Billiard University (BU) playing-ability-exam scores and ratings

icucybe

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Diamond 9ft Pro Am. Took the exam like a month ago. Shooting better on it now so hopefully post something better soon.

Exam 1: 35pts
Exam 2: 33pts
 

dr_dave

Instructional Author
Gold Member
Silver Member
Diamond 9ft Pro Am. Took the exam like a month ago. Shooting better on it now so hopefully post something better soon.

Exam 1: 35pts
Exam 2: 33pts
Thank you for posting. When you get some time, please post your pocket measurements. Also consider trying and posting scores for the 10-ball ghost drill and 15-ball rotation drill so we can see how the ratings compare to the BU rating.

Also, please post new BU Exam scores (and videos if possible) when you improve them in the future.

Catch you later,
Dave
 

dr_dave

Instructional Author
Gold Member
Silver Member
The latest results are below. Anybody else out there (maybe some of the new users and/or lurkers) want to post results (and videos if possible)?

Thanks,
Dave

AZB'ers who have taken the BU playing-ability exams:

BU score - User - BU Rating, 10-ball ghost rating, [15-ball-rotation rating] - table size, corner pocket mouth, throat, shelf - Video/post links:

168 - Gerry Williams - semi pro (A++/AAA), 93 (Pro), [17 (Pro)] - 9', 4 1/2", 4", 1 7/8" - Table, Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
164 - theUBC - semi pro (A++/AAA), ??? - 9', 4 1/2", 4 1/8", 1 3/4" - Exam I, Exam II
161 - Gerry Williams - semi pro (A++/AAA), 73 (Pro) - 9', 4 1/2", 4", 1 7/8" - Table, Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
160 - dr_dave - semi pro (A++/AAA), 63 (A+), [41 (B) - demo racks] - 8', 4 3/4", 4 1/8", 1 3/8" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
160 - scottjen26 - semi pro (A++/AAA), 64 (A+), [20 (Pro)] - 9', 4 1/2", 3 7/8", 1 1/2" - Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
159 - Gerry Williams - adv-3 (A+/A), 73 (Pro) - 9', 4 1/2", 4", 1 7/8" - Table, Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
157 - dr_dave - adv-3 (A+/A), 62 (A+) - 8', 4 3/4", 4 1/8", 1 3/8" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
157 - scottjen26 - adv-3 (A+/A), 64 (A+) - 9', 4 1/2", 3 7/8", 1 1/2" - Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (post)
156 - dr_dave - adv-3 (A+/A), 62 (A+) - 8', 4 3/4", 4 1/8", 1 3/8" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
156 - Gerry Williams - adv-3 (A+/A), 73 (Pro) - 9', 4 1/2", 4", 1 7/8" - Table, Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II
154 - Neil - adv-3 (A+/A); 60 (A) - 7', 4 1/8", 2 7/8", 1 3/8" - Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2)
152 - Neil - adv-3 (A+/A); 60 (A) - 7', 4 1/8", 2 7/8", 1 3/8" - Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2)
149 - scottjen26 - adv-3 (A+/A), 64 (A+) - 9', 4 1/2", 3 7/8", 1 1/2" - Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II
148 - Neil - adv-3 (A+/A); 60 (A) - 7', 4 1/8", 2 7/8", 1 3/8" - Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2)
146 - dr_dave - adv-3 (A+/A), 58 (A) - 7', 4 1/2", 4 1/2", 3/4" - post
142 - dr_dave - adv-3 (A+/A), 58 (A) - 8', 4 3/4", 4 1/8", 1 3/8" - Exam I, Exam II
141 - 12squared - adv-3 (A+/A); 78 (Pro) - 9', 4 7/8", 4 1/8", 1 1/2" - post
141 - Neil - adv-3 (A+/A); 60 (A) - 7', 4 1/8", 3 1/2", 1 3/8" - Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
