any tourney's down in Southern Cal for this weekend?

I was in Hardtimes during the quake, I didnt hear about it causing any problems in any of the games. I know it happened while the tournament was being played and one person just stood up and said earthquake and everyone just went outside for a few minutes. So I didnt hear any "I rattled it because of, or, The balls moves so we have to start over".

This was my first ever earthquake experience, I was amazed during most of it. Watching all the lights swinging and everything moving, just amazed that there isnt more damage from that. Sorta made me feel like I was back on a ship.
 
As for being at Hardtimes for the first time,,,wow.

I left el centro at 7 am and made it there in time for the one pocket tourney on Saturday. Like I said in earlier post, played about 4 hours of pool in three weeks, play on a 9' table about once a year so my expectation werent that high. Then once I saw the pocket size of the tournament table, I was like "Dam, this is going to be fun". For small pockets, they play true and if you hit the pocket there going to go, problem with me is that you have to hit the pocket, lol.

I drew Kenny(previouse owner of Hardtimes) and he played well and took me down 2 to 1 and not taking away from his ability but it was almost like he got a bye, thats how bad I played. I think I just was taking in the atmosphere at hardtimes more than I was thinking about the game. At one time I recall looking over in the stands and seeing a lot of people watching me play Kenny and I thought, "this place is awesome", and then I thought, "man, these guys are all watching me". Instead of concentrating I was thinking about what all was going on around me, I figure at almost 40 I wouldnt get caught up like that, but I guess not. On the good side, got to meet Kenny and that was enjoyable talking to him for a couple of hours afterwards.

After that, I had the chance to watch Archiball play some golf. That was pretty enjoyable because I havent seen that played in probably close to 15 years. What a fun/strategic game that is and I dont think the pockets could be any smaller. Also, Archiball had some good stories and was nice individual to meet, one thing for sure, he can definitely talk.

The next day was the 9B tournament so I figured I better try and figure out what the heck was going on,,,,,practiced for a couple of hours and just couldnt concetrate at all so I figure it was almost midnight and I better get some sleep so I found the Quality Inn and just crashed as soon as I hit the bed.

Sunday morning I got there at 1130 and there was a line at the door, wow, the players out of hardtimes are dedicated because it was the same on Saturday.

Well I end up playing like crap my first match,,,just had a hard time on the tournament table, couldnt bear down. Race to 5 and I missed the first three 8 balls that were very basic to spot him 3 games, then he breaks and runs-4-0. I said to myself "come on, pull your head out of your a$$ and make the dam balls" well I tied it up 4-4 and then had tough shot on the 8 and to be honest, I didnt know what the right play was so I wasnt confident in shooting it so I didnt execute. I lost 5-4, but had a good come back which I took to the loosers side and won my next three matches and then I met Mr. Morro. Well he has to go to 5 and I go to 4, it was a good match and he did beat me but I was happy with my showing against him, 5-3, scratches on the break kills me, but he can definitely play.

Well back to eartquake El Centro I went after I lost.

Hardtimes is a fun place that really does lives up to there motto as House of Champions. I dont want to forget anyone so I'm not going to list there names, but it was nice to meet all the players and the tournament director (Maria) did a great job running both tournaments boy did they run smooth.

Thank You Hardtimes, it was enjoyable.
 
Glad to hear you had a good time and enjoyed yourself at Hard Times. It can be a little overwhelming if you've never been there before.

To say Morro can play some is an understatement. I swear that guy jumps up and comes out of every shot but it sure works for him. As for me, I've not yet figured out how to use body english to any effect but he's got it down. :grin-square:

When you said everyone was watching you it reminded me of the first time I played in the Swanee. As I get to the table Scott Frost comes over and sits down at my box to watch the match. I just had to ask him why on earth he was interested in watching MY match. He says to me "I want to watch the guy that knocked me out of the tournament last year". Needless to say that guy wasn't me so I'm thinking "Oh, great". LOL It was Dave Hemmah and though I played very well that was my last match of the tournament. So I've got something in common with the Freezer. :grin:

Did you stay long enough to find out any of the results?

Have a safe drive back to El Centro. Better check on Mapquest to make sure it is still in the same place it used to be.
 
dogs,

I think I would have asked Dave if I could have used Scott as my coach if that was to happen to me.

I think during my two days there I was told by about ten or so people that " boy you hit the ball pretty good" which made me feel pretty good, then the next thing they would say is "do you want to play some,,,,just for cheap,cheap" in which I declined everyone. But what each of them should have just said to me is "hey buddy, you can barely make three balls in a row and I see an opportunity to take all your money because there is no chance of you beating me. If you just want to give me half of whats in your pocket now, we can save each of us some time". Now if any of them would have said that then I would have at least bought them a drink because or originallity and not bearting around the bush. At least I didnt have players trying to pressure me into playing like some places. Everyone there respected my decision not to gamble during my time there and never gave me a hardtime about it.
 
Marie's husband said:
dogs,

I think I would have asked Dave if I could have used Scott as my coach if that was to happen to me.

I think during my two days there I was told by about ten or so people that " boy you hit the ball pretty good" which made me feel pretty good, then the next thing they would say is "do you want to play some,,,,just for cheap,cheap" in which I declined everyone. But what each of them should have just said to me is "hey buddy, you can barely make three balls in a row and I see an opportunity to take all your money because there is no chance of you beating me. If you just want to give me half of whats in your pocket now, we can save each of us some time". Now if any of them would have said that then I would have at least bought them a drink because or originallity and not bearting around the bush. At least I didnt have players trying to pressure me into playing like some places. Everyone there respected my decision not to gamble during my time there and never gave me a hardtime about it.
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Yeah, a polite decline is usually all that's required there. And normally, the only time I've ever been approached to play is if I'm playing in the Tournament room. I've never had anyone approach me in the other room. I respect that, the tournament room is for players and if you are in there it is not out of line that someone may expect you are willing to match up.

BTW, the golf game you were watching was probably being played on Big Bertha. That table, known for those small pockets, has been there a long time and has a rich history.
 
dabarbr said:
I also missed the tournament at the Hard Times because I was not feeling well. I'm just wondering for anyone that was there if the quake had any effect on any of the games that were in progress. It shook pretty good here in Upland. Oh and thanks for asking I feel much better today.
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Good to hear you're feeling better. I hope maybe you ate too much Easter candy- I know I did. I would have guessed that you were taking your wife out for a nice Easter dinner.

Be well. Take care.
 
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