Billiard University (BU) playing-ability-exam scores and ratings

StraightPoolIU said:

I finally got around to playing the 10 ball ghost to get a score. I scored a 50 on the same table on which I took my BU exams. I took a little off my break and it seemed to work well.

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Thanks for the info. I've added it to the list. Here's the latest:

AZB'ers who have taken the BU playing-ability exams:

BU score -- Username -- BU Rating, 10-ball ghost rating -- table: size, corner pocket mouth, throat, shelf -- Video links (if available):
168 -- Gerry Williams -- semi pro (A++/AAA), 73 (Pro) -- table: 9', 4 1/2", 4", 1 7/8" -- Table Specs, Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
164 -- theUBC --semi pro (A++/AAA), no 10-ball ghost score yet -- table: 9', 4 1/2", 4 1/8", 1 3/4" -- Exam I, Exam II
161 -- Gerry Williams -- semi pro (A++/AAA), 73 (Pro) -- table: 9', 4 1/2", 4", 1 7/8" -- Table Specs, Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
160 -- scottjen26 -- semi pro (A++/AAA), 64 (A+) -- table 9', 4 1/2", 3 7/8", 1 1/2" -- Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
159 -- Gerry Williams -- adv-3 (A+/A), 73 (Pro) -- table: 9', 4 1/2", 4", 1 7/8" -- Table Specs, Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
157 -- scottjen26 -- adv-3 (A+/A), 64 (A+) -- table 9', 4 1/2", 3 7/8", 1 1/2" -- Exam I (part 1, part 2), no Exam II video yet (see AZB post)
156 -- dr_dave -- adv-3 (A+/A), 62 (A+) -- table: 8', 4 3/4", 4 1/8", 1 3/8" -- Table Specs, Exam I, Exam II
156 -- Gerry Williams -- adv-3 (A+/A), 73 (Pro) -- table: 9', 4 1/2", 4", 1 7/8" -- Table Specs, Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II
149 -- scottjen26 -- adv-3 (A+/A), 64 (A+) -- table 9', 4 1/2", 3 7/8", 1 1/2" -- Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II
148 -- Neil -- adv-3 (A+/A); 60 (A) -- table: 7', 4 1/8", 2 7/8", 1 3/8" -- Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2)
146 -- dr_dave -- adv-3 (A+/A), 58 (A) -- table: 7', 4 1/2", 4 1/2", 3/4" -- no videos (see AZB post)
142 -- dr_dave -- adv-3 (A+/A), 58 (A) -- table: 8', 4 3/4", 4 1/8", 1 3/8" -- Exam I, Exam II
141 -- 12squared (Dave Gross) -- adv-3 (A+/A); 78 (Pro) -- table: 9', 4 7/8", 4 1/8", 1 1/2" -- no videos (see AZB post)
141 -- Neil -- adv-3 (A+/A); 60 (A) -- table: 7', 4 1/8", 3 1/2", 1 3/8" -- Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
135 -- Mooneye -- adv-2 (A-/B+), 49 (B) -- table: 7', 4 7/8", 4 1/8", 1 5/8" -- Table Specs, Exam I, Exam II
135 -- dr_dave -- adv-2 (A-/B+), 54 (B+) -- table: 8', 4 3/4", 4 1/8", 1 3/8" -- Exam I, Exam II
133 -- Mooneye -- adv-2 (A-/B+), 49 (B) -- table: 7', 4 7/8", 4 1/8", 1 5/8" -- Exam I, Exam II
132 -- Gerry Williams -- adv-2 (A-/B+), 73 (Pro) -- table: 9', 4 1/2", 4", 1 7/8" -- Table Specs, Exam I, Exam II (part 1, part 2)
