I'm Back

I think I may be back!I'm not exactly sure as of yet but things do look good for me to be around for a while,at least till the wind blows me in another adventure.

This I can say,"I am done with Newburgh" or it's done with me.That place is insane.Easily the hardest place I have ever tried to live.I really had no idea how hard it was going to be,I. watched it eat peoples lives right before all of our eyes.

Welcome to Newburgh the Murder Capitol of New York

It's not funny to live here.But I used to joke around and say "life could be worst,you could live in Newburgh." Well I'm here now! And I've been here since October 2012.This city is the biggest shame of New York! It is in the Hudson Valley and could easily be the nicest city on the Hudson River,it just has so much potential with all the great architecture. I mean the place is so blighted right now,but if it ever does turn around it would be awesome to see it finished.Broadway alone is something to see,a four lane street with head first parking on both sides,really cool.Brick row houses one after the other,some are lived in but the majority are either abandoned and gutted or just boarded up.For me I see it as a real shame to let all that craftsmanship just crumble and turn to dust.But that's how it goes in Newburgh,society in this city is doing the same thing.It is a small city with big city crime.It's the 10th WORST city per capita to live in in the COUNTRY.President Obama himself once received a morning briefing about the violence in Newburgh! Morning briefings are used for the most important things he has to address on a daily basis.Now I knew the place was a shit hole before I got here,I just didn't know to what extreme,and when I found that out, I knew I was in for a ride. I'm going to post a few more things about Newburgh,but then I'm going to try to get you guys up to date with where and what has gone on in my journeys.

A few Newburgh videos

you have dig a little for the good ones but there here.Don't miss the one with Senator Chuck Shumer....He's standing directly in front of my building! It's either called Crime Wave or Welcome Blood Alley.

Still Alive and Kicking in Newburgh N.Y.

I haven't played with my Omen cue since July 10,2012.Wow that's 17 months I've been away from the game!Although I have walked away from pool voluntarily for much longer stretches,this is a long one,and it was not what I really wanted for myself at the time!But you never know what the game of life is going to throw at you,and you just have to go with it.

I know I said I would do a tell all of whats gone on in my life in the last year.I mean the whole purpose of this blogg was to give a good,the bad,and the ugly of a journey through the ranks of this great game we all love so much.I'm gonna give it to you,but it may not be what you want to read about this life style we live.But it will be the truth about where it took me,you see this game had a direct effect on my living situation and ended up getting me a ticket to the murder capitol of New York state!It was my choices about the game in my life,that really melded together this nightmare I've been living for the last year and a quarter!

There is a whole lot of ugly in the last year and a quarter of my life,and to be honest with you,I'm positive I don't want all of you guys to know everything!

I am going to give it my best effort to tell all and not pull any punches.But you gotta give me some time to put it all together and get up to date.There has just been a whole lot of stuff happening for all that time.So give me a moment,I'll try my hardest to make it worth the wait!

I can tell you this; the rest of this story has all the goods for a real crappy "c" movie.Sex,drugs,violence,gang warfare and politics,and incarcerations all to keep you stay tuned.So tune in and let me know what you think of my writing.

Newburgh N.Y. is no joke.It's a very serious place to try to live!

STRETCH

High from the grave

Wow it's been a long time since I played or posted here!I did tell you guys that I may have to leave the game for a while and I did.I'm not back playing,although I did get to the table yesterday with Big Scott and Roger Dogger for my birthday.Man so much has happened in the last 4 months since I've been MIA,it's crazy!I'm pretty sure I'm going to post it all up here,but I need some time to think about how to write it.I may be getting a new computer from a friend,and then I'll be posting more regularly again.

As far as any play went yesterday,it was pretty bad on my side.I was very excited to get to a table,and really looking forward to using my Omen cue.I got to the table but could not use my cue,I had to borrow another cue to play with.It was a nice custom cue made by Lohman,I had never hit with one before and I was impressed with it.I played for a while with the original custom shaft,and then switched it out for a Predator shaft,which is what I play with.I liked it better with the Predator,I felt more comfortable with it,and it changed the hit drasticly I do not like playing with any other custom cues than the one I own at the time,maybe I'm crazy but I feel like I'm cheating and she's going to find out.So I didn't get to play my cue's that I love so much,but I got to a table for 6 hours and I got to see and play with a bunch of good friends,who could ask for anything more?

