I was thinking what to post for my 2000th. I figured I'll just ramble off a big ole list of what I know, what I think about while playing, and what I think is important to me in the sport of pocket billiards. Maybe some of this can help some new players learn something so they can enjoy the game like I do.
I have also had a great time getting to know all of you folks the past couple of years, trading info, buying/selling cues, and telling stories. So, here goes....
Gerry's rambling list of pool knowledge:
1. The older I get and the more I learn about this great game, the more I realize the most important thing to work on is the basic preshot routine stroke/stance/delivery techniques.
2. Making games: Always OVER estimate the opponent, and UNDER estimate yourself by at least 1.5 balls. There's nothing worse than being in the middle of a
match you made, and you KNOW you can't win.....thanks Grady.
> I like playing sets or "ahead" games. It gives you a start/stop point for adjustment if needed.
> For me, gambling, and tourneys are 2 very different animals. I'm better at matching up, but, I enjoy tourneys as well.
3. What I think about while running balls at 14.1:
> Open the pocketing lanes...
> Clear off the rail balls...
> Open the clusters...
> Secure the breaker/key balls...
> NEVER EVER go into the back of the rack without an insurance ball!!!
4. What I think about playing 1 pocket:
> Get a ball up, a ball down, and one by the side pocket EARLY in the game.
> Check if the table runs in/out of your pocket BEFORE you start play!!!
> The break is worth AT LEAST 1.5 balls to a good player.
> Learn to take scratches...a great shot is worth giving up the ball!
> It's a lot harder to out run 7/5 than 10/8!!!
5. What I keep in mind playing 9ball:
> The pushout is almost always worse for the pusher!
> Smart racking3/8/2/7 for breaking from the left. Switch it for opposite side.
> Invert the above to rack for a runout! YES I'm being vague for a reason!
> Break at 1/2 speed first then ramp up only IF needed ONLY.
6. Cues:
> 2 of my highest runs 106/127 were with my cuetec j/b stick.
> Expensive cues NEVER made me play better...but I LOVE buying them
> I break better with a lighter cue.
> Learn to shape/scuff/burnish and change your own tips, it's worth it!
> Joint pins, weight bolts, and ferrules aren't always tight check them.
> Magic erasers clean cues/shafts AMAZINGLY well.
7. Learn the diamond system/kicking systems....it's GOLD.
8. Find a 3 cusion table and play some...it is fun as hell and will help ALL your games!
9. When better players tell you that you need to "learn patterns"...there are no set patterns, or a book of patterns. Patterns are just road maps of how you get around the balls. As you get better you will see repeating patterns and they should get better and more simple.
10. There is nothing cooler than walking into a new pool room, meeting the houseman, getting a table and hitting balls while you KNOW everyone is clocking your speed!
11. Find 5 or 6 pad shots to shoot when you play on a strange table to tell you if the table is playing short or long, slow or fast.
12. When playing on super fast equipment, go the extra rail. It's easier to control and lets you hit the ball harder for control.
13. ALWAYS watch the other guy shoot. There's not much you can do while in the chair, but watch the cueball, get a feel for the table, see if anything about the rails is strange. Not to mention, just watching the balls roll around will help you with your speed when it's your turn to shoot.
thats about it for now.....hope you all enjoy it.
Gerry
and congrats to Shane winning the US Open for my 2000th post!
I have also had a great time getting to know all of you folks the past couple of years, trading info, buying/selling cues, and telling stories. So, here goes....
Gerry's rambling list of pool knowledge:
1. The older I get and the more I learn about this great game, the more I realize the most important thing to work on is the basic preshot routine stroke/stance/delivery techniques.
2. Making games: Always OVER estimate the opponent, and UNDER estimate yourself by at least 1.5 balls. There's nothing worse than being in the middle of a
match you made, and you KNOW you can't win.....thanks Grady.
> I like playing sets or "ahead" games. It gives you a start/stop point for adjustment if needed.
> For me, gambling, and tourneys are 2 very different animals. I'm better at matching up, but, I enjoy tourneys as well.
3. What I think about while running balls at 14.1:
> Open the pocketing lanes...
> Clear off the rail balls...
> Open the clusters...
> Secure the breaker/key balls...
> NEVER EVER go into the back of the rack without an insurance ball!!!
4. What I think about playing 1 pocket:
> Get a ball up, a ball down, and one by the side pocket EARLY in the game.
> Check if the table runs in/out of your pocket BEFORE you start play!!!
> The break is worth AT LEAST 1.5 balls to a good player.
> Learn to take scratches...a great shot is worth giving up the ball!
> It's a lot harder to out run 7/5 than 10/8!!!
5. What I keep in mind playing 9ball:
> The pushout is almost always worse for the pusher!
> Smart racking3/8/2/7 for breaking from the left. Switch it for opposite side.
> Invert the above to rack for a runout! YES I'm being vague for a reason!
> Break at 1/2 speed first then ramp up only IF needed ONLY.
6. Cues:
> 2 of my highest runs 106/127 were with my cuetec j/b stick.
> Expensive cues NEVER made me play better...but I LOVE buying them
> I break better with a lighter cue.
> Learn to shape/scuff/burnish and change your own tips, it's worth it!
> Joint pins, weight bolts, and ferrules aren't always tight
check them.> Magic erasers clean cues/shafts AMAZINGLY well.
7. Learn the diamond system/kicking systems....it's GOLD.
8. Find a 3 cusion table and play some...it is fun as hell and will help ALL your games!
9. When better players tell you that you need to "learn patterns"...there are no set patterns, or a book of patterns. Patterns are just road maps of how you get around the balls. As you get better you will see repeating patterns and they should get better and more simple.
10. There is nothing cooler than walking into a new pool room, meeting the houseman, getting a table and hitting balls while you KNOW everyone is clocking your speed!
11. Find 5 or 6 pad shots to shoot when you play on a strange table to tell you if the table is playing short or long, slow or fast.
12. When playing on super fast equipment, go the extra rail. It's easier to control and lets you hit the ball harder for control.
13. ALWAYS watch the other guy shoot. There's not much you can do while in the chair, but watch the cueball, get a feel for the table, see if anything about the rails is strange. Not to mention, just watching the balls roll around will help you with your speed when it's your turn to shoot.
thats about it for now.....hope you all enjoy it.
Gerry
and congrats to Shane winning the US Open for my 2000th post!
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