Start by telling us one...
Just because you can find people who don't know it, that doesn't mean it's "a secret".
Pool is pretty obvious.
pj
chgo
No more secrets in pool
- Thread starter Straightpool_99
- Start date
Just because you can find people who don't know it, that doesn't mean it's "a secret".
Pool is pretty obvious.
pj
chgo
I wholeheartedly agree that there are more little things to know than I could possibly list, and I don't claim to know all of them. All I'm saying is that there is no "the secret" or small collections of such that can transform you into a top player quickly. I'm not claiming to be able to prove that my opinion is correct either, but I prefer to remain sceptical until evidence is provided. How could I possibly prove that something doesn't exist? It's a logical absurdity.
This is all very true, but I think the word secret is a little dramatized. These things aren't secrets as much as individual methods that may or may not work for the next guy. There are so many little things that they are just too much to catalog in any organized fashion, so as a result, everyone can't know all of them.
On the other hand ...
... I have a ridiculously simple, yet deadly method of calculating CB caroming off one OB into another sending the second OB into the pocket when the two OBs are in close proximity. Very valuable in straight pool and 1pkt. No lie, but I ain't tellin, so ... 
( If I did tell, CJ would just write a book about it and send me a jar of Vaseline )
This is all very true, but I think the word secret is a little dramatized. These things aren't secrets as much as individual methods that may or may not work for the next guy. There are so many little things that they are just too much to catalog in any organized fashion, so as a result, everyone can't know all of them.
On the other hand ...
( If I did tell, CJ would just write a book about it and send me a jar of Vaseline )
Oh, come on now! Don't be a tease!
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pug1986
Registered
dis reminds me of somethin. i was at a tournament an one of the professional players was there playin. i told him "tell me what makes u so good" he said "it a secret". i said "no mo secrets"." they dont exist". then he be like "well get this....". he then told me THEE secret that pool player professional hustlaz have known for years but never eva told nobody. So i know the secret now and U can too if you send me $40.00 to my paypal dude.
i never thought there was a secret till now. pay me
so thats what this thread reminded me of
i never thought there was a secret till now. pay me
so thats what this thread reminded me of
I think there are several kinds of secrets....
Secrets that are kept from us....
Secrets we simply overlook even when they are in front of us....
Secrets we do not go looking for and are unaware of...
Some of us even keep secrets from oursleves....
Some additional definitions from the web...
1
a : kept from knowledge or view : hidden
b : marked by the habit of discretion : closemouthed
c : working with hidden aims or methods : undercover <a secret agent>
d : not acknowledged : unavowed <a secret bride>
e : conducted in secret <a secret trial>
2 : remote from human frequentation or notice : secluded
3 : revealed only to the initiated : esoteric
4 : designed to elude observation or detection <a secret panel>
5 : containing information whose unauthorized disclosure could endanger national security — compare confidential, top secret
I would say number 1a may even fit this thread's original intent
Secrets that are kept from us....
Secrets we simply overlook even when they are in front of us....
Secrets we do not go looking for and are unaware of...
Some of us even keep secrets from oursleves....
Some additional definitions from the web...
1
a : kept from knowledge or view : hidden
b : marked by the habit of discretion : closemouthed
c : working with hidden aims or methods : undercover <a secret agent>
d : not acknowledged : unavowed <a secret bride>
e : conducted in secret <a secret trial>
2 : remote from human frequentation or notice : secluded
3 : revealed only to the initiated : esoteric
4 : designed to elude observation or detection <a secret panel>
5 : containing information whose unauthorized disclosure could endanger national security — compare confidential, top secret
I would say number 1a may even fit this thread's original intent
To be a top player, there is a lot you actually need to "know." Much of this "knowledge" is summarized with supporting resources here:
Top 100 Pool and Billiards Tips/Tricks/Secrets/Gems
This stuff really can't be described as "secrets," but there are many players (even some that are quite good) who don't know some of the stuff on this list.
Now, one doesn't need to learn these things by reading books or watching DVDs. All of it can be learned intuitively by trial and error through countless hours of practice and successful experience.
Most top players probably don't even know that they "know" this stuff, and many (if not most) of them can't explain what they know. Many of them are also incapable of teaching what they "know" to other people. But they most certainly do "know" all of the stuff one must "know" to be a top player.