I want to keep this blogg going again but without a computer of my own it's not easy,you see writing is very hard for me.If I have to do it on a library computer I would most likely only get a few lines in before my time would be up on the computer.I enjoy writing it's pretty theraputic for me,and I think it's good because I may be able to write things that I wouldn't be able to talk about.I'm goingg to try to put the last 4 months I've been gone into words but I'm going to need a little time,but this blogg was supposed to cover the whole trip from a D class player to hopefully an A class player,with the good the bad and the uggly all included.In my opening description I mention the glamerous and seedy world of billiards,well for 4 months now I've been on the seedy side of the game,and I want to share it with you guys,because if I do it will help me save my own life.

wow they call this a tuff game.Let me tell you life is much harder.I live in the most dangerous city in the the US..the murder capital of the the US. I watched someone get shot last night and I personaly beet someone with a brakeline last night...thats what i've become...thats what this city has done to me...im living on the street and just trying to survive...i havent eaten in days...but im still trying to protect my pool cue...i have no idea whats going to happen next...i dont even care....i wish i could play

Scared Money

Wow I didn't realize how long it's been since I last posted! I've been pretty busy with work,so that's what is getting in the way of my pool game.

I did get to play some last night though.Big Scott and I where at Diamond Jim's at around 8:00 pm looking for some action.The place wasn't empty but it wasn't really alive either.Monday leagues were running,but that was about it,and there really isn't any action from the league players.
I found some action with Chris the Cop.I've never played him before,but have seen him play a few times.I figured we are about even as far as skill goes,so that's the game we set.Chris never even thought about asking for weight,so I think he felt the same as I did.So even up races to 7 was the game.

The first set I jumped right out 2-0.But Chris came back and and knotted it up.Chris makes some nice shots and misses some easy shots,much like myself!Our games are very even.This set went hill/hill,that's how close our game is.I know it's only 1 set,but Chris is a stand up kinda guy,so I'm pretty positive he wouldn't be laying down at all,I'm sure he has the capability of playing better than he did,but so do I.Chris plays on the Tri State tour,and his rating is a C player.Now Ken the Kernal says I'm a B player but I don't agree with that!I feel I'm more of a C player than a B player.So this set went hill/hill,and I missed an 8 ball for the loss.

We played a second set that was just as competitive as the first,but the end result was the same,with me on the losers side.Now I didn't play bad,but I didn't play good either!At the table I can honestly say I gave about 75% and that's what I got in return.I had no intensity what so ever,now that I think of it.My game changes dramatically when I can deliver the intensity.I do things differently,my PSR changes and even how I aim changes.I'm just really noticing this now about my game.Or I'm just starting to believe something different,I cant really put my finger on it right now but something is changing the way I think about my game.I hope it's for the good of my game,and not something negative!

One thing I do know about my game is that I really shouldn't be gambling at all.I'm playing with scarey money,and that's never really a good idea.I don't feel scared when I play, but the money just means so much to me right now.I just can't afford to loose,and when you think like that you almost always loose!

Fish On

I played pretty good yesterday,I'm happy with my play.I mean it wasn't great but I learned a few things about myself,and that's what matters the most,that you learn something and walk away with it!For me to say I learned something is not that hard any time I play,it's walking away with it that's tough.Really it's coming back to the table with it that's the hardest!

I played The Fish yesterday!He called me up at the perfect moment to get me out of work.I think,let me put that in capitals for my critics! I THINK we played 4 sets race to 9.The scores I do remember are the ones that count most to me,because I'm getting closer to being competitive in these sets against The Fish.So this is how I remember it,the 1st set I won 9-4,2nd set 9-7 The Fish,3rd set 9-7 The Fish.This is where I'm a little fuzzy in my memory 4th set 9-5 The Fish.

Now I don't like to lose,but I have found that for me,the loses are where I learn the most about my game.I seem to walk away with more when I lose.Don't get me wrong about winning I walk with a lot then also,but if you ask me how I won,I would have a harder time telling you shot by shot,but on my loses I can tell you exactly how I lost!I wish it meant that I could just fix the errors,but it doesn't work like that.The good news is I remember the errors,and have an opportunity to correct them.

