2006 AZ Straight Pool Challenge

[Blackjack]

David - just a comment on this drill. I think if people are just shooting all the balls in then it isn't as helpful a drill as it could be. Of course the drill will help improve cue ball control, but not much else. It seems like so much more can be gained from this if there is an added requirement: that you plan your last shot to be the classic 14.1 break shot. I think some would be surprised how much harder the drill is with this requirement. I haven't tried it myself, but will next time.

Also, in your set up, do the 6 and 3 pass by each other into the corner pockets or are they blocked?

Thanks!
dan

Dan

The drill is a 14.1 drill - not a "just shoot the balls in drill". The two balls in the center of the table are "key balls" for the set up on the break shot ( I usually set up for the balls in the position of the 2 ball and the 4 ball in the diagram). The 6 and 3 should pass. also, the 9 ball is supposed to be on the table just below the 4 ball and even with the ball on the opposite side. Not sure why it didnt show up.

Also, as an added difficulty - you can designate your break ball prior to starting the drill (choosing the 5 or the 8, or any other ball located outside the rack) and try to maneuver your way around the table while preparing for a particular set up for a key ball and break shot. The only limitation to a drill such as this is your imagination.

 

[Hal2]

Three Highest Runs

My three highest runs were 113 (2005), 108 and 87 (both early 1990's). All were on a GCIII with the larger pockets. I know someday I will break my high run, but when is the big question. I now have a Diamond Pro with 4 9/16 pockets and it's been a little tougher getting the higher runs

Regards,
Hal

 

[Get_A_Grip]

My high run...

After reading about Betmore-man's troubles with reaching the 50-ball mark...I've started spending a couple days a week playing straight pool...trying to get to the 50-ball mark (I must admit...my real goal was to get there before Betmore-man...but don't tell him)...LOL

Recently, I've only been able to get to 29, quite a few times. Two weeks ago, things started to click and I had a 35 and a 32. Thursday (10/12) of this week, I got my high run of 44.

Although I was happy to get into the 40's...it was also sad in a way. When I was about 90% into the third rack...I made the mistake of answering the phone...only to tell my wife that I can't talk because I was in the middle of a big run. After I hung up the phone...I seemed to get very nervous...and was barely able to make the remaining few shots to set up the next break ball.

The key ball was set up perfect...but my nerves caused me to hit it too softly and I left the cue on the rail...and that was it... I blew a perfect opportunity to get into the 50's...oh well...

I am happy with the 44 though...

 

[Williebetmore]

After reading about Betmore-man's troubles with reaching the 50-ball mark... (I must admit...my real goal was to get there before Betmore-man...but don't tell him)...LOL

..

Gripper,
Good luck to you. I think you may well succeed. Though my game is improving steadily, I still don't feel very confident about breaking 50 here in Indy. I only keep track during competition, and all of the tables I play on are quite tight. If I could find an easy table with buckets for pockets (like the ones SJM and I played on in Peoria), and just spend a couple of days on it attempting the feat; I think 50 would be a breeze at this point (of course I also thought Ryan Leaf would be a MUCH better quarterback than Peyton Manning). I know of no tables in Indy like this, so I'm probably doomed to last place in the AZB Straight Pool Challenge (and of course doomed also to ridicule from TheVerySmallInteger for repeating my pathetic rationalizations). In any case, it is ALWAYS a great idea to have a good excuse ready for failure (helps the ego process, even if no sane individual believes you).

 

[Double-Dave]

Gripper,
Good luck to you. I think you may well succeed. Though my game is improving steadily, I still don't feel very confident about breaking 50 here in Indy.

No worries Willie, we all know you're saving that first 50 for a very special match...no pressure...I heard you never miss on some tables.

Get_A_Grip, my high run is also 44, I console myself with the fact that three good break shots can take you 56 as long as you don't miss....which I did with 8 balls on the table.

 

[breakup]

Willie when do you expect delivery of your new table? Your anonymous pro coach mentioned you were getting a custom made Diamond with the “Betmore cut” 36" pockets. Please keep us posted.

 

[Get_A_Grip]

Competition vs. Practice...

Gripper,
Good luck to you. I think you may well succeed. Though my game is improving steadily, I still don't feel very confident about breaking 50 here in Indy. I only keep track during competition, and all of the tables I play on are quite tight. If I could find an easy table with buckets for pockets (like the ones SJM and I played on in Peoria), and just spend a couple of days on it attempting the feat; I think 50 would be a breeze at this point (of course I also thought Ryan Leaf would be a MUCH better quarterback than Peyton Manning). I know of no tables in Indy like this, so I'm probably doomed to last place in the AZB Straight Pool Challenge (and of course doomed also to ridicule from TheVerySmallInteger for repeating my pathetic rationalizations). In any case, it is ALWAYS a great idea to have a good excuse ready for failure (helps the ego process, even if no sane individual believes you).

Since the only competition that I have playing against others is in 8-ball league...the straight pool high run is going to have to be from practice on my home table (which has 4 1/2 inch pockets, is somewhat dirty and tough playing table--since I'm a little lazy about cleaning it..lol)...

I am very strict and honest about my runs. I start with my preferred break shot....and I will not continue a run from anywhere but a fresh breakshot...(so as you can imagine...I'm racking a lot)...

If I were you....I would just take some time out in practice...and go for the 50...if for no other reason...just to prove to yourself that you can do it...competition is fine...but after playing a while...it's nice to know that you can put up some good numbers under the right conditions....

Good luck to you and everyone else with going for your high runs...

