Last weekend I got to spend ($) time with Randy Goettlicher (sp?) from Cue-Tech pool school. Probably the best stuff that I have learned in my pool 'life'. I just need to get busy on my drills now. I think I liked the ability to have three days to myself to work on pool. Lately my life hasn't been very cooperative to my pool game.
My joint VNEA/BCA league started this week. SHould be a great time and some steep competition. The joint league has done a good job of mixing the teams up and lots of guys are switching and trading. I am glad my group isn't like that. I have really found a great team -- luckily. Hoping I can get my game mechanic'ed enough to keep my proformance up.
Cue update: My new cue has no update, which is sad. I need to go see Jeff and see what's up. I'm not so upset with the wait, but rather lack of progress. I just want to get it sooner rather than later. LOL (no patience, right?)
I now promise to work my drills tonight if I get back from this neolithic Dairy hell in a decent time.
Wish I were in Galviston.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Circus in Town
TAR is in the house. All the players from parts unknown are here. Let the games begin.
Watched Mike Athens play in ring game qualifier last night, shoulda stayed; after I left he got double dipped by Adam Behnke for the chance for free entry into Ring Game tonight.
Probably watch the Stream on TAR tonight and can't wait to go to the three night clash of Frost vs SVB.
Christmas can come in July.
Watched Mike Athens play in ring game qualifier last night, shoulda stayed; after I left he got double dipped by Adam Behnke for the chance for free entry into Ring Game tonight.
Probably watch the Stream on TAR tonight and can't wait to go to the three night clash of Frost vs SVB.
Christmas can come in July.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
more Kentucky pool
The gang was a little stir crazy Tuesday night and was ready for an outing, so we ended up with a field trip to the pool hall.
I should have known that the Silver Cue would have been packed on a Tuesday night. They had an (appeared to be) in house APA league going on. Luckily, we were able to secure a table in the back and everyone was able to play.
While I watched everyone play some doubles 8-ball, I ended up making a game with a gentleman playing solo two tables over. He had a very nice old Mucci cue and played - or practiced - rather well.
we settled on some 9' table 9-ball and we started off. In the early running, he made several early 9 balls and I was quickly down 6-3. Playing with a little more effort, I made it back to even at 6-6 and tied again at 7-7 before I closed out 10-7. My group was ready to leave at that point, so we ended up not playing any more, but a really good time and some good competition. It's always nice to get out and play some.
Probably the end of my Kentucky pool experiences for a while, as we head for home tomorrow.
I should have known that the Silver Cue would have been packed on a Tuesday night. They had an (appeared to be) in house APA league going on. Luckily, we were able to secure a table in the back and everyone was able to play.
While I watched everyone play some doubles 8-ball, I ended up making a game with a gentleman playing solo two tables over. He had a very nice old Mucci cue and played - or practiced - rather well.
we settled on some 9' table 9-ball and we started off. In the early running, he made several early 9 balls and I was quickly down 6-3. Playing with a little more effort, I made it back to even at 6-6 and tied again at 7-7 before I closed out 10-7. My group was ready to leave at that point, so we ended up not playing any more, but a really good time and some good competition. It's always nice to get out and play some.
Probably the end of my Kentucky pool experiences for a while, as we head for home tomorrow.
Monday, July 20, 2009
My old Kentucky Home
Met up with B. at the Silver Cue on Saturday night after putting my conference compatriots to bed early.
The Silver Cue again was a good place to play and playing on the 8 foot tables on this night proved to be a more ego boosting experience as I played much more like I expect to play. The 8ft Olhausens played very similar to my own 8' at home.
B. was a nice surprise. After chatting on the Internet some, we ended up being able to work out a time to kick some balls around. He was a very skilled and knowledgeable player. Not to mention he has been to the Derby for 3+ years. I sure wish that I lived within 45 minute drive of the Pool/Action extravaganza.
B. also sported a very OLD SCHOOL Schon (?, not 100%) that we talked about for a bit. A very nice old style with some very nice veneers. Heavy too. at 22 oz, B. liked the hit more than any he has had. I agreed it was a very solid cue. A great story on the find and a great player for him.
