Billiard University (BU) playing-ability-exam scores and ratings

I scored the S 10 - Break incorrectly. I updated for the correct scores which is 77 overall (rather than 82) and 29 (instead of 34) on Skills.

I absolutely fit this category.:(

When I first saw this thread I went to the site and wrote down how I thought I would score on the test. I came up with 51 on fundamentals and 37 on Bachelor level skills. I had the time to do it tonight and ended with 48 on fundamentals and 29 on bachelor skills for an 77, so pretty close to where I thought. I don't have the ability to video where I shoot, but here were my results.

F 1 Cut - 6
F 2 Stop - 6
F 3 Follow - 8
F 4 Draw - 4 (I thought I would score much higher here:angry:)
F 5 Stun - 2 (:eek: Very disappointing)
F 6 Potting - 5 (Missed all but 1 on the last 5)
F 7 Wagon - 11 (Never tried this before, after 5 it got tuff!)
F 8 Target - 6 (At least I killed the 1st position!, massive fails on 2nd, 3rd and 4th:()

S 1 Line - 4
S 2 Rail - 5
S 3 9-ball - 8
S 4 8-ball - 5
S 5 Safe - 1
S 6 Kick - 2
S 7 Bank - 0
S 8 Elevated - 2
S 9 Jump/Masse - 0 (Wish I would have seen the "remove 1 ball for swerve shot" comment.:angry:
S 10 Break - 2

I started to get tired and rush some stuff towards the end, I think I could score a little better after doing the drills a few times and not after a long day. Also felt the "rating comparisons" sheet was about where I'd be.

**Edit, sorry, this was played on an 8ft Valley. Measurements were 44" table width, 4.5 Pocket Width, and 1" shelf.
-Sean
 
Thanks for posting that. Here's the current list of posted scores:


After you practice and take the exams again, please post your new results (with videos if possible), and let us know how well you think the BU Rating System matches your "realistically-perceived" level of play, based on the BU Rating Comparison Chart. That way, we will have more "data."

Thanks again,
Dave

I updated my earlier post with video links.

I scored a 78. I'm confident if I tried it a few more tiems, I could get a higher score, maybe 20 or 30% higher (wihout actually being a better player, I mean in the course of a few days time)

I think the letter grade is a full letter off. The 78 puts me at a B, and if I get a higher score, I think I could encroach on the A- territory on your rating scale. Lets see how high a score I can get in the coming weeks.

I'm a C+ to B- player on my better days.

Screen Shot 2013-06-07 at 7.14.04 PM.png
 
I scored the S 10 - Break incorrectly. I updated for the correct scores which is 77 overall (rather than 82) and 29 (instead of 34) on Skills.
Thanks for the update. I've updated the list. "iusedtoberich" just got a promotion:

List of AZB'ers who have taken the BU playing-ability exams so far (in ranked order):

BU score, Username, BU Rating, Video links (if available):

160, Gerry Williams, semi-pro (A++/AAA), Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II
141, Neil, adv-3 (A+/AA), Exam (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
135, dr_dave, adv-2 (A), Exam I, Exam II
132, Gerry Williams, adv-2 (A), Table Setup, Exam I, Exam II (part 1, part 2)
132, BRussell, adv-2 (A), Exam I, Exam II
124, JC, adv-1 (A-), no videos (see AZB post)
78, iusedtoberich, int-2 (B), no videos (see AZB post)
77, SeanChamp, int-2 (B), no videos (see AZB post)
57, Atuist, int-1 (B-/C+), no videos (see AZB post)

Here are the details and scores for all official BU graduates.
 
I updated my earlier post with video links.
Well I finished the Bachelors Skill level. Got a 29 on it for a total of 78. I'll try again in the near future after practicing the individual shots. (these trials were cold). I think I'm bringing up the rear now:) lol.

