a good Shark Attack game can do for you.Big Scott should have drilled The Mailman,but for the first two or maybe three racks he was winning,not by balls made but by being inside Big Scott's head,and that's all it takes sometimes.
Next up was Cindy,a pretty uneventful match that she played very well in!The match started slow with only one ball being made on the break by her opponent in five innings.Her opponent jumped out too an early lead and then stalled.It was then that Cindy took control of the game and match.She started making balls and never looked back.She got the lead,was pocketing balls nicely,and I think she just played her game.I'm not sure if that was just her game or she played overhead because that's the first time I got to see her play.If that was just her average game then we got a four playing at a three skill level and that's always a good thing.
I played the third match,now I had been playing all day on the tight pocket Diamond table,and was not playing as well as I can.I guess taking some time off did not have the affect I was hoping for.You see I got drilled on the Diamond by Giant Jerry,one of the owners of Diamond Jim's.Giant Jerry plays good,he pulls position and really does not miss all that much.He drilled me flat out for two sets!Needless to say but I was not very happy about it. My match was against another five,I like to think I'm a six playing at a five skill level.You see I've been sand bagging in this league for years basically since it's inception.My player # in the APA League is #151,that makes me a dinosaur in the league.I have not played in the league since 2007,and I find myself on teams where I constantly need to maintain a five skill level,so I've been laying down since the beginning!My first two seasons in the APA I let it all hang out,with great results.In the county I live in I was #2 ranked for my first season and #1 ranked my second season.But since then I've always had to lay down.I don't mind laying down as long as I can play some of the cash tournaments sponsored by the APA.And most of those have a skill level maximum of a combined 11,so you can only play a 5/6 as your best team.So that's why I'm in the APA once again.Hopefully to rob a few tournaments.
Big Scott's a much better player,but The Mailman had the moves,and Big Scott fell right into that Shark tank for the first two racks.The Mailman has got moves.He shadowed Scott relentlessly,stood in his shot line,moved at the precise time,and worst of all got into Scott's head!But the best move The Mailman had I have never seen before and I have seen most of them.I think it was the second rack,Big Scott is breaking,and as The Mailman racks the balls he takes his thumb,shoves it into his mouth,and puts a nice big wet one on the foot spot! WOW that's a new one for me,and it's a great one!What a shark move that is.If you know anything about pool then you know what a wet spot on an OB(object ball)or CB(cue ball)can do.
You see,a liquid cannot be compressed and when you introduce a liquid too a pool ball lots of funny things happen,from balls skidding too shots missing the pocket by a full diamond or more,all from that one little wet spot.You gotta give it up too The Mailman for that one!Now Big Scott should have complained,but I might have shrugged it off also and just broke,and that's a mistake.If I remember correctly Big Scott jumped the CB off the table on that break,coincidence?Not likely,Big Scott doesn't hop the CB off the table all that much.For me I know it would have Sharked me,that's all I'd be thinking about when trying to shoot a shot,what about the wet spot,did it land where I need to contact the OB,is the OB going to skid etc,etc.One of the best things about this Shark is,it was so blatant,he didn't try to hide it in the least and he still got the player too fall into it.That's a SHARK ATTACK!I would love too hear from some of you guys about some Shark Attacks you've pulled or witnessed so please respond!
It comes down too Big Scott and The Mailman both needing one ball for the match,and they're having a safety battle.Big Scott loses the safety battle and The Mailman goes on to win the match by one ball!Now this is what a good Shark Attack game can do for you.Big Scott should have drilled The Mailman,but for the first two or maybe three racks he was winning,not by balls made but by being inside Big Scott's head,and that's all it takes sometimes.
Next up was Cindy,a pretty uneventful match that she played very well in!The match started slow with only one ball being made on the break by her opponent in five innings.Her opponent jumped out too an early lead and then stalled.It was then that Cindy took control of the game and match.She started making balls and never looked back.She got the lead,was pocketing balls nicely,and I think she just played her game.I'm not sure if that was just her game or she played overhead because that's the first time I got to see her play.If that was just her average game then we got a four playing at a three skill level and that's always a good thing.