132 -- BRussell -- adv-2 (A-/B+), 51 (B+) -- table: 8', 5", 4 1/4", 1 1/2" -- Exam I, Exam II
127 -- Okie --adv-2 (A-/B+), 61 (A+) -- table: 9', 4 3/4", 4", 1 1/2" -- Table Specs, Exam I, Exam II
127 -- Mooneye -- adv-2 (A-/B+), 49 (B) -- table: 7', 4 7/8", 4 1/8", 1 5/8" -- Exam I, no Exam II video (see AZB post)
124 -- JC -- adv-1 (B/B-), 57 (A) -- table: 9', 4 7/16", 3 7/8", 1 3/8" -- Table Specs, Exam 1, Exam 2
121 -- TheOneGnat -- adv-1 (B/B-), 51 (B+) -- table: 8', 4 1/2 in, 4 in, 1 5/8 in -- no videos (see AZB post and the update)
119 -- Mooneye -- adv-1 (B/B-), 49 (B) -- table: 7', 4 7/8", 4 1/8", 1 5/8" -- Exam I, Exam II
117 -- RobMan -- adv-1 (B/B-), 46 (B) -- table: 9', 5", 4 1/4", 1 1/5" -- no videos (see AZB post)
113 -- Eagleshot -- adv-1 (B/B-), 48 (B) -- table: 9', 4 1/2, 4", 1 1/4" -- no videos (from PM)
112 -- Okie -- adv-1 (B/B-), 61 (A+) -- table: 9', 4 3/4", 4", 1 1/2" -- Table Specs, Exam I, Exam II
112 -- RobMan -- adv-1 (B/B-), 46 (B) -- table: 9', 5", 4 1/4", 1 1/5" -- no videos (see AZB post)
108 -- row21097 -- int-3 (B-/C+), 57 (A) -- table: 9', 4 1/2”, 4”, 1 1/2” -- Table Specs, Exam I (part 1, part 2, part 3), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
106 -- StraightPoolIU -- int-3 (B-/C+), 50 (B) -- table: 9', 4 7/8", 4 1/8, 1 1/4" -- no videos (see AZB post)
102 -- Okie -- int-3 (B-/C+), 52 (B+) -- table: 9', 4 3/4", 4", 1 1/2" -- Table Specs, Exam I, Exam II
101 -- 67tbird -- int-3 (B-/C+), 46 (B) -- table: 8', 4 1/4", 4", 1 1/2" -- no videos (see AZB post)
98 -- Eagleshot -- int-3 (B-/C+), 48 (B) -- table: 9', 4 1/2, 4", 1 1/4" -- no videos (from PM)
92 -- 67tbird -- int-2 (C+/C), 34 (D+) -- table: 8', 4 1/4", 4", 1 1/2" -- no videos (see AZB post)
90 -- EagleEye -- int-2 (C+/C), no 10-ball ghost score yet -- table: 9', 5", 3 7/8", 1 3/8" -- administered at the 2013 BU Summer School Boot Camp
89 -- mamics -- int-2 (C+/C), 31 (D+) -- table: 9', 4 5/8", 3 13/16", 1 1/4" -- no videos (see AZB post)
88 -- DrGonzo -- int-2 (C+/C), 47 (B) -- table: 9', 4.5", 4", 1.5" -- no videos (see AZB post)
87 -- iusedtoberich -- int-2 (C+/C), 38 (C) -- table: 9', 5 1/8", 4 1/8", 1 1/2" -- Table Specs, Exam I, Exam II
78 -- iusedtoberich -- int-2 (C+/C), 38 (C) -- table: 9', 5 1/8", 4 1/8", 1 1/2" -- Table Specs, Exam I, Exam II
77 -- mamics -- int-2 (C+/C), 31 (D+) -- table: 9', 4 5/8", 3 13/16", 1 1/4" -- no videos (see AZB post)
77 -- SeanChamp -- int-2 (C+/C), 29 (D) -- table: 8', 4 1/2", no throat yet, 1" -- no videos (see AZB post)
68 -- pleforowicz -- int-1 (C), no ghost score yet -- table: 9', 11.7cm, 9.2cm, 3.8cm -- no videos (see AZB Post)
62 -- mamics -- int-1 (C), 20 (D) -- table: 9', 4 5/8", 3 13/16", 1 1/4" -- no videos (see AZB post)
55 -- mamics -- int-1 (C), 20 (D) -- table: 9', 4 5/8", 3 13/16", 1 1/4" -- no videos (see AZB post)