Table Specs: 9' GC4, 5 1/8" pockets, 1 1/2" shelf depth, 860 Simonis 6 months old just stopped sliding.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gEdrVSAFok

Fundamentals Exam:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2A3PBxUMNQ

Bachelors Exam: [Won't be ready for several more hours]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al6KjwgRk8M

View attachment 278962

View attachment 278963
Thanks for the update. I've added the links to the list at the top of the thread.

I scored a 78. I'm confident if I tried it a few more tiems, I could get a higher score, maybe 20 or 30% higher (wihout actually being a better player, I mean in the course of a few days time)

I think the letter grade is a full letter off. The 78 puts me at a B, and if I get a higher score, I think I could encroach on the A- territory on your rating scale. Lets see how high a score I can get in the coming weeks.

I'm a C+ to B- player on my better days.]
Thanks for the input. I have plans to test more people in your range in the near future. I agree with you that some adjustments in the scale ranges might be required. For now, let's just be proud of our inflated ratings.

Regards,
Dave
 
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...snip ...

I'll be curious to see which Exam II drills give you trouble.

You're welcome ... and thank you for participating. I'm glad you like what you see so far.

Catch you later,
Dave

Okay, I finally got a chance to spend some time at the pool hall to finish the exam. No camera, but here are the stats. I actually redid the exam 1 and scored a few points lower. :frown:

9' Brunswick Gold Crown. 5" pockets, 1" inch shelf. Easy table in my view.

Exam 1 - 55 (previous 59)
Masters Exam 2 - 53
Total of 108.

I think this test is a pretty good indicator of your speed. This is in the range of where I thought I should fall - B+ bordering on A at times. I do not play league anymore, but played as an 8 in APA nine ball recently. I was average at that skill level with 55% or so winning average.

It is very obvious where I need to work: still stunk up the stun drill and got less than 1/2 the points on wagon wheel and target. My cue ball control (speed) is weak. On the Masters drill, I completely bombed the line drill with a 2 - jarred the pocket both times. Also struggled a bit with the rail drill with a 7.

I like the drills, however I was getting a bit impatient with all the setups and multiple shots. Never really been a drill guy; generally play the ghost or Fargo or equal offense for practice.

Anyway, again, thanks this is good stuff. Interested to see more scores from others.

:thumbup:
 
Okay, I finally got a chance to spend some time at the pool hall to finish the exam. No camera, but here are the stats. I actually redid the exam 1 and scored a few points lower. :frown:

9' Brunswick Gold Crown. 5" pockets, 1" inch shelf. Easy table in my view.

Exam 1 - 55 (previous 59)
Masters Exam 2 - 53
Total of 108.

I think this test is a pretty good indicator of your speed. This is in the range of where I thought I should fall - B+ bordering on A at times. I do not play league anymore, but played as an 8 in APA nine ball recently. I was average at that skill level with 55% or so winning average.

It is very obvious where I need to work: still stunk up the stun drill and got less than 1/2 the points on wagon wheel and target. My cue ball control (speed) is weak. On the Masters drill, I completely bombed the line drill with a 2 - jarred the pocket both times. Also struggled a bit with the rail drill with a 7.

I like the drills, however I was getting a bit impatient with all the setups and multiple shots. Never really been a drill guy; generally play the ghost or Fargo or equal offense for practice.

Anyway, again, thanks this is good stuff. Interested to see more scores from others.

:thumbup:

You are an honest dude. Doesn't the exam start at the end of a successful line drill? Up until then it's all practice. :smile:

JC
 
Thank you so much for the positive feedback and support. It feels good to know that all of the hard work is appreciated by you and many others.


Thank you for participating and sharing your score. What rating do you think is appropriate for you on the BU Rating Comparison Chart, based on your actual level of play, as you perceive it?


I look forward to seeing your videos and improved score after you've had more time to practice.

FYI, I've added your 57 to the first-post list. I'll replace it with any newer score after you post videos. Thank you again for posting your score. Maybe it will help encourage others to post. I am still hoping for additional input and feedback over the entire BU Rating scale.