I played the third match,now I had been playing all day on the tight pocket Diamond table,and was not playing as well as I can.I guess taking some time off did not have the affect I was hoping for.You see I got drilled on the Diamond by Giant Jerry,one of the owners of Diamond Jim's.Giant Jerry plays good,he pulls position and really does not miss all that much.He drilled me flat out for two sets!Needless to say but I was not very happy about it. My match was against another five,I like to think I'm a six playing at a five skill level.You see I've been sand bagging in this league for years basically since it's inception.My player # in the APA League is #151,that makes me a dinosaur in the league.I have not played in the league since 2007,and I find myself on teams where I constantly need to maintain a five skill level,so I've been laying down since the beginning!My first two seasons in the APA I let it all hang out,with great results.In the county I live in I was #2 ranked for my first season and #1 ranked my second season.But since then I've always had to lay down.I don't mind laying down as long as I can play some of the cash tournaments sponsored by the APA.And most of those have a skill level maximum of a combined 11,so you can only play a 5/6 as your best team.So that's why I'm in the APA once again.Hopefully to rob a few tournaments.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Anxious to Play
I'm very anxious to get to the table today! It feels like I have not played in weeks! I know I played on the bar box and was actually in action just the other day,but I still don't count it as playing,why I don't count it,I really couldn't explain.Too me it's just not the same game,I don't approach a bar box the same way as I do a big table.My concentration level and focus are different for each table,I know that's not a good thing,and it's something I need to change.
Tonight is the 9ball League night,and I'm hoping they play me,I really feel like I could play good today!I'm in a good mood,and very excited to get too the table.
I'm also hoping that I can get some action for the afternoon,I need the money to pay for league.Once again I don't recommend it,but I will be playing on an empty barrel,because I'm totally broke!So wish me luck please,I'm going to need it!Sorry for the short post but I gotta go play now,I'll try to post again later tonight.
STRETCH
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Time Off
I have not played since Friday now!Wow it's not easy to not play,it's definitely easier for me to play every day. Actually I did play a few games of last pocket 8 ball on a bar box yesterday,but I don't count a bar box as playing,too me it's not a real game.I was in action though,I went too the ghetto and found myself in a bar called Nelson's.This is a real seedy place,nothing but regulars go in here,and it's pretty dangerous.The regular crowd consists of a mix of the usual drunks who show up at 9:00am,and the drug dealers who love to gamble on anything.Now I don't like to consider myself a regular,but I am well known to frequent this place.I started going too Nelson's about 2 years ago because of an 8 ball league I got roped into playing.I was TOLD I was playing for a guy named BUTTER,after I beat him playing for $20 a game last pocket 8 ball for $180.I wasn't really interested in league play but I was also TOLD I really couldn't say no at that point,if I did it wasn't going to be real healthy for me.You see BUTTER doesn't like to lose,he considers himself a player,and he can make some shots but he's got no cue ball control,and to play Last Pocket 8 Ball you need some CB control.But after beating him,he had his partner Supreme,pay me and inform me of my new position on his team.You see Butter didn't mind paying for a new player,but if I didn't play then it meant he got HUSTLED,and that he wasn't going to put up with!So there I was a new member of the team.
Since then I've been slowly working this bar for pocket change,you know $60 here $80 there kinda thing.There are a few guys that will still post up with me,but for the most part I'm the favorite every time. Now yesterday I played a relatively new guy name "Mean Jean" he can run out on you but usually makes at least one mistake per rack,so I know if I don't get out the first time at the table most likely I'll get another chance.I've played him before and I'm in his pocket! When we started yesterday I had zero dollars so I was playing on an empty barrel!I do not recommend this to any player no matter how good you play!The pressure of playing on an empty barrel does funny things to your game,playing for the cash is hard enough,but when you start to factor in the "Holy shit I just lost and can't pay" thing the pressure goes through the roof.Aside from the fact that your now playing a guy with the name "Mean Jean" I know,it's just a name,but it's gotta come from somewhere and I'm not looking to find out where! So I win the first two,thank God.I lost the third,but won the next three.Now I'm up $80 after starting with zero,this to me is a good little score for the day.We where playing straight 8 ball and I tried to change the game to Last Pocket 8 Ball for the next game but he was done,he quit.So I buy him a drink and then I'm on my way.
I have not been to Diamond Jim's since Friday,when I played Big Scott,and I really don't remember how I played.I told you guys I have a lot of stuff on my mind and that has not really changed,it is just something that is going to have to play itself out in the future.I'm still not sure if I have to quit this game again yet,so I'm taking it one day at a time.I do not want to quit!But I may have too!I'll let you guys know as soon as I do! Tomorrow is the 9 ball league night and I'm looking forward to it.I'll probably go too the pool hall for the whole day and practice tomorrow.Maybe if Mike the Fish,Jersey Ken or Jose' are there I'll have some action.