In one of my older posts I stated that Mike The Fish just likes to beat me up when we play.Well I stand by that statement!The Fish was not a happy fish during or after the 1st set.I could see it in his face.I don't think he was mad,but he was definitely not happy to lose 9-4.I on the other hand was ecstatic,I was playing real good,and it felt great!I was hoping that I could keep it up for the day,and for the most part I think I did.Even though I only won 1 set,I kept it tight for at least 2 more.The Fish is a very good player so he is supposed to win in long races,and in multiple set sessions,which he did.The weaker player is not supposed to be able to keep up,but I think I kept up very well.

My game is coming back slowly but surely,and I feel it's going to come back stronger than ever.I could really use some time on the table by myself just doing drills,I haven't done any drill work in at least a month,so I need to set some time aside for that.I've really just been playing tough matches against tough players,players that play balls better than my best game.I have always heard that playing the toughest matches you can find is good for your game,but it's not good for your confidence,that I can tell you for sure.My confidence has suffered a lot due to playing these matches,but a win like that puts a lot back!In the long run I think your better off playing a combination of tough matches and matches you know you have a chance of winning,not just 1 set,but complete sessions.In fact I think only playing tough matches could be a detriment to your game!Your confidence could suffer as much as mine did,I was at the point of praying just to make a single ball!That's not good.I'm sort of still at that point,whether I'm confident or praying will depend on my next session,I'll come to the table with the confidence of beating The Fish,but if I can not come out firing I'll be praying before to long.I know that's not the right mindset but that's where I'm at now.Just writing that will help me overcome that hitch in my game!

Tonight is 9 ball APA league night.I've only lost 1 match in league,so you would think it's a confidence booster for me,but it really isn't.And that's because of the format,APA 9 ball is more like straight pool(14.1),you don't have to make a single 9 ball to win your match,it goes by points.So all you really have to do is make sure you take 5 points from every rack(single ball is 1 point 9 ball is worth 2 points).That's how I've been playing in the league,I do just enough to win,no more no less.It's a little bit of a balancing act but I'm managing.So you can see why it's not such a great confidence booster.Now that I wrote that also,maybe it should be,it's not an easy thing to do.You have to be able to clock the other player almost immediately or your in trouble right away,you also must be able to run when you need to run,which is never easy to turn on and off.I have a few tricks I use to facilitate that,but it's not fail proof.For me I have to be in the right mindset to play league,and do well.Fortunately I have been.I only lost the 1 set,and if I remember correctly I didn't lose by much.Last week I had to give weight(a spot/balls/points)and that's the first time I had to,and I did just fine.

So what have I taken away from the game and this blog post aside from carpal tunnel syndrome?I know what I got from both!I hope you guys got something from all this writing,I think you should be able to walk with something.I feel you should be able to learn from some of my mistakes,and it will save you some time with your game.So maybe you'll share it with me and write a comment.
STRETCH

Not My Day

I'm hoping yesterday was just not my day.Because if it was a reflection of how I will play I might as well quit.I couldn't make 3 balls in row yesterday!

I had some action with Magic Mike,we played 3 sets and I got creamed all 3.Now I don't feel like his game is the favorite.I feel I'm supposed to win,maybe not every set,but I'm definitely not supposed to get beat up on all 3.It looks like Magic Mike has just about zero CB control.He seems to just free stroke from shot to shot without to much concern for position.He's definitely a shot maker,pockets balls pretty clean.He lets go of the rock all the time,and will fish for 9 balls.I gave away the first and second sets,and you just can't do that!It's something I need to fix!

I do not know what I was doing wrong or different,but something was off!I don't think it's in my mechanics,because even Toby Sweet gave me a compliment on that,he said he's been watching me and he likes my mechanics!That's a real nice thing to hear from a player of that caliber!It may be in the way I see the ball,some days I can pick up those spots you need to hit and it looks like a few different pin heads.But some days I'm really just guessing where it is,to the point where I even stop looking at the object ball,and just look at the CB.Not a lot of players will tell you to look at the CB last,but there are a few really great players that also look at the CB last.I go back and forth with the CB last or Object Ball last,on a lot of shots,I always have.Not that it's wrong or right,it's just the way I learned to play.CB last requires that you have great mechanics.The theory is that once you get down on the shot and lined up,you should be able to deliver the cue to the CB straight and to the OB straight,once your planted you should be in the perfect position and able to close your eyes and pocket the ball.Makes sense to me,not easy though.