Here are the details and scores for all official BU graduates.

iusedtoberich said:

dr_dave said:

... I don't think the glasses height is the issue (although it looks that way in the video with the high camera angle). Regardless, I will check this out when I get home and see why my heads lifts when sighting the OB on some shots.

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The good Dr is still being stubburn re those pool specific glasses. he he he

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Maybe you're right ... I know I can be stubborn at times.

I ran through Exam II a bunch this weekend and I was paying particular attention to the view through my glasses, and whether or not I lift my head to see the OB. When my glasses on sitting correctly on my nose, I don't need to lift my head to see the OB clearly, even on long shots. The only time I seemed to lift my head was on elevated shots, but I think that is normal. Regardless, I plan to check this out some more. I've tried my contacts playing pool, and I don't like them. I also don't want to get a pair of gigantic glasses like some of the snooker players have used ... they just looks silly.

Where have you been? You were so active early in the thread, and I thought you were going to continue to work on the exams and post new videos with improved scores. Do you still plan to do this?

Regards,
Dave

iusedtoberich said:

Yes, I plan to continue. I got side tracked and have been playing nothing but straight pool every day in a quest to run 50 balls. Its very obsessive!

Man I have so many things I want to do with this game... I need days with twice a many hours

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I look forward to seeing how much you can improve your BU score.

And good luck with that 50!

Catch you later,
Dave

JC said:

If only a players speed could rise as fast as they can rise on the BU chart by practicing these specific drills.

No one who increased their score by 30-40 points in a month or so has taken a quantum leap in actual overall playing skills. They still beat the same people and lose to the same ones they did before they took the test. And there in lies the scoring rub.

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Have you been able to increase your score 30-40 points? If so, please post your new score and videos. This is not easy to do, assuming the first attempt is sincere and after some practice with the exams.

I think the only person who has improved their score that much so far is Gerry Williams, and I don't think anybody would deny that he is a very good player. However, It is important to remember that the exam scores people are posting are the best they have ever achieved (separately, on each exam). The scores are not an accurate measure of how the player would do on an average day. They are an indicator of their best possible level of play on a good day where one is very focused and playing at the top on their ability.

I have increased my score quite a bit over the last few months with dedicated practice. But I still do poorly during some attempts at the exams, where I lose focus, am tired, or just miss easy shots that I shouldn't miss. However, I have gotten better as a result of all of this practice. Believe it or not, dedicated practice does increase one's skill and confidence.

But again, the highest scores posted here are not representative of average level of play. Instead, they indicate the best possible level of play on the best possible day. Also, some of the improvement is a result of learning strategy for some of the drills (e.g., with the safeties, and fixed run-out patterns). And for some of the drills (e.g., the kicks and banks), one can learn exactly where to aim and how to hit the ball for success (although, one still needs to execute consistently).

Thank you for your input. Please post your best scores and videos after you've had time to put in some dedicated practice. And let us know if the practice actually helps your game.

Catch you later,
Dave

iusedtoberich said:

JC said:

If only a players speed could rise as fast as they can rise on the BU chart by practicing these specific drills.

No one who increased their score by 30-40 points in a month or so has taken a quantum leap in actual overall playing skills. They still beat the same people and lose to the same ones they did before they took the test. And there in lies the scoring rub.

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I agree completely. This point has been discussed throughout this thread. It is fun to do nonetheless, and is a number that has a meaning behind it.

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I agree. Even if the hard work doesn't improve one's game (which I don't think is the case), it is fun trying to see how much you can increase your score. I have certainly had fun doing this.

Catch you later,
Dave

JB Cases said:

Why isn't focusing on the skills needed to do well on this test going to raise a person's overall skill level? If you only get a ball better then you surely win more against other people you formerly lost more often to.

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Excellent point John. I think people sometimes underestimate the potential value and benefit of doing drills that work on and develop specific skills. When I am playing in league, it amazes me how often I say to myself: "This shot is exactly like position X in drill Y of BU exam Z. I can do this, because I have practiced this exact shot many times."

Some people "practice" by playing. They might improve faster if they actually "practiced" (with drills that work on specific skills).

Do you still plan to post scores and videos? I look forward to seeing what you can do and how much you can improve your scores with dedicated practice.

Good luck on the exams,
Dave

JB Cases said:

I will. It's just been a really busy summer, it's not fun to play in the heat in my shop and my back has been really bad so I haven't played at the shop that much. Got some donuts on the table where I started but I gave up for the aforementioned reasons.

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I hope the back gets better. I also hope you can find time and motivation to work on the exams.

I look forward to seeing how well you can do.

Regards,
Dave

I worked on Exam II about 10 hours this weekend and was only able to increase my Exam II score by 1 point (from 68 to 69)! I guess that must be close to the limit at my current level of ability.

My best totals to date are:

Exam I - 88
Exam II - Masters-level (due to 8' table) - 69

BU Score = 88 + 69 = 157.

