Shane Has Won World Titles

Alternate break has nothing to do with it. Race length is the variable that matters, and it's not much different at WPC than at the US Open. The other important variable is field strength which is higher at WPC than at the US Open.

I don't see how you can rationally insist that SVB would beat anyone in the world in a long enough race. There's just not enough data to tell.

maybe he's just assuming.
 
Yes...and no. I actually said third tier cueist, not player. I dont consider any American pool player to be a top tier cueist, mainly because it isn't strictly necessary to be one.

Watch the Potts SVB chinese 8 ball mauling to see the difference in technical ability between the two players. So to call SVB the greatest pool player on earth, and a better player than Potts, is simply laughable. Make the game difficult and SVB melts. Make it a breaking contest on easy playing tables and he thrives. Question is, does that determine who is the better player?

As much as this doesn't make me too happy as an American, my sense here is that you are right. I don't know much about Potts or English 8-ball, but when it comes to snooker, from what I've seen, the cuemanship is just plainly superior. We've already seen female snooker players utterly dominate in American pool when they made the transition. If a male snooker player in the top 10 decided to dedicate themselves fully to American pool, my guess is we'd see the same after a year or so to get used to the different ball sizes and new games. That will never happen, because snooker players make much more money and prestige than pool players.

Having said that, American pool is a hugely popular game in many parts of the world, so there is something to being the best in the world at 9/10-ball. Also, Darren used to be an English 8-ball player, right? He's certainly a world-class American pool player now, but Shane, Dennis, and a number of other players who have been playing on American equipment the whole time are his equals or maybe even better.
 
I'll be there, Billy, hope to see you.

Stu
Absolutely, looking forward to seeing you as well, Mr. Penn.:smile:

I really enjoy reading your reports, their informative and spot on, you're the best. I believe this tournament is going to be one that will be remembered..for many reasons , especially considering that Strickland will be in attendance..one never knows, does one? Also the play in this event will be spectacular, considering not only the caliber of the players but also the players know that the winner of this event will take a large step on the ladder of greatness, see you there.

Bill Incardona
 
There is one element of Shane's game that I think doesn't get enough attention. Specifically he understands the physics of the break better than anyone I know and that includes Corey Duele. If you haven't noticed, tournaments lately have attempted to slow down the great ball strikers with the huge breaks. That includes going to an alternate break, breaking from the box, racking the nine on the spot, loser breaks and requiring so many balls be above the side pockets on the break. Shane and a very few others still manage to dominate with these rule changes. That tells me about their (Shane's) ability to adapt to a changing environment. Now William Incardona, in an earlier thread, posted his idea about the way to determine the best player. That would be races to 21 say best of 5 sets. I would add that both players would select their own playing table and that the match be moved to allow each player to choose their favorite playing condidions.

In the "good old days" matches were played until one player said uncle. We played sometimes for days. This was done for several reasons. It was understood that you didn't quit winners and if you were known as a person who did quit winners then you just didn't get action and pool was more of a mano e mano game. The test of wills, strengths, stamina and heart. Its unfortunate that the game isn't played like that anymore because there is a lot to be said about how we used to play the game.
 
There is one element of Shane's game that I think doesn't get enough attention. Specifically he understands the physics of the break better than anyone I know and that includes Corey Duele. If you haven't noticed, tournaments lately have attempted to slow down the great ball strikers with the huge breaks. That includes going to an alternate break, breaking from the box, racking the nine on the spot, loser breaks and requiring so many balls be above the side pockets on the break. Shane and a very few others still manage to dominate with these rule changes. That tells me about their (Shane's) ability to adapt to a changing environment. Now William Incardona, in an earlier thread, posted his idea about the way to determine the best player. That would be races to 21 say best of 5 sets. I would add that both players would select their own playing table and that the match be moved to allow each player to choose their favorite playing condidions.

In the "good old days" matches were played until one player said uncle. We played sometimes for days. This was done for several reasons. It was understood that you didn't quit winners and if you were known as a person who did quit winners then you just didn't get action and pool was more of a mano e mano game. The test of wills, strengths, stamina and heart. Its unfortunate that the game isn't played like that anymore because there is a lot to be said about how we used to play the game.

Really? Sounds utterly moronic to me.
 