Fish Attack

I didn't survive the onslaught of Mike the Fish!I think we played 3 or 4 sets,and the Fish won them all convincingly!I'm pretty sure the closest I got was 9-5.I played horrible!I could do no right,and I got every bad roll there was!Not to make excuses but that's how it went.

I recently hurt my back really bad,and have been having a hard time getting down on the ball.Normally playing pool with a bad back would not be thought of as a good move,but it seemed to help loosen up my spine.My injury is not muscular I think I slipped a disk,because when I did it,I felt something like bone on bone.Playing seemed to help,but I'm pretty sure I'm not getting down on the shot like I normally would.That could be a little of whats going on with my game for yesterday.No excuses in pool though,I just played bad.

I also played a race to 9 with Big Al and did not fair well either.I really like both of these guys games!Mike had asked me what I thought the game would be between them,and I said it would be even,well they matched up the other day.Mike said they played 6 sets and split,so there you have it.If I was asked where I thought there was any advantage it would be the break.Big Al has a slight advantage there,but not much,Mike The Fish doesn't give up much though.

I started a set,race to 7 with Jose' The Hosser,but had to leave in the middle.We left it at 4-4 and I'm breaking.I gave away 2 or 3 games in this set,and I cant afford to give away any more.

League Night

So last night was league night,and it was not a good night for me to play.I wrecked my back the other morning putting on my pants.Yeah,yeah laugh out loud.But really I was in so much pain,I didn't think I would be able to play.Big Scott and I got to the pool hall at 12:00pm,and when I first went to get over my shot it hurt so bad I didn't think I could do it again.But after a few games it became easier and easier.Then I found the magic cure,beer yup the elixir from the Gods!I took 2 Aleave's and slammed a Bud Ice tallboy,and by the time I got back to Diamond Jim's I was good to go!I don't like to take meds that are just masking agents it makes it to easy to put yourself in a vulnerable position,and create more damage.But I really think the beer was the one that did the trick,it relaxed me,and I think that's what my back needed.

I was the first to go last night,and I shouldn't have been.Nira put me up against a 4 that she should have played,and I should have played the second match against Lyle who recently dropped his handicap to a 4.Well it didn't work out the way we would have liked.Nira lost her match,after I had won my match.My match was pretty tough but Lyle was a little tougher.We did the best we could in our matches,Nira almost got the win!Next up was Big Scott,I think he played a 7.Big Scott did not play good at all,and lost his match.Next up was Matt also a newly ranked 7,he got off to a rough start but found a little stroke and came from behind to nail a win!I hope we can keep Matt a 7,because we really don't need an 8.I would love to see our team have lower handicaps with higher capability's.

Not Expected

I should have a lot to write about,since I have not posted any of whats gone on in the last 5-6 days.A lot has happened but I'm not sure I remember it all.I'll give it my best shot for you guys though.

This did not happen in order,it's just how I remember it.

I've played a ton in the last week,I was trying to get it in before starting a construction job that is going to consume all of my time for the next few weeks.The only reason I can even write this is,I hurt my back today,in the early morning I yanked something out of line,like a disc,it hurts really bad.

I'm going to start with my play as that's what I remember best.
I have had a significant improvement happen to my game!Not only have I noticed but other players have seen it too.But I'm not the only one in the pool hall to improve,Big Scott is right there with me,the other day we played for a few sets,and we pretty much went rack for rack of run outs.I hit him with a 2 pack and he hit right back with almost a 2 pack,that ALMOST was probably the set decider.I'm happy Big Scott and I are showing signs of improvement we have both put in a lot of work.
My game jumped the other day like a least a ball!That's a rather large jump,I didn't expect it to last for more than a day,but it did.I had what I hope was just a minor set back vs Chino yesterday.He beat me every set we played and the closest I got was I think 7-9.I'm calling it a minor set back because,Toby Sweet asked me a few questions that I answered,and as I answered,I was immediately enlightened to what had changed from that day to this day.It's a very simple fix,and I expect to be right back there again.Toby also gave me a flattering statement about my game,when he said "I have great mechanics".I was just as surprised as I was happy to hear that.My game is taking it's time,but it's coming!Good things come to those who wait.
I still have a few people on my list to beat.I played with Giant Jerry the other day,but we had to stop short in the second set and call it a game.I don't think he was playing all that good.I got him the first,and we stopped the 2nd set as a race to 5,in which he got me.

