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Lowell said:

I'm a 31 year old APA 4 (got into pool 2 years ago) and I want to at least reach the point of being a strong enough 6 to play Masters by age 35.

I'm hoping that's feasible, but often when I feel like I'm getting better I end up choking away a match I could have won.

In regards to your point about having fun, that's why I disagree with those who say beginners looking to get better should only do drills and not play racks. Playing actual games (whether in league or at bars) is just too fun for me to give up, and it has still taught me a decent amount.

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This might be too general for what's going on with your progress, but on the one hand you have a genre that requires extreme competence and on the other hand, you want to attain that competence while having fun.

The choking you cite is probably self induced conflict. The match gets "real" so you apply rational (and unfamiliar) concerns to an incomplete skill set. Maybe it's the one ball or you can't seem to stay in line. Simply put, you're in over your head.
Back to the drawing board.

You may be lacking in patience. You want to hotrod your talent. That's still a tedious process. Skills have to be commensurate with ambition.
Back to the drawing board.

See a pattern?

Mastering pool isn't about who you beat. It's about mastering pool. The lessers will fall by their own folly.

skip100 said:

People's memories are a funny thing.

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I was thinking of a different tournament. The 2025 Jax Men's Open final. He beat Capito 4-2 and 4-0. His only successful break was his last one.

Lowell said:

I'm a 31 year old APA 4 (got into pool 2 years ago) and I want to at least reach the point of being a strong enough 6 to play Masters by age 35.

I'm hoping that's feasible, but often when I feel like I'm getting better I end up choking away a match I could have won.

In regards to your point about having fun, that's why I disagree with those who say beginners looking to get better should only do drills and not play racks. Playing actual games (whether in league or at bars) is just too fun for me to give up, and it has still taught me a decent amount.

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I can attest APA SL-4 to APA SL-6 in 4 years is absolutely doable (I did it in 2 years as a 45 year old, however that occurred when I got my own table and my wife at the time decided to start screwing her boss, pure coincidence I’m sure).

Translating to Fargo this is a 100 point jump from about a 375 to 475, or you need to become about twice as good as you are now.

I do see in APA land where there’s a bit of a natural cap at SL-5 if you stay focused only on shot making and don’t start getting into fundamentals, stronger pattern play, etc..

I heard she won the 680 and under Fargo event at Griffs last week using a new shaft that she got less than a week before.

Same shaft Morra has used for a few weeks, and played well, believe its called Halo.

She went undefeated, and also got some calcutta money. She's been playing great lately.

carl.j said:

A sound report and always a pleasure to chew the fat when you’re in town!

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Until next time, my friend!

Kris_b1104 said:

100%

BCA Hall of Fame worthy.

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Thanks to you and Maha for your kind words. The joy that pool has always brought me is, of course, reward enough.

maha said:

with in reason im right Stu, as filler is taking so much of the top money paid in tournaments . along with a very small subset of top players. not enough left for the good pro to pay expenses if he has to travel far. certainly if out of the country.
they are obviously out classed against the very best.

there has to be a way for the pros to win more , or some guarantee show-up fee for them. or you may find most start dropping out of long travel.

time will tell. but if i am right it might mean no going backwards.

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Of course, you are right about this. As a group, the top 10 are walking away with most of the money and the middle of the road pro player (perhaps Fargo 790) is not walking away with much after expenses.

We're switching from powder coat to anodize going forward due to pricing and lead time.
We have a few of each design in powder coat if anyone is interested.
$99 shipped to lower 48 until old stock is gone.