We kicked them around for a hour or two and had a wonderful time. He played a shade under me and had some real moments of genius. I think given more time, we both would have like to migrate to some 1-hole. I would have been interested in playing some banks also, since this area is known for it's banks. Unfortunately, due to our recreation during the day, I was tuckered out had had to call an early end to the night around 1 am.
Probably all for now, since I am back at the grindstone this week and probably won't run back to Lexington during this week. Can't say never, I may want to wander up there tonight or Tuesday. Sigh.... Two weeks is too long for this event....
I will write more if anything happens. I am contemplating stopping at Louisville at Bank Shot to pick up another t-shirt --- I wish I had time to play but probably need to be getting home.
Looking forward to Scott Frost vs Shane Van Boening at the end of the month at the Big Dog! Definitely jones-ing to play some pool.
Later
The Silver Cue again was a good place to play and playing on the 8 foot tables on this night proved to be a more ego boosting experience as I played much more like I expect to play. The 8ft Olhausens played very similar to my own 8' at home.
B. was a nice surprise. After chatting on the Internet some, we ended up being able to work out a time to kick some balls around. He was a very skilled and knowledgeable player. Not to mention he has been to the Derby for 3+ years. I sure wish that I lived within 45 minute drive of the Pool/Action extravaganza.
B. also sported a very OLD SCHOOL Schon (?, not 100%) that we talked about for a bit. A very nice old style with some very nice veneers. Heavy too. at 22 oz, B. liked the hit more than any he has had. I agreed it was a very solid cue. A great story on the find and a great player for him.
We kicked them around for a hour or two and had a wonderful time. He played a shade under me and had some real moments of genius. I think given more time, we both would have like to migrate to some 1-hole. I would have been interested in playing some banks also, since this area is known for it's banks. Unfortunately, due to our recreation during the day, I was tuckered out had had to call an early end to the night around 1 am.
Probably all for now, since I am back at the grindstone this week and probably won't run back to Lexington during this week. Can't say never, I may want to wander up there tonight or Tuesday. Sigh.... Two weeks is too long for this event....
I will write more if anything happens. I am contemplating stopping at Louisville at Bank Shot to pick up another t-shirt --- I wish I had time to play but probably need to be getting home.
Looking forward to Scott Frost vs Shane Van Boening at the end of the month at the Big Dog! Definitely jones-ing to play some pool.
Later
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Picked up a cue last night for the first time in a week or so. The Silver Cue in Lexington was a good room. Nice tables with good fast cloth. They had a lot of 8' tables and 7' tables with a few 9' tables.
I picked a 9' table and practiced for a while until making a game with a nicer gentleman with a 25+ year old SW cue. It was a nice cue and really made my Olney look sharp in comparison, as it's a SW style cue. Jeff's work compares very favorably with the older SW.
We played and he came up a few games ahead. He was making a return to the game after a longer layoff (almost as old as his cue). He played very sporty for such a long layoff. Very good stroke and play.
I played well enough and started to get the idea on the big table after some of the practice earlier. It is weird how it makes your game so much different for essentially the same shot.
Look forward to returning there soon, as there is much hassle in this stay in Lexington.
Until the next time,
I picked a 9' table and practiced for a while until making a game with a nicer gentleman with a 25+ year old SW cue. It was a nice cue and really made my Olney look sharp in comparison, as it's a SW style cue. Jeff's work compares very favorably with the older SW.
We played and he came up a few games ahead. He was making a return to the game after a longer layoff (almost as old as his cue). He played very sporty for such a long layoff. Very good stroke and play.
I played well enough and started to get the idea on the big table after some of the practice earlier. It is weird how it makes your game so much different for essentially the same shot.
Look forward to returning there soon, as there is much hassle in this stay in Lexington.
Until the next time,
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Kentucky Pool
Arrived for my incarceration in Kentucky today after 11 hours on the road. Hopefully some pool can be found someplace. I hate to have to drive all the way into Lexington to find something worth mentioning.
I will post what I find this week, unless my homework keeps us too busy.
