Best Time to go during the Derby???

[raemondo]

Hey guys,

I am trying to get from all you frequent Derby-ers when's the best time to go down....I don't think I have the $$$ or the stomach to take all 9 days of pool, perhaps half of that will be okay. Problem is, I'm greedy cos it'll be my first Derby and I dunno if I'll even get the chance to go again....and I do want to see all 3 games played.

I'm also not sure if I should even play in the tournies or simply buy the passes to watch matches....I'd call myself a C+ or B- player by all the ranking systems you guys have posted here over time, and I know I wouldn't get through the first round of whatever I played. I've never had a real banks game, I've only done 1-pocket like 5 times, and my 9-ball rack run is a measley 2. Tourney fees are expensive, and I dunno if gaining the experience that way is worth it...I do know that there are nightly tournies too right. Also, will buying the VIP pass to watch front row action really make a viewing difference?

Also, I guess I'd want to go down when most of the vendors are there, and pros too...I really wanna check out the sick money games that I've been hearing so much about.

I'm prolly gonna drive down to Kentucky too...that way if I get sick of pool after a coupla days I can drive back anytime I want!

 

[tom haney]

Last year was my 1st time & I was there for the last
2 days. I watched a lot of 9 ball including the championship.
Plus, the 1 hole championship. Had good seats except
for the championship games & I had to stand & strain
to see. I loved it but I'm old & 2 days is plenty for
me. I watched hustlers play, I drank, played some, &
got to see most of the top players in the world.
Lots of pool vendors too but nothing like VF in that regard.

I
I'v

Also, I guess I'd want to go down when most of the vendors are there, and pros too...I really wanna check out the sick money games that I've been hearing so much about.

I'm prolly gonna drive down to Kentucky too...that way if I get sick of pool after a coupla days I can drive back anytime I want![/QUOTE]

 

[Ktown D]

The last 3 or 4 days are definitely, IMO, the best for the spectator. You can see the 1 hole finals, the 9ball tourney and finals and make last minute deals with cue dealers trying to sell off before they leave. The action is happening because time is running out and players are scrambling to match up. There are traditionally mini tournaments on Wed and Thurs night(Maybe Fri. can't remember). I am going up on Thurs morning and staying until Sun morning. You might be tired when you leave but you will be entertained while you are there.

 

[mthornto]

I concur with what everybody else has said. I like to go from Wednesday – Saturday. This lets me see my fill of one pocket and nine-ball.

 

[raemondo]

So let me get this....the 1-pocket finals are held towards the END of the DCC? What about banks? I always thought that they'd conclude one competition before they started another.

Have any of you ever played in the tournies? How tough is the playing field? Is it mostly pros only?

Which is more worth it...paying to play in the tourney or buying a season pass? Is the season pass a good deal or should I just buy the AM/PM passes, assuming I'm not going for the full 9 days?

Are there usually A LOT of vendors there? Do they give last minute deals on items? I've never been to VF so I wouldn't be able to compare.

What about nightly tournies? How are the playing fields for those?

 

[Ktown D]

So let me get this....the 1-pocket finals are held towards the END of the DCC? What about banks? I always thought that they'd conclude one competition before they started another.

Have any of you ever played in the tournies? How tough is the playing field? Is it mostly pros only?

Which is more worth it...paying to play in the tourney or buying a season pass? Is the season pass a good deal or should I just buy the AM/PM passes, assuming I'm not going for the full 9 days?

Are there usually A LOT of vendors there? Do they give last minute deals on items? I've never been to VF so I wouldn't be able to compare.

What about nightly tournies? How are the playing fields for those?

Man, that's a lot of ?'s for one post.
1. The main tournaments are tough as nails with the majority of the players being top caliber.
2. How long are you going to be there? They sell a pass for I think $45 (I don't remember exactly) that will get you into both sessions a day for the last 3 days thur-fri-sat. If you are going for the long haul play in the banks, the player pass will save you admission fees.
3. There are quite a few vendors (15-20?). You can probably find most anything you are looking for.
4. Minis have some good players and some scrubs. I won a mini 2 yrs ago there and I play about B speed.(have been known to play better)

 

[RSB-Refugee]

I always thought that they'd conclude one competition before they started another.

No, it's a zoo. I am amazed that they get the tournaments completed. Scott Smith earns every penny he makes during the DCC

Have any of you ever played in the tournies? How tough is the playing field? Is it mostly pros only?

There are hundreds of entrants, they vary in skill level most can play good. But there are only so many top pros.

Which is more worth it...paying to play in the tourney or buying a season pass? Is the season pass a good deal or should I just buy the AM/PM passes, assuming I'm not going for the full 9 days?

A lot of people enter the banks event, just for the experience, plus the players pass. I'd say if you are going to be there for four, or more days it would be worth it to enter the banks tourney.

Are there usually A LOT of vendors there? Do they give last minute deals on items? I've never been to VF so I wouldn't be able to compare.

What are you looking for? There is a good chance someone there is selling it.

Tracy

 

[raemondo]

Thanks all you guys for taking the time to answer...I know, I have many questions!


After some thought...I kinda feel like I'm going down from wed-sat, the last 4 days of the tourney. Since I'm doing this, I can't enter the banks tourney and get the players pass, can I? I thought that if I join any of the 3 main competitions, I'd be able to get a players pass, is this not the case?

I'm not particularly looking for anything...I am going to get a Gilbert soon so I'd like to try one out before customing one, and I'd love to also try out other custom cues to better make a decision. I've also never seen Justis or Whitten cases up close...guess this will be one heck of an opportunity!

I went on to the website and didn't see a last-three-day pass or anything like that...is this something they do on the spot? Also, should I get my tickets before I actually get there? Man I dunno how much the VIP seats will really be worth it....

After looking at the website I'm thinking I'll never stand a chance in the main fray....I'll prolly look at the minis instead. Do those only go on at wee hours in the morning or are they played after dinner or so?

 

[raemondo]

4. Minis have some good players and some scrubs. I won a mini 2 yrs ago there and I play about B speed.(have been known to play better)

Good for you! What kind of a mini was that? Can you give more details, eg. roughly what time it was held, 9 ball, race to what, size of playing field, purse money?

thanks!

 

[raemondo]

No, it's a zoo. I am amazed that they get the tournaments completed. Scott Smith earns every penny he makes during the DCC

Tracy

Oh is Scott Smith the one who runs the entire DCC? He's the guy I've been seeing on nearly every accustat tape right....one heck of a character!

 

[Ktown D]

Banks start the first day and will be over before you get there on Wed(you are talking about the final Wed thru Sat, correct). If that is the plan to attend the final four days then get an pass thru the weekend for all sessions.

It was just a $25 entry 9 ball mini w/ calcutta played on barboxes, maybe 25 players. Paid about 500 or so to win though.