Now that KT’s money is on the table, it is obvious that pool players everywhere are getting more serious about the game and about their practice habits. Several of the Indiana IPT’ers and pro’s decided to have a simulated IPT-like tournament day at Chalkies yesterday.
Players initially scheduled were IPT’ers Jeff Beckley, Brian Groce, Denver Barger, and George Breedlove; along with Jeanette Lee, former WPBA pro Nesli O’Hare, Everet Snow (yes, just one “t” for you members of the Spelling Gestapo), and Charles Wilson (best “golf on a snooker table” player in the state). When Denver couldn’t make it, they invited some hack named Williebetmore to fill the vacancy (I’ll save breakup the trouble, I was invited for the comic relief - you know, like those old Highlights magazines in the dentist’s office with the “What’s Wrong With This Picture?” puzzles).
Anyway, everyone pitched in some Benjamin’s so there was something significant at stake; then played about 11 hours of IPT-style 8-ball; round-robin; tight Diamond 9 footers (but with Simonis cloth); races to 6 or 8 (IPT’ers and JL played to 8 when they played each other); used IPT dual-scoring sheets.
Here are my observations:
#1 – The IPT’ers are DEFINITELY playing a different game than the bar league bangers. I was involved in only a few safety “battles” in 11 hours; 4- and 5-packs were falling like rain; I never saw Jeanette or George miss a ball in several hours playing against them or watching; Brian missed a ball or two (probably still laughing too hard after watching me); Jeff missed one ball (jawed) in our set. The first person to the table with an open shot won almost every game (????80% - I'm just guessing).
#2 – The cloth makes a difference. When played on fast Simonis, the big breakers are making a ball 80%-90% of the time. On the slower Gorina IPT cloth, making a ball is about a 50/50 proposition. Break & runs have to be more frequent on Simonis.
#3 – Clusters are not a problem. At least not for these players. A big break, with balls well spread, and a cluster or two was NO problem for these players. There was the odd, occasional layout that couldn’t be negotiated, but it was remarkable (and of course demoralizing) to see how well they deal with the clusters.
#4 – Maybe pool IS a sport after all (at least the way the IPT does it). The session was pretty similar to a typical IPT day. There were definite physical demands to playing, bending, focusing, walking. The muscles are just a little sore. If I did it 7 days in a row like the IPT, it would definitely wear me down.
#5 – Playing with the pro’s is FUN (as well as educational). After my recent disillusionment in Peoria (top player exhibiting VERY poor sportsmanship and probable outright cheating); I wasn’t sure what to expect when competing with these guys for some significant change. There was not one dispute; all fouls quickly confessed; very friendly atmosphere. Everyone went out of their way to provide a nugget or two (I think it was painfully obvious that I was in about a foot over my head; life preservers were offered). It doesn’t have to cost money; Brian Groce runs Lag’s pool hall in Columbus, IN and will play with patrons – you Indiana guys are missing the boat if you haven’t made a road trip down there. Mark Wilson runs the Billiards Bullpen in Collinsville, IL; same deal (hey, maybe we should have a thread for places you can play a pro for “free” – there’s always that table time though).
#6 – I’m keeping my day job.
Players initially scheduled were IPT’ers Jeff Beckley, Brian Groce, Denver Barger, and George Breedlove; along with Jeanette Lee, former WPBA pro Nesli O’Hare, Everet Snow (yes, just one “t” for you members of the Spelling Gestapo), and Charles Wilson (best “golf on a snooker table” player in the state). When Denver couldn’t make it, they invited some hack named Williebetmore to fill the vacancy (I’ll save breakup the trouble, I was invited for the comic relief - you know, like those old Highlights magazines in the dentist’s office with the “What’s Wrong With This Picture?” puzzles).
Anyway, everyone pitched in some Benjamin’s so there was something significant at stake; then played about 11 hours of IPT-style 8-ball; round-robin; tight Diamond 9 footers (but with Simonis cloth); races to 6 or 8 (IPT’ers and JL played to 8 when they played each other); used IPT dual-scoring sheets.
Here are my observations:
#1 – The IPT’ers are DEFINITELY playing a different game than the bar league bangers. I was involved in only a few safety “battles” in 11 hours; 4- and 5-packs were falling like rain; I never saw Jeanette or George miss a ball in several hours playing against them or watching; Brian missed a ball or two (probably still laughing too hard after watching me); Jeff missed one ball (jawed) in our set. The first person to the table with an open shot won almost every game (????80% - I'm just guessing).
#2 – The cloth makes a difference. When played on fast Simonis, the big breakers are making a ball 80%-90% of the time. On the slower Gorina IPT cloth, making a ball is about a 50/50 proposition. Break & runs have to be more frequent on Simonis.
#3 – Clusters are not a problem. At least not for these players. A big break, with balls well spread, and a cluster or two was NO problem for these players. There was the odd, occasional layout that couldn’t be negotiated, but it was remarkable (and of course demoralizing) to see how well they deal with the clusters.
#4 – Maybe pool IS a sport after all (at least the way the IPT does it). The session was pretty similar to a typical IPT day. There were definite physical demands to playing, bending, focusing, walking. The muscles are just a little sore. If I did it 7 days in a row like the IPT, it would definitely wear me down.
#5 – Playing with the pro’s is FUN (as well as educational). After my recent disillusionment in Peoria (top player exhibiting VERY poor sportsmanship and probable outright cheating); I wasn’t sure what to expect when competing with these guys for some significant change. There was not one dispute; all fouls quickly confessed; very friendly atmosphere. Everyone went out of their way to provide a nugget or two (I think it was painfully obvious that I was in about a foot over my head; life preservers were offered). It doesn’t have to cost money; Brian Groce runs Lag’s pool hall in Columbus, IN and will play with patrons – you Indiana guys are missing the boat if you haven’t made a road trip down there. Mark Wilson runs the Billiards Bullpen in Collinsville, IL; same deal (hey, maybe we should have a thread for places you can play a pro for “free” – there’s always that table time though).
#6 – I’m keeping my day job.
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