Thanks again,
Dave

Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it.

Can you please correct the small typo in my username in the first post? :)
Also, I think it's worth noting that my score of 57 is only based on the Exam I part, I haven't taken the Exam II as of yet. :)

As for for the rating that I think I fall into, compared to the actual level of play, as I see myself - I can not be certain, but I think I would be able to be a "B" player after I have taken the Exam II, but I think I am actually a bit lower than that.
But we will see what the chart tells me after I complete Exam II.

And again, cheers from Estonia with sincere thanks.

P.S. Pool culture as in playing good pool is not so common in Estonia. In a town of 45,000 people, only about 8-15 people actually have their own cue that I know of, and about 3-4 of them play more than once a month. So, whenever some "banger" wants to learn the game, I tell them to look up Dr. Dave's instructional materials online. :) They are certainly the next best thing if you can't find a professional pool instructor. And we don't have those here in Estonia.
 
One more observation. If you are a slow player and are taking this exam alone it favors you. If you are a rhythm player like myself and are constantly interrupted with secretarial work to write down your score it hurts. I will take these exams over again having my wife keep score and fully expect to score at least ten points higher. Plus the 40 minute videos will be half as long and much cleaner.

JC
 
I think this forum is a lesser place without PJ. I know he didn't always exhibit the best "table-side manners" when relating to other people online, but he always contributed valuable info and shared insightful perspectives. In fact, he has probably contributed more useful info and insight over the years than any other AZB poster ... he's certainly in the top 5 of all time in this category, IMO. I am glad he is a BU instructor ... he certainly deserves this honor.

I hope he will be granted a pardon to return soon.

I, for one, vote to free PJ ... again!

Regards,
Dave

And I agree!
 
Well I finished the Bachelors Skill level. Got a 29 on it for a total of 78. I'll try again in the near future after practicing the individual shots. (these trials were cold). I think I'm bringing up the rear now:) lol.

Table Specs: 9' GC4, 5 1/8" pockets, 1 1/2" shelf depth, 860 Simonis 6 months old just stopped sliding.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gEdrVSAFok

Fundamentals Exam:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2A3PBxUMNQ

Bachelors Exam: [Won't be ready for several more hours]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Al6KjwgRk8M

View attachment 278962



View attachment 278963


I watched a little a bit of your Fundamental video, and thought I'd offer some advice.

You have a very consistent rhythm. 3 slow warm up strokes and firing on the 3rd stroke. I didn't watch the whole thing, but I noticed the shots you were missing you did not have that same rhythm.
 
Okay, I finally got a chance to spend some time at the pool hall to finish the exam. No camera, but here are the stats. I actually redid the exam 1 and scored a few points lower. :frown:

9' Brunswick Gold Crown. 5" pockets, 1" inch shelf. Easy table in my view.

Exam 1 - 55 (previous 59)
Masters Exam 2 - 53
Total of 108.
Thank you for participating. I've added you to the first post of the thread. Here's the current list:

List of AZB'ers who have taken the BU playing-ability exams so far (in ranked order):

BU score, Username, BU Rating, Video links (if available):

160, Gerry Williams, semi-pro (A++/AAA), Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II
141, Neil, adv-3 (A+/AA), Exam (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
135, dr_dave, adv-2 (A), Exam I, Exam II
132, Gerry Williams, adv-2 (A), Table Setup, Exam I, Exam II (part 1, part 2)
132, BRussell, adv-2 (A), Exam I, Exam II
124, JC, adv-1 (A-), no videos (see AZB post)
112, RobMan, adv-1 (A-), no videos (see AZB post)
78, iusedtoberich, int-2 (B), Table Specs, Exam I, Exam II
77, SeanChamp, int-2 (B), no videos (see AZB post)
57, Atuist, int-1 (B-/C+), no videos (see AZB post)

Here are the details and scores for all official BU graduates.

