A different Archer now, than in the past...

[smokeandapancak]

Hollywood,

While I don't often have an issue with avatars, I think yours crosses the line. Please change it, as some people access AZ from work.

Russ

Or at least use a pic from this decade.....scheeeeshhhhh!!!!

 

[gopi-1]

You said he was twisting and squirming, I didn't realize you were talking only 9 or 10 balls and only in the Philippines. It is very easy to understand, and I don't blame you for ducking.

lol! You weren't probably even born yet when I was hanging out with Efren!
Check my sig, it says a lot why I don't bet against Efren!

 

[nichollss]

I know for a fact Johnny,Jimmy, Cj, or Nick Varner will all spot the world the orange crush and you have no chance. Even 10-1 odds, you'll never win. Mark
(just a photo from my wallet)

I will take it.

 

[crawfish]

i agree i do think it's a shame that for whatever reason johnny isn't playing the confident aggressive style of pool we used to see from him. somebody brought up sigel in the IPT - i agree there that was painful to watch. same with Earl.

and crawfish, nobody is critisising johnny or any of the players, so get off your high horse. we're just discussing the fact that one of the greatest players of all time has changed his game and his style so much that it's almost unrecognisable from about 10 years ago.

I didn't mean to get so defensive for the "Player of the Decade," but as you get older, you start to think about stability. Those smokey ol' poolrooms with a guy with a gun watching the action kind of loses it's allure.

 

[catscradle]

I don't think there is anyone who is winning tournaments consistently any more, and by that I mean dominating. Players like Shane Van Boening win in streaks but it doesn't last.

As for the reason, I'm sure there are many. I think alternating breaks has something to do with it. So does this fascination with keeping players from making balls on the break. Just switch to 10 ball and be done with it.

Exactly, in a year people will be saying "What happened to Shane's game". Just like us nobodies, the pros have streaks and times when they don't. Their streak is at a higher level than ours, but it is the same concept.

 

[crawfish]

If you have ever relied solely on pool winnings for a living and to pay bills, it can be very frustrating. Twenty years of that pressure and you might pick lint off of the table too. Most of the people on here have jobs. (That's why we're on the computer right now) We can lose a little cash and get a paycheck or commission check, or whatever. You blow a six ball that causes you to lose half of your bankroll, and feel that pressure! Johnny is getting older and seeing his future in a different light. Plus... the caliber of players is much better now. That has to be very frustrating for him.

 

[akaTrigger]

I have seen MANY players play faster and free stroking when they were younger. I can't say why it happens, but as time goes on, they become more deliberate in their decisions and shot making; less free stroking.

There are still a few players that continue to free stroke well into their 30s and 40s, but not many. So, my opinion is what has happened to Johnny is nothing more than what happens to most of the players.