I know it's still blooming and I've only been playing since February seriously but today was the tops! I went to red shoes at 11 to play for a few hours and really tried to work on my game. Pocketing balls first and then working with position. Ran a couple 12s and another 14! Anyway as I'm packing up to leave I saw John and asked him how I could establish a handicap so I could play in some of the upcoming tourneys. He explained it to me and then said screw it you got time lets play a race to 100 ill see where your games at. He taught me so much today it was crazy! One rack he would do safety play and then next positioning and working patterns. Then if I missed an easy one he showed me what I did wrong I mean really explained it then we went outside for a smoke and he gave me a nice confidence building lecture. We went back in and finished the race and the last two racks he showed me what it was all about...wow that guy can flat out play! With his help and teaching and some do overs I managed to put up 51 to his 100. He showed me ettiquette, rules, and great lessons to carry with me through my game. I can't thank him enough for his time. He said he thinks he knows about where my game is at but wants me to play another match with someone else to set it in stone. I was actually happy with the way I played since when I played with Dennis's friend terry in February I got dropped 100-27 and that was with his help too! I did manage to put up a run of 10 and play a couple good safeties today in the match! What an AWESOME day!!!
Tommy: I am glad you got the opportunity to spend some time with John Lavin. He is a great guy and a pretty sporty straight pool player, when he deigns to play it. He had a 100 ball run years ago in the presence of none other than Dallas West. Talk about pressure.
Anyway, his vice of choice these days is one pocket and coincidentally he is having a one pocket tournament there this weekend for those of you so inclined. I have included a picture of John and regular Ed Latimer, who is also always willing to help a player learn.
Red Shoes One Pocket tournament this weekend - Today, 09:21 AM
One Pocket Tournament (June 22nd 2013) @ Red Shoes Billiards
Red Shoes Billiards will be hosting a ONE POCKET TOURNAMENT on Saturday June 22nd, 2013. This is a $50 entry fee (green fee included), ***$500 ADDED*** (based on a full field), Double Elimination (3/2), One Day ("IRON MAN") event. For additional information CONTACT: John Lavin @ RED SHOES BILLIARDS 12009 S. Pulaski Rd. Alsip, Illinois 60803 (tel. 708-388-3700 or website: redshoesbilliards.com). SIGN-UP- 12:00 PM (noon)
Some cameras set up for the event.
Table 1:
http://ustre.am/OaVz
Table 2:
http://ustre.am/OaWW
Table 3:
http://ustre.am/OaXg
Table 4:
http://ustre.am/OaXG
Table 5
http://ustre.am/OaXT ;
Table 6:
http://ustre.am/OaY3;
Table 7:
http://ustre.am/OaYx.
The first four tables are over by the pro side, starting at the cash register.
Table 7 is on the other side near the bathroom, and 6 and 5 move towards the front.
No commentary but there should be some streaming going on.