$10,000 BU Playing-Ability-Exam Challenge

[dr_dave]

I just posted another entry:

Dr. Dave - BU Exam I - 81 - 4/15/2020

I didn't improve much over my last attempt (81 vs. 80), but I won't stop trying until I reach 90. At this rate, it will take me 10 more days. :embarrassed2:

I really bombed the wagon wheel drill (missing several balls by millimeters) and I missed 3 of the potting shots (inexcusable), so my score should have been much higher (although, I did get 19/20 on the target drill, which is tough to match or improve).

Get to work guys. I look forward to seeing more entries.

Good luck,
Dave

The Billiard University (BU) just announced a new challenge open through the end of August, 2020. You have a chance to win lots of money in this "virtual" video-based tournament, where there are no travel costs or entry fees ... only prize money! The BU is offering $10,000 total with a possible top prize of $5000. There is an open division for top players and a junior division for younger players. There is also a lottery division, where anybody can win money, regardless of their playing performance. The BU wants everybody to participate and benefit from this challenge, so please help spread the word. Have fun, and good luck winning some cash!

Here's the challenge website:

$10,000 BU Playing-Ability-Exam Challenge​

And here's a video introduction.

I look forward to seeing lots of AZB user participation. I plan to start practicing and posting soon myself.

Good luck,
Dave

 

[dr_dave]

I just posted another entry:

Dr. Dave - BU Exam I - 81 - 4/15/2020

I didn't improve much over my last attempt (81 vs. 80), but I won't stop trying until I reach 90. At this rate, it will take me 10 more days. :embarrassed2:

I really bombed the wagon wheel drill (missing several balls by millimeters) and I missed 3 of the potting shots (inexcusable), so my score should have been much higher (although, I did get 19/20 on the target drill, which is tough to match or improve).

Get to work guys. I look forward to seeing more entries.

Good luck,
Dave

Sorry, but when I first posted this, the video was still being processed by YouTube. FYI, it is live now.

Regards,
Dave

 

[td873]

I retook Exam 3 = 49. I questioned the 2nd shot as I barely rubbed the two frozen balls. I gave myself the points though. I missed a number of the relatively easy 4 point shots. I think 60 is possible with some practice on all of these. I actually enjoy this exam more than Exam 1. Go figure.

Video link [still processing as of right now, will edit this portion out later]: https://youtu.be/-jvSD3VlOHk

-td

 

[Dan_B]

It's funny hearing you guys talking about things being too quiet. Many people consider quietness a luxury, and some people often complain about all of the noise and distractions usually unavoidable in a pool hall.

Do you plan to enter the Challenge?

Regards,
Dave

I'm studying,
exam 1,
going to print it out, break it down to each drill for a one at time practice
during my 10 - 15 minute breaks that I'll take during any given day.

Good time as any to figure out the "how to do" video stuff also, so...
not being a speed demon, by july seems reasonable to post something worthwhile.

I'm on a 9' (102), little narrower though (42), table has 4" snooker bend corner pocket with a
very generous side pocket. Qualify or not I'll go through the motions to see what it looks like.

 

[dr_dave]

I retook Exam 3 = 49.

Good job! You are now in 1st place and will get $500 if nobody beats your score. FYI, I've added your score and video link to the Challenge page.

I questioned the 2nd shot as I barely rubbed the two frozen balls. I gave myself the points though.

The only requirement is to disturb the balls, so a slight graze is fine.

I missed a number of the relatively easy 4 point shots. I think 60 is possible with some practice on all of these.

I also think I could get into the 50s (and maybe 60), but it would take a little work.

I actually enjoy this exam more than Exam 1. Go figure.

I think Exam III is more fun also, but my game gets much more benefit out of Exam I, so I prefer putting most of my effort there. I hope to work on it every day until I reach the 90 threshold. Then I might go after your Exam III score. :grin-square:

Thank you for participating,
Dave

PS: Let me know if you ever do Exam II, so I can add your scores and video links to the AZB BU sticky thread.

 

[dr_dave]

I'm studying,
exam 1,
going to print it out, break it down to each drill for a one at time practice
during my 10 - 15 minute breaks that I'll take during any given day.