For example, a top player might not "know" the 30 degree rule or need to use the Dr. Dave peace sign to visualize the direction of a rolling-CB shot, but you better believe that they know about the "natural angle" of the CB and can visualize this direction fairly precisely.
Another good example is an understanding of all important kick and bank shot effects. To be a good kicker and banker, you don't need to "know" this stuff, but you better be able to adjust for all of these effects when aiming different types of kicks and banks. The kick and bank "aiming systems" can't do this for you (although, they can still be useful references, even to some top players at times).
Regards,
Dave
All the freakin' time. Some of these are actually good, even if their content is not actually "secrets" others, well.....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOliM1fySNE
http://cjwiley.com/cj-wiley’s-ultimate-pool-secrets
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1cRe9nL2rk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIJk7f85ly8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxgT2GY6cgA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCl3gtp2FUY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJ6Oz9-Q9Qc
http://www.8ballsecrets.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwJr7rFUXoo
This video is actually the closest I've ever been to seeing an actual, brand new major discovery in the game, for the entire time I've been playing. It won't make you an A player probably but:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOfz26RbzoY
Not my favourite person of all time, but at least I think he's right in this instance:
http://www.billiardworld.com/cwplaygt.html
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I will wholeheartedly agree there is no "The Secret" or that a "small" collection of such could make you world class but I do think the world class players have "huge" collections of such they have assimilated over the years...
If you want to climb a mountain it might serve you best taking on a guide who has climbed that particular mountiain.....
Will he take you on a "secret" path? Maybe or he may show you the same path everyone takes and points out the pitfalls and areas that keep others from ascending...
It may be why so few actually make it to the top while tons of people remain at the bottom arguing they know how to get there while never leaving the first base camp.... Things often look easy on paper that are not so in practice.....
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Ron Swanson
Banned
Why is it only people who are shit believe in secrets?
I do know many of the Secrets. I just have to get much better at using them.
And, many aren't Secrets. Just things that many have known or what has been going on at any pool hall in the World.
Just repackaged Secrets.
And when one Secret wears thin, you just invent a new name for an old one.
So to me, that is what makes my Radar go off the deep end. When someone comes up with something completely different.
Only to find that the names have been changed to protect the innocent. I see what ya did there. Fool Me Once.
Like Reiki for example. There are Four Main Symbols and Names.
On the Interwebs, people have invented an entire new line of Reiki Symbols to make money.
The Dragons Breath. The Tibetan Fire Symbol. But, ya have to send money.
Mine as well. There has been known to be a bit of that going on around these parts for some time.
And, many aren't Secrets. Just things that many have known or what has been going on at any pool hall in the World.
Just repackaged Secrets.
And when one Secret wears thin, you just invent a new name for an old one.
So to me, that is what makes my Radar go off the deep end. When someone comes up with something completely different.
Only to find that the names have been changed to protect the innocent. I see what ya did there. Fool Me Once.
Like Reiki for example. There are Four Main Symbols and Names.
On the Interwebs, people have invented an entire new line of Reiki Symbols to make money.
The Dragons Breath. The Tibetan Fire Symbol. But, ya have to send money.
Mine as well. There has been known to be a bit of that going on around these parts for some time.
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Oh, come on now! Don't be a tease!
Lots of little things that fall into the category of measuring tools which in most cases are illegal to use. But not these.
Here are two, ( not the one I spoke of for caroms) but very obvious, most B players and above would know, but just some examples almost too simple to consider by some, yet if you overlook their availability, you may not gain that tiny extra bit of confidence needed to execute a shot you may not like.
First, for the ghost ball envisioners, know the length of your ferrule, or the spot on your shaft 1 1/8th inches from the tip. When you place your cue tip against the OB to sight the shot, plumb down from there is the imaginary ghost ball center.
Next, very obvious, when sighting the 90 degree tangent line off the OB you are shooting, the joint in your cue stick makes the perfect square.
These are obvious things that can be overlooked by players learning the game. Tools to use that add confidence to your shot.
I can't make myself tell you the good one, CJ might be reading again. :grin:
Oh, he'll be here shortly, you can guarantee that one Buddy.
Hey, Blue. I've got a secret to tell you. It's about pool, but I'll be damned if I'm going to drive from southwest Missouri, all the way to Washington state.