Since then I've been slowly working this bar for pocket change,you know $60 here $80 there kinda thing.There are a few guys that will still post up with me,but for the most part I'm the favorite every time. Now yesterday I played a relatively new guy name "Mean Jean" he can run out on you but usually makes at least one mistake per rack,so I know if I don't get out the first time at the table most likely I'll get another chance.I've played him before and I'm in his pocket! When we started yesterday I had zero dollars so I was playing on an empty barrel!I do not recommend this to any player no matter how good you play!The pressure of playing on an empty barrel does funny things to your game,playing for the cash is hard enough,but when you start to factor in the "Holy shit I just lost and can't pay" thing the pressure goes through the roof.Aside from the fact that your now playing a guy with the name "Mean Jean" I know,it's just a name,but it's gotta come from somewhere and I'm not looking to find out where! So I win the first two,thank God.I lost the third,but won the next three.Now I'm up $80 after starting with zero,this to me is a good little score for the day.We where playing straight 8 ball and I tried to change the game to Last Pocket 8 Ball for the next game but he was done,he quit.So I buy him a drink and then I'm on my way.
I have not been to Diamond Jim's since Friday,when I played Big Scott,and I really don't remember how I played.I told you guys I have a lot of stuff on my mind and that has not really changed,it is just something that is going to have to play itself out in the future.I'm still not sure if I have to quit this game again yet,so I'm taking it one day at a time.I do not want to quit!But I may have too!I'll let you guys know as soon as I do! Tomorrow is the 9 ball league night and I'm looking forward to it.I'll probably go too the pool hall for the whole day and practice tomorrow.Maybe if Mike the Fish,Jersey Ken or Jose' are there I'll have some action.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Ground In
You can't walk away from this game!It gets ground into you,every time you chalk a cue you grind it in a little more.I walked from this game two or three major times in my life,for years at a time.Now i find myself at another crossroad and I just can't figure it out.I'm just writing what ever comes to mind right now so bear with me. I have this living situation witch is not ideal,and I really think it's time to move on,I think I've worn out my welcome there.The thing is,if I go so does the game!I really only have one option as far as where I can go and it isn't good.Where I can go and be on my own there is no pool!There's nothing but despair it,s one of the worst city's in the U.S.A. Nothing but drugs,alcohol,crime. Like I said before I just got started again with this game but I may have to leave it already,my living situation has to be addressed. If I move from where I am today I have to leave the game for another time in life.That sucks!I just got back into it and have really bit the bullet hard.I even joined a 9ball league and won my first match against the other teams top player.I don't want to walk away again!I can play this game!I can play this game well given the chance.I used to play pretty good but this time around is different.I can feel it I'm going to play better than I ever played before!My level of focus and concentration is going to go through the roof if I cultivate it. I got a lot of stuff going on in my life right now,and that's never good for a pool player you need a clear mind to play this game.But funny thing is I still feel I can play.I gotta get a few things ironed out or I just gotta suck a few things up for a few months and then it will all work out. If I go too the ghetto it's all over before it even started,I'm going to the ghetto tomorrow to look for a place to stay,and we'll see what I find.I don't want to do it but it may be the only option for me.
Saturday, May 5, 2012
I had no plans on playing yesterday! I wanted to take a few days off,I've been playing a lot,I think I played 6 straight days over 6 hours a day,that's a lot for me.My plan was to take Friday,Saturday,Sunday and Monday off.Sometimes things just don't work as planned though.I had a little personnel issue yesterday and found myself hiding at the pool hall.It's not a bad place to hide but when you have stuff on your mind it really has an adverse affect on your game. I found myself at the table with Big Scott,we played two sets,I think I started to catch a stroke in the second set,but I really couldn't tell you.I just got so much on my mind right now. I just got back too this game and after yesterday I have to question whether I'll even be able to continue with it,I may have to put this whole thing on hold till I can iron out a few things.I'm going to take these three days and think about it.
Friday, May 4, 2012
I'm up early today,been up since 5:00am.Got stuff on the brain kinda thing going.I'm about to go through another big change in life,it's a positive change,but we all know how much we as humans love change!Change is funny for me,when it's a bad change I thrive,give me a good change and I'm a mess,I don't know what to do with it.Story of my life!But this is supposed to be about pool for me,and that'...s why I do not use my real name here,so lets get back to the game.