Toby Sweet almost had some good action,He was supposed to play Mike Wong.But they had some pre match drama,and could not agree on a game!This kid Wong was a real tool,you could tell he always got his way as a kid,because of the way he talked to Toby.He said he wanted to have to grind for the wins,and wanted to play sets.Toby wanted the REAL grind,he wanted to play by the game,and guarantee 8 hours of play per day!Now that's what I call a grind!Wong wanted rack your own ball,Toby wasn't falling for that trick either.Toby even offered to pay for a hotel for him.It's probably for the best that they didn't play,word is Wong will drive you nuts with how slow he plays,and I heard that from more than one player!So it was no action for Toby.
Toby did get a good game the other day from a truly unsuspecting,supposedly world champion in your own mind kinda guy.This guy come into Diamond Jim's,and just starts asking people for a game,so Jersey Ken points him in Toby's direction.This guy was another tool,and he had a travel pose' with him.So they agree to a game of Chicago.Now everybody in the room knows who Toby is except this guy.It was like watching a hustling movie.Toby beat this guy like 42 ways out of 50!

Talisman Hard Tip Review

I'm gonna try and give you a fair evaluation of the Talisman Water Buffalo Hard.

This is a hard hitting tip,and I like hard tips for a few reasons;
1. They last longer
2. They hold shape better
3. They sound better
4. They feel better
The only draw backs for a hard tip that I can think of is;
1. They don't hold chalk
2. They miscue easier
3. They don't grab the cue ball as well as say a medium tip
4. Some people may feel they get less feed back from the cue

That's all I can think of right now but if anyone has any other advantages or disadvantages please respond!

This tip has lasted about 6 weeks now which is a long time for me ,and still has about a week or 2 left in it.I'm very abusive with the chalk,and really grind them down to nothing just by chalking!

The cue is a Pete Omen
The shaft is a Predator 314 small cat

This is a great tip!By far the best laminated tip I've ever used!

This tip plays slightly harder than the hardest Triangle,but grabs the CB nicely.It holds a ton of chalk,gives great feedback,sounds good and solid.It doesn't grab as well as the Talisman WB medium,but it grabs well.The medium grabs maybe a little to much for my stroke.Miscues with this tip have only occurred a few times and only recently,the tip has maybe 1 good nickle left in it.When I installed this tip I had it shaped to a dime radius,and it flattened to a nickle,and never moved again!

I can highly recommend this tip for any player that likes a hard hitting tip!In fact this tip is the only tip that I can say plays better than the best Triangle!That's a bold statement,I've been playing hard Triangles for my whole career. But this Talisman Water Buffalo Hard wins that match up with a few things;
1. Holds shape better
2. Miscues less often
3. More consistent feel through out it's life span
4. Grabs the CB better

This tip is my new tip of choice!I'll be installing a new one shortly,and have all the confidence in the world that a new one will play the same.Talisman makes some bold statements on their web site,which I was skeptical of,but the tips do what the web site says!I'm totally impressed with this tip. It's the first tip for me that has now replaced hard Triangles as my tip of choice!

I Got Him Too

Yesterday was a tough day of play for me.Mikey Fish called me up the night before and set a match up,his usual Straight Pool game fell thru,so I guess I was the first person on his hit list.If that's the case then I'm flattered,I don't think it would be from my quality of play,I'm more inclined to believe he just likes to beat me up!Well the beatings continued yesterday,we played all day,and into the night for a few hours.

So I think this is how it went.We played 7 or 8 sets race to 9.Fish beat me up for I think the first 5 sets!I know it sounds bad ,but The Fish plays better than me!I'm not supposed to win,but I got him!Yes I did,I got him for 2 sets,if I remember correctly.That's a big thing for me,there are a few guys in here that I really need to get,for my confidence,and The Fish is one of them!

I know I can play with these guys,and be a favorite.My game is just coming back,I wish I was a natural at this game,but I always had to work hard for my game.I'm putting in the mileage with my game,and it's just starting to show!