I think the word "secrets", is pretty misleading. "Tips", might be a better choice of words for each individual player. No one secret is going to change your game overnight or propel you into the pro ranks.
I've gotten plenty of tips from top players over the years. Some weren't right for me, so I never used them. Others made me look at a shot or pattern differently and solve a problem I might've had.
The past year I've heard about a couple of different ways to hit certain shots that work for me. I've also heard a few tips that I couldn't get to work, so I shelved them for future reference, just in case.
Top players have shown me ways to do things better in situations like how to avoid double kisses on banks, different draw strokes, using double kisse for banks and safeties, and the list goes on.
They're just tips or strategies that I put in the tool box and pull out from time to time. Some I've shared here, but after getting beat to death, not so much. Even though the tips were from guys like Dallas West and Bobby Cotton. :grin:
Best,
Mike
I've gotten plenty of tips from top players over the years. Some weren't right for me, so I never used them. Others made me look at a shot or pattern differently and solve a problem I might've had.
The past year I've heard about a couple of different ways to hit certain shots that work for me. I've also heard a few tips that I couldn't get to work, so I shelved them for future reference, just in case.
Top players have shown me ways to do things better in situations like how to avoid double kisses on banks, different draw strokes, using double kisse for banks and safeties, and the list goes on.
They're just tips or strategies that I put in the tool box and pull out from time to time. Some I've shared here, but after getting beat to death, not so much. Even though the tips were from guys like Dallas West and Bobby Cotton. :grin:
Best,
Mike
Tramp, I'm a little further East than Washington State. By approx 1400 miles.
Just aim straight North from MO, set the cruise and I will see you in approx 4 days.
Bring your Passport with you as you will need it.
Mik, I had one acquaintance work with me for a half hour and pretty much made me take a 180 in how I had been playing and thinking.
It was up to me after that to consider if I was more comfortable in working with what he gave me as opposed to continue to slug it out as usual.
I truly believe in many cases, people get this idea in their heads and feel that they need way more English than necessary. I know that in itself is no big Secret, but a person can easily get themselves into a habit for so long that it does take some time to work your way out of it and feel better.
I did and instantly saw quite a few mistakes that I was repeating which was detrimental in my game.
I know that there are many tricks and the game itself can be a serious challenge. But, it doesn't have to be as challenging as one needs to make it by bad habits.
I had 2 players show me TOI previously. No name for it tho, just a technique. They tend to only use it for longer rail shots. After they gave the once over on it, it left me scratching my head a bit. I was thinking, "But, but, but, that is TOI".
I am sure that TOI does go deeper than what they are using it for. But, TOI isn't anything new on the scene. Just an Old Technique with a new name.
As far as TOI Banking or any of the others etc, I believe that I will stick with what John Brumback teaches.
Marketing and other things in life, I am not unfoolable. Usually tho, one can only do it once to me. Tor Lowry's DVDs have helped me and I assume many others also.
Once a person gets to know who is on the level and who is the Bottom Feeder, it is fairly easy to know who you are going to stick with for useful info.
I have Earl's "Pool My Way". An oldie but great info.
Danny Delicious's Clock System has also given me great insight. I may not always use his Clock System, which I imagine is nothing totally new, but when making certain shots, it is always in mind. I don't execute the shape as well as Danny does obviously, but it usually gets the Q close to where I need it.
I may not pot balls as regular as Tor can, but using his kicking technique, I rarely give a ball in hand either for one.
Just aim straight North from MO, set the cruise and I will see you in approx 4 days.
Bring your Passport with you as you will need it.
Mik, I had one acquaintance work with me for a half hour and pretty much made me take a 180 in how I had been playing and thinking.
It was up to me after that to consider if I was more comfortable in working with what he gave me as opposed to continue to slug it out as usual.
I truly believe in many cases, people get this idea in their heads and feel that they need way more English than necessary. I know that in itself is no big Secret, but a person can easily get themselves into a habit for so long that it does take some time to work your way out of it and feel better.
I did and instantly saw quite a few mistakes that I was repeating which was detrimental in my game.
I know that there are many tricks and the game itself can be a serious challenge. But, it doesn't have to be as challenging as one needs to make it by bad habits.