Apart from when he plays the more skilled.

At a game he NEVER plays on a table he never plays on. As opposed to playing guys who play all the time on those tables and similar tables with similar rules.

Give Shane enough time with one of those tables until he feels ready and he will give anyone in the world all they can handle.

And the same applies to Gareth and other english eight ball players because as Steve Davis said, 'a champion is a champion and if they came up with another game instead of what they did come up with then they would be a champion in that game.'

But RIGHT NOW, as I said Gareth has an open invitation to come over and play Shane on the easier tables, all games that Americans bet on. He should mop up and then his yearly winnings will eclipse Shane's as he takes all of Shane's backers money.

Surely you can arrange this?
 
I've noticed that there are many people that put emphasis on longer races benefit the better player, and a truer test of skill. I can't argue with that because I believe that as well. However, short races to 9-11-13 apply much more pressure on the players to respond quicker to the challenge, a type of pressure that often makes the difference in who wins and who doesn't but should..if that makes sense. There's a lot to be said for those who respond to that type of pressure, and it's usually tournament players as opposed to gambling players that fair better under those type of conditions. For the ones that discredit the players that respond well under that type of pressure are only fooling themselves in believing that they are not as good as players that want to play longer races. To me it's nonsense and shouldn't be factor enough to make such claims. Players like Shane, who prefer to race to 50 or 100 are actually cheating themselves from reaching the pinnacle of their respective sport because they are in actuality programming, and conditioning themselves for much longer races, which actually takes pressure out of the equation..to a degree.

Imo, Shane has actually found much comfort in playing longer races because he believes he's the best player (which I do also) Unfortunately for Shane he's not getting the recognition he deserves because he's having problems dealing with the type of pressure shorter races present. Which is evidenced in him not winning any world titles. Maybe i'm wrong, but it's possible i'm not. World tournament pressure is unique in itself, coupled with short race pressure presents the type of pressure that ..if you're not comfortable with you're going to have problems, imo that's where Shane is and he's not conditioning himself to play well in world tournaments by playing races to 100.

I believe Shane should try matching up when gambling by playing shorter races, multiple races to determine the winner. Races to 11, maybe four out of seven races would be much better than one long race..to say 50. Or even races to 9, six out of eleven sets to determine the winner. This type of format will condition him to respond quicker to that type of pressure, which in turn should better prepare him to deal with World Tournament Pressure

There was some talk about comparing races in pool matches against foot races ( in terms of distance) and comparing long distance runners as being qualified to beat sprinters. Nonsense.:banghead: The training is different for sprinters, then it is for marathon runners. Imo it's too tough for a marathon runner to beat a sprinter.:D

Bill Incardona
 
As much as this doesn't make me too happy as an American, my sense here is that you are right. I don't know much about Potts or English 8-ball, but when it comes to snooker, from what I've seen, the cuemanship is just plainly superior. We've already seen female snooker players utterly dominate in American pool when they made the transition. If a male snooker player in the top 10 decided to dedicate themselves fully to American pool, my guess is we'd see the same after a year or so to get used to the different ball sizes and new games. That will never happen, because snooker players make much more money and prestige than pool players.

Having said that, American pool is a hugely popular game in many parts of the world, so there is something to being the best in the world at 9/10-ball. Also, Darren used to be an English 8-ball player, right? He's certainly a world-class American pool player now, but Shane, Dennis, and a number of other players who have been playing on American equipment the whole time are his equals or maybe even better.

He is flat out wrong. What he is referring to is accuracy. Meaning that in his opinion british players are the most accurate players. This is pure bullshit. There is nothing superior about a british human over an american human that makes them more accurate in striking a ball with a stick. British players use small balls and small pockets. Over here we use larger balls and larger pockets. Sometimes we use large balls and small pockets. Pool players learn to play as accurately as they need to using the side rails as needed for shape. They learn to make balls with or without the side rails. They learn to make combinations where the target is exactly a ball's width and no more. They learn to make caroms and banks and to play lock up safeties from any position.

To make a blanket statement that British players (or snooker pros in general) are better cueists is utter tosh as our British friends say it. They might be more accurate potters but they certainly are not better cueists when all the aspects of pool are considered.