I think this test is a pretty good indicator of your speed. This is in the range of where I thought I should fall - B+ bordering on A at times. I do not play league anymore, but played as an 8 in APA nine ball recently. I was average at that skill level with 55% or so winning average.
I also think the rating ranges are pretty close; although they might need a little tweaking after we get more data.


It is very obvious where I need to work: still stunk up the stun drill and got less than 1/2 the points on wagon wheel and target. My cue ball control (speed) is weak. On the Masters drill, I completely bombed the line drill with a 2 - jarred the pocket both times. Also struggled a bit with the rail drill with a 7.
I think that's one of the best things about the BU system ... it clearly identifies deficiencies and identifies what you need to work on (per the BU Resources Page).

Anyway, again, thanks this is good stuff.
You're welcome ... and thank you.

Interested to see more scores from others.
... me too. Many people have promised scores, so they should be rolling in.

Catch you later,
Dave
 
Exam 1 - 55 (previous 59)
Masters Exam 2 - 53
Total of 108.
FYI, you can retake the exams individually as many times as you want and use the highest scores for each. That's why I listed you at 112 (59 + 53).

Regards,
Dave
 
I watched a little a bit of your Fundamental video, and thought I'd offer some advice.

You have a very consistent rhythm. 3 slow warm up strokes and firing on the 3rd stroke. I didn't watch the whole thing, but I noticed the shots you were missing you did not have that same rhythm.

Hey, thanks. I'll look at that. I think I want to revaluate my game, see if I can improve my mechanics.
 
My youtube upload for the Bachelors exam has not finished after 24 hrs, so I canceled and started it over. I'll update the link when it is working properly...
 
I think this test is a pretty good indicator of your speed. This is in the range of where I thought I should fall - B+ bordering on A at times.
One issue with the A-D system is that people interpret it differently in different parts of the country, and in different pool halls, and in different league systems. Also, some people use A/B/C/D, and others use AAA/AA/A/B/C/D. I prefer the latter since that seems to be the most common system in the league organizations. The differences in these scales might explain some of the disagreement on the BU scale, because the BU Rating Comparisons are based on the AAA/AA/A/B/C/D system and not the A/B/C/D system. Does anybody have any input or suggestions on this matter?

If the BU rating system catches on over time, maybe people will use their BU Score to identify their playing ability. Then everybody will understand and have a clear and common scale and reference, free from qualitative interpretations.

Regards,
Dave
 
Can you please correct the small typo in my username in the first post? :)
Also, I think it's worth noting that my score of 57 is only based on the Exam I part, I haven't taken the Exam II as of yet. :)
I'm sorry for the errors. FYI, I've removed you from the list until you post a complete score (Exam I + Exam II). I also promise to get your user name correct the next time.

And again, cheers from Estonia with sincere thanks.

P.S. Pool culture as in playing good pool is not so common in Estonia. In a town of 45,000 people, only about 8-15 people actually have their own cue that I know of, and about 3-4 of them play more than once a month. So, whenever some "banger" wants to learn the game, I tell them to look up Dr. Dave's instructional materials online. :) They are certainly the next best thing if you can't find a professional pool instructor. And we don't have those here in Estonia.
Wow ... Estonia ... that's cool!

Thank you for helping to spread the word about my stuff. Please also encourage fellow Estonian pool players to try the BU Exams.

I look forward to seeing and posting your score (and videos if available) when you are done with Exam II.

Catch you later,
Dave
 
One more observation. If you are a slow player and are taking this exam alone it favors you. If you are a rhythm player like myself and are constantly interrupted with secretarial work to write down your score it hurts. I will take these exams over again having my wife keep score and fully expect to score at least ten points higher. Plus the 40 minute videos will be half as long and much cleaner.
I look forward to seeing how much better you can do after the experience and practice, and by playing more in your natural rhythm.

