Honestly, I think VP is kinda like playing poker for fun. If you don't know how to play poker, you have no appreciation for the nerve it takes in calling an all-in with nothing more than middle-pair. If you're a bonafide poker player, then playing for fun is a nice mental exercise.
VP falls right in that catagory. I think it's really cool that a person can get good enough at this game that they don't miss. Part of understanding how to play pool well is learning to evaulate the big picture and most novice players are too focused on just pocketing balls to do that.
Personally, VP can't replace pool. I also wonder if it can teach pool to someone who has never played it. My inclination is to say no. Pool is truly an IRL-experience that cannot be simulated. The flight simulation comparison doesn't work simply because we're talking about hand-eye coordination with a pool cue and round balls, not buttons, levers and a joystick. But don't get me wrong, I'm still intrigued.
I think this tool offers a great method for self-evaluation and a way to improve your decisions. You can do this anywhere at any time and exercise your mind. It's like all of the "How would you play this?" threads I've posted over the years. None of it is ACTUALLY REAL POOL. We're just discussing pool. In the end, is that any different than playing a video game?
I haven't played it yet and I don't even know if I will any time soon but yeah, I think I will one day.
VP falls right in that catagory. I think it's really cool that a person can get good enough at this game that they don't miss. Part of understanding how to play pool well is learning to evaulate the big picture and most novice players are too focused on just pocketing balls to do that.
Personally, VP can't replace pool. I also wonder if it can teach pool to someone who has never played it. My inclination is to say no. Pool is truly an IRL-experience that cannot be simulated. The flight simulation comparison doesn't work simply because we're talking about hand-eye coordination with a pool cue and round balls, not buttons, levers and a joystick. But don't get me wrong, I'm still intrigued.
I think this tool offers a great method for self-evaluation and a way to improve your decisions. You can do this anywhere at any time and exercise your mind. It's like all of the "How would you play this?" threads I've posted over the years. None of it is ACTUALLY REAL POOL. We're just discussing pool. In the end, is that any different than playing a video game?
I haven't played it yet and I don't even know if I will any time soon but yeah, I think I will one day.