If so they should come to the USA and go on vacation and clean up in every town because they will find that they have plenty of action in a variety of games. They will leave the USA with a nice tidy profit and have proved that they can dominate by virtue of being better cueists on "easier" tables.

Or, they might find that shot making alone isn't enough.

In any case I don't hear the sound of tickets being booked because I think that the top players in the UK already know what Steve Davis does and which Thaiger Swanson does not, namely that a top player is a top player and never to be taken lightly.
 
Billy, I agree with you for the most part, but having someone play a best of seven with races to 9 or 11 is WAY different than one race in a tourney. Anyone of them can win one race, but I still don't think anyone will get up and try Shane a best of 7, races to 11 format because Shane will win that 90% of the time because he's the best player.

And before anyone of these idiots pipes in, yes, I'll still bet $10,000 against any player on the planet who will try that format against Shane.
 
They might be more accurate potters but they certainly are not better cueists when all the aspects

...

Or, they might find that shot making alone isn't enough.

You seem to be implying that snooker players are only potters or shotmakers? I'd expect a regular 50-breaker like yourself to know better than that ;).
 
He is flat out wrong. What he is referring to is accuracy. Meaning that in his opinion british players are the most accurate players. This is pure bullshit. There is nothing superior about a british human over an american human that makes them more accurate in striking a ball with a stick. British players use small balls and small pockets. Over here we use larger balls and larger pockets. Sometimes we use large balls and small pockets. Pool players learn to play as accurately as they need to using the side rails as needed for shape. They learn to make balls with or without the side rails. They learn to make combinations where the target is exactly a ball's width and no more. They learn to make caroms and banks and to play lock up safeties from any position.

To make a blanket statement that British players (or snooker pros in general) are better cueists is utter tosh as our British friends say it. They might be more accurate potters but they certainly are not better cueists when all the aspects of pool are considered.

If so they should come to the USA and go on vacation and clean up in every town because they will find that they have plenty of action in a variety of games. They will leave the USA with a nice tidy profit and have proved that they can dominate by virtue of being better cueists on "easier" tables.

Or, they might find that shot making alone isn't enough.

In any case I don't hear the sound of tickets being booked because I think that the top players in the UK already know what Steve Davis does and which Thaiger Swanson does not, namely that a top player is a top player and never to be taken lightly.

How's Alex's snooker thing working out for him

1
 
At a game he NEVER plays on a table he never plays on. As opposed to playing guys who play all the time on those tables and similar tables with similar rules.

Give Shane enough time with one of those tables until he feels ready and he will give anyone in the world all they can handle.

And the same applies to Gareth and other english eight ball players because as Steve Davis said, 'a champion is a champion and if they came up with another game instead of what they did come up with then they would be a champion in that game.'

But RIGHT NOW, as I said Gareth has an open invitation to come over and play Shane on the easier tables, all games that Americans bet on. He should mop up and then his yearly winnings will eclipse Shane's as he takes all of Shane's backers money.

Surely you can arrange this?

Yawn. C8B is American 8 ball but harder. Much harder. Same size table, same sized balls, same rules, same equipment, just much smaller pockets. It is about as far from what potts is used to as you can possibly imagine, and the fact he's adapted so quickly is extraordinary.

Actually, as you're a fan of the absurd, let's flip this. How about we make a table with 18" pockets. Still think Svb is going to bet big there? I can only imagine the ever delightful corvette's variance rantings. :eek:

Still think it would prove who the best pool player is? The harder the equipment, the better the player. You lot want medals for big breaks and easy finishes. Great. Sadly for you, there is no world title for that, and the Wimbledon trophy is not handed out to the best serve and volleyer, either.

The problem here is a lack of understanding about the nature of sport itself. It's hardly surprising, given the shockingly amateurish natural of 'pro' pool.
 
Yawn. C8B is American 8 ball but harder. Much harder. Same size table, same sized balls, same rules, same equipment, just much smaller pockets. It is about as far from what potts is used to as you can possibly imagine, and the fact he's adapted so quickly is extraordinary.

