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Hi JAM, I've also heard the cloth on a card table referred to as baize. I think the first time I saw it was in the novel, Casino Royale by Ian Fleming; James Bond was playing Baccarat with Le Chiffre at the time. According my quick research, it's from a French word baies, a feminine plural...

I'd be happy to review it! Brian Keller I've been playing for 50 years but didn't take a lesson until I hooked up with Scott Lee about 10 years ago. Yes, I will read the entire book and provide a critique in general as well as in specific areas if I feel that's needed. (Don't expect me to...

I don't see John Mr. 400 Schmidt on any of the lists, yet. Brian in VA

I have not yet been in but I'm told the place is meant to be a fine restaurant (they have a very good chef) in conjunction with a pool room. It's location suggests that they would be able to draw a business crowd as they're very close to the downtown / business districts. I'm looking forward to...

Good luck Bob! I liked your book a lot. Brian in VA

For me, Q-Skills challenge is my most frequent practice game. I keep a practice log of my scores so I can track trends and improvement. My average score has risen from 385 to 505 over the past 18 months and it's been useful to watch it as, at that speed, you don't see it over time. I like this...

I'd also recommend a lesson from a qualified instructor. Having a set of eyes watching what you do will be invaluable to your development. Brian in VA

Here's a cheap fix. Go buy a 2 X 10 that is 10 feet long. Cut it in half. Lay each board across the rails above the slate, side by side. This will give you a 20 inch wide platform off the slate with no chance of anything being broken. If you're concerned about scratching the rails, put a towel...

Based on the veracity of information among BCA League operators, I'd send a formal request to BCA HQ and get the word from them. Brian in VA

I'm told the event was won by Chris Futrell over Danny Mastermaker in a thrilling hill-hill match. The final will be uploaded to Youtube soon. Congrats to both players! Brian in VA

Definition My definition of pocket speed is similar to Mr. Fels' in that the ball falls into the pocket without striking the back of it. It's may favorite speed to pocket balls because it just feels right to me. When I'm playing well, I'm playing smoooooooth and nothing looks smooth like a ball...

Happy Birthday to you, Scott! You taught me more in our first lesson than I'd learned in 20 years. Enjoy your day! Brian in VA

I love my Brunswick Anniversary an older model from 1952. Reclothed and outfitted with new rails, this should play great. I priced a ball return system a few years ago and it was around $800 so I passed; mine has drop pockets and I have no problem with that. Post the question in the mechanic's...

I rarely play on Valleys but the first time I went to Nationals (ACS) in Vegas, first match, first shot I hit a ball into the side pocket that came right back out. Absolutely freaked me out. It only happened once but I kept waiting for it. Brian in VA

I'm going to say pool is tougher with nerves. I have far more trouble closing out a pool match, when my nerves get jangly, than I ever did on the golf course. (Some of my friends would say I wait for the other guy to screw up badly enough for me to win.) It might be interesting to look at this...

RIP Rich. You always had a kind word for people and loved this game. You supported it with your attendance at all those events and tool some of the best pictures I've ever seen. They showed the souls and minds of the players, not just their stroke. Lots of love to Cathy. Save me a spot at the...

Scott, The only decent room that's left is Diamonds over on the south side, about 35 minutes from the Westin. I don't know what their tournament schedule is, but it's typically weekends. League nights are Sunday through Thursday I think. Sharky's Bar and Billiards is in the Short Pump area...

You didn't mention "who" added the money. If that's what happened and it wasn't called out clearly, then I do think it's kind of shady. If it's clearly understood, up front, then I you pay your money and you take your chances. Brian in VA

Are you saying that the room doesn't deserve to make some money for the use of tables and the TD doesn't deserve some pay for running the event? Or are you saying they aren't letting everyone know up front? I don't have a problem with that kind of layout. I've watched too many players in an...

I think of three things that moved me up. Buying, reading, and re-reading, and following tips outlined in Mastering Pool by George Fells (RIP, sir.) Taking my first lesson from Scott Lee. Attending Pool School with Randy G and Scott. As Randy said, it's still an ongoing quest. Brian in VA