136 - bowiebill - adv-2 (A-/B+), 58 (A) - 9', 4 3/4", 4", 1 1/4" - post
135 - Mooneye - adv-2 (A-/B+), 49 (B) - 7', 4 7/8", 4 1/8", 1 5/8" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
135 - dr_dave - adv-2 (A-/B+), 54 (B+) - 8', 4 3/4", 4 1/8", 1 3/8" - Exam I, Exam II
133 - Mooneye - adv-2 (A-/B+), 49 (B) - 7', 4 7/8", 4 1/8", 1 5/8" - Exam I, Exam II
132 - Gerry Williams - adv-2 (A-/B+), 73 (Pro) - 9', 4 1/2", 4", 1 7/8" - Table, Exam I, Exam II (part 1, part 2)
132 - BRussell - adv-2 (A-/B+), 51 (B+) - 8', 5", 4 1/4", 1 1/2" - Exam I, Exam II
129 - Spimp13 - adv-2 (A-/B+), ??? - ??? - post
127 - Okie - adv-2 (A-/B+), 61 (A+) - 9', 4 3/4", 4", 1 1/2" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
127 - Mooneye - adv-2 (A-/B+), 49 (B) - 7', 4 7/8", 4 1/8", 1 5/8" - Exam I, post
124 - StraightPoolIU - adv-1 (B/B-), 50 (B) - 9', 4 7/8", 4 1/8, 1 1/4" - post
124 - JC - adv-1 (B/B-), 57 (A) - 9', 4 7/16", 3 7/8", 1 3/8" - Table, Exam 1, Exam 2
121 - TheOneGnat - adv-1 (B/B-), 51 (B+) - 8', 4 1/2", 4", 1 5/8" - AZB post and update
119 - Mooneye - adv-1 (B/B-), 49 (B) - 7', 4 7/8", 4 1/8", 1 5/8" - Exam I, Exam II
118 - bowiebill - adv-1 (B/B-), 58 (A) - 9', 4 3/4", 4", 1 1/4" - Exam I, Exam II (part 1, part 2)
117 - RobMan - adv-1 (B/B-), 46 (B) - 9', 5", 4 1/4", 1 1/5" - post
113 - Eagleshot - adv-1 (B/B-), 48 (B) - 9', 4 1/2, 4", 1 1/4" - PM
112 - gregcantrall adv-1 (B/B-), ??? - 8', 4 3/8", 4 1/8", 1" - post
112 - Okie - adv-1 (B/B-), 61 (A+) - 9', 4 3/4", 4", 1 1/2" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
112 - RobMan - adv-1 (B/B-), 46 (B) - 9', 5", 4 1/4", 1 1/5" - post
108 - row21097 - int-3 (B-/C+), 57 (A) - 9', 4 1/2”, 4”, 1 1/2” - Table, Exam I (part 1, part 2, part 3), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
106 - StraightPoolIU - int-3 (B-/C+), 50 (B) - 9', 4 7/8", 4 1/8, 1 1/4" - post
102 - Okie - int-3 (B-/C+), 52 (B+) - 9', 4 3/4", 4", 1 1/2" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
101 - 67tbird - int-3 (B-/C+), 46 (B) - 8', 4 1/4", 4", 1 1/2" - post
98 - Eagleshot - int-3 (B-/C+), 48 (B) - 9', 4 1/2, 4", 1 1/4" - PM
92 - 67tbird - int-2 (C+/C), 34 (D+) - 8', 4 1/4", 4", 1 1/2" - post
90 - EagleEye - int-2 (C+/C), ??? - 9', 5", 3 7/8", 1 3/8" - 2013 BU Summer School Boot Camp
89 - mamics - int-2 (C+/C), 31 (D+) - 9', 4 5/8", 3 13/16", 1 1/4" - post
88 - DrGonzo - int-2 (C+/C), 47 (B) - 9', 4.5", 4", 1.5" - post
87 - iusedtoberich - int-2 (C+/C), 38 (C), [47 (B)] - 9', 5 1/8", 4 1/8", 1 1/2" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
82 - krupa - int-2 (C+/C), 24 (D) - 9', 4 3/4", 3 5/8", 1 1/4" - post
79 - krupa - int-2 (C+/C), 24 (D) - 9', 4 3/4", 3 5/8", 1 1/4" - post
78 - iusedtoberich - int-2 (C+/C), 38 (C) - 9', 5 1/8", 4 1/8", 1 1/2" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
77 - mamics - int-2 (C+/C), 31 (D+) - 9', 4 5/8", 3 13/16", 1 1/4" - post
77 - SeanChamp - int-2 (C+/C), 29 (D) - 8', 4 1/2", ???, 1" - post
72 - justadub - int-2 (C+/C), ??? - 9', 4 3/4", 4 1/8", 1 3/4" - post
68 - icucybe - int-1 (C), ??? - 9', 4 1/2", 3 /1/2", 1 3/4" - post
68 - krupa - int-1 (C), 24 (D) - 9', 4 3/4", 3 5/8", 1 1/4" - post
68 - pleforowicz - int-1 (C), 24 (D) - 9', 11.7cm, 9.2cm, 3.8cm - Post
62 - mamics - int-1 (C), 20 (D) - 9', 4 5/8", 3 13/16", 1 1/4" - post
55 - mamics - int-1 (C), 20 (D) - 9', 4 5/8", 3 13/16", 1 1/4" - post
 