 

[Williebetmore]

Willie when do you expect delivery of your new table? Your anonymous pro coach mentioned you were getting a custom made Diamond with the “Betmore cut” 36" pockets. Please keep us posted.

breakdown,
I wish I could say "nice to hear from you", but it's just about as nice as a severe case of intestinal flu (and much less welcome).

I will not need any 3 foot pockets to dispose of you at DCC. Get someone to read this post to you, and take my advice - lay off the marmot jerky, get back on your medication, and start practicing; it would be embarrassing as hell if you never make a ball in the grudge match.

 

[MrLucky]

Jeeezzzz !

I thought my straight pool game was pretty good prior to seeing some of these runs! I have (way, way long ago about 1975 ) run 62 balls but in the past 15 years or so its actually 44 balls in a tourny here in Atlanta at the old Atlanta Billiards in Duluth (1993) more recently in practice, I may have put together 37 one day!
There are obviously some pretty good players on here! I'm impressed!

 

[hobokenapa]

Williebetmore,

I know 50 may seem to be some magic mystical number, but I would forget about it and just invest the time on being a better Straight Pool player. Then the run will come naturally. My first 50+ was just warming up for a 9-ball tournament, and then I did it again a week later in a match running 48 and out before getting the last few for the 50+. A high run wasn't on my mind at all, I was thinking about getting in stroke (first time), and winning the match (second time).

I see 50 as like passing an exam. Sure you can keep taking the exam over and over until you eventually pass, but the better way is to instead spend time revising and studying for it. What is most rewarding for me is that for both my 50+ runs I was not out of line once. They were not 'lucky' runs but ones build on sound knowledge, principles and technique.

 

[Cameron Smith]

Williebetmore,

I know 50 may seem to be some magic mystical number, but I would forget about it and just invest the time on being a better Straight Pool player. Then the run will come naturally. My first 50+ was just warming up for a 9-ball tournament, and then I did it again a week later in a match running 48 and out before getting the last few for the 50+. A high run wasn't on my mind at all, I was thinking about getting in stroke (first time), and winning the match (second time).

I see 50 as like passing an exam. Sure you can keep taking the exam over and over until you eventually pass, but the better way is to instead spend time revising and studying for it. What is most rewarding for me is that for both my 50+ runs I was not out of line once. They were not 'lucky' runs but ones build on sound knowledge, principles and technique.

This is very good advice. I try to focus on the game itself and not the numbers I am compiling. Today my high run (match play) was only 18, however my runs went like this, 10, 12, 14, 18, 13, 14 etc. Or something to that degree. The balls weren't rolling well for me so I was just concerned about advancing my position and keeping my opponent locked up.

I won 100-12.

 

[TheOne]

SJM ran a 74 today against fellow poster Steve waldon, congrats.

 

[Scottster]

Craig,
This didnt happen to be at the Maryland State 14.1 Tourney did it?

Congrats on a 74 run in competition SJM!

 

[beetle]

Mike Davis who posts here under his name ran 179 on Wednesday at Orange Ball (Rockville, MD).

 

[sjm]

Craig,
This didnt happen to be at the Maryland State 14.1 Tourney did it?

Congrats on a 74 run in competition SJM!

Thanks. Actually this was a practice match played at the Amsterdam Billiard club in NYC. I haven't competed for a few years now.

 

[TheOne]

46 by Roy Steffensen few weeks, well done

 

[beetle]

Thanks. Actually this was a practice match played at the Amsterdam Billiard club in NYC. I haven't competed for a few years now.

Hey sjm,
If you don't mind me asking, why did you stop competing? I've read this before from you and am very curious why someone of your obvious talent would stop competing. If it's none of my business, fair enough.

I like competition very much, but have very little ability. I'm the one who shouldn't be competing, not you!

--Steve

 

[Williebetmore]

Thanks. Actually this was a practice match played at the Amsterdam Billiard club in NYC. I haven't competed for a few years now.

sjm,
Very nice run. Please post any memorable shots/safeties.

We are wondering, though, how you gained access to the room - didn't it close (or has it re-opened at the new location; or did it not close?) Enquire-ing minds want to know.

P.S. - Just ran a 44 and a 23 in consecutive innings at league - I'm hoping for that 50 any week now.

 

[sjm]

Hey sjm,
If you don't mind me asking, why did you stop competing? I've read this before from you and am very curious why someone of your obvious talent would stop competing. If it's none of my business, fair enough.

I like competition very much, but have very little ability. I'm the one who shouldn't be competing, not you!

--Steve

Beetle, I'm not quite the player you think I am. My rating did reach A+ a few years ago, but I've never been anything more than a top amateur.

My chief reason for discontinuation of competing was health related. My playing hours per week has dropped by about 75% since 2003. Occaisonally, the old magic comes back, but I have no delusions regarding the level of my play.

Still, my enthusiasm and love for the game are as great as they ever have been in the thirty seven years since I first picked up a cue.

 

[VIProfessor]

Man, it's great to see people talking straight pool!

Don't ask me how, but I've been on this forum for about a month now before coming across this thread today! It's great to see the amount of enthusiasm for and participation in this great game. I think its the best way to learn pool and I suspect that it is part of the reason for the improvement of the European players. If you notice, the best European players are, just about to the last man, excellent straight pool players with very respectable high runs. As a result, they tend to show a lot of finesse and control at the table.

Anyway, I too am struggling towards the 100 ball run. I ran 72 about three weeks ago and 67 today (all in practice--at this writing, there are NO straight pool games to be had in the Virgin Islands!). For the most part though, my best runs (91 and out, 84, and a few more in the 60's and 70's) have come in competiton. Does anyone else experience that? I think I focus well in practice and I don't have to contend with nerves, so why would the better runs be in action games?