Actually, as you're a fan of the absurd, let's flip this. How about we make a table with 18" pockets. Still think Svb is going to bet big there? I can only imagine the ever delightful corvette's variance rantings. :eek:

Still think it would prove who the best pool player is? The harder the equipment, the better the player. You lot want medals for big breaks and easy finishes. Great. Sadly for you, there is no world title for that, and the Wimbledon trophy is not handed out to the best serve and volleyer, either.

The problem here is a lack of understanding about the nature of sport itself. It's hardly surprising, given the shockingly amateurish natural of 'pro' pool.

Not the same rules. And the equipment is way different, not just a little different.

why are you scared to send your hero to play on what you call absurdly big pockets?

I mean he should clean up easily right?

All this proves is that you really don't know much about pool, anywhere on the earth.

And without some Chinese company sponsoring a big prize for a game no one plays outside of China Gareth Potts wouldn't even be in the top 100 on the money list for POOL related wins. That's how obscure both Chinese 8 ball and English 8 ball is.

"American" Pool on the other hand is played all over the world. And in the games played under that category Shane Van Boeing is one of the best cueists that has ever lived.

Sorry but if your guys want more recognition then let them play and dominate "American" pool, otherwise stop bleating and going on about that which you have intention of proving.

Pretty sure that Gareth can be $200,000 richer if he wants to show up and play Shane some ten ball and play Scott Frost some one pocket. And to top it off he can win another couple hundred thousand by going to the Phillipines and snapping off those guys. Pacquiao shits more money than that betting on pool before breakfast.

Ship it pal. Unless you don't have the cash, balls or connections to make it happen.
 
How's Alex's snooker thing working out for him

1

Working out fine. He started taking it seriously this year but afaik he hasn't moved to England or taken on a top coach. So for what he has put in he has done well IMO.

If you had a million dollars to bet with and you gave Alex one year to train with a top coach in England would you bet against him making it on tour?

Would you bet a second million against him retaining his tour card once he made it on tour?
 
You seem to be implying that snooker players are only potters or shotmakers? I'd expect a regular 50-breaker like yourself to know better than that ;).

Not at all. But they aren't BETTER safety players. They are not better bankers. They don't play caroms or combinations better than pool players. So you tell me what it is that snooker players do better than pool players other than pocketing balls? IF one could even say that they do that better which so far hasn't been proven.
 
I sense sarcasm in your post. Surely a stroke as pure as Barton's can handle regular 50 breaks?

When I played snooker in Germany I could make 50 breaks. I also could run 98 balls in Straight pool and five racks of nine ball and five racks of eight ball.

What about you two anons? Oh that's right, you don't even play anything.

Just trolling away.....
 
Not the same rules. And the equipment is way different, not just a little different.

why are you scared to send your hero to play on what you call absurdly big pockets?

I mean he should clean up easily right?

All this proves is that you really don't know much about pool, anywhere on the earth.

And without some Chinese company sponsoring a big prize for a game no one plays outside of China Gareth Potts wouldn't even be in the top 100 on the money list for POOL related wins. That's how obscure both Chinese 8 ball and English 8 ball is.

"American" Pool on the other hand is played all over the world. And in the games played under that category Shane Van Boeing is one of the best cueists that has ever lived.

Sorry but if your guys want more recognition then let them play and dominate "American" pool, otherwise stop bleating and going on about that which you have intention of proving.

Pretty sure that Gareth can be $200,000 richer if he wants to show up and play Shane some ten ball and play Scott Frost some one pocket. And to top it off he can win another couple hundred thousand by going to the Phillipines and snapping off those guys. Pacquiao shits more money than that betting on pool before breakfast.

Ship it pal. Unless you don't have the cash, balls or connections to make it happen.

You're an american living in china. Sounds like you're better placed to arrange it than me.

Back in the real world for a minute, how are the rules of C8B different to A8B? And, aside from more difficult pockets, how do the tables, cues and balls differ?
 
Not at all. But they aren't BETTER safety players. They are not better bankers. They don't play caroms or combinations better than pool players. So you tell me what it is that snooker players do better than pool players other than pocketing balls? IF one could even say that they do that better which so far hasn't been proven.

Banking, caroms, combinations... these are shots that come up rarely, at best, in most widely played (in worldwide terms) pool games.

By disparaging snooker players as simply being better potters shows why you don't understand the game. They cue the ball better, which in cue sports is all that really counts.
 
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