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icucybe

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Thank you for posting. When you get some time, please post your pocket measurements. Also consider trying and posting scores for the 10-ball ghost drill and 15-ball rotation drill so we can see how the ratings compare to the BU rating.

Also, please post new BU Exam scores (and videos if possible) when you improve them in the future.

Catch you later,
Dave

Did not do messurements but I know for a fact is a Diamond Pro Am with pro cut pockets. Same table from US Open 9 Ball 2013. I am sure you guys are familiar with this particular table messurements.

I will do a 10 Ball Ghost and record myself to see how you guys can help me improve. :smile:

Dave are you taking in to consideration "table difficulty factor" or that doesn't matter here?
 

dr_dave

Instructional Author
Gold Member
Silver Member
Did not do messurements but I know for a fact is a Diamond Pro Am with pro cut pockets. Same table from US Open 9 Ball 2013. I am sure you guys are familiar with this particular table messurements.
I took the measurements for a typical pro-cut Diamond from the Table Difficulty Factor (TDF) thread. Here's your revised entry:

68 - icucybe - int-1 (C), ??? - 9', 4 1/2", 3 /1/2", 1 3/4" - post

I will do a 10 Ball Ghost and record myself to see how you guys can help me improve. :smile:
Sounds good.

Dave are you taking in to consideration "table difficulty factor" or that doesn't matter here?
I'm not using the TDF to adjust the scores, but I do include the table info with the scores for "perspective." For more info, see the TDF document.

Thanks again for posting,
Dave
 

ryanshea

Dreamer of dreams
Hi Dr Dave, one of the challenges I have noticed for exercises which involve the paper target is that the thickness of the paper deflects a very slow rolling cue ball coming at an angle. Shots that clearly would have ended up in the target area hit the edge of the paper and turn away. I was thinking about using a piece of tissue paper or thin fabric instead - what do you think?
 

dr_dave

Instructional Author
Gold Member
Silver Member
Hi Dr Dave, one of the challenges I have noticed for exercises which involve the paper target is that the thickness of the paper deflects a very slow rolling cue ball coming at an angle.
Sometimes the paper hurts, and sometimes it helps (with the edges slowing the CB, and the inner edges helping to keep the CB in the target).

Shots that clearly would have ended up in the target area hit the edge of the paper and turn away.
Agreed, especially for the less accurate shots. With better accuracy, I think the paper helps more often than it hurts.

I was thinking about using a piece of tissue paper or thin fabric instead - what do you think?
That's a good idea. I like it. Thank you for suggesting it. I'll give it a try also.

Please post your scores (and video if possible) when they are available.

Good luck,
Dave
 

dr_dave

Instructional Author
Gold Member
Silver Member
Many people who said they would post new or improved scores have not. I am curious to know why this is the case. Please respond.

The reason I haven't posted is:
A.) I still haven't found enough time to practice the exams.
B.) I am too embarrassed to post a low score.
C.) I don't think the exams are worth practicing.
D.) some other reason (if so, please explain).

Thanks,
Dave
 

Neil

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Many people who said they would post new or improved scores have not. I am curious to know why this is the case. Please respond.

The reason I haven't posted is:
A.) I still haven't found enough time to practice the exams.
B.) I am too embarrassed to post a low score.
C.) I don't think the exams are worth practicing.
D.) some other reason (if so, please explain).

Thanks,
Dave

The reason I haven't posted a new score is:
E.) I was practicing for a tournament and working on my stroke, getting it straighter.

I actually did run through the masters course today. (before I even read this) But, while pleased with it for a first run-through in a while, it didn't beat my previous score.

I think they are excellent drills, and will help anyone that utilizes them correctly.
 

dr_dave

Instructional Author
Gold Member
Silver Member
The reason I haven't posted a new score is:
E.) I was practicing for a tournament and working on my stroke, getting it straighter.

