Is Pool Too Tough For the Average Mind?

I know Dr.s that are obviously terribly book smart but would have a problem figuring out how to order a pizza or which end of a hammer to pick up.

And then there are the DR.s that are book smart and quite possibly the crappiest Dr.s around.

Smart or book smart doesn't necessarily go hand in hand with any given talent.

A supposed talented surgeon sped up my Fathers last few months
on earth.

I know people that are pretty much dumb asses, (or at least rather lazy and incapable of working), until they pick up a musical instrument.

Most Dr.s don't have a sense of humor.
When I was in for my brain op, my brother was visiting at the same time that the Neurologist dropped in.
My brother asked the Dr if I was going to be able to play the piano when I got out. The Dr, said, "sure, I don't see why not".
My brother said, "good, because he doesn't know how to play the piano now".
I'm laying there, head bandaged up and whooped on morphine and thinking, oh good, here we go.

The doc didn't get it.
 
Last edited:
The Average Mind

Well in my humble opinion its a very large equation that equals=A

If you understand A....then you understand that continual application of A lends you a understanding of B and eventually, C then D and so forth and so on.

A=Aiming

Standardization and Familiarization with A...meaning everything beyond it becomes a little more understandable.

How you choose to do it? There a various methods as we all know.

If you first locate a familiar point and do that every time then I believe that and understanding can be had or otherwise, the reflection of the lights off of the balls wouldnt work at all, you just have to realize the possible limitations of what you are working with whether it be my method, cte, 9090 no matter all of it is some sort of reference method.

I watched a match once between 2 guys that barely had the brain power to get dressed and they were playing thousand dollars sets.

Unfortunately that told me that genius wasnt required. So I have to think that understanding how you do what you do is very important and since potting shots is pretty important in this game....its A....that is all important.

Without A....there is no B and likely you will never get to C and even get to think about D......

If we are talking about 9 balls that means you have to start with A and get to I.....no way to get there without understanding A however you do it.
 
JB Cases said:
It's like my stroke has completely left the building and my arm feels like chicken.
Click to expand...

Fixed that for you, JB. ;)

You're right about the mental side of things. Pool is too tough for the average mind, but no tougher than it is to excel at golf, tennis, tiddlywinks or anything else, really. To play the table is easy: to play your opponent is difficult. This is why rock solid fundamentals are important, because it keeps that chicken wing of yours from flapping when you are under pressure.

Once your mechanics are set, it is all in the mind - and that's where the fun and games REALLY start.
 
Makes no difference

Intelligence makes no difference in play. The simpler the mind the better.
 
Pathetic Shark said:
Fixed that for you, JB. ;)

You're right about the mental side of things. Pool is too tough for the average mind, but no tougher than it is to excel at golf, tennis, tiddlywinks or anything else, really. To play the table is easy: to play your opponent is difficult. This is why rock solid fundamentals are important, because it keeps that chicken wing of yours from flapping when you are under pressure.

Once your mechanics are set, it is all in the mind - and that's where the fun and games REALLY start.
Click to expand...

Actually you misread my position. My position is that pool is not too tough for the average mind because research shows that even when someone excels at something they are almost always average in other areas of life. So I think that excellence at pool is not an indication of superior intelligence but instead an example of dedication and focus.

As for the quip about mechanics and fun I beg to differ. I think that even with rock solid mechanics if one does not have the nerves to withstand pressure then the mechanics can break down. I do agree that having good mechanics is essential to high level pool but I have seen "bad" players win matches because they have a good temperament and are able to stay steady under pressure. Conversely I have seen a lot of good players, including professionals, lose it under pressure and make too many unforced errors.

And my arm ain't chicken buddy. I will get up and play but my stroke doesn't always come with me. But my aiming system helps a lot to get down and bear down. Yesterday for sure I made a lot of money balls, tough shots, because of having a rock solid aiming system and enough nerves to focus on execution.
 
JB Cases said:
And my arm ain't chicken buddy. I will get up and play but my stroke doesn't always come with me. But my aiming system helps a lot to get down and bear down. Yesterday for sure I made a lot of money balls, tough shots, because of having a rock solid aiming system and enough nerves to focus on execution.
Click to expand...

You said you lost to a girl - correct?
 
Blue Hog ridr said:
Most Dr.s don't have a sense of humor.
When I was in for my brain op, my brother was visiting at the same time that the Neurologist dropped in.
My brother asked the Dr if I was going to be able to play the piano when I got out. The Dr, said, "sure, I don't see why not".
My brother said, "good, because he doesn't know how to play the piano now".
I'm laying there, head bandaged up and whooped on morphine and thinking, oh good, here we go.

The doc didn't get it.
Click to expand...



Man that was some kind of funny!:grin-square:



David
 
JB Cases said:
I get really frustrated because the slightest pressure makes my stroke wilt. Yesterday I am playing a tournament, I go to 8 the other guy goes to 7, first game I run out. Second game he runs five and dogs it, I run out. For most of the set I play great, running out and playing the right way. I win 8:1.