I had 2 players show me TOI previously. No name for it tho, just a technique. They tend to only use it for longer rail shots. After they gave the once over on it, it left me scratching my head a bit. I was thinking, "But, but, but, that is TOI".
I am sure that TOI does go deeper than what they are using it for. But, TOI isn't anything new on the scene. Just an Old Technique with a new name.
As far as TOI Banking or any of the others etc, I believe that I will stick with what John Brumback teaches.
Marketing and other things in life, I am not unfoolable. Usually tho, one can only do it once to me. Tor Lowry's DVDs have helped me and I assume many others also.
Once a person gets to know who is on the level and who is the Bottom Feeder, it is fairly easy to know who you are going to stick with for useful info.
I have Earl's "Pool My Way". An oldie but great info.
Danny Delicious's Clock System has also given me great insight. I may not always use his Clock System, which I imagine is nothing totally new, but when making certain shots, it is always in mind. I don't execute the shape as well as Danny does obviously, but it usually gets the Q close to where I need it.
I may not pot balls as regular as Tor can, but using his kicking technique, I rarely give a ball in hand either for one.
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Boy, is my face red. I was packed and ready to leave.
By-the-way, when did you move? :smile:
There are some Reference Systems
Secrets perhaps not. Useful references and specific details on how to utilize them...absolutely.
I had a top banker show me a reference method he used and all he knew to tell me after showing to me was....all I can say is that is a powerful thing in pool. It took awhile to understand how to use it. Eventually I found a better reference method that worked over a larger range of bank shots.
Are these things secret? Probably not but are they widely known and used.....absolutely not. I never say there aren't secrets when I find someone who can perform a skill at a much higher rate of completion that I can. When I do I ask them how they do it. Will they tell? Not always.
I am playing a man who can kick a cue ball off the bottom rail and pass bank a ball near the next rail very close to his pocket in one pocket. There is no way hes telling how he goes about figuring out a reference for that but he has one, first a reference then a feel for the application of it. Would I like to know it. Oh yes, its the difference between being able to learn a specific skill and hitting a million balls. There are special keys that make things easier in many aspects, but there isn't anything that covers the whole gamut of the skills in pool not when shot making is only a piece of the puzzle. Reference Systems that make use easier yes absolutely. Can they be a valuable secret/method that helps you learn...yes.
Secrets perhaps not. Useful references and specific details on how to utilize them...absolutely.
I had a top banker show me a reference method he used and all he knew to tell me after showing to me was....all I can say is that is a powerful thing in pool. It took awhile to understand how to use it. Eventually I found a better reference method that worked over a larger range of bank shots.
Are these things secret? Probably not but are they widely known and used.....absolutely not. I never say there aren't secrets when I find someone who can perform a skill at a much higher rate of completion that I can. When I do I ask them how they do it. Will they tell? Not always.
I am playing a man who can kick a cue ball off the bottom rail and pass bank a ball near the next rail very close to his pocket in one pocket. There is no way hes telling how he goes about figuring out a reference for that but he has one, first a reference then a feel for the application of it. Would I like to know it. Oh yes, its the difference between being able to learn a specific skill and hitting a million balls. There are special keys that make things easier in many aspects, but there isn't anything that covers the whole gamut of the skills in pool not when shot making is only a piece of the puzzle. Reference Systems that make use easier yes absolutely. Can they be a valuable secret/method that helps you learn...yes.
I had no idea who he was, although it was certainly a "tiger by the tail". LoL
Vernon Elliot had some serious secrets - were you lucky enough, Mike, to meet him in your adventures? Vernon was called "the Faceless Man" and had a brutally effective game on all tables, playing most games.
We played in Indianapolis when I was 19....what an experience that was, 12 hours of $200 a game 9-ball on the bar box at Tommy Staton's place.....and I had no idea who he was, although it was certainly a "tiger by the tail". LoL
Vernon Elliot had some serious secrets - were you lucky enough, Mike, to meet him in your adventures? Vernon was called "the Faceless Man" and had a brutally effective game on all tables, playing most games.
We played in Indianapolis when I was 19....what an experience that was, 12 hours of $200 a game 9-ball on the bar box at Tommy Staton's place.....and I had no idea who he was, although it was certainly a "tiger by the tail". LoL