I can't imagine doing much better than this on my table, but I certainly plan to continue trying. (My wife thinks I'm obsessed and have pool CPD.)

I would also like to see how well I could do on a 9' table with dedicated practice. I'm sure my score would be lower; although, I would expect to qualify for the Doctorate Exam II, which offers more points (albeit tougher points) than the Masters-level Exam II I'm forced to take on my 8' table. I would also like to see how high of a Masters-level score I can get on a Valley bar box with fast/slick cloth. I'm sure I could get a higher score than on on my 8' table with slow and "sticky" cloth.

Here's the latest:

AZB'ers who have taken the BU playing-ability exams:

BU score -- Username -- BU Rating, 10-ball ghost rating -- table: size, corner pocket mouth, throat, shelf -- Video links (if available):
168 -- Gerry Williams -- semi pro (A++/AAA), 73 (Pro) -- table: 9', 4 1/2", 4", 1 7/8" -- Table Specs, Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
164 -- theUBC --semi pro (A++/AAA), no 10-ball ghost score yet -- table: 9', 4 1/2", 4 1/8", 1 3/4" -- Exam I, Exam II
161 -- Gerry Williams -- semi pro (A++/AAA), 73 (Pro) -- table: 9', 4 1/2", 4", 1 7/8" -- Table Specs, Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
160 -- scottjen26 -- semi pro (A++/AAA), 64 (A+) -- table 9', 4 1/2", 3 7/8", 1 1/2" -- Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
159 -- Gerry Williams -- adv-3 (A+/A), 73 (Pro) -- table: 9', 4 1/2", 4", 1 7/8" -- Table Specs, Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
157 -- dr_dave -- adv-3 (A+/A), 62 (A+) -- table: 8', 4 3/4", 4 1/8", 1 3/8" -- Table Specs, Exam I, Exam II
157 -- scottjen26 -- adv-3 (A+/A), 64 (A+) -- table 9', 4 1/2", 3 7/8", 1 1/2" -- Exam I (part 1, part 2), no Exam II video yet (see AZB post)
156 -- dr_dave -- adv-3 (A+/A), 62 (A+) -- table: 8', 4 3/4", 4 1/8", 1 3/8" -- Table Specs, Exam I, Exam II
156 -- Gerry Williams -- adv-3 (A+/A), 73 (Pro) -- table: 9', 4 1/2", 4", 1 7/8" -- Table Specs, Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II
149 -- scottjen26 -- adv-3 (A+/A), 64 (A+) -- table 9', 4 1/2", 3 7/8", 1 1/2" -- Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II
148 -- Neil -- adv-3 (A+/A); 60 (A) -- table: 7', 4 1/8", 2 7/8", 1 3/8" -- Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2)
146 -- dr_dave -- adv-3 (A+/A), 58 (A) -- table: 7', 4 1/2", 4 1/2", 3/4" -- no videos (see AZB post)
142 -- dr_dave -- adv-3 (A+/A), 58 (A) -- table: 8', 4 3/4", 4 1/8", 1 3/8" -- Exam I, Exam II
141 -- 12squared (Dave Gross) -- adv-3 (A+/A); 78 (Pro) -- table: 9', 4 7/8", 4 1/8", 1 1/2" -- no videos (see AZB post)
141 -- Neil -- adv-3 (A+/A); 60 (A) -- table: 7', 4 1/8", 3 1/2", 1 3/8" -- Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
135 -- Mooneye -- adv-2 (A-/B+), 49 (B) -- table: 7', 4 7/8", 4 1/8", 1 5/8" -- Table Specs, Exam I, Exam II
135 -- dr_dave -- adv-2 (A-/B+), 54 (B+) -- table: 8', 4 3/4", 4 1/8", 1 3/8" -- Exam I, Exam II
133 -- Mooneye -- adv-2 (A-/B+), 49 (B) -- table: 7', 4 7/8", 4 1/8", 1 5/8" -- Exam I, Exam II