Good time as any to figure out the "how to do" video stuff also, so...
not being a speed demon, by july seems reasonable to post something worthwhile.

I'm on a 9' (102), little narrower though (42), table has 4" snooker bend corner pocket with a
very generous side pocket. Qualify or not I'll go through the motions to see what it looks like.

I'm glad to hear it.

I look forward to seeing your video(s).

Good luck,
Dave

 

[dr_dave]

I took another stab at Exam I this morning. I got an 86, making me think the 90 is doable with only a little more work. Here's my latest:

Dr. Dave - BU Exam I - 86 - 4/16/2020

This was the first time I started with 40/40 in a long time. That draw drill (F4) is tough to master. I was very disappointed to miss three of the potting shots. I also want to score better on the wagon-wheel drill. 15/20 is not high enough if I want to have a good chance to surpass 90.

Good luck on both Exam I and Exam III in The Challenge,
Dave

The Billiard University (BU) just announced a new challenge open through the end of August, 2020. You have a chance to win lots of money in this "virtual" video-based tournament, where there are no travel costs or entry fees ... only prize money! The BU is offering $10,000 total with a possible top prize of $5000. There is an open division for top players and a junior division for younger players. There is also a lottery division, where anybody can win money, regardless of their playing performance. The BU wants everybody to participate and benefit from this challenge, so please help spread the word. Have fun, and good luck winning some cash!

Here's the challenge website:

$10,000 BU Playing-Ability-Exam Challenge​

And here's a video introduction.

I look forward to seeing lots of AZB user participation. I plan to start practicing and posting soon myself.

Good luck,
Dave

 

[buttnkdwonder]

Dr. Dave, I want to thank you for creating this challenge and for all the work you’ve done to set it up and administer it. Like many of us I am spending a lot more time at home and have more free time than I know what to do with. My pool game has been somewhat in a slump lately and I haven’t been very motivated to practice lately with no league play or tournaments on the horizon.

This challenge has motivated me to slap those donuts back on the table and get back to work drilling my fundamentals through exam 1. Spent last night setting up the table and figuring out how I’m going to set up recording. Ran through exam 1 once just really going through the motions and got a 66. I know I can do much better and I’m going to work to improve that score over the coming weeks and months. I’m only a C player but this challenge has given me something to work towards and something to measure my improvement. Very excited now to spend more time becoming a better player. And it’s all thanks to you.

Thank you for being such a great ambassador for this game and for giving many of us something productive to do in these strange times. Might take me a little while to build up the courage for an official submission but you can expect one or several from me before this is all said and done.

 

[dr_dave]

Dr. Dave, I want to thank you for creating this challenge and for all the work you’ve done to set it up and administer it.

You're welcome. I aim to swerve. :grin-square:

Like many of us I am spending a lot more time at home and have more free time than I know what to do with. My pool game has been somewhat in a slump lately and I haven’t been very motivated to practice lately with no league play or tournaments on the horizon.

This challenge has motivated me to slap those donuts back on the table and get back to work drilling my fundamentals through exam 1.

I'm glad The Challenge is motivating you to practice. These BU Exam Challenges really motivate me also. I get my best practice and biggest boosts in my game as a result of the dedicated BU Exam drill work.

Spent last night setting up the table and figuring out how I’m going to set up recording. Ran through exam 1 once just really going through the motions and got a 66. I know I can do much better and I’m going to work to improve that score over the coming weeks and months. I’m only a C player but this challenge has given me something to work towards and something to measure my improvement. Very excited now to spend more time becoming a better player. And it’s all thanks to you.

Might take me a little while to build up the courage for an official submission but you can expect one or several from me before this is all said and done.

Feel free to post a video sooner rather than later. 66 (with a video) already qualifies you for the $500 "lottery" division, and you can increase your score and post new videos as many times as you want between now and the end of August. I think it is interesting to see how and where people improve over time.

Thank you for being such a great ambassador for this game and for giving many of us something productive to do in these strange times.

Thank you for your supportive post and for wanting to participate.