That's a very supportive wife you have there, with her being willing to watch you play and keep score. I hope you appreciate it ... and tell her that you do. :thumbup:

Catch you later,
Dave
 
I think this forum is a lesser place without PJ. I know he didn't always exhibit the best "table-side manners" when relating to other people online, but he always contributed valuable info and shared insightful perspectives. In fact, he has probably contributed more useful info and insight over the years than any other AZB poster ... he's certainly in the top 5 of all time in this category, IMO. I am glad he is a BU instructor ... he certainly deserves this honor.

I hope he will be granted a pardon to return soon.

I, for one, vote to free PJ ... again!
And I agree!
I'm glad at least one other person appreciated PJ. And I'm glad you gave me reason to quote my message again.

If the moderators and listening, please consider freeing PJ from his banishment. Maybe he is rehabilitated now and will be a good boy in the future. (... not likely, but the AZB forum is still a better place with him than without him.)

Sincerely,
Dave
 
One issue with the A-D system is that people interpret it differently in different parts of the country, and in different pool halls, and in different league systems. Also, some people use A/B/C/D, and others use AAA/AA/A/B/C/D. I prefer the latter since that seems to be the most common system in the league organizations. The differences in these scales might explain some of the disagreement on the BU scale, because the BU Rating Comparisons are based on the AAA/AA/A/B/C/D system and not the A/B/C/D system. Does anybody have any input or suggestions on this matter?

If the BU rating system catches on over time, maybe people will use their BU Score to identify their playing ability. Then everybody will understand and have a clear and common scale and reference, free from qualitative interpretations.

Regards,
Dave

Dr Dave, with all due respect, you are not an A player. Your score indicates you are A-. I think almost any true A player would be willing to bet the 9 ball ghost race to 10 on a daily basis, and get the cash more times than not on a standard loose pocket GC 9' table. A players are the best in the local rooms that are "player's rooms" not banger rooms. A players are favored to win several matches and maybe cash in regional events, like Joss tour stops. A players might win a match or two at a national level event like the US Open, or the DCC, if they play well.

Again, no disrespect to you, but if you played the 9 ball ghost I don't think you would win more than 1 game in a race to 10. Me either for that matter. If you entered a Joss event, you might not win 5 games in a double elimination tournament.

I played an entire year every single tour stop of the Tim Scruggs tour event in the early 2000's. This event had pretty much the exact same players as the Joss events do, for reference. I played in maybe 20 tournaments, and never one a single match. THe closest I came was hill hill wiht a guy that I gambled even with all the time. (we were both C+/B- players).

The ratings you have are incorrect. "A" player has a specific meaning. It means someone who can REALLY play, in a "Player's" room.

I stand by my opinion that the ratings are at minimum 1 letter scale off. If you can honestly look in the mirror and call yourself an A player, then so be it. But if you cna't call yourself an A player, then why give yourself an A- rating in the testing?

Again, this is not meant to call you out personally and your playing ability. Just using you as a comparison, since you know your game best, and how you match up with locals in your area and also the TOP guys in your area.


B player = Wont beat the 9 ball ghost, unless a VERY high B that is a great shotmaker. Might win a few matches in a regional Joss event if they get a good draw. Most likely will never cash in a Joss event.

A player = can beat the 9 ball ghost on loose 9' table. Will often cash in a regional Joss event. He's the best player in the local "player's" rooms.

Open player = wins or places high in regional events like Joss stops when the touring pros don't fill the field. He might cash in a national event if he gets a good draw, but will never win one. He's the best player in a region.

Pro = the national level guys that travel on a national level, and win or place high in those events (DCC, US Open, etc)

Top Pro = the international level guys that win or place high in international events (Shane, Efren, Corey, etc)
 
My youtube upload for the Bachelors exam has not finished after 24 hrs, so I canceled and started it over. I'll update the link when it is working properly...
What do you mean? The links on the list seem to be working properly. Or are you referring to a 2nd attempt at the exam?

Thanks,
Dave
 
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