I will post what I find this week, unless my homework keeps us too busy.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Lunch
I had the opportunity to check out Don McCoy's Bar on the west side today. Enjoyed a good Reuben sandwich and was only really looking to practice a little on a big table.
Don - the proprietor and only professional player in the big city -- came over and we ended up playing some for a better part of a couple hours.
What an experience. I couldn't believe his speed control. Almost every shot was exactly dead on and when the angles weren't perfect -- the speed was. It was amazing to watch him float the cue ball effortlessly around the table. I am hoping to end up there again for lunch. What an excellent day!
We talked about new tips (he liked the Wizard tip on my new Olney) and some of the recent news in the pool world. An enjoyable place, staff and of course, my thanks to Don for the lessons.
Don - the proprietor and only professional player in the big city -- came over and we ended up playing some for a better part of a couple hours.
What an experience. I couldn't believe his speed control. Almost every shot was exactly dead on and when the angles weren't perfect -- the speed was. It was amazing to watch him float the cue ball effortlessly around the table. I am hoping to end up there again for lunch. What an excellent day!
We talked about new tips (he liked the Wizard tip on my new Olney) and some of the recent news in the pool world. An enjoyable place, staff and of course, my thanks to Don for the lessons.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Upper Plains treasure
This year I was attending a regional conference in Nebraska and made a suprising discovery.
Upon walking into this small establishment, my eyes were drawn to the pool area, as usual. Two bar tables and underneath a cover was a huge six legged table -- and what to my prying eyes should appear, but a 10' snooker table! Holy Cow!
I have always heard about small towns in the upper plains having snooker tables tucked away in little bars, almost like the saloon's of old, but I didn't think I would ever see one. The table played exceptionally well and true. No odd rolls or errant bumps. I played a corner to corner shot that was as true as it could be, played at pocket speed on a 10' table. Poetry in motion. The physics of a game I truly enjoy.
So, I took the opportunity to play several games, and started to regain the ease on a snooker table that I had learned while playing in my grandparents basement. My log in and title of this thread all revolve around the perfect run in snooker of 147. A Perfect Game.
No local games were available, so I had to impose upon my colleagues to play and they were wonderfully good sports as the table is unforgiving to even those who are well versed.
What a neat find. I feel a bit heartened, like Americana hasn't let this game escape from it's grasp completely, yet.
Upon walking into this small establishment, my eyes were drawn to the pool area, as usual. Two bar tables and underneath a cover was a huge six legged table -- and what to my prying eyes should appear, but a 10' snooker table! Holy Cow!
I have always heard about small towns in the upper plains having snooker tables tucked away in little bars, almost like the saloon's of old, but I didn't think I would ever see one. The table played exceptionally well and true. No odd rolls or errant bumps. I played a corner to corner shot that was as true as it could be, played at pocket speed on a 10' table. Poetry in motion. The physics of a game I truly enjoy.
So, I took the opportunity to play several games, and started to regain the ease on a snooker table that I had learned while playing in my grandparents basement. My log in and title of this thread all revolve around the perfect run in snooker of 147. A Perfect Game.
No local games were available, so I had to impose upon my colleagues to play and they were wonderfully good sports as the table is unforgiving to even those who are well versed.
What a neat find. I feel a bit heartened, like Americana hasn't let this game escape from it's grasp completely, yet.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Olney Christened and other tragedies
Well, I finally got my New Olney cue out and gave it a good initiation into the world of billiards. The Friday night 10-ball at Big Dogs. I eventually went 3-2, but was 2-0 to start with two quality sets against opponents that I would have to play top-notch to beat. I am still having trouble with the shaft. (I went from a Z2, to the olney shaft and the angle shots w/ english and draw still are less than 60%. I just haven't had the time to get comfortable with the cue and shaft yet. It hits like a dream in every facet and i probably can't even blame the occasional miss on the cue. I just haven't figured out how to work it yet. Probably a lot like not having the handle on a stock car.... ain't the cars fault, just the driver.
I will paste a entry off of azbilliards that more accurately describes last night. I played better than expected and the cue again performed very admirably.
que sera sera.
Looks as if the summer is going to shape up into a fairly good pool summer - lots of action coming and TAR will be in the house in July! Can't wait.
