While watching an old video on YouTube between Mosconi and Minnesota Fats with Howard Cosell announcing I noticed something very obvious. I admit I only watched the 9 Ball competition so far. In the whole 9 Ball match there was not one safety. No defense at all. Both players attempted to make EVERY shot. Yet in Mosconi's book which I read years ago he stated that if you're not 99% sure you can make a shot, play safe. Could it possibly be since this was more of an exhibition that they were told to attempt every shot? Or maybe Willy was just referring to straight pool in his book? Opinions?
Interesting observation in an old Mosconi vs Fats video
- Thread starter Jeff Rosen
- Start date
Mosconi & Fats came from different backgrounds. Mosconi was a great ambassador for pool, and a gentleman Fat was a low life big month hustler.
At any pool game, 99% is the wrong number. If it's a choice between a 60% shot and a 50% safety, take the shot.
I think your best chance to get an answer to this is to ask Charlie Ursitti who I think was there.
'They' would not have been terribly wrong either!..Nothing will turn off spectators, (especially novice viewers) than engaging in prolonged safety battles! :boring2: :boring2: :boring2:
Very good observation!!!
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Great Entertainers!… The banter! lol
Coco..A players morality, (or lack of it) would have absolutely nothing to do with viewing that particular match!..What are the chances of Cosell, (the commentator) even recognizing an intentional 'two way safety'?
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You have pointed out the problem with rotation pool. Too many safety's. We have no idea how good these players are because every time they are faced with a tough shot they play the percentages which is safe. Playing safe and kicking takes skill but is boring.
Exactly. I enjoy a long safety battle but the average viewer on television would be changing the channel.
You'll never be a great player if you keep this mentality.
That is why it is sometimes fun to watch videos of top pros playing the ghost because they have to go for every shot.
This video of Orcullo playing the ghost is very interesting to watch. Keep in mind that this was on the challenging tables at Hard Times
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZH1tuvo0zXc
What's your opinion of two people you never knew have anything to do with safety play??
News for you Ak..Unlike Efren for instance, Mosconi was a specialist at only one game (14.1)..According to Jersey Red..when
Fats was in his prime, their rotation games were fairly even..Also according to Red, Fats could have given him weight at
one pocket..Mosconi could never even spell 1P..
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News for you Ak..Unlike Efren for instance, Mosconi was a specialist at only one game (14.1)..According to Jersey Red..when
Fats was in his prime, their rotation games were fairly even..Also according to Red, Fats could have given him weight at
one pocket..Mosconi could never even spell 1P..
And don't forget Banks, not to mention 3Cushion which has been said to be his best game, but never has there been money there, so most never saw him play.
Folks that never saw Fats play haven't much of a clue. He wasn't the best as he'd want you think, but he wasn't just a loudmouth either.
Cowboy Dennis
Banned
Cowboy Dennis
Banned
Exactly the opposite is true. Mosconi made Fats play "call-shot" 9-Ball and balls slopped in spotted up (could be wrong about that 2nd point). Rotation games and 8-Ball came before Banks and One-Pocket all at Mosconi's insistence. He had always beat Fats before Fats's best games came up. Mosconi knew he might very well lose to Fats playing Banks or One-Pocket and he did his best to put them up after the other games. It worked.
RBL
Apparently you never met them Fats was very friendly and entertaining to talk to and happy to give an autograph Mosconi was an ass and didn't want anything at all to do with the fans and would try and not do autographs.
News for you Ak..Unlike Efren for instance, Mosconi was a specialist at only one game (14.1)..According to Jersey Red..when
Fats was in his prime, their rotation games were fairly even..Also according to Red, Fats could have given him weight at
one pocket..Mosconi could never even spell 1P..
Didn't need to. Mosconi would just run eight and out, over and over.
The first time Fats and Mosconi played was reputedly at Frankie Mason's room in Philly, probably the late 30's. Five games for $50 a game (insert prerequisite "that was good money back then"). Five games later it was 5-0, Mosconi, and Fats pulled up.
Lou Figueroa