Next set I play someone ranked a five who shoots real straight. She goes to five and I go eight. I lose 5:5 after dogging it.

Next set on a tight table and I get sharked by the weird pockets and play like crap lose 7:3.

Then I play a guy getting the six out and I dog the easiest possible outs imaginable. It's like my stroke has completely left the building and my arm feels like concrete.

To me this is the hardest thing about playing pool. You go to the table and no one can mess with what you do but you. They can dance an irish jig in front of you but they can't touch the balls or you and so it's all YOU to make the shot and play shape.

That's the frustrating part, not being able to execute under pressure the same way you can with no pressure. For me at least.

Jimmy Reid once told me if I could play the game half as well as I can see the out then I'd be a champion. I suppose I just never really developed the ability to play under pressure either because I don't "have it" or I just didn't go for it. I like to think it's because I didn't go for it.

That said it's that much sweeter when I do manage to come with it under pressure and outrun the nuts. It's the high you can't buy.
Click to expand...



Hi JB Cases, i do not know your skill level, assuming you know and practice all 4000 shots possibilities and mastered them under pressure; the only thing i would recommend is maintain good glucose level. Our brain functions well, when hydrated well, and balanced glucose level, which enhances memory function, which in turn is responsible for remembering all steps needed to perform complete pool shots as well as high focus, it takes a lot of practice to know your optimum performance. In another words, if you have a big jug of Cook, or heavy meal say during a match, toward the end you will be lucky to see the balls!
 
the hundred year old jokes are new again

Blue Hog ridr said:
I know Dr.s that are obviously terribly book smart but would have a problem figuring out how to order a pizza or which end of a hammer to pick up.

And then there are the DR.s that are book smart and quite possibly the crappiest Dr.s around.

Smart or book smart doesn't necessarily go hand in hand with any given talent.

A supposed talented surgeon sped up my Fathers last few months
on earth.

I know people that are pretty much dumb asses, (or at least rather lazy and incapable of working), until they pick up a musical instrument.

Most Dr.s don't have a sense of humor.
When I was in for my brain op, my brother was visiting at the same time that the Neurologist dropped in.
My brother asked the Dr if I was going to be able to play the piano when I got out. The Dr, said, "sure, I don't see why not".
My brother said, "good, because he doesn't know how to play the piano now".
I'm laying there, head bandaged up and whooped on morphine and thinking, oh good, here we go.

The doc didn't get it.
Click to expand...

I asked my back surgeon if I would be able to play the piano after the surgery. He fell for it. He did have a sense of humor though. Told another doctor how to deal with people always asking him for medical advice in social situations. He had never heard this ancient advice before. Doesn't matter if they are asking about a sore finger, "Strip!" Takes care of the free advice deal. Next time I saw that doc he said, "it works."

I think the basic question has been answered in the thread. Many aspects of pool can be learned by plain old repetition and dedication. Never-the-less applying some brain power helps too. I have long thought that Efren's chess play helps his pool game. After keeping up with all of the patterns on a chess board three, five, maybe even seven moves in advance, a pattern or two laying on a pool table seems like a toddler level jigsaw puzzle.

Checkers was the first game I remember learning. Played it off and on for at least ten years before playing chess because checkers was boring. Played chess against someone with a genius level IQ for a few years, then played checkers a little more. Damn, checkers was a tough game! Now I was trying to plan checkers all the way to the endgame before I moved the first piece. In some respects there are fewer options than with chess, in others there are more because all pieces have only two levels of power.

I think the chess and checkers thing pretty much covers pool. It can be a very simple game requiring little mental effort. It can be a game requiring tremendous mental effort. Depends what you make of it. I watched two great one pocket players not make a ball in probably twenty shots apiece. I was glued to the screen. Every shot had intent and purpose and every shot accomplished something.

Hu
 
ShootingArts said:
I asked my back surgeon if I would be able to play the piano after the surgery. He fell for it. He did have a sense of humor though. Told another doctor how to deal with people always asking him for medical advice in social situations. He had never heard this ancient advice before. Doesn't matter if they are asking about a sore finger, "Strip!" Takes care of the free advice deal. Next time I saw that doc he said, "it works."

I think the basic question has been answered in the thread. Many aspects of pool can be learned by plain old repetition and dedication. Never-the-less applying some brain power helps too. I have long thought that Efren's chess play helps his pool game. After keeping up with all of the patterns on a chess board three, five, maybe even seven moves in advance, a pattern or two laying on a pool table seems like a toddler level jigsaw puzzle.

Checkers was the first game I remember learning. Played it off and on for at least ten years before playing chess because checkers was boring. Played chess against someone with a genius level IQ for a few years, then played checkers a little more. Damn, checkers was a tough game! Now I was trying to plan checkers all the way to the endgame before I moved the first piece. In some respects there are fewer options than with chess, in others there are more because all pieces have only two levels of power.