I actually did run through the masters course today. (before I even read this) But, while pleased with it for a first run-through in a while, it didn't beat my previous score.

I think they are excellent drills, and will help anyone that utilizes them correctly.
Neil,

Thank you for responding. I hope others do also.

I look forward to seeing your new, well-practiced, straightened, post-tournament stroke on a new BU Exam video post, with a new and improved score.

Catch you later,
Dave
 

justadub

Rattling corners nightly
Silver Member
Many people who said they would post new or improved scores have not. I am curious to know why this is the case. Please respond.

The reason I haven't posted is:
A.) I still haven't found enough time to practice the exams.
B.) I am too embarrassed to post a low score.
C.) I don't think the exams are worth practicing.
D.) some other reason (if so, please explain).

Thanks,
Dave

"A" is mostly my culprit. Available time, and available time without distraction at the pool room, as I have no table at home.

Its obviously not "B" in my case. :p
 

dr_dave

Instructional Author
Gold Member
Silver Member
"A" is mostly my culprit. Available time, and available time without distraction at the pool room, as I have no table at home.

Its obviously not "B" in my case. :p
Thank you for responding.

I'm glad you left a little "room for improvement" with your previously-posted scores. ;)

I look forward to seeing how much better you can do after some dedicated practice.

Catch you later,
Dave
 

mamics

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
The reason I haven't posted is:
A.) I still haven't found enough time to practice the exams.
B.) I am too embarrassed to post a low score.
C.) I don't think the exams are worth practicing.
D.) some other reason (if so, please explain).

A - I haven't even spent much time at the table period over the last few months - when I do have some time - I don't have the energy / appropriate mood (motivation) to even take the cover off & rack a few...

Full time job + 2 kids. (5 & 3 yr old) + I REALLY love my couch & my cable TV (and my sleep zzzZZZZ)

The exams are great though IMO - and do I win anything for posting the lowest score ? :embarrassed2:

Cheers.
 

krupa

The Dream Operator
Silver Member
Many people who said they would post new or improved scores have not. I am curious to know why this is the case. Please respond.

The reason I haven't posted is:
A.) I still haven't found enough time to practice the exams.
B.) I am too embarrassed to post a low score.
C.) I don't think the exams are worth practicing.
D.) some other reason (if so, please explain).

Thanks,
Dave

D)

I have been focusing on my fundamentals a lot (got Mark Wilson's book and have rededicated myself to a better stroke.)

Also, I've been working on progressive drills -- not unlike your drills, but just more general. For example: cue ball and object ball are one diamond apart, pocket the ball in a corner and follow one diamond, two diamonds, three, etc.

I've also been practicing my break. I've been trying to take some power off to improve accuracy and control... I've had some success but not enough to make me happy.

So I've been practicing a lot, just haven't done the BU drills in a while.
 

ryanshea

Dreamer of dreams
I just ran through the exam 1 for the first time on my 9' Gold Crown IV (still need to measure the pocket dimensions). I'm rocking the bottom of the list with a 53, which I have on video, but it certainly would feel odd sharing a video to prove beyond doubt that I have a lower score than all others have reported. Scoring a 2 on the slide drill did not help.
 

mamics

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Lol I'm pretty sure my score was the sum of both exams. Wooden spoon is mine, all mine...


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StraightPoolIU

Brent
Silver Member
D) I've been working really hard on my fundamentals lately and working with Mark Wilson's book. I have been practicing some of the drills intermittently. I do think they have a lot of value, but I haven't dedicated my limited available practice time to running through the entire exam again. I want to do it again early this summer or late spring though.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
 

67tbird

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
A - I started a new job, working lots of overtime, just don't get the table time I'd like. Working out of Mark Wilson's book as much as I can.

- Andy

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dr_dave

Instructional Author
Gold Member
Silver Member
A - I haven't even spent much time at the table period over the last few months - when I do have some time - I don't have the energy / appropriate mood (motivation) to even take the cover off & rack a few...

Full time job + 2 kids. (5 & 3 yr old) + I REALLY love my couch & my cable TV (and my sleep zzzZZZZ)

The exams are great though IMO
Thanks. Now get motivated! :angry:

and do I win anything for posting the lowest score ? :embarrassed2:
... just my respect for being humble and honest.

Catch you later,
Dave
 
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