I Got One of Them

Wow today was a quick day.I went to Diamond Jim's and played Big Al.It went so fast I really did not feel like I played!We only got three sets in,and I'm happy to report one of them went my way in a big way! I finally got him in the first set,9-3.The second set went hill/hill and I missed an 8 ball and gave the set away.The third set went his way also.I'm starting to have and play with confidence.This is great news for me,I've been playing with no confidence for weeks now,and I hope it's finally over.I really don't see why it wouldn't be over.

17 Hours of Action

I could probably write about 3 pages,with all that took place at Diamond Jim's yesterday!There was ACTION all day and all night,I know because I got there at 12:00 pm and left at 5:00am,that's a long day of pool and I never left the table!

I love Saturday's at Diamond Jim's the place is really alive,every table is lit,and characters come and go through out the day and night.

I'm not going to be capable of giving you the specifics of every match,I really don't remember it all,I don't even remember all of my own action.

We started off the day with three featured matches;
Table 1 Toby Sweet vs Chino
Table 2 Jose' "The Hoser" vs Ronnie "The Lock"
Table 3 Big Al vs "Stretch"

Out of respect and for the sake of privacy,all I'll ever say about players gambling is that they are in action.

Toby Sweet vs Chino; Now this was a special match!To have someone of Toby's caliber playing next too you is a treat!Arguably the best money player to play the game,I think Chino is a little out gunned.I really did not get a chance to sweat that match,as I was involved in my own war.I can say that I did see Toby breaking a lot.I also noticed that Toby is rarely shooting anything over 2 feet,and he's on the correct side of the ball every time! I wish I could have really watched this match,you could learn a lot.I am a little happy with myself for not watching,because that meant I kept my head on my game.

The Hoser vs The Lock; Now this is Ronnie The Lock's first appearance in my blog so lets talk a little about his game.I wish I could really tell you how The Lock plays but I don't have a ton of time watching him.One of the things I do know about his game is,it's dam good!And everyone tells me he has the simplest game in the room.But when your never out of line it always looks simple,and that's my take on his game!
Needless to say I believe Hoser was just out gunned also.I think the Hoser did pretty good against The Lock,I think they were playing even up,and I know at least one set went hill/hill.They played for four sets with the Lock winning all four!But to The Hoser's credit,if you can go hill/hill with The lock,for even just one set,you should be pretty happy!

Big Al vs Stretch; You would think I would know everything about this match up,since I played in it,but I don't!What I can tell you is,it was very competitive! I managed to go 7-9 2-9 7-9 and we played at least 2 more sets,but I don't remember the scores.I played pretty well and I'm happy with my results.Big Al plays at about an A class,so I was out gunned also.But I gave him a good shot,and I think he knew I was there.

The night session;
There was only one match for the night but it was long and tough.

Stretch vs Ian; Now this was a real test for me to see if I could dig deep and claw my way back into a stroke.I'd been at the table for around 9 hours when Ian called me out for the second time of the day.I will tell you this about the action,it's more than that for me!This was about food,and not just any food!This was about sushi!Do I have your attention now?Well I lost the first 2 sets,and was really not seeing the edge of the ball,it was just a giant blurr too me.We doubled the double and I wore him out,and edged him for the set!Now Ian and I are even.

I'm on my way back today.

Where is King Konng?

I want to start out today with a little rant.
You see at Diamond Jim's we have our fair share of good players.But for the past couple of weeks we have a really great player in our midst,his name is Toby Sweet.Now I'm not the only one to call him a great player,and I'm not just using Diamond Jim's players as a yard stick.Toby is a true world class player!More than a few people across the globe will tell you,Toby is the best money player EVER!I started a thread on AZ Billiards and it's been front page news for a couple of weeks now!Everybody wants to know what Toby is doing,is he going to play,and just shouting out to him.If you read through that thread you'll find stories and accolades from across the globe.Yes Toby is that good!I was talking with Toby yesterday,and he told me that most of the time he never really showed his A game to anyone!I've never seen his A game,I wish I could!

But here is my thing though.Everyone of the regulars at Diamond Jim's is expecting Joey King Kong to play Toby Sweet!King Kong is the best player at Diamond Jim's and everyone is wondering where the hell he is! I have not seen him since Toby showed up,and he used to be there every day.Now I don't know if he's ducking him or not,and if he is ducking him,I understand fully! If I played their speed,I would play the match regardless of the money.But that's because I want the tough matches! I'm not sure of this but I think Joey may very well be hiding,he may not want such a tough match.Even though Toby doesn't play that much now,I think he's the favorite,in fact I could not see myself betting against him! I would love to see them play,I've never seen Joey's A game,but I'm pretty positive he would need it against Toby.