Later
I will paste a entry off of azbilliards that more accurately describes last night. I played better than expected and the cue again performed very admirably.
Yes -- I was the goat in this latest escapade and couldn't finish a run out to win the whole set on the hill. Needless to say, I spent the better part of this morning working on that particular pattern. I won't blame the cue, but it was my uncertainty with it that was probably my undoing.So last night Brad / Brian / Tom / Matt showed up to play league at Big Dogs to
find out they had a bye. Brad was trying to match up with someone/anyone
including Jon Brown. I said lets play a 4on4 team match. And i said we would
take Frost as our handicap. Me / Justin / Jon / Frost.After some discussion we decided (brad did) that they needed spotted 6 games in a race to 25. Anyhow they beat us 25-13, lol
We agreed to trade Frost for Mikey H and play them race to 15
giving them 3. Went hill/hill and Matt playing me. Matt missed a run out and i
didnt. We break even, except for Mike H who actually made money, lolFrost had
made a side bet, his $80 to win his $50 back. We really had alot of fun, all of
us had a good time making a game and playing it out.
que sera sera.
Looks as if the summer is going to shape up into a fairly good pool summer - lots of action coming and TAR will be in the house in July! Can't wait.
Later
Monday, April 27, 2009
The post tournament, spring doldrums have set in. I need to play ... soon. Practicing has no appeal lately and I need to get out and back 'in the mix'.
During my formative educational years, my favorite shirt had "Summer Wrestling makes Winter Champions"... I am hoping it works in pool too.
Here's to a summer spent in pursuit of personal development and achievement of far-off goals.
During my formative educational years, my favorite shirt had "Summer Wrestling makes Winter Champions"... I am hoping it works in pool too.
Here's to a summer spent in pursuit of personal development and achievement of far-off goals.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
New Olney Excursion
With any luck, I may be able to take my new Olney on it's first excursion into the felt jungle tonight. a local non-handicapped 8-ball tournament with the best players in town should be a pretty good look.
I have fairly realistic expectations for performance in this usually pretty stacked tournament and it should prove to be the ideal location to break out the new cue for a few games. Maybe even a few more than that. :-)
I have fairly realistic expectations for performance in this usually pretty stacked tournament and it should prove to be the ideal location to break out the new cue for a few games. Maybe even a few more than that. :-)
Monday, April 6, 2009
Team finished 5/6th in the recent ISPA tournament in the Quad Cities. It was a good showing, only marred by the fact that we didn't play to our best level in the two matches we lost. Overall it was a good trip, one of my teammates was 3rd (at worst, LOL if you know how it went down) in the Open Singles 8-ball, which is a super good showing, given the over 500 players in the brackets.
I placed well enough to get paid in the 9-ball and poorly (0-2) in the 8-ball. I did play reasonably well in the team, but no where near as consistently as I could have.
My serendipitous win will aid the completion of my new Olney cue and with any luck it will be as fine as any I have ever seen. I hope that I will be able to pick out some nice stuff wood in the near future for it.
Later,
I placed well enough to get paid in the 9-ball and poorly (0-2) in the 8-ball. I did play reasonably well in the team, but no where near as consistently as I could have.
My serendipitous win will aid the completion of my new Olney cue and with any luck it will be as fine as any I have ever seen. I hope that I will be able to pick out some nice stuff wood in the near future for it.
Later,
Monday, March 30, 2009
The best time of year
State Pool tournament time, of course. Now just a slim 48 hours away. 9-ball, 8-ball and teams.
In review of the past state tournaments, I hope to increase my showing, as I feel after the VNEA two weeks ago, I think that I am hitting them as good as I ever have. I just want to bring that level to the table starting Wednesday.
If I can get all my real-world concerns taken care of this week, I hope to leave with a sense of focus and see if this couldn't be a breakthough year.
Not that I am thinking of quitting, but without some type of success, it may be harder to justify this type of excursion in the future.
maybe that's just life....
In review of the past state tournaments, I hope to increase my showing, as I feel after the VNEA two weeks ago, I think that I am hitting them as good as I ever have. I just want to bring that level to the table starting Wednesday.