I think the chess and checkers thing pretty much covers pool. It can be a very simple game requiring little mental effort. It can be a game requiring tremendous mental effort. Depends what you make of it. I watched two great one pocket players not make a ball in probably twenty shots apiece. I was glued to the screen. Every shot had intent and purpose and every shot accomplished something.

Hu
Click to expand...

What you say is critical to maintain brain functions for the long run and prevent dementia , but not during pool match play, and that requires knowledge of all 4000 shots under pressure, and proper body fluid chemistry, which is dependent on what you eat, how well you sleep-well rested, and your conscious is treating you during a match, and of course LUCK!
 
Island Drive said:
I say definitely....
Click to expand...

To play at your level,,, probably so. to play at most levels,, probably not.
There have been many who could not be trusted with any decision in life, but went on to play very well. I have never been sure exactly why, but you and i have known many of these! LOL!
 
Playing pool is similar to playing a violin. Most anyone can do it. Most anyone can become highly proficient. Only a few are gifted.

Those who play any of the billiards games come to learn that you simply cannot use a set of rules to become highly proficient. There is an element of finesse, hand-eye-muscle-brain coordination that is outside of the traditional ways in which we think.

You cannot explain that exquisite sense of "touch" in a violinist or in a great pool player. Some people have it, most of us do not.

Anyone can play, few can play beautifully.
 
Ha!

JoeW said:
Playing pool is similar to playing a violin. Most anyone can do it. Most anyone can become highly proficient. Only a few are gifted.

Those who play any of the billiards games come to learn that you simply cannot use a set of rules to become highly proficient. There is an element of finesse, hand-eye-muscle-brain coordination that is outside of the traditional ways in which we think.

You cannot explain that exquisite sense of "touch" in a violinist or in a great pool player. Some people have it, most of us do not.

Anyone can play, few can play beautifully.
Click to expand...


Joe,

It is obvious you have never heard me abuse any musical instrument I pick up!:D:D:D

I can't play a tune on a player piano.

Hu
 
JoeW said:
Playing pool is similar to playing a violin. Most anyone can do it. Most anyone can become highly proficient. Only a few are gifted.

Those who play any of the billiards games come to learn that you simply cannot use a set of rules to become highly proficient. There is an element of finesse, hand-eye-muscle-brain coordination that is outside of the traditional ways in which we think.

You cannot explain that exquisite sense of "touch" in a violinist or in a great pool player. Some people have it, most of us do not.

Anyone can play, few can play beautifully.
Click to expand...

I used to think exactly that for last 27 years of my pool history, but last 2 years since i changed to "work from home job" my skill level and applying knowledge jumped 10 folds, if i can do it everyone can, no special gift required. There is a secret you have to find; and unfortunately no one is giving it out, you have to find on your own.
 
Pathetic Shark said:
You said you lost to a girl - correct?
Click to expand...

I lost to a good player who is a female. If you want to come here and play some you can get all the action you can handle against women and I bet you will lose to probably all of them.

As for my stroke don't worry about it. If it's good enough for Bustamante then it's good enough for me. Come through the ball straight, hit it where you are supposed to with the right speed and you will make it do what you want. Be tense and tentative and you won't have much success no matter how textbook perfect your form is.
 
Pool can be played at by anyone - just watch the players at any bar table in the world.

Catching the "pool passion" is an individual occurrence that seems to be impossible to predict who it will affect.
 
Island Drive said:
I say definitely....
Click to expand...

I disagree. I don't think it's an issue of today's youth's "smarts" (or lack of), but more an issue of today's youth's "Ricochet Rabbit" inability to focus on one thing at one time these days. Never in the history of human civilization has ADD/ADHD been so prevalent in so many people, due entirely to the "gotta have it right now" information age.

Good example -- take a walk down a city's busy streets, step to the side, and just observe. Watch what people are doing. Watch their posture, their stance. In the lion's share of cases, you'll see people with a hand (or both hands) cupped in front of them, and their head bent down to face their cupped hand(s). In that hand or hands, you'll see a cell phone, and a cord leading up to their ears to support earbuds. Not hard to guess where that person's focus is. It certainly ain't on his/her surroundings, nor are they being social with his/her fellow human beings in any way.

Pool takes too much focus, and takes that focus away from the "OMG! OMG! What's going on at Facebook or Twitter at this very moment?!?" ADD/ADHD "way of life."

It's a very different time these days, from other ages. By putting the Internet in everyone's hand, it's very easy -- too easy, in fact -- to let the immersion of the Internet absorb one's every desire, to be the focal point of one's attention and fulfillment. And that latter word -- fulfillment -- is the one thing that we pool players know that these "Thumb-elinas" (thumb-twiddlers) have no clue how rewarding a non-Internet activity can be.

-Sean <-- "shove the pizza under the door" Internet backbone guy since the 1980s, but can see across the other side of the fence
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top