Now on to yesterdays action;I first hooked up with Mike the Fish.That's a tough match for me,I'm definitely not the favorite!We play even although he should be giving me some sort of weight to make it more competitive.We played 3 sets race too 9.The first set was tight,I jumped to an early lead 4-1 only managed to win 3 more games after Fish took the lead,I lost 7-9.The second set I got crushed 9-2.And the third set I fought my way back into the set,but lost again 7-9.I really don't know what happened in the second set,but it was a landslide!The first and third sets I played good and also smart,I didn't really didn't give anything away,I made him work for it.

Over the next few hours I had some action with two other players,but no real excitement,and I really didn't play good,I think I was tired,and I know I was hungry.

I feel pretty good about my game after coming so close too winning a set from Mike The Fish,now I KNOW I can win against him!This is the first time I gained some confidence since I started playing!That was back in late April,that's a long time too play with zero confidence!You have got to have confidence to play this game well,without it you'll never go anywhere!Mike the Fish told me something after we finished yesterday,I think it went like this,"your game has some genius to it,followed by some brain farts".That statement can go either way,but I know Fish meant for it to be a positive statement,so there is another confidence booster!

I'll be at the pool hall bright and early tomorrow!I'm hoping to match up with Big Al for the day.

Competition

My match for yesterday was Big Scott,a very competitive match,because we play the same speed! It's a match either one of us can win.There's not much that separates our games,I think it only comes down too who pockets one more ball per rack,not meaning that either of us could give the other the 8 ball,because we can't if I gave Big Scott the 8 ball he would probably win like 9-2 consistently,and the same goes the other way!The difference in our games is like 1 mistake per rack! It's probably a good thing for my game to play Big Scott,because I feel I can win.If either one of us catches a stroke,it could be a landslide defeat!We used to gamble a lot but now were too good of friends to really get in action with each other,therefore the bragging rights of a win or loss is usually good enough motivation.Our games should improve at about the same pace,I may play a little more than him,but he's more of a natural player then me,I always had to work at this game too catch a stroke!But I think I got Big Scott back into playing more seriously,we play on the same 9 ball league team,he's rated a 6 and I'm rated a 5 but I just started playing again,so I'll probably be a 6 sometime soon,not that I want to be a 6.

I asked Big Scott the other day,if he realized that he and I are the weakest 2 players of all the regulars at Diamond Jim's and he said he knew that,I was surprised at his answer.I plan on changing that!And I'm pretty sure he does too.It may take some time to accomplish,but I am determined to become an A class player!That's why I'm always looking to play the tough matches that I'm NOT supposed to win!I've been playing all of those guys,Chino,Mike the Fish,Jersey Ken,Ken the Kernal,Big Al,Ritchie,Carl Sloezen,Roger Doger,GIANT Jerry.These guys skill level range from solid B too Pro player.Carl being the lone Pro!
Not many have seen Carl's best game,but I got lucky,we started out playing 9 ball,which he plays incredibly well,and then a little 14.1.I played great for my game got a couple of racks off him playing 9 ball.Straight pool I missed 1 safety by just a hair,and Carl ran 253 balls on me!Yup 250+ that's what I said!Carl Sloezen is the best player hands down,that I have had the HONOR of playing.....I mean racking for!
Some people would be upset getting beat like that,not me I walked away from that match with a ton of knowledge and a new friend.Carl put on a WORLD class exhibition against ME,and I like to think it was because he was afraid to let me too the table.That's how you deal with a loss like that! I took a world class beating and I'm honored to say that,not many people can say that! It did not effect my confidence one bit,in fact it was a confidence booster!

I'm going to continue looking for those tough matches,because I think it's the right thing too do.I KNOW I'm lucky to have these kind of matches available to me every day.I have Diamond Jim's to thank for that!