If I can get all my real-world concerns taken care of this week, I hope to leave with a sense of focus and see if this couldn't be a breakthough year.
Not that I am thinking of quitting, but without some type of success, it may be harder to justify this type of excursion in the future.
maybe that's just life....
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Big letdown Dog
Wandered up to the Big Dog last night to see if I could get in the non-handicapped 8-ball tournament. For a whopping $7, I could get in on the fun.
Mentally stale is a nice way of describing how I played. Some flashes of brilliance, but overall, it was a frustrating night to say the least.
I did break and run out the hill-hill match with Phil. Which is saying something. A short race to 3 is tough to judge anything by as the luck and momentum shifts can contribute to the outcome more than skill and ability.
End of the year league tournament starts tonight and VNEA is knocking down the door. Hopefully things can move forward in the next week.
Some time at the practice table wouldn't hurt either.
Mentally stale is a nice way of describing how I played. Some flashes of brilliance, but overall, it was a frustrating night to say the least.
I did break and run out the hill-hill match with Phil. Which is saying something. A short race to 3 is tough to judge anything by as the luck and momentum shifts can contribute to the outcome more than skill and ability.
End of the year league tournament starts tonight and VNEA is knocking down the door. Hopefully things can move forward in the next week.
Some time at the practice table wouldn't hurt either.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Good vs Great
well, with the start of a new exercise program (which was sorely needed) I wonder how it will affect my game in the short term and long term. Ha, new exercise, sore... I get it... HA....
So far I have been too sore to walk this week, much less practice any. but in the long term I think that the greater flexibility and core strength will help.
Big tournament in a week and 3 days. Should be fun and exciting. I should do well and have been working to improve this year. I hope to just play my best and see what happens. The tournament is a short race and I think that will probably come into play more than once. Shorter races favor luck over skill too often and have less margin for error. I guess we will find out.
I am hoping to get out tonight to play some and test drive my game some. Sometimes I have been pleasantly surprised by good performance after a particuluarly long lay off. I wonder what the reason is? Especially after I have been practicing hard for a while, a three or four day lay-off and then when I play again, it seems to have positive effects. Things that make you go hmmmm.
Later
So far I have been too sore to walk this week, much less practice any. but in the long term I think that the greater flexibility and core strength will help.
Big tournament in a week and 3 days. Should be fun and exciting. I should do well and have been working to improve this year. I hope to just play my best and see what happens. The tournament is a short race and I think that will probably come into play more than once. Shorter races favor luck over skill too often and have less margin for error. I guess we will find out.
I am hoping to get out tonight to play some and test drive my game some. Sometimes I have been pleasantly surprised by good performance after a particuluarly long lay off. I wonder what the reason is? Especially after I have been practicing hard for a while, a three or four day lay-off and then when I play again, it seems to have positive effects. Things that make you go hmmmm.
Later
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Closing down
Closing in on the last weeks of league. Team is in 6th place and had a forfeit this week to a team that didn't finish the season. So I hope that there will be some improvement in our standings.
Then we have the end of the year tournament. This should prove to be interesting and a good ramp up for the state tournament.
Going to the VNEA tournament during spring break this year for the first time, so that should prove to be interesting and I hope that I will play well.
Rack 'em.
Then we have the end of the year tournament. This should prove to be interesting and a good ramp up for the state tournament.
Going to the VNEA tournament during spring break this year for the first time, so that should prove to be interesting and I hope that I will play well.
Rack 'em.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Olney
X-mas a little late! Just picked up my new Olney Cue. What a specimen. I just couldn't get away from the design of this cue. It kept drawing my eye and it wouldn't let go.
A sharp 6 pointer SW style with one veneer w/ purpleheart wood, 3 ebony points and some purpleheart on the but off set with some curly maple. What a gorgeous work of art. The points are razor shart and the ring work is exceptional.
Taking Jeff's suggestion, the double black/white wrap sets it off exceptionally. A perfect option that brings out the purpleheart.
Now if I could just learn to use it....
In the picture with 2, it's the bottom one.
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