2025 AZB Ghost Challenge - Official Thread

Ran the Matchroom Ghost -> 9 on the spot. When I made a ball, it was usually just one, so the runs were longer and took more effort than 1-on-the-spot. But, with a good spread, it was still possible to make it work. All said, I found the 9 on the spot to be a much harder game than 1 on the spot.

Matchroom Ghost: 7:1


-td
 
Tried something different this past week, played a 10 Ahead set against the 9 ball ghost my last 3 practice sessions. Definitely takes more focus and more consistency than a normal Ghost set.

First two attempts were about the same, fluctuated between being even, up 3-4 games, or down 3-4 games for 2 to 2.5 hours, then starting making a few more errors and quickly ended up losing the set by about the 3 hour mark.

Had a better go last night, started out down 3 after 5 racks, but quickly recovered back to even, then plus one, then built the lead up to plus 8, went up and down a couple games and eventually closed it out to win 10 ahead at about the 2 hour mark.

Will definitely play this race again, forces you to be more consistent for a longer period of time (for those of us who don't routinely win 10+ consecutive games against the ghost).

Table Conditions: 9 Ft Diamond, Pro cut 4.5" pockets, new Simonis installed 1 month ago. Hand/Triangle racked, 1 ball on spot
Current Fargo: 661
 
I’ve been playing the ghost trying to get my game back up to par where I haven’t been playing much over the last 3 months or so. Let me say it hasn’t been pretty. I’m struggling really bad. I’m simply not executing right now.

For example a couple nights ago the first 11 games I felt like I had a chance to win every game but I had 4 and the ghost had 7. I’m in the hole starting out this month maybe by the end of the month I can claw my way back.
 
9BallKY said:
I’ve been playing the ghost trying to get my game back up to par where I haven’t been playing much over the last 3 months or so. Let me say it hasn’t been pretty. I’m struggling really bad. I’m simply not executing right now.

For example a couple nights ago the first 11 games I felt like I had a chance to win every game but I had 4 and the ghost had 7. I’m in the hole starting out this month maybe by the end of the month I can claw my way back.
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Yeah. im on same boat. I played so little many months my execution is bad now. I can play very well but i am not :D
 
Recorded a set today. It went well. Not my best, but definitely not my worst. I was set up for a mic but wasn’t using one, so no audio.

 
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I Keep on thinking that if the ghost Run out everytime after you miss. His fargo rate is probably 900. Because even SVB dont run out that often and consistent lol
 
Family addition has kept me away from the table, this was my third session since June. After some racks with my friend, he left and I continued with a standard 10-ball ghost and won 7-1. Table 9’ Predator Apex with relatively worn cloth.

Was a pleasant surprise, after some time away on the table it is always beneficial to stick with the basics and play simple effective patterns and usually it pays off.
 
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I played quite a bit more pool this month trying to get back in stroke from not playing much most of the summer. Started the month off playing terrible and got in the hole 15 games against the ghost.

Finally started playing decent and had one good day and I managed to catch up. However with 3 solid weeks of practice and playing the ghost I still haven’t been able to get back to the level I was last year.

At one point last year I won 9 out of 13 sets against the ghost. I still feel like I’m struggling some at this point. Anyway here is this month’s results.

Me-159
Ghost-160
 
9BallKY said:
I played quite a bit more pool this month trying to get back in stroke from not playing much most of the summer. Started the month off playing terrible and got in the hole 15 games against the ghost.

Finally started playing decent and had one good day and I managed to catch up. However with 3 solid weeks of practice and playing the ghost I still haven’t been able to get back to the level I was last year.

At one point last year I won 9 out of 13 sets against the ghost. I still feel like I’m struggling some at this point. Anyway here is this month’s results.

Me-159
Ghost-160
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I’d take that! I’ve been struggling for a long time now. I haven’t been in competition in over two years and I’m not even playing at home a lot. I’d be thrilled to break even, or get close to it.

September sets:
25-43

I started off horribly, with a couple of 0-7 sets and a 1-7. I had a couple of close sets that I lost, then played a couple of decent sets, including the video I posted. But then I stopped playing for the month.
 
peppersauce said:
I’d take that! I’ve been struggling for a long time now. I haven’t been in competition in over two years and I’m not even playing at home a lot. I’d be thrilled to break even, or get close to it.

September sets:
25-43

I started off horribly, with a couple of 0-7 sets and a 1-7. I had a couple of close sets that I lost, then played a couple of decent sets, including the video I posted. But then I stopped playing for the month.
Click to expand...
It wasn’t really the score that bothers me. It’s all the games where I should get out and just blow it.

I know what you mean about the competition. I’ve haven’t played much competitive pool all year. I have a solid 620 player who used to practice 2-3 times a week with me but he’s had back and knee problems for the last 3 months and hasn’t hit a ball. I’ve just been banging balls at home by myself and that doesn’t keep you sharp.

Had a lot of personal things going on this summer too. No excuses though. Just got to do better. Probably won’t get to play much the next couple months.
 
Played one set against the Matchroom 9-ball ghost and had some pretty nice spreads after the break. Almost had my first 7:0 victory over the ghost, but scratched after awkward position following playing a break out trying to simplify the rack. Going to try my luck against the 10-Ball Ghost in the next week or so.


7:1 Win
Fargo: 625
Robustness: 157
Table: 9' Min Table
Pocket Size: 4.25"
 
Been playing well lately so decided to do a ghost session on the toughest table in the room. My plan was to play for 2 hours but I got so frustrated not being able to give myself a good rack I quit after about 30 minutes. End score was 4-7 so I basically lost a race to 7. On a positive note I’ve been doing well gambling and in a few tourneys so Fargo is up to 690 with 337 robustness haha
 
I played some sets yesterday and had this 7-3 win. From 0-3 down, I ran 7 in a row for the win. I decided to keep going and ran the next rack for 8, then miscued on the opening shot of what could’ve need 9 in a row. As usual, I chopped the dead space out and got the set down to about 10 minutes.

 
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