I went to Diamond yesterday hoping to match up,even though I was going to be late.When I arrived Jersey Ken and Mike the Fish had matched up for a game of straight pool,so that put a damper on my plans,I was hoping to play one of the two.But that's what you get for being late.Jersey Ken is a very desirable game if you know what I mean,you pretty much have to get a ticket,everyone wants a piece of this guys action.He says he loves it,but when your on the outside looking in all you see is a,pack of wolves and one fuzzy little rabbit!And Jersey aint one of the wolves! Now I know I gave him a good write up the other day,but I think he was playing overhead against me.I watched his game against The Fish,granted this game was straight pool but I was not impressed to say the least.Mistake after mistake,missed ball after missed ball,wrong patterns you name it he did it wrong. How in the world I lost two sets to this guy is now driving me nuts,and is the reason I've been up since 5:00 am! They finish,I tried to get a game with him but he matches up with Jose' instead.So I decide to watch.This was my big mistake,I should have just gone back to my table and practiced.
How did I lose two sets too this guy? You want to know how?I know how,Karl and I had a discussion about it the other day.It's called "seasoning" for witch I have none right now and he has a ton.For you guys that do not know what seasoning is it's,having the recent experience of game type pressure,being able to perform when it's on the line.Now the thing for me is;I USED to be a seasoned player!That's what I've learned today.I have to remember that I've only been playing for a month and a half now!I'm not supposed to be seasoned.But and there is always a but with me I am thinking like a seasoned player and that's a mistake.Seasoning only comes one way and that's with time and experience at the table and in the situations that are encountered in game.I need to be less critical of myself.Or better yet I need to remember what kind of player I am right now,NOT what kind of player I used to be.
What kinda player am I today?To be honest I don't know!There's a couple of guys at Diamond that think I'm an A player but we know that's not the case.Ken The Kernal Kerner rates me a C+ favorite on the Tri State Tour,Joey Kong says I'm a B.If you ask me,I don't know what to rate myself right now!All I know is that I just found the pocket again in the last few times I played,before that I really did not know what I was even aiming at!I was getting down on shots and just aiming at something,anything except nothing!I figured aim at something,at least I'll look good missing.So how could I be anything more than a D class player?How I used to play has no bearing on today!It's very confusing I have to keep things in perspective and kinda forget how I used to play and let it all happen again for me.I'm a D class player right now going to an A class player.Hence the name of the blog.See More LikeUnlike ·
I went to Diamond yesterday hoping to match up,even though I was going to be late.When I arrived Jersey Ken and Mike the Fish had matched up for a game of straight pool,so that put a damper on my plans,I was hoping to play one of the two.But that's what you get for being late.Jersey Ken is a very desirable game if you know what I mean,you pretty much have to get a ticket,everyone wants a piece of this guys action.He says he loves it,but when your on the outside looking in all you see is a,pack of wolves and one fuzzy little rabbit!And Jersey aint one of the wolves! Now I know I gave him a good write up the other day,but I think he was playing overhead against me.I watched his game against The Fish,granted this game was straight pool but I was not impressed to say the least.Mistake after mistake,missed ball after missed ball,wrong patterns you name it he did it wrong. How in the world I lost two sets to this guy is now driving me nuts,and is the reason I've been up since 5:00 am! They finish,I tried to get a game with him but he matches up with Jose' instead.So I decide to watch.This was my big mistake,I should have just gone back to my table and practiced.
How did I lose two sets too this guy? You want to know how?I know how,Karl and I had a discussion about it the other day.It's called "seasoning" for witch I have none right now and he has a ton.For you guys that do not know what seasoning is it's,having the recent experience of game type pressure,being able to perform when it's on the line.Now the thing for me is;I USED to be a seasoned player!That's what I've learned today.I have to remember that I've only been playing for a month and a half now!I'm not supposed to be seasoned.But and there is always a but with me I am thinking like a seasoned player and that's a mistake.Seasoning only comes one way and that's with time and experience at the table and in the situations that are encountered in game.I need to be less critical of myself.Or better yet I need to remember what kind of player I am right now,NOT what kind of player I used to be.
What kinda player am I today?To be honest I don't know!There's a couple of guys at Diamond that think I'm an A player but we know that's not the case.Ken The Kernal Kerner rates me a C+ favorite on the Tri State Tour,Joey Kong says I'm a B.If you ask me,I don't know what to rate myself right now!All I know is that I just found the pocket again in the last few times I played,before that I really did not know what I was even aiming at!I was getting down on shots and just aiming at something,anything except nothing!I figured aim at something,at least I'll look good missing.So how could I be anything more than a D class player?How I used to play has no bearing on today!It's very confusing I have to keep things in perspective and kinda forget how I used to play and let it all happen again for me.I'm a D class player right now going to an A class player.Hence the name of the blog.See More LikeUnlike ·
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