132 -- Gerry Williams -- adv-2 (A-/B+), 73 (Pro) -- table: 9', 4 1/2", 4", 1 7/8" -- Table Specs, Exam I, Exam II (part 1, part 2)
132 -- BRussell -- adv-2 (A-/B+), 51 (B+) -- table: 8', 5", 4 1/4", 1 1/2" -- Exam I, Exam II
127 -- Okie --adv-2 (A-/B+), 61 (A+) -- table: 9', 4 3/4", 4", 1 1/2" -- Table Specs, Exam I, Exam II
127 -- Mooneye -- adv-2 (A-/B+), 49 (B) -- table: 7', 4 7/8", 4 1/8", 1 5/8" -- Exam I, no Exam II video (see AZB post)
124 -- JC -- adv-1 (B/B-), 57 (A) -- table: 9', 4 7/16", 3 7/8", 1 3/8" -- Table Specs, Exam 1, Exam 2
121 -- TheOneGnat -- adv-1 (B/B-), 51 (B+) -- table: 8', 4 1/2 in, 4 in, 1 5/8 in -- no videos (see AZB post and the update)
119 -- Mooneye -- adv-1 (B/B-), 49 (B) -- table: 7', 4 7/8", 4 1/8", 1 5/8" -- Exam I, Exam II
117 -- RobMan -- adv-1 (B/B-), 46 (B) -- table: 9', 5", 4 1/4", 1 1/5" -- no videos (see AZB post)
113 -- Eagleshot -- adv-1 (B/B-), 48 (B) -- table: 9', 4 1/2, 4", 1 1/4" -- no videos (from PM)
112 -- Okie -- adv-1 (B/B-), 61 (A+) -- table: 9', 4 3/4", 4", 1 1/2" -- Table Specs, Exam I, Exam II
112 -- RobMan -- adv-1 (B/B-), 46 (B) -- table: 9', 5", 4 1/4", 1 1/5" -- no videos (see AZB post)
108 -- row21097 -- int-3 (B-/C+), 57 (A) -- table: 9', 4 1/2”, 4”, 1 1/2” -- Table Specs, Exam I (part 1, part 2, part 3), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
106 -- StraightPoolIU -- int-3 (B-/C+), 50 (B) -- table: 9', 4 7/8", 4 1/8, 1 1/4" -- no videos (see AZB post)
102 -- Okie -- int-3 (B-/C+), 52 (B+) -- table: 9', 4 3/4", 4", 1 1/2" -- Table Specs, Exam I, Exam II
101 -- 67tbird -- int-3 (B-/C+), 46 (B) -- table: 8', 4 1/4", 4", 1 1/2" -- no videos (see AZB post)
98 -- Eagleshot -- int-3 (B-/C+), 48 (B) -- table: 9', 4 1/2, 4", 1 1/4" -- no videos (from PM)
92 -- 67tbird -- int-2 (C+/C), 34 (D+) -- table: 8', 4 1/4", 4", 1 1/2" -- no videos (see AZB post)
90 -- EagleEye -- int-2 (C+/C), no 10-ball ghost score yet -- table: 9', 5", 3 7/8", 1 3/8" -- administered at the 2013 BU Summer School Boot Camp
89 -- mamics -- int-2 (C+/C), 31 (D+) -- table: 9', 4 5/8", 3 13/16", 1 1/4" -- no videos (see AZB post)
88 -- DrGonzo -- int-2 (C+/C), 47 (B) -- table: 9', 4.5", 4", 1.5" -- no videos (see AZB post)
87 -- iusedtoberich -- int-2 (C+/C), 38 (C) -- table: 9', 5 1/8", 4 1/8", 1 1/2" -- Table Specs, Exam I, Exam II
78 -- iusedtoberich -- int-2 (C+/C), 38 (C) -- table: 9', 5 1/8", 4 1/8", 1 1/2" -- Table Specs, Exam I, Exam II
77 -- mamics -- int-2 (C+/C), 31 (D+) -- table: 9', 4 5/8", 3 13/16", 1 1/4" -- no videos (see AZB post)
77 -- SeanChamp -- int-2 (C+/C), 29 (D) -- table: 8', 4 1/2", no throat yet, 1" -- no videos (see AZB post)
68 -- pleforowicz -- int-1 (C), no ghost score yet -- table: 9', 11.7cm, 9.2cm, 3.8cm -- no videos (see AZB Post)
62 -- mamics -- int-1 (C), 20 (D) -- table: 9', 4 5/8", 3 13/16", 1 1/4" -- no videos (see AZB post)
55 -- mamics -- int-1 (C), 20 (D) -- table: 9', 4 5/8", 3 13/16", 1 1/4" -- no videos (see AZB post)

Here are the details and scores for all official BU graduates.