I think everyone agrees the last 2 is about the weakest spot in pool (talking about ball spots). But it still means something and can easily come into play 10-20% of the games for even GOOD players. For bangers, it can come into play way more.

A banger like me, for example, I can't count how many times I've made the 8 and dogged the 9. Must be thousands.

couldnthinkof01 said:

All I can say is that I used the taom I had. I tried two colors. It was fine. Maybe it was fake, I have no clue. Next time it was time to buy chalk I grabbed a masters gross.

I didn't like the shape and cost.
I didn't have to worry about losing one down a pocket.
All the pool halls I frequent use masters.
If somebody walks off with my chalk, no problem.
I have enough to probably last my lifetime.
The cleanliness aspect was not different enough for me to care.

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If you don’t like the circular shape of TAOM, just substitute the cube version branded under Pagulayan’s name.
The reason I haven’t played with the cube TAOM chalk, i.e., Pagulayan, is because my original piece of TAOM
Is still going strong and I like to see how long it can last. I’ve been using it for 16 months & it will last at least 6
more months so that’s 2 years using the same piece of chalk. TAOM is the best pool chalk presently available.

for those who still dont get it
the reason last 2 spot is not so big
is because if the good player gets to the second to last ball he will get to the 9 most of the time
and since the better player will be the one running balls more often he will get to the second to last ball before the weaker player does
if you cant run out you shouldnt be spotting people...

My favorite cube of Masters I found behind a spittoon in Johnston City in 1966, used by Wimpy, he dropped it and didn't see where it went....but I did and made a bee line for it when nobody was watching. Used it now for 60 years and it looks like brand new. it is amazing stuff. never miscued either, Wimpy put the magic mojo on it.

Wanna buy it?? its for sale, 14 grand is what I figure its worth these days.

To the original poster:
Forum rules say not to discuss pricing here. If you like the cue then most any cuemaker would give your cue a refinish and put it back to new condition.

Hope that helps

Alan

InsertCleverNameHere said:

sorry, no.

Unless both players are bad, like can't run out 5 balls with ball in hand bad. If both players are competent then the last 2 is just merely an incentive to play v not play.

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The problem with a call-Ball (7 or 8) or a wild 7 or 8 is they can be made by the player giving that two you at any time during the game. The last two are there until the end of every game so you always have Action at your Money.

Corey Deuel said that the spot seldom comes up between good players, as does Roberto and Jeremy Jones, so this isn't about two guys that can't run 5 balls. With todays 4'' or 4 1/4'' pockets few people are running all the way out so having your Money balls the entire game is a big advantage.

Kris_b1104 said:

Don't forget Bonus Ball.

Does anyone remember that? Good times...

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I was trying pretty hard to forget it. Let's add blackball (English 8ball) to the list.

Mensabum said:

Escott cues.
Esscot Cues!!

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Man, why you wanna do that to the poor guy? I mean, it was my first thought, too, but I don't want to inflict this dude upon him.

You know what's even more funny, almost all the tournaments these days are handicapped by game spots instead of ball spots due to FargoRate. Most of the local younger players in my area I don't think have even heard of the last 2, or last 3, or orange crush. I think most of them have not even played with normal ball spots like the 8.