Good luck and high scores,
Dave

 

[dr_dave]

I worked on Exam I again this morning and finally broke into the 90-95 division. I think I could reach 96 eventually, but it would take much more work than I am willing to put it. For now, I'd rather get back to creating YouTube instructional videos. Over the next few days, I will work on a "Top 10 Thing You Need to Know about Position Play and Patterns" video. I've been planning that one for a long time.

Here's my latest Challenge entry:

Dr. Dave - BU Exam I - 90 - 4/17/2020

Good luck and high scores,
Dave

I took another stab at Exam I this morning. I got an 86, making me think the 90 is doable with only a little more work. Here's my latest:

Dr. Dave - BU Exam I - 86 - 4/16/2020

This was the first time I started with 40/40 in a long time. That draw drill (F4) is tough to master. I was very disappointed to miss three of the potting shots. I also want to score better on the wagon-wheel drill. 15/20 is not high enough if I want to have a good chance to surpass 90.

Good luck on both Exam I and Exam III in The Challenge,
Dave

 

[Poolmanis]

I worked on Exam I again this morning and finally broke into the 90-95 division. I think I could reach 96 eventually, but it would take much more work than I am willing to put it. For now, I'd rather get back to creating YouTube instructional videos. Over the next few days, I will work on a "Top 10 Thing You Need to Know about Position Play and Patterns" video. I've been planning that one for a long time.

Here's my latest Challenge entry:

Dr. Dave - BU Exam I - 90 - 4/17/2020

Good luck and high scores,
Dave

Damn Dave! You gonna collect that money back to your own pocket?
Strong Score! 90 get BadAss Seal from here. Gratz! :thumbup:

 

[dr_dave]

Damn Dave! You gonna collect that money back to your own pocket?
Strong Score! 90 get BadAss Seal from here. Gratz! :thumbup:

Thanks! Should we expect some videos from you soon? Do you think you can join me in the 90-95 club? And do you think you could get a 96+ for the big cash? I think I could do it, but it would not be easy, and it would take many attempts after many hours of dedicated practice. I think I'm done with Exam I for a while. Maybe I'll work on Exam III again after I do a couple of instructional videos.

Catch you later,
Dave

 

[Poolmanis]

Thanks! Should we expect some videos from you soon? Do you think you can join me in the 90-95 club? And do you think you could get a 96+ for the big cash? I think I could do it, but it would not be easy, and it would take many attempts after many hours of dedicated practice. I think I'm done with Exam I for a while. Maybe I'll work on Exam III again after I do a couple of instructional videos.

Catch you later,
Dave

I have access to tables but i have been sick over 2 weeks now. Dunno if this Corona and when i get better. Also my playing shaft is giving up. I need to get new equipment too...
So probably takes some time to get even chance to practice it.

Cheers. I will join to challenge when I can. My students most likely will too.

 

[dr_dave]

I have access to tables but i have been sick over 2 weeks now. Dunno if this Corona and when i get better. Also my playing shaft is giving up. I need to get new equipment too...
So probably takes some time to get even chance to practice it.

I hope you don't have COVID-19, and I hope you can get back to playing soon.

Cheers. I will join to challenge when I can. My students most likely will too.

Sounds good. I look forward to seeing entries from you and your students.

Catch you later,
Dave

 

[dr_dave]

If anybody knows any junior players (18 or under), please encourage them to participate in the juniors division of Exam III. It would be a shame if nobody claims any of Bob Jewett's $600 for this event.

Juniors are also welcome to enter any of the Open divisions of The Challenge.

Please help spread the word.

Thanks,
Dave

The Billiard University (BU) just announced a new challenge open through the end of August, 2020. You have a chance to win lots of money in this "virtual" video-based tournament, where there are no travel costs or entry fees ... only prize money! The BU is offering $10,000 total with a possible top prize of $5000. There is an open division for top players and a junior division for younger players. There is also a lottery division, where anybody can win money, regardless of their playing performance. The BU wants everybody to participate and benefit from this challenge, so please help spread the word. Have fun, and good luck winning some cash!

Here's the challenge website:

$10,000 BU Playing-Ability-Exam Challenge​

And here's a video introduction.