There is a match that I'm looking to play,but I'm not sure I can get it.But I'm going to try my hardest to get it.It's against another World class 9 ball player!Goes by the name of Toby.Yup that Toby,Toby Sweet.He is here at Diamond Jim's.I watched him play some the day before yesterday against Benny the Jet.All I can say is it's just beautiful too watch Toby move the rock around the table.I need a monster spot from him to make it competitive!I may have to donate first to get the correct spot,but I don't mind that.I really just want the experience.How often do you get a chance to play someone of that caliber!In fact he can give me the world and I'm still just donating but I don't care,I want the match!I need the match!I'm a winner no matter what happens,I CANT LOSE it's a WIN WIN situation.

I'm not going to play today.I need a little break.

Damit Chino

I'm getting closer to beating Chino for a set,but still making some big mistakes.The mistakes I'm making are unforgivable.I think I missed with ball in hand 3 times in 4 sets!I also missed a few 9 balls and 8 balls!You just can't make mistakes like that against Chino!If you do,he's out.These are mistakes that can't be tolerated,you can't have them become part of your game,and I feel that's what is happening too me!I'm consistently making a lot of easy mistakes.If I could eliminate those mistakes my game would jump at least a ball.I think my game is right on the cusp of moving from a C+ too a B-. I felt good at the table yesterday,comfortable,like I was meant to be there.I have been trying to put more pressure on myself and I think that may be wrong,maybe I should just try to have fun,because it really has not been fun for me to play in the last few weeks.This is supposed to be fun,not a job and that's what it has become for me,I kinda look at my game like I have to become an A class player,not everyone can be an A player,even if you put in the work,there are a few inherent things you must have!Maybe I just don't have them.

The more I play Chino the more I like his game!He's rarely out of line,and if he is his recovery shots are usually very effective.He pockets balls clean from everywhere,banks great,kicks great,has a solid safe game,and a ton of knowledge!Ken "The Kernal" Kerner thinks his game his game is at least a solid B+,but I definitely do not agree with The Kernal on that!Chino is a solid A,maybe an A+!He runs racks,he can put you in your chair for a few racks!Chino has 2 weaknesses that I know of;
#1 is his break,it's not bad,it's good,but with his CB control I feel it should be better than it is.I think if Chino would buy a quality break cue,and spend some time with it,his game would be a ball better!
#2 Chino does not jump balls.I feel in today's game of 9&10 ball to be successful in tournament play you have to stay at the table,and even though he kicks like a mule,he still gives up control of the table when presented with a rather easy jump shot!I push him too jump shots at every chance I get,because I know he can't jump,and will be forced too kick at the ball.His kicks a good but there not great,he's good enough to pick a side of the ball too hit,but does let go of the rock.So I see it as a weakness,that once again a quality break/jump cue would elevate his game!

I'm gonna get too the table again today,and just try to have fun,no added pressure,and see what kind of results I garner.I'm still going to look for a tough match,like Mike The Fish,or Jersey Ken!Only time will tell if I hae what it takes to be an A player!



Do any of you know who this player is?

Satisfied Day

I got too the pool hall yesterday and the place was packed with players,even the bar had a few!I got lucky and found one player playing by himself,Wild Bill is his name,and he plays pretty good.Were pretty close to even,I think his CB is slightly better than mine,but not by much.If I do have an edge it's the break,his break is pretty good,but he comes up dry a lot.My break has been pretty good now that I have the proper tip installed again.I had a Talisman B/Jump tip which is a very hard leather,but does not perform as well as Phenolic plastic or G10 fiberglass.

My break/jump cue is a sought after X Breaker,they are hard to find nobody wants to let them go,and the guy who made them died!The X Breaker comes with a G10 tip standard and was the first to use that material as a tip.The X Breaker got a ton of exposure when Charlie "Hillbilly" Bryant was clocked with a radar gun on his break shot at 37mph! That's a monster break shot,I wish I could get my break up there.I feel I have a pretty big break,I get some compliments or statements to that effect on occasion.I spend a fair amount of time working on my break,and it has shown!

OK so Wild Bill and I hook up,we only got to play two sets race too 9.It was pretty UN-eventfull,not much to talk about we were not gambling just sparing.I won the first set and he won the second.I came away from the table pretty satisfied with my game,at least happy enough that I was looking to see if I could steel a set or 2 from Big Al.I would have to wait for that game though,as Big Al was already playing someone.

This is going to be short,Big Al destroyed me 7-1.

So that was that.Another great day at Diamond Jim's!