I look forward to seeing lots of AZB user participation. I plan to start practicing and posting soon myself.

Good luck,
Dave

 

[dr_dave]

We're starting to get a more interest and entries. I hope more AZB users decide to participate. Still no junior entries yet. Please encourage juniors you might know. I didn't realize how hard it would be to give away free money.

Good luck,
Dave

The Billiard University (BU) just announced a new challenge open through the end of August, 2020. You have a chance to win lots of money in this "virtual" video-based tournament, where there are no travel costs or entry fees ... only prize money! The BU is offering $10,000 total with a possible top prize of $5000. There is an open division for top players and a junior division for younger players. There is also a lottery division, where anybody can win money, regardless of their playing performance. The BU wants everybody to participate and benefit from this challenge, so please help spread the word. Have fun, and good luck winning some cash!

Here's the challenge website:

$10,000 BU Playing-Ability-Exam Challenge​

And here's a video introduction.

I look forward to seeing lots of AZB user participation. I plan to start practicing and posting soon myself.

Good luck,
Dave

 

[shasta777]

If anybody knows any junior players (18 or under), please encourage them to participate in the juniors division of Exam III. It would be a shame if nobody claims any of Bob Jewett's $600 for this event.

Juniors are also welcome to enter any of the Open divisions of The Challenge.

Please help spread the word.

Thanks,
Dave

Dr Dave... I just passed on your info to a half a dozen Jr Pool players...

Hopefully they get their entry in... this is the perfect time for them to do it!!
Thank you for putting up the Challenge for everybody!!

& as Dr Dave said to Rollie… - "Don't be a Giraffe" lol
stay safe!!!

 

[dr_dave]

If anybody knows any junior players (18 or under), please encourage them to participate in the juniors division of Exam III. It would be a shame if nobody claims any of Bob Jewett's $600 for this event.

Juniors are also welcome to enter any of the Open divisions of The Challenge.

Please help spread the word.

Dr Dave... I just passed on your info to a half a dozen Jr Pool players...

Hopefully they get their entry in... this is the perfect time for them to do it!!
Thank you for putting up the Challenge for everybody!!

Thanks! I hope some of them participate.

& as Dr Dave said to Rollie… - "Don't be a Giraffe" lol
stay safe!!!

I’m glad you liked that enough to remember it.

Regards,
Dave

 

[dr_dave]

Anybody working on Exam I or Exam III this week?

I plan to put in some Exam III work today and tomorrow.

Good luck,
Dave

The Billiard University (BU) just announced a new challenge open through the end of August, 2020. You have a chance to win lots of money in this "virtual" video-based tournament, where there are no travel costs or entry fees ... only prize money! The BU is offering $10,000 total with a possible top prize of $5000. There is an open division for top players and a junior division for younger players. There is also a lottery division, where anybody can win money, regardless of their playing performance. The BU wants everybody to participate and benefit from this challenge, so please help spread the word. Have fun, and good luck winning some cash!

Here's the challenge website:

$10,000 BU Playing-Ability-Exam Challenge​

And here's a video introduction.

I look forward to seeing lots of AZB user participation. I plan to start practicing and posting soon myself.

Good luck,
Dave

 

[dr_dave]

A player from Portugal just posted a 92 on Exam I. See the entries section for this and other videos submitted to date.

I think there is a chance for a perfect score of 100, but it will take a top player willing to put in a fair amount of dedicated practice.

Enjoy,
Dave

The Billiard University (BU) just announced a new challenge open through the end of August, 2020. You have a chance to win lots of money in this "virtual" video-based tournament, where there are no travel costs or entry fees ... only prize money! The BU is offering $10,000 total with a possible top prize of $5000. There is an open division for top players and a junior division for younger players. There is also a lottery division, where anybody can win money, regardless of their playing performance. The BU wants everybody to participate and benefit from this challenge, so please help spread the word. Have fun, and good luck winning some cash!

Here's the challenge website:

$10,000 BU Playing-Ability-Exam Challenge​

And here's a video introduction.

I look forward to seeing lots of AZB user participation. I plan to start practicing and posting